College of Education
Subpages
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Education Building
Dean: Dr. Derrick Smith
Associate Dean: Dr. Brooke Burks
Academic Departments
Counseling, Leadership, & Special Education
Curriculum, Instruction, & Technology
Kinesiology
Mission
Professional study in the College of Education is based on a framework that prepares competent, committed and reflective professionals. The college is committed to providing challenging opportunities for a diverse learning community in a nurturing environment. Consistent with the mission of AUM, the College of Education strives to fulfill the following goals: provide individuals seeking careers in service fields with the knowledge, competencies, ethical attitudes, skills and credentials necessary for successful performance in the profession; provide undergraduate level programs, later leading to graduate degrees that will enable graduates to improve and extend their professional competencies and leadership abilities; continually study and modify undergraduate and graduate programs to ensure quality learning experiences that reflect sound educational thinking; provide leadership in innovation and emphasize learning experiences that will encourage graduates to evaluate trends and become change agents for educational improvement; improve and extend resources necessary for implementing quality educational programs; engage in research that contributes to instructional programs and the advancement of knowledge; and continue to serve the community, state, and region by educating qualified professional personnel, providing on-campus educational services and extending faculty expertise and university resources to schools and organizations within the region.
General Considerations
The College of Education offers 10 degree programs leading to a bachelor’s degree, 32 master’s programs, 10 education specialist’s programs, four certificate programs, 4 minors, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree.
Educator Preparation Options
The College of Education provides multiple educator preparation options by the Alabama State Board of Education. The College’s educator preparation programs lead to bachelor’s degrees and recommendation for Alabama teacher certification in early childhood education, elementary education, early childhood special education, special education, secondary education, school counseling, and kinesiology (physical education). The College of Education collaborates with the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the College of Sciences to offer teacher certification in multiple teaching fields, including English language arts, mathematics, the sciences, history, and social studies.
Kinesiology, Mental Health, and Instructional Technology (non-certification) Options
The College of Education offers multiple programs for individuals seeking degrees in the exercise science, sports management, and health fields. These degrees prepare students for employment in a variety of fields related to health, fitness, nutrition, and sports management. Graduates often pursue employment opportunities in a variety of health and sport related fields and/or admission to a health-related graduate program. Degree programs are available in exercise science and sport management with multiple minor options provided. The College of Education also provides non-certification programs related to education in Instructional Technology and Mental Health Counseling. Counseling graduates are eligible to pursue employment opportunities in a variety of private, agency, education, or governmental practice. Graduates in Instructional Technology find a vast array of opportunities in education and industry.
The College of Education is composed of three departments in Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology (CIT); Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education (CLSE); and Kinesiology (KIN).
Office of Student Services and Teacher Certification
The College’s Office of Student Services and Teacher Certification is responsible for academic advising, coordinating student teaching and other clinical experiences, maintenance of academic records, and making recommendations for teacher certification. Information concerning student teaching applications, placement, and field experiences may be found at https://www.aum.edu/collegeofeducation/student-resources/student-services-and-teacher-certification/.
Alabama teacher certification programs and basic degree requirements vary among majors. Students should contact this office early in their studies to be certain they will meet College of Education requirements and Alabama State Department of Education teacher certification requirements. The Alabama State Department of Education sets requirements for education majors. Changes to these requirements may occur periodically so students should meet with their academic advisor often to receive the most updated information about the Alabama State Department of Education requirements.