Finding top-notch accredited teaching degree programs in Alabama is simple with the multitude of institutions approved by the NCATE here. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico in the Deep South, Alabama is America’s 23rd most populated state with over 4.7 million residents. Even though the “Yellowhammer State” is known for its agricultural past, Alabama has developed a diversified economy with a strong education sector. According to the Alabama State Board of Education, there are 1,523 schools educating over 744,000 PreK-12 students each year. It’s estimated that there are 47,723 public school teachers employed across Alabama too.
Alabama still has the fourth lowest high school graduation rate at 75 percent, so the state has shifted emphasis to hiring highly qualified teachers. Since 2010, Alabama has tied for first place nationally with North Carolina for having the highest quality curriculum standards for pre-kindergarten programs. Graduates with an early childhood education degrees earn an average yearly salary of $27,710. To see more accredited early childhood education programs, visit Early Childhood Education Programs in Alabama (J-Z).
Alabama A&M University
College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences
First founded in 1875 as a teachers’ college, Alabama A&M University is a comprehensive senior public historically black land-grant research institution serving more than 5,000 undergraduates and 1,100 post-graduates on an 880-acre suburban campus in Normal near Huntsville. Named among Washington Monthly’s best colleges, AAMU is currently ranked as America’s 37th best historically black college by the U.S. News and World Report. Featuring NCATE accreditation, the College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences is dedicated to graduating well-trained, qualified professionals for serving society at large. The teacher preparation programs have a very high 92 percent pass rate on Alabama certification exams.
B.S. in Early Childhood Education
As an upper-division program starting in the junior year, the B.S. in Early Childhood Education program at Alabama A&M builds on the professional studies foundation to prepare undergraduate students for teaching certification at the PreK-3 level. Students blend their in-class instruction on child development theories with real-life teaching experience. Every Wednesday, students spend the entire day engaging in supervised field practicum. Aspiring early childhood teachers must pass the Praxis II test before starting their student teaching internship in the final term. At least 126 semester credits are required. With additional credit, it’s possible for students to earn dual-certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.
M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education
The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program gives Alabama A&M graduate students more in-depth knowledge in research-based teaching practices in PreK-3 education. There’s a 30-credit Traditional M.Ed. Class A track offered for licensed teachers seeking advanced training and teacher leadership roles. On the other hand, there’s also a 42-credit Alternative Master’s M.Ed. Class A track for graduates with an undergraduate degrees in non-teaching fields. Coursework will study topics like classroom management, computer-based instruction, multicultural education, teaching reading, curriculum design, and exceptional children. The program will conclude with a supervised internship in a state-approved preschool or elementary school program.
Accreditations
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
P.O. Box 262
Normal, AL 35762
(256) 372-5500
info@aamu.edu
https://www.aamu.edu/academics/colleges/education-humanities-behavioral-sciences/
Alabama State University
College of Education
Nestled on a Georgian style 172-acre urban campus in Montgomery in the Gulf Coastal Plain, Alabama State University is a comprehensive four-year public historically black institution in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund with over 7,800 undergraduates and 3,400 post-graduates. Noted as the 5th favorite college in Alabama for high school seniors, ASU is currently crowned the 27th best historically black university nationwide by the USNWR. Since 1867, the NCATE-accredited College of Education has been ASU’s largest academic division with over 45 degree programs committed to improving the state’s teaching workforce. ASU is well-known for having a Health, Physical Education and Recreation Club (HPER) that was honored with the prestigious Dr. Willis J. Baughman Award.
B.S. in Early Childhood
Rooted in the liberal studies, the B.S. in Early Childhood program at Alabama State gives undergraduate students the preparation required for teacher certification at the P-3 level. Future teachers complete a continuum of coursework to build practical knowledge on childhood development principles and quality educational principles. Students gain hands-on teaching experience at the university’s Early Childhood Center with young children from age three to eight. Field practicum is also arranged at local nursery schools, daycare centers, Montessori schools, child development facilities, and elementary schools. The full-time program spans over four years with 125 semester hours. After passing the Praxis II, students enter a culminating professional internship in early childhood education.
M.Ed. in Early Childhood
Available traditionally on-campus in Montgomery or online from anywhere, the M.Ed. in Early Childhood program is focused on enlightening current certified teachers with the advanced pedagogical skills to make a difference in young lives. Requiring just 10 courses, the ASU program gives in-depth instructional strategies to increase the efficiency of P-3 educators. There are three convenient start dates offered per year for completion in just 21 months. Courses will cover key topics in human development, educational psychology, statistical research, reading education, play therapy, primary grade instruction, and parental involvement. Unlicensed teachers could also follow the alternative 46-credit master’s for Class A certification.
Ed.S. in Early Childhood
At the highest level, the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Early Childhood program is granted for ASU graduate students who seek to advance into teacher leadership or administrative positions of great responsibility in teaching kids from grades P-3. Students are required to complete at least 47 credits in advanced curriculum and instruction coursework. In addition to studying the cognitive development of young children, Ed.S. students must complete field practicum, get involved in research, and finish a master’s thesis project. Applicants must have Class A certification, a bachelor’s degree, three years of teaching experience, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 for admissions. Class AA certification is available after graduation.
Accreditations
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
915 South Jackson Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 229-4323
admissions@alasu.edu
https://www.alasu.edu/coe/college-education
Athens State University
College of Education
Initially established in 1822 by the Methodist Church for women, Athens State University has evolved into a comprehensive upper-level senior public teaching institution with over 3,500 co-ed students on an urban campus in Athens in the Huntsville-Decatur metropolitan area. With over 32 different academic programs, Athens State caters to junior and senior students who already have two years of transferrable post-secondary experience. There’s a student-faculty ratio of 15:1 for personalized learning attention and an over 71 percent financial aid rate for affordability. The College of Education has partnered with 115 schools throughout the state to prepare highly effective teachers with plenty of real-world classroom field experience.
Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education
At Athens State, the Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education program has the mission of preparing undergraduate teacher candidates for becoming knowledgeable, collaborative practitioners in PreK-3 classroom environments. It’s ideal for students wishing to work with young children in preschools, child development centers, head start programs, family childcare, youth services, and elementary schools. The curriculum meets the pre-service qualifications required for Class B certification within Alabama. Within the 124-credit program plan, students will complete practicum and a student teaching internship. Most courses are offered online or in a blended format with just three to five campus-based meetings in Athens per semester.
Accreditations
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
300 North Beaty Street
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-8100
erba.barker@athens.edu
https://www.athens.edu/education/programs/early-childhood-education-p-3/
Auburn University
College of Education
Enrolling more than 25,900 students annually, Auburn University is the state’s senior public polytechnic land-grant, space-grant, and sea-grant research intensive institution situated on a sprawling 1,843-acre urban campus in the college town of Auburn within Lee County. Highly regarded for being in the Peterson’s Guide to America’s 296 Most Competitive Colleges, Auburn is currently ranked as the nation’s 102nd best college, 46th top public school, and 69th best university for veterans by the US News and World Report. Forbes magazine also noted Auburn as the 90th best research university nationwide and 31st top college in the South. Acclaimed for being the 75th best education school in the United States, the College of Education has the 8th best online graduate teaching degrees.
B.S. in Early Childhood Education
Each year, 75 students are admitted to Auburn’s selective B.S. in Early Childhood Education program to receive the high-quality, accredited preparation for teaching in preschool through third grade settings. Students are trained with the child development theories, appropriate teaching practices, and problem-solving skills to educate young children for optimal learning. Within the four-year program, students complete a total of 122 credits, including a full semester-long clinical residency in a diverse preschool classroom. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible for Alabama Class B certification or bachelor’s level licensure in other states. Having a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 is mandatory in all pre-major college coursework.
Early Childhood Education M.S.
The Early Childhood Education M.S. program at Auburn University is designed for current certified teachers in Alabama who aren’t seeking initial or advanced licensure. Graduates follow a 30-credit curriculum path either on-campus or online to give the in-depth theoretical background for better teaching young learners in grades PreK through third grade. Also using a social constructivist approach, the program trains educators to solve real-world classroom problems in the education of young children under eight. The non-certification track is customizable with a large number of electives in teaching and learning. In the final term, students complete an applied capstone research project. Many students use the M.S. as a springboard for pursuing further graduate study at the Ph.D. level.
Early Childhood Education M.Ed.
Leading to a Master of Education degree, the Early Childhood Education M.Ed. program at Auburn is focused on preparing graduate students to apply research knowledge in teaching young learners. The program places a strong emphasis on using social constructivist approaches to make wise, practical decisions in aiding optimal development among toddlers and elementary school-aged children. Students can pursue the 30-credit program either online or on-campus. The M.Ed. track leads to Class A Alabama teacher certification. Courses will study curriculum design, educational technology, theory-based play, origins of thought, human development, and exceptionality. Practicum and a master’s thesis is built within the two-year program.
Early Childhood Education Ed.S.
Offered either online virtually or on-site in Auburn, the Early Childhood Education Ed.S. program is granted for master’s degree holders who seek the advanced knowledge and skills to become administrative leaders in early childhood. Along with a variety of career paths, the program paves the pathway for entry into future doctoral study. Ed.S. students must complete at least 30 credit hours beyond the master’s level with an independent field project. Using a social constructivist approach, the program fulfills the requirements for Class AA teacher certification. A limited number of campus-based teaching assistantships are available to save tuition money and build relevant working experience.
Early Childhood Education Ph.D.
The Early Childhood Education Ph.D. program was created by Auburn University for doctoral candidates to receive research-intensive training related to educational practices for teaching children from age three to eight. Graduates typically become university faculty members, curriculum supervisors, early childhood administrators, policymakers, and other educational leaders. The 85-credit program focuses on building the research skills needed for success from a social constructivist theory. Students complete four to five years beyond the bachelor’s level with teaching experience and an independent research dissertation. Coursework ranges from educational psychology and curriculum development to research design and qualitative analysis. Possessing valid Alabama teaching certificate is mandatory for admissions.
Accreditations
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
3084 Haley Center
Auburn, AL 36849
(334) 844-4446
eduinfo@auburn.edu
http://www.education.auburn.edu/academic-program/early-childhood-education/
Faulkner University
College of Education
As a premier private non-profit Christian institution affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Faulkner University enrolls more than 2,200 undergraduates and 1,300 post-graduates annually on its beautiful 74-acre urban campus in Montgomery near the Alabama River. With America’s 167th best online bachelor’s programs, Faulkner is ranked as the 96th best regional college in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. From its founding in 1942, Faulkner has strived to help students grow spiritually in their God-driven vocation with strong academics and community service. The College of Education offers a caring Christian environment for future and current teachers to undergo professional development and engage in open inquiry.
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
In addition to being approved by the Alabama State Department of Education to fulfill Class B certification, the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education program at Faulkner is fully accredited by the NCATE. Teacher candidates use a distinctive Christian worldview to develop as well-rounded, highly qualified practitioners in PreK-3 education. Consisting of 141 credits, the four-year curriculum builds on a foundation in liberal arts, Christian literacy, and the humanities. Students complete service learning with inner city youth at Common Ground Ministries and special needs children at the Children’s Center Montgomery. Field placements will span from urban and suburban to suburban and private schools. In the final term, 12 weeks will be spent completing a culminating student teaching internship in an approved preschool setting.
Accreditations
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
5345 Atlanta Highway
Montgomery, AL 36109
(334) 386-7106
education@faulkner.edu
https://www.faulkner.edu/find-your-major/college-of-education/
Early childhood teachers have the rewarding opportunity to set young children on the pathway to lifelong academic and career success. Educators who specialize in early childhood often work with youth from age three to eight for maximizing their development. They play a pivotal role in making certain children have the language, motor, social, and learning skills required in elementary school. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for early childhood educators is projected to grow rapidly by 17 percent through 2022. Whether you’re just starting out with a bachelor’s or advancing with a doctorate in early childhood, consider pursuing one of these accredited teaching degree programs in Alabama.
