The University of West Alabama offers the Alternative Class A Program for those individuals who have completed a non-teaching degree or for individuals who want to change teaching areas. Candidates must have a baccalaureate or higher degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 in order to be admitted (see below for candidates who hold a 2.74-2.00 GPA). This program will enable you to receive a master’s degree in education as well as master’s level certification. Once you have applied and we determine you meet the requirements for unconditional admission, an advisor will be assigned and a program will be issued to you.

Field Experiences and the Internship are to be completed in an approved school.

The continuum of Field Experiences required in UWA’s programs includes experiences in P-12 settings and culminates in an internship during the final semester. Students must also complete at least four seminars, as well as any necessary training sessions, which are available fully online with no on-campus time required.

The requirements for unconditional admission to the Alternative A Program and to the Teacher Education Program must be met prior to issuance of the program work-sheet and enrolling in any course work.

Upon admission to the Alternative A program, a GPA less than a 3.00 may result in removal of the unconditional admission status to the Teacher Education Program. Completion of the Alternative A program requires a 3.25 GPA in all areas.

The admission requirements for the Alternative A Program include:

  • Candidates with a 2.74-2.00 GPA may appeal to the Dean to be allowed admission to the Alternative A program. If you have a bachelor’s degree with a 2.49 GPA, you may be admitted as long as you meet the alternate Praxis II score for your area. The alternate scores can be found here. For those students who do not hold a bachelor’s degree with a 2.50 GPA, review information here.
  • Fingerprint clearance on file with ALSDE A bachelor’s degree with a 2.75 GPA.
  • Passing Praxis II score in the area of certification being pursued on file with UWA. Visit the Certification Office page for Praxis information.
  • For Elementary Education, Early Childhood, Special Education K-6, and/or Special Education 6-12 majors, verification of completion of a minimum of 12 semester hours of acceptable credit earned in the area of English Language Arts at the undergraduate level. These courses are verified upon review of all official transcripts once your application is complete with the Office of Admission.

Students seeking professional certification may choose one of the programs listed below for a Master of Education degree.

  • Early Childhood Education P-3
  • Early Childhood / Elementary Education P-6
  • Elementary Education K-6
  • Special Education Collaborative Teacher K-6
  • Special Education Collaborative Teacher 6-12

Students seeking professional certification may choose one of the programs listed below for a Master of Education degree OR a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.

  • Biology
  • General Science
  • Mathematics
  • English Language Arts
  • History
  • General Social Science
  • Physical Education P-12

Email questions concerning the Alternative Class A Program to alternativea@uwa.edu.