The Graduate Certificate in Supporting Individuals with Exceptionalities is designed to ensure that students achieve competency in areas such as the following:

• Characteristics of individuals with disabilities.
• Behavior management techniques to support successful participation in inclusive activities.
• Planning and applying effective instruction for learners with delays and disabilities and family engagement.

This certificate consists of 12 credit hours. Depending on their focus, students will be guided by the faculty advisor in selecting four 3-hour courses. The course list can be found in the UAB Graduate Catalog. opens a new website

Collaborative Teacher K-6 and 6-12 Concentration (100% Online)

This concentration is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in a field other than education who do not currently hold teacher certification. Students who complete it will be eligible to apply for Class A certification in Collaborative K–6, 6–12 Special Education.

43 hours.

Early Childhood Special Education Concentration (Blended)

This concentration is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in a field other than education who do not currently hold teacher certification. This program helps prepare students to work with young children with delays and disabilities and their families in various settings (early intervention, preschool, or K–3 settings). Students who complete it will be eligible to apply for Class A certification in Early Childhood Special Education.

39 hours.

Collaborative Teacher K-6 and 6-12 Concentration (100% Online)

This concentration is designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree in education and hold current Class B certification. Students who complete it will be eligible to apply for Class A certification in Collaborative K–6, 6–12 Special Education.

30 hours.

Early Childhood Special Education Concentration (Blended)

This concentration helps prepare students to work with young children with delays and disabilities and their families in a variety of settings (early intervention, preschool, or K–3). Students who complete it will be eligible to apply for Class A certification in Early Childhood Special Education.

39 hours.

The MAEd in School Psychometry is designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in education, hold current teacher certification, and have at least two years of full-time educational experience.

This program is offered through online coursework with synchronous training. You can complete the program while employed full-time, and your internship may be completed in the school district where you are currently employed. The degree program entails between 31 and 34 semester hours of coursework to complete.

The Post-Master’s Certification in School Psychometry is designed for individuals who have a master’s degree in education, hold current teacher certification, and have at least two years of full-time educational experience.

This program is offered through online coursework with synchronous training. You can complete the program while employed full-time, and your internship may be completed in the school district where you are currently employed. This certification program entails between 31 and 34 semester hours of coursework to complete.

UAB’s School Psychology program (35 hours) stresses the expanded role of the school psychologist beyond testing for special education. It is designed for individuals with a master’s degree in school psychometry. Courses are focused on consultation, interdisciplinary collaboration, crisis intervention, and group and behavioral intervention.

Students enrolled in this program take two online classes and a practicum at a time. These courses include real-time synchronous virtual courses and interaction with faculty and fellow students to build a like-minded community of professionals. A 1200-hour internship completed in your school district is required. The program is aligned with the standards set by the National Association of School Psychologists.

The traditional Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Secondary Education program is designed for individuals who hold current Class B teacher certification, and wish to advance their career by earning a master's degree and Class A certification for grades 6-12.

Concentrations are offered in Biology, Chemistry, General Science, Physics, Mathematics, English Language Arts, General Social Science, and History.

30-33 credit hours.

Access our program folder to view or download an informational packet that includes admissions requirements and a step-by-step guide through the applications process.

The Alternative Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Secondary Education program is designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than education and want to become a teacher. Upon successful completion of the alternative MAEd in Secondary Education students may apply for Class A certification for grades 6-12.

Concentrations are offered in English Language Arts, Biology, Chemistry, General Science, General Social Science, Mathematics, and Physics.

37-40 credit hours.

Access our program folder to view or download an informational packet that includes admissions requirements and a step-by-step guide through the applications process.

The alternative master's program is a 45-48 credit-hour degree designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a field other than education who want to become teachers. Students who successfully complete this program will earn a master’s degree in education and be eligible to apply for Class A certification in their specific teaching field.

The traditional MS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Physical Education with Teacher Certification degree is a 30–33 credit-hour program for physical education teachers with a Class B teaching certificate. Graduates of the traditional master’s program are eligible to apply for Class A certification through the Alabama State Department of Education. The traditional master’s degree program is entirely online, which makes it flexible for full-time teachers.

The EdS in Education degree is a 30-33 credit-hour program open to teachers with a master's degree in physical education and Class A teacher certification. Completing this program allows graduates to apply for Class AA certification in physical education. The EdS degree program is entirely online, which is excellent for working educators.

The MS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Physiology offers two tracks, a thesis or non-thesis track, allowing students to choose the best plan for their career goals.

• The thesis track is a 33-hour plan with 21 hours of required courses and 12 hours of elective courses. Some courses are offered online, but there are required courses that meet in-person.
• The non-thesis track is a 36-hour plan with 12 hours of required courses and 24 hours of elective courses, including a comprehensive exam.

Note: Students who have completed a master's degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Physiology from UAB are not eligible to complete the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Physiology.

Degree Plan

Learn more about the degree plan for the MS opens a new website.

Comprehensive Exam for Non-thesis Track

Learn more about the exam.

This is a 15-hour graduate-level certificate that will help provide the fundamental knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct exercise testing and prescriptions. Students take three required courses and choose one from among two electives for this 15-hour certificate-granting program. Some courses may be offered online.

The certificate is offered as a stand-alone to undergraduate or graduate students majoring in exercise science or related fields (nutrition, biomedical science, biology, community health, and health education). It may also be combined with another participating graduate certificate as part of the MS in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies opens a new website program to create a master’s degree.

This 15-hour, 100% online graduate-level certificate will provide current or aspiring athletic coaches throughout Alabama and the Southeast region access to a strategically designed practitioner-focused credential to support their career competencies and advancement. Students can start this certificate in the fall, spring, or summer.

Applicants do not need to have earned a degree in kinesiology to enroll in the program. To complete the certificate, students will take four required courses and a coaching internship.

The UAB Master of Science in Learning Design and Learning Sciences program helps prepare professionals for careers in learning experience design, research, and innovation across various contexts. This program is not designed as a teacher certification pathway.

• This fully asynchronous online 39-hour program aligns with the latest research and advancements in the learning sciences.
• Focus on fostering learner agency, creativity, and innovation.
• Eight core courses provide a strong foundation, while three specialization courses allow you to tailor your learning to your career goals.
• A 6-credit research practicum provides valuable hands-on experience.
• The asynchronous format accommodates working professionals, allowing flexibility to balance work and studies.

Access our program folder to view or download information about course work and other program related documents.

The UAB Graduate Certificate in Learning Design and Learning Sciences program helps prepare professionals for careers in learning experience design, research, and innovation across various contexts. This program is not designed as a teacher certification pathway.

• This fully asynchronous online 15-hour program aligns with the latest research and advancements in the learning sciences.
• Focus on fostering learner agency, creativity, and innovation.
• Four core courses provide a strong foundation, while one specialization course allows you to tailor your learning to your career goals.
• The asynchronous format accommodates working professionals, allowing flexibility to balance work and studies.

The MS in Higher Education Administration program helps prepare students for innovative and socially responsible roles as professional practitioners within higher education. Students gain knowledge of the systems, structures, and practices within higher education that is necessary to meet the growing challenges in the field.

General Track (36-39 hours)

This track consists of two options:

• Thesis (39 credit hours): This path is for those seeking upward mobility within the field of higher education in either student or academic affairs and those seeking to further their academic research skills in preparation for doctoral study. Students who choose this path are required to take a minimum of 6 credit hours of thesis research. The thesis option will require successful completion of the thesis defense.
• Non-Thesis (36 credit hours): This path requires students to complete a practicum and comprehensive exam successfully. It is designed to give students a foundation in education research while focusing on content relevant to those who wish to work or are currently working in academic or student affairs. This general option allows students to elect to complete a practicum course and submit an experiential project to complete degree requirements. All practicum students may select from the following options:
  • An administrative practicum in an area of interest.
  • An experiential practicum focused on preparation for a national or regional conference.
  • A written practicum focused on publication.
  • A personalized practicum with your faculty advisor. 

Academic Advising Track (36 hours)

This track is a non-thesis option consisting of 36 credit hours, successful completion of a practicum, and a comprehensive exam. It is designed to give students a foundation in academic advising competencies required for the administration of academic advising within higher education. Students gain valuable knowledge on advancing academic advising practices, creating their own personalized advising philosophy, developing assessment skills, and gaining applicable knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and how to create a sense of belonging to support all students. Special attention will be given to work related to supporting students who identify within marginalized and minoritized populations. This track option allows students to complete a practicum course and submit an experiential project to complete degree requirements. All practicum students may select from the following options:

• An administrative practicum in an area of interest.
• An experiential practicum focused on preparation for a national or regional conference.
• A written practicum focused on publication.
• A personalized practicum with your faculty advisor.

Access the degree sheet and program handbook Opens an external link.

The purpose of the Higher Education Administration Graduate Certificate is to prepare current and future professionals with the knowledge base necessary to be successful within their current positions within higher education, as an avenue for work-related advancement and promotion, and/or enrollment in a future degree-seeking graduate program in Higher Education.

Through this five-course program (15 credit hours), current and future higher education professionals will develop the critical skills necessary to support their programs, departments and institutions, and students. It will prepare certificate-seekers with competency in areas such as the following:

• Organization, culture, diversity, and history of higher education.
• Governance, structure, and management of higher education institutions.
• Research, theoretical, and practical issues surrounding access to college and equity in higher education.
• Critical support systems within higher education that promote student success.

Access the degree sheet and program handbook Opens an external link.

If you already hold a master’s degree and want to be better prepared to teach English learners, consider pursuing the EdS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This degree is designed for full-time teachers to improve your teaching practice and help you prepare for leadership opportunities. Our EdS TESOL degree has the following tracks:

Certification Track One (30–36 hours)

This track is for Alabama teachers who hold Class A certification in a teaching field and wish to earn an EdS and ESOL Class AA certification. It helps prepare experienced teachers for effectively teaching multilingual learners.

Certification Track Two (30 hours)

This track is for Alabama teachers who hold ESOL Class A certification and wish to earn an EdS with Class AA certification in ESOL. It provides advanced training to ESOL-certified teachers in the teaching and learning of English.

Professional Track (30–36 hours)

This track is for professionals in Alabama and other states who hold a master's degree in education, ESL, or a related area. It enhances the ability of professionals to teach ESL in PK–12 schools or post-secondary settings such as college-based English institutes, workplace English classes, community programs, and English for specific purposes. NOTE: Completers of this track are NOT eligible for teacher certification from the ALSDE.

Traditional Track: This is for Alabama teachers who hold Class B certification and wish to earn Class A certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). To apply, you must have a bachelor’s degree in any major from a regionally accredited college and with a GPA of at least 2.5.

You may select from among these options:

ESOL Certification (30 hours)

To apply, you must hold Class B certification in a teaching field (e.g., elementary, secondary, music). After completing this track, you must pass ESOL Praxis #5362 and apply to the ALSDE for Class A Certification in ESOL.

Dual Certification in ESOL and Spanish (42 hours)

To apply, you must hold Class B certification in Spanish. After completing this track, you must pass ESOL Praxis #5362 and apply to the ALSDE for Class A Certification in ESOL and Spanish.

Dual Certification in ESOL and French (42 hours)

To apply, you must hold Class B certification in French. After completing this track, you must pass ESOL Praxis #5362 and apply to the ALSDE for Class A Certification in ESOL and French.

Alternative Track: This track, which is also called the Alternative Master’s Program (AMP), is for Alabama applicants who wish to enter the teaching profession by earning Class Alt A certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 in their bachelor’s degree (any major) from a regionally accredited college.

You may select from among three options:

ESOL Certification (37–40 hours)

To apply, you must have a passing score on the ESOL Praxis #5362. After completing this program, you will apply to the ALSDE for Class A certification in ESOL.

Dual Certification in ESOL and Spanish (52–55 credit hours)

To apply, you must have a passing score on the ESOL Praxis #5362 and Spanish Praxis #5195. After completing this program, you will apply to the ALSDE for Class A certification in ESOL and Spanish.

Dual Certification in ESOL and French (52–55 credit hours)

To apply, you must have a passing score on the ESOL Praxis #5362 and the French Praxis #5174. After completing this program, you will apply to the ALSDE for Class A certification in ESOL and French.

We offer two graduate certificates: Teaching Multilingual Learners (TML) and Teaching English as an Additional Language (TEAL). These certificates provide professional development in teaching ESL and are designed for students pursuing a promotion, job search, or admission to graduate school.

You can pursue the TML or TEAL concurrently with an undergraduate or graduate degree at UAB (or separate from any degree). Although certificate completers are not certified to teach in PK–12 schools, they can use the TML courses toward one of the ESOL certification degrees listed above.

Teaching Multilingual Learners (12 credit hours)

The purpose of this online TML certificate is for effectively serving multilingual PK–12 students and their families. You will learn theory and pedagogy to meet the diverse needs of multilingual learners in your classroom. This 12-hour certificate consists of one required course and three advisor-approved electives. The TML can be viewed as a micro-credential.  It is part of the MS in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies opens a new website program, allowing it to be combined with another participating certificate to earn a master’s degree. 

Teaching English as an Additional Language (15 credit hours)

The purpose of this online TEAL certificate is for teaching English to adults in diverse settings such as language institutes, cultural centers, community programs, and workplace English. Through the TEAL certificate, you will develop theory and pedagogy for meeting the linguistic and sociocultural needs of adults who wish to improve their English for personal reasons, work needs, and/or academic purposes. TEAL has been designated as an Alabama Advanced, Specialized Skills, Education Training certificate and, as such, meets the Governor’s mandate to prepare today’s workforce.

The Master of Arts in Elementary Education is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in education and current Class B certification in elementary education. 

Coursework takes between 30 and 33 semester hours to complete and includes courses in teaching reading and language development, critical pedagogy, teaching diverse populations, and data literacy. A program checklist can be found on the right, and course-specific information may be found in the UAB Graduate Catalog.