University of South Alabama

What you'll study

This degree combines general education requirements with a focused sequence of teacher education coursework and sustained clinical experiences. Core topics include foundations of education, educational psychology, curriculum design, assessment and classroom management. You will study subject‑specific methods aligned to the level you choose (for example, elementary, secondary content areas or special education methods), literacy and language development, and inclusive practices for diverse learners.

• Foundations and theory: history and philosophy of education, ethics, and the role of schools in communities.
• Learning and development: child and adolescent development, learning theories and motivation.
• Instructional methods: methods courses for specific levels and subjects (elementary general methods, secondary content methods such as mathematics, science, English or social studies).
• Assessment and data use: formative and summative assessment, interpreting assessment data to guide instruction.
• Classroom management and behaviour: proactive strategies, positive behaviour supports and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Literacy and content area teaching: reading instruction across the curriculum, content literacy strategies.
• Specialised areas: differentiated instruction, co‑teaching and adaptations for students with disabilities.
• Technology and instructional design: educational technology integration, digital resources and blended learning models.
• Professional development and leadership: adult learning, designing and delivering professional learning for colleagues and schools.
• Clinical practice: progressive field experiences culminating in full‑time student teaching under mentor supervision and a capstone project or portfolio.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and meet the University of South Alabama's general admissions standards. Entry into the teacher education programme typically requires a minimum cumulative GPA, completion of specified general education courses, and successful application to the College of Education. Coursework prerequisites often include English, mathematics and laboratory science credits appropriate to the chosen teaching level.

Prospective candidates will be expected to provide a background check and meet state licensure requirements, which may include health documentation and immunisation records. Many students are required to pass state or program‑specific exams (such as Praxis subject tests) prior to student teaching or certification; check with the College of Education for current testing expectations. Additional materials commonly requested are a personal statement, letters of recommendation and an interview or screening process.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for initial teacher certification and classroom roles in public and private K–12 schools. Typical career paths include:

• Classroom teacher (elementary or secondary) in public, private or charter schools
• Special education teacher or inclusion support practitioner
• Instructional coach, curriculum specialist or literacy specialist
• Professional development coordinator or staff developer for school districts
• Education consultant, curriculum developer or assessment specialist
• Further study leading to graduate qualifications in education leadership, special education, curriculum and instruction, or teacher leadership

The programme's emphasis on practicum and partnerships with local school districts helps graduates move into hireable positions and provides experience that supports ongoing professional growth and leadership roles within schools.

Why study at University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama's College of Education offers close faculty mentoring, structured field placements in the Mobile metropolitan area and partnerships with regional school districts that provide diverse classroom settings for clinical practice. Small cohort sizes in professional education courses allow for personalised feedback and targeted support during practicum and student teaching.

Students benefit from applied learning opportunities, resources for instructional technology and access to faculty with classroom and leadership experience. The programme is designed to meet licensure pathways and to equip graduates not only to enter the classroom but to contribute to school improvement through professional development and leadership in the education community.