Master of Education Alternative A in Alabama

Do you already have a bachelor’s degree? You may be eligible to earn a master of education degree and teaching certification without taking on-campus classes. Faulkner University, based in Montgomery, Alabama, offers an online Master of Education in Elementary Education Alternative A certification program. Designed to align with state requirements for K-6 educators, this program will lead to a master’s degree and an initial teaching certificate. To be eligible for admission, you must pass the Praxis II Multiple Subjects exam, but you do not need to have prior teaching experience or a bachelor’s in elementary education. Learn more about how to develop your skills as an educator and earn the credentials needed for advanced pay in the state.

Program Design and Goals

Educators in Alabama and other states must hold the proper certification to teach in public schools and many private schools. While some teachers earn this certification after completing a bachelor’s degree in education, others discover their passion for education after gaining work experience or earning a degree in a different field. The Master of Education in Elementary Education Alternative A at Faulkner University is designed for students who want to become elementary school teachers but don’t have the right credentials. This degree program is aligned with Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) elementary certification requirements, and the curriculum equips students with the necessary skills and experience for the Alabama Class A teaching certification.

Master of Education Alternative A Curriculum

Students in the online master’s degree programs at Faulkner University have access to the same knowledgeable faculty and comprehensive curriculum available on campus. Courses are taught by instructors with years of relevant experience who are passionate about training the next generation of K-6 educators. The 45-hour program consists of professional studies courses, as well as content-specific coursework.

An Online Program Designed to Fit Your Needs

At Faulkner University, we understand it can be challenging to move into a new field while balancing work, family life, and other responsibilities. With the Master of Education in Elementary Education Alternative A program, you can attend class from anywhere, giving you the flexibility to meet your goals. Take courses on a timeline that works for you, while still gaining access to the same high-quality, Christian education that Faulkner University is known for. Upon completion of the program, you will be awarded a Master of Elementary Education degree and an Alabama Alternative Class A Certification in Elementary Education K-6.

Enrollment Requirements and Admission Information

To be eligible for admission, applicants must pass the Praxis II Multiple Subjects exam as dictated by the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP). New students will be accepted into Faulkner University’s online Master of Education in Elementary Education Alternative A certification program twice per year.

After receiving a passing grade on the Praxis II Multiple Subjects exam for K-6 elementary, you may apply to Faulkner University’s online program. Students who wish to apply to the online Master of Education in Elementary Education Alternative A certification program must complete the following steps:

Summary of Required Application Materials

1. Completed Application
2. Official transcripts from all schools attended
3. Must hold a valid bachelor's degree from an institutionally accredited college or university. Must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher or a Master's degree from an institutionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
4. Personal statement of lifetime goals (250 words)
5. Three (3) recommendations
6. Passing scores from all required exams

Mail all additional items to:

Faulkner University
Attn: Graduate Enrollment
5345 Atlanta Hwy
Montgomery, AL 36109

You may submit up to six credit hours to be transferred from another university. Transfer requests are subject to approval by ALSDE.

The following requirements are necessary to complete the Alternative Class A program. 

1. A minimum GPA of 3.25 on all courses used to meet the requirements on the approved program checklist for Alabama State Board of Education educator preparation program.

2. Completion of the required number of hours of clinical experiences.

3. Completion of all ALSDE Teacher Certification requirements, including a passing score on the AECAP exams, successful completion of edTPA, and all the proper paperwork (including fingerprinting and ALSDE background check).

4. Completion of all institutional requirements for graduation (i.e., filing proper forms with the Registrar's Office, clearance with the Financial Aid Office, and clearance with the Business Office). This includes an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting the candidate's bachelor's degree.

5. Completion and final approval of the internship portfolio, which shows evidence of competencies and completion of the above requirements. The candidate's completed portfolio will hold all course artifacts.

6. Satisfactory ratings on dispositional forms from professors for each education course taken.

Tuition Rates

Tuition and fees for this online program are:

• Tuition: $485 per semester hour
• Online Course Fee: $75 per semester hour
• General Fee: $350 ($250 for 11 hours or less)

Payment policies are outlined in the university’s Graduate Catalog.

Contact Faulkner University to Learn More

If you are ready to take the next step as an elementary educator, pursue your degree online through Faulkner University. Our master of education online degree helps you earn the credentials you need to work as a K-6 educator in Alabama. With flexible scheduling and multiple program start dates, Faulkner University is dedicated to helping you advance in your career. To learn more, contact us or visit our admissions portal today.