Alternative Class A Program

The University of West Alabama offers the Alternative Class A Program for those individuals who have completed a non-teaching degree or for individuals who want to change teaching areas. Candidates must have a baccalaureate or higher degree with a minimum GPA of 2.50 in order to be admitted. This program will enable you to receive a master’s degree in education, as well as master's level certification. Once you have applied and we determine you meet the requirements for unconditional admission, an advisor will be assigned and a program will be issued to you.

Field Experiences and the Internship are to be completed in an approved school.

The continuum of Field Experiences required in UWA's programs includes experiences in P-12 settings and culminates in an internship during the final semester. Students must also complete at least four seminars, as well as any necessary training sessions, which are available fully online with no on-campus time required.

The requirements for unconditional admission to the Alternative A Program and to the Teacher Education Program must be met prior to issuance of the program work-sheet and enrolling in any course work.

Upon admission to the Alternative A program, a GPA less than a 3.00 may result in removal of the unconditional admission status to the Teacher Education Program. Completion of the Alternative A program requires a 3.25 GPA in all areas. 

The admission requirements to the Alternative A Program are as follows:

1. A bachelor's degree with a 2.50 GPA. If you have a bachelor's degree with a 2.49 GPA, you may be admitted as long as you meet the alternate Praxis II score for your area. The alternate scores can be found here. For those students who do not hold a bachelor's degree with a 2.50 GPA, review information here.
2. Fingerprint clearance on file with ALSDE
3. Passing Praxis II score in the area of certification being pursued on file with UWA. ***Visit the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program page for Praxis information***

Programs of Study in the Alternative Class A Program

Students seeking professional certification may choose one of the programs listed below for a Master of Education degree.

• Early Childhood Education P-3
• Early Childhood / Elementary Education P-6
• Elementary Education K-6
• Special Education Collaborative Teacher K-6
• Special Education Collaborative Teacher 6-12

Students seeking professional certification may choose one of the programs listed below for a Master of Education degree OR a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.

• Biology
• General Science
• Mathematics
• English Language Arts
• History
• General Social Science
• Physical Education P-12

Email questions concerning the Alternative A Program to certification@uwa.edu.