The State of Alabama’s public education system will undergo revolutionary reforms, according to Alabama’s Commission on Teaching and Learning. In its report, a comprehensive strategy aims to improve the quality of teaching and educator recruitment and retention. Indeed, now is the best time to pursue your online degree in education in the Cotton State.
In the following sections, we’ll look at the steps to becoming a licensed teacher and educator in Alabama. We’ll also look at the best online undergraduate and graduate degree programs in education. You will agree that, indeed, Alabama is among the emerging states for excellent teacher education in the country.
Related:
- Best 1 Year Online Master’s in Education Programs
- Top Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education
- Best Online English as a Second Language Endorsement Programs
- Top Online Special Education Endorsement Programs
- Best Schools Offering Online Reading Endorsements
Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Alabama
The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) is the state government agency in charge of the teacher licensure process. Aspiring teachers and educators must coordinate with ALSDE’s Educator Certification Section for details about application forms and deadlines, among other matters.
Alabama has two primary pathways toward teacher certification – the traditional and alternative. In the traditional pathway, the general process is as follows:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in education from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Complete the teacher preparation program, including field hours.
- Pass the mandatory exams – the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, the Praxis Subject Assessments, and the edTPA. Students usually complete the Praxis tests before student teaching and the edTPA during their student teaching. Note that the testing requirements depend on your selected certification and endorsement areas.
- Pass the criminal history background check.
- Submit an application for certification along with supporting documents. Proof of bachelor’s degree, official transcripts, and test scores are required.
In the alternative certification pathway, applicants have a non-education bachelor’s degree. If you’re interested, start by enrolling in an Alternative Class A program or earning a master’s degree in education. You can earn three types of teaching certification:
- Provisional Certificate in a Teaching Field (PCTF)
- Higher Education Transitional Certificate (HETC)
- Emergency Certificate
Each type has its specific eligibility requirements. PCTF applicants, for example, must have an offer of employment from an Alabama school district. Candidates must complete both an approved educator preparation and mentoring programs, earn at least a 2.0 GPA, and attain qualifying Praxis scores.
Certified teachers must renew their credentials every five years. Continuing education units and valid teaching experience are a must for renewal.
Online Education Program Admission Requirements
Online education programs usually have the same admission requirements as their on-campus counterparts. Every college or university also has its specific admission process, requirements, and criteria. Be sure to communicate with the admissions offices of your preferred colleges.
In general, nonetheless, the admissions requirements for undergraduate education programs in Alabama include:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA
- Completion of prerequisite courses, if any
- Official transcripts
- Completed online application
Depending on the program, an interview may be necessary.
For graduate degree programs, the typical admission requirements are:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university for entry into a master’s degree program; a master’s degree is required for entry into a doctoral program
- Official transcripts with satisfactory cumulative GPA
- Valid teaching certificate
- Relevant teaching or teaching leadership experience
- Professional resume
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Leadership portfolio
- Interview
The best online education programs have selective criteria. Applicants must be aware of application deadlines and forms, too.
Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Alabama
- Elementary School Teachers $59,848
- Middle School Teachers $60,590
- High School Teachers $60,600
- Special Education Teachers $57,800
- Principals $108,819
- Assistant Principals $89,350
- District Administrators $90,215
- Instructional Coordinators $70,489
- Reading Specialists $49,298
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teachers $64,275
Scholarships for Future Educators in Alabama
Aspiring and current teachers pursuing their online education degrees will find plenty of scholarship opportunities. Be sure to file your FAFSA on time since it’s the basis for financial, state, and institutional student aid. Check out both internal and external scholarships, too, including these programs.
- The William Oversteegen Bond Memorial Endowed Scholarship prefers students enrolled in STEM programs.
- The Dr. Lydia L. Alexander Endowed Student Award in Education must be enrolled in the University of Alabama Birmingham in its secondary education program.
- The TEACH Early Childhood Alabama offers scholarships in CDA assessment fees and undergraduate degrees (associate and bachelor’s degrees)
- The New Teacher Scholarships offered by Teachers of Tomorrow have a $6,000 value.
- The Teach in Bama program welcomes Tuscaloosa City Schools high school students who want to become teachers.
The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Alabama
The Alabama universities considered the best online education degree providers were selected based on the following methodology:
- Have regional accreditation (SACSCOC) and are known for their academic excellence, student support services, and graduate outcomes
- Offer a wide range of programs and concentrations
- Provide students with accessibility and flexibility through online education
- Offer financial aid options that contribute to affordability
Every university has its merits, too. Your choice will depend on your interests, goals, and finances.
University of Alabama
Bama is known for its excellence in teacher education, a reputation born of its commitment to teaching and service itself. Students in its
online 120-credit BS in Early Childhood Education program are eligible for pre-kindergarten teacher certification. Applicants with an associate degree in education are welcome to apply.
The MA in Secondary Education has a 100% online format suitable for busy working professionals. Students can choose from several concentrations:
- English for Speakers of Other Languages P-12 Certification
- English Language Arts 6-12 Certification
- General Social Science 6-12 Certification
- Science Education 6-12 Certification
Courses in the master’s degree program include second language testing, assessment, and evaluation. Students also learn about computer-based instruction and teaching multilingual students in public schools. Graduates are eligible for teaching certifications in their chosen concentration.
Other MA online degree programs are in:
- Elementary Education
- Higher Education Administration
- Instructional Technology
- Special Education with five concentrations
The online Doctor of Education programs are in:
- Educational Leadership
- Higher Education Administration
- Instructional Leadership – Nurse Education Concentration
- Special Education
Bama’s selective admissions criteria for its education program means applicants must be prepared with the necessary documents. Once accepted, students must meet the rigorous academic standards.
- In-state Tuition: $385 (Undergraduate); $440 (Graduate) per credit hour
- Online Education Degrees: 27
- Homepage
Auburn University
Auburn’s outstanding reputation for academic excellence and best value contributes to its national university designation. The Auburn Creed encourages students to believe in education and hard work. Students in Auburn’s College of Education adopt the Auburn creed in pursuing their graduate degrees in education.
The graduate degree programs in Early Childhood Education are offered in three types:
- The MS in Early Childhood Education is a non-certification program for community-based educators.
- The MEd in Early Childhood Education is suitable for students looking for a Class A Alabama professional educator certification recommendation.
- The PhD in Early Childhood Education prepares students for leadership and advanced research roles.
If you’re interested in agriscience education, choose between the MS and MEd in Agriscience Education programs. The MS non-certification program has an interdisciplinary approach. The MEd certification program is offered as an alternative certification program.
The non-certification MS in Music Education and certification MEd in Music Education programs can each be completed in three semesters. The MEd program focuses on music content, music education, and education content.
Other online graduate degree programs in education:
- Administration of Elementary & Secondary Education
- Adult Education
- Social Science or History Education
- Business/Marketing Education
- Elementary Education
- English for Speakers of Other Languages
- Foreign Language Education
- In-state Tuition: $6,445
- Online Education Degrees: 14
- Homepage
University of South Alabama
The South aims to foster impactful research and learning experiences that enable its people to become leaders. Every academic program consists of leaders and learners committed to civic engagement, too. These aspects are evident in its graduate programs in education, many of which are delivered in a 100% online format.
The Ed.S. Instructional Specialist program results in Class AA Certification in Teacher Leader recommendation. Applicants must have an “A” level certification to be considered for admission.
Students in the MEd in Educational Media program will earn a Library Media certification upon completion. Graduates work as School Library Media Specialists and other related jobs. Students can also choose the Class “A” Endorsement in Library Media option.
Applicants to the 30-hour MEd in Early Childhood Education program must have a Class B Professional Early Childhood Certification. Graduates are eligible for the Class A credential. Students enjoy the multiple start dates and complete the program in 1-2 years.
Check out these programs, too:
- M.Ed. in Elementary Education
- M.Ed. in English for Speakers of Other Languages P-12
- M.Ed. in Special Education
- MS in Educational Media and Technology
- MS in Instructional Design and Development
- In-state Tuition: $374 per credit hour
- Online Education Degrees: 8
- Homepage
Samford University
Samford University, a Christian university, has a Goldilocks quality. In its words, it’s small enough for students, faculty staff, and alumni to create and maintain meaningful connections. But it’s large enough for its student, alumni, and faculty population to make a positive impact on the world.
Students pursuing their education degrees at the Orlean Beeson School of Education agree. The School offers nationally recognized teacher education programs in special education, early childhood education, and elementary education, among others. Students are also enrolled in its Alternative Master’s Degree Programs in elementary, secondary, and special education.
Samford’s graduate degree programs in education are:
- MSE in Elementary Education Nontraditional with several certifications
- MSE in K-12 Collaborative Special Education (MSE)
- MSE in Secondary Education
- MSE in Instructional Leadership
- EdD in Educational and Organizational Leadership (EdD)
- EdS in Instructional Leadership (EdS)
- In-state Tuition: $957 per credit hour
- Online Education Degrees: 6
- Homepage
University of West Alabama
Do something that matters. This is UWA’s motto, and it’s evident in its online education degree programs. Students not only receive excellent academic instruction but also prepare to, indeed, do something that matters. UWA delivers on its promise through experienced professors, low student-to-teacher ratio, and conducive learning environments.
UWA offers an outstanding online 127-credit BS in Early Childhood/Elementary Education (P-3/K-6) program. Students are mostly working teachers. While the courses are delivered online, the field courses and internships are conducted in person. Completion results in a Class B Professional Educator Certificate recommendation.
Other certification programs are the BS in General Science: Teacher Certification and the BS in Special Education: Collaborative Teacher programs.
The non-certification 123-credit BS in Early Childhood Development program opens opportunities for careers as preschool teachers and child care center directors, among others.
The logical progression from a bachelor’s degree is an MA in Teaching degree, which is available in Certification and Non-Certification programs. Students complete between 33 and 37 credits, depending on their program.
UWA’s graduate degree education programs include:
- MEd or MAT in Biology, 6-12
- MEd or MAT in English Language Arts, 6-12
- MEd or MAT in General Science, 6-12
- MEd or MAT in History, 6-12
- MEd Early in Childhood & Elementary Education P-3/K-6
- EdD Rural Education
- EdS Early Childhood Education P-3
- EdS Elementary Education, K-6
- EdS Instructional Leadership
- EdS Library Media (Certification or Non-Certification)
- EdS School Counseling
- In-state Tuition: $325 (Undergraduate); $429 (Graduate) per credit hour
- Online Education Degrees: 47
- Homepage
Directory of Online Education Degree Providers in Alabama
University of North Alabama
- Location: Florence, AL
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 8
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $12,950 (in-state); $23,150 (out-of-state)
Graduate Degrees:
- MAEd in Collaborative Special Education
- MAEd in Curriculum and Instruction
- MAEd in Early Childhood Education
- MAEd in Elementary Education
- EdS in Elementary Education
- MAEd in Instructional Leadership
- EdS in Instructional Leadership
- MS in Instructional Design and Technology
Faulkner University
- Location: Montgomery, AL
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 4
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $23,920
Graduate Degrees:
- MEd in Curriculum and Instruction
- MEd in Elementary Education
- MEd School Counseling
- MEd Alternative A
Alabama A&M University
- Location: Huntsville, AL
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 2
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $10,024 (in-state); $18,634 (out-of-state)
Graduate Degrees:
- MEd in Pre-elementary Education
- MEd in Instructional Leadership
Alabama State University
- Location: Montgomery, AL
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 7
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $11,068 (in-state); $19,396 (out-of-state)
Graduate Degrees:
- MEd in Library Educational Media
- MEd in Elementary Education
- MEd Early Education
- MEd in Instructional Support
- MEd in School Counseling
- EdD in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law
- PhD in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law
Jacksonville State University
- Location: Jacksonville, AL
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 23
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $11,952 (in-state); $21,912 (out-of-state)
- MSE in Early Childhood Education P-3
- MSE in Early Childhood Special Education P-3
- EdS in Education – Instructional Leadership P-12
- MSE in Education – Instructional Leadership P-12
- MSE in Education – Instructional Leadership P-12 (Reduced Credit Hour Option)
- MS in Education – Instructional Technology
- EdS in Education – Library Media P-12
- MSE in Education – Library Media P-12
- MSE in Education – Reading Specialist P-12
- EdS in Education – Teacher Leader
- MSE in Elementary Education K-6
- MA in Music Education P-12 – Instrumental
- MA in Music Education P-12 – Instrumental – Alternative Class A
- MA in Music Education P-12 – Vocal-Choral
- MA in Music Education P-12 – Vocal-Choral – Alternative Class A
- MSE in Physical Education – Human Performance
- MSE in Physical Education – Nutrition
- EDS in Physical Education P-12
- MSE in Physical Education P-12
- MSE in Secondary Education – English Language Arts 6-12
- MSE in Secondary Education – General Social Studies 6-12
- MSE in Secondary Education – History 6-12
- MSE in Special Education Collaborative Teacher K-6/6-12
Troy University
- Location: Troy, AL
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 21
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $12,240 (in-state); $24,480 (out-of-state)
- MSEd in Collaborative/Special Education Teacher, K-6 Traditional
- MSEd in Collaborative/Special Education Teacher, 6-12 Traditional
- MSEd in Early Childhood Education (Grades P-3)
- MSEd in Elementary Education (K-6)
- MSEd in Gifted Education (P-12)
- MSEd in Instructional Leadership and Administration (Grades P-12)
- MSEd in Instructional Leadership and Administration (Reduced Hour Option)
- MSEd in Interdisciplinary Education, Physical Education (P-12)
- MSEd in Secondary Education, English/Language Arts (6-12)
- MSEd in Secondary Education, History (6-12)
- MSEd in Secondary Education, Math (6-12)
- MSEd in Social Science Education (Grades 6-12)
- MS in Adult Education, Curriculum Design and Instructional Technology (Non-Thesis)
- MS in Adult Education, Leadership in Workforce Development (Non-Thesis)
- MS in Second Language Instruction (Thesis and Non-Thesis)
- EdS in Early Childhood Education P-3 (Thesis and Non-thesis)
- EdS in Elementary Education K-6 (Thesis and Non-thesis)
- EdS in Instructional Leadership and Administration (P1-2)
- EdS in School Counseling
- EdS in Teacher Leader (P-12)
- PhD in Global Leadership – Higher Education
University of Montevallo
- Location: Montevallo, AL
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 7
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $13,710 (in-state); $26,730 (out-of-state)
- MEd in Applied Instruction
- MEd in Instructional Leadership
- MEd in Professional Educators
- EdS in Instructional Leadership
- EdS in Instructional Technology
- EdS in Curriculum and Teacher Development
- EdD in Educational Leadership
