Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology — Graduate Certificates, MEd, MS, EdS, PhD, Minor

Degree Programs

Graduate Certificates

Minors

The Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology offers degree programs, graduate certificates, and minors. Degree programs lead to a Master’s of Education (non-thesis option), Master’s of Science (thesis option), Education Specialist, or Doctor of Philosophy. Graduate degrees are available in the areas of administration of elementary and secondary education; administration of higher education; administration of supervision and curriculum; adult education; educational research, measurement, and evaluation; and educational psychology. The graduate certification program in administration of elementary and secondary education (instructional leadership) is approved by the Alabama State Board of Education (ALSBE). The College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP).

Applicants to the department’s graduate programs must satisfy the Graduate School’s admission requirements. Departmental admission requirements include a degree from an accredited college or university, a GPA of at least a 2.75 on undergraduate coursework, a statement of intent, three recommendations, and any remaining admission requirements as identified by the program or department.

Master’s Degree Programs (MEd/MS)

Master’s degree programs are offered in administration of elementary and secondary education; administration of higher education; administration of supervision and curriculum; adult education; and educational research, measurement, and evaluation. All programs require a minimum of 30 semester hours, an internship and/or practicum, and a comprehensive examination.

The M.Ed. in administration of elementary and secondary education leads to Alabama Class A certification. Admission requirements established by the Alabama State Board of Education, including those pertaining to a clear background check, prior certification, and teaching experience, must be satisfied prior to admission to this program. Degree requirements are in compliance with State regulations. Graduation requirements include a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II subject assessment.

In accordance with State regulations, a minimum GPA of 3.25 is required on all courses used to meet master's-level certification program requirements.

Specialist in Education Degree Programs (EdS)

Degree requirements are in compliance with State regulations. Graduation requirements include a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II subject assessment. The Ed.S. program in administration of elementary and secondary education leads to Alabama Class AA certification. Admission requirements established by the Alabama State Board of Education, including those pertaining to a clear background check, prior certification, and teaching experience, must be satisfied prior to admission to one of these programs. Degree requirements are in compliance with State regulations.

In accordance with State regulations, a minimum GPA of 3.50 is required on all courses used to meet specialist-level certification program requirements.

Master’s and Specialist-Level Certification

Individuals completing State-approved Master’s-level certification programs are eligible to apply for Alabama Class A certification; individuals completing State-approved specialist-level certification programs are eligible to apply for Alabama Class AA certification. Individuals seeking certification in states other than Alabama are responsible for contacting those state certification offices to obtain their application form and requirements. The State of Alabama signs the National Association of State Directors of Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement which facilitates the applications of program graduates when they apply for certification in other states. Note: Some state may not accept Instructional Leadership certificates from other states. Students should check with the state in which they are seeking certification to determine if pursuing an approved program at Auburn will result in reciprocity for instructional leadership.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree Programs (PhD)

PhD programs require a minimum of 60 semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. Research methods, statistics, and foundations of education are components of all doctoral programs. The department offers a doctorate in the areas of administration of elementary and secondary education, administration of higher education, administration of supervision and curriculum, adult education, and educational psychology. After satisfactory completion of coursework and a general written and oral examination, the student advances to candidacy. Doctoral students must register for at least 10 hours of dissertation credit while completing a dissertation.

Minor and Graduate Certificates

The Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology offers graduate minors in psychology of learning, sport management and critical studies in education. Graduate certificates are offered in adult education, college/university teaching, educational leadership, extension educator, instructional leadership, technology educator, instructional technology for distance education, program evaluation, and workforce education, training, and development. In addition, the department in collaboration with the Department of Curriculum and Teaching offers a graduate certificate in adult education and English language teaching.

Additional Information

Detailed admission and program requirements for the department’s multiple areas of graduate study are available on the College of Education’s website, Academics. The University schedule of courses is available on the Auburn University website.