Graduate Advising Information

Degrees are awarded by UAB in recognition of scholastic achievement and may be pursued for their own sake. However, employment in the public schools is governed not by the degree but by the professional Certificate issued by the Alabama State Department of Education (SDE). Since many students in these programs are preparing for work in the public schools, the pursuit of a degree is usually coupled with pursuit of SDE certification. There is a rough correspondence between degree level and certification class, as follows:

In spite of this correspondence, we emphasize that the admission and completion requirements for the degree and for the certificate are often significantly different. Furthermore, not all education students are pursuing SDE certification. Students seeking certification should verify requirements with an advisor or program director.

Students who wish to add to an existing certificate through a SDE evaluation letter must be eligible for admission to the Graduate School. In addition, a copy of the SDE letter must be filed with the appropriate department chairperson and with Academic Advising Services, Room 100, School of Education Building, before coursework is begun. In some instances, prerequisites will have to be met in order to enroll in the desired courses.  Please call (205) 934-7530 to make an advisement appointment.

Please click here to access the School of Education checklists.