2001-2002 UAF Catalog

Degrees and Programs


Education

School of Education
(907) 474-7341

Degrees: B.Ed. (admission suspended), M.A.T., M.Ed., Ed.S.

Minimum Requirements for Degrees: B.Ed: 130 credits; M.A.T.: 36 credits; M.Ed.: 36 credits; Post baccalaureate elementary license: 27 credits; Post baccalaureate rural secondary license: 39 credits; Post baccalaureate secondary license: 27 credits; Music K-12 license: 33 credits

UAF serves students from all of Alaska as well as from other states and nations. It is particularly committed to enhancing the educational opportunities for Alaska's rural and Native populations.

Through its branch campuses in Bethel, Bristol Bay, Dillingham, Interior-Aleutians, Kotzebue and Nome and its rural education centers, the university is responsive to local and regional needs, including open educational access to its programs. Special strengths exist in the use of educational technology which provides distance delivery of selected programs to many areas of the state.

UAF education programs prepare educators to work in urban and rural Alaska and to work with multicultural and minority students, especially Alaska Native students.

The School of Education offers three degrees: bachelor of education (admission suspended), master of arts in teaching, and master of education. The school also offers post baccalaureate coursework and internship experiences preparing candidates for Alaska state licensure in teaching (Type A).

The UAF School of Education is approved by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to recommend its students for Alaska licensure as elementary and secondary teachers and school counselors. Education programs include programs offered on the Fairbanks campus and through the branch campus centers. School of Education faculty are located at the Fairbanks campus and at UAF's branch campuses in keeping with the school's commitment to preparing educators for rural Alaska. Courses are available on-site and by distance delivery through the Bethel (Kuskokwim), Dillingham (Bristol Bay), Interior-Aleutians, Kotzebue (Chukchi) and Nome (Northwest) campuses, as well as on the Fairbanks campus. Faculty research in cross-cultural studies, curriculum and instruction, language and literacy, and small rural schools, support the missions of the School of Education.

Priority for enrollment in field-based courses is given to students formally admitted to degree and licensure programs. All inquiries should be addressed to one of the rural campuses or to the School of Education Office of Certification and Advising.

Licensure Information

UAF education programs are approved by the Alaska State Board of Education as meeting National Association for State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) standards. For information about these programs contact the Office of Certification and Advising in the UAF School of Education, or contact the rural faculty at the nearest campus.

As of December 1, 1998, the State of Alaska requires that all initial applicants for a regular Type A certificate provide evidence of passing Alaska qualifying scores on the PRAXIS I; Academic Skills Assessment including the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) and/or the Computer-Based Academic Skills Assessment (CBT).

The state of Alaska requires the completion of 3 credits of approved course work in Alaska Studies and 3 credits in multicultural or cross-cultural education in order to receive an initial five year teaching license. A two year provisional license can be obtained without meeting this requirement. Contact the Office of Certification and Advising for a current list of approved courses.

Elementary Education

B.Ed. (admission suspended)

The B.Ed. program is available only to those students who have submitted to the School of Education their plan of study to allow B.Ed. completion before December 31, 2002. All students interested in being elementary teachers should contact the School of Education Office of Certification and Advising.

The Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (B.A.S.) degree is designed to provide students with the breadth and depth of content coursework necessary for elementary teaching (for a description of the B.A.S. degree see baccalaureate degrees section of this catalog). Students pursuing a B.A.S. degree as preparation for elementary licensure are encouraged to complete Option A of the General Education minor.

Admission to UAF as a B.Ed. degree student majoring in education does not qualify a student for admission to the professional year of the elementary teacher education program. Admission to the program is based on a comprehensive system that considers several criteria. For additional information contact the School of Education Office of Certification and Advising.

The progress of elementary students from admission through completion is monitored through on-going professional assessment. Students must successfully complete methods coursework and school practica requirements prior to entry to student teaching. Systematic approaches are used to assist education students who are making unsatisfactory progress in this program. A student who fails student teaching will be exited from the program, and further involvement is dependent upon a reapplication process. See the School of Education Office of Practica Experience regarding this procedure.

Admission requirements -- B.Ed.

  1. Submit a complete School of Education admission packet by October 1 for admission to the professional year in the spring semester, or February 15 for admission to the professional year in the fall semester.
  2. Submit scores for the PRAXIS I: Academic Skills Assessments in reading, writing and mathematics.
  3. Complete the School of Education extemporaneous writing sample.
  4. Complete all B.Ed. required courses (except the methods block and student teaching), with a minimum of a 2.7 GPA, a 2.0 in each academic area and a C or better in each required education and math course.
  5. Complete Methods Placement Packet.
    Students will be admitted to the program based on faculty review and consideration of the following including, but not limited to, faculty rating forms, letters of reference, GPA, university transcripts, writing samples, evaluations from university-sponsored practica placements, and PRAXIS I scores. Students are admitted for a specific semester and must reapply if they delay enrolling in the professional year.
    Once acceptance has been confirmed, applicants must complete:
    1. State Department of Education and Early Development Student Teacher Authorization packet (fingerprint cards and criminal background check) prior to beginning methods.
    2. Student Teaching Packet by October 1 for admission to student teaching in the spring semester, or by February 15 for admission to student teaching in the fall semester.

Admission and degree requirements -- rural program

Students in rural areas should contact the rural education program faculty at the nearest UAF rural campus or the School of Education Office of Certification and Advising for information specific to the rural application process.

Undergraduate Program

Major

Elementary Education -- B.Ed. Degree (admission suspended)

  1. Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete a mathematics course with a C grade or better.)
  2. Complete the following B.Ed. degree and program (major) requirements:
    1. Complete the following humanities requirements:
      LING 101 -- Nature of Language (3 credits)
      Humanities electives** (6 credits)
    2. Complete the following social science requirements:
      ANTH 242 -- Native Cultures of Alaska (3 credits)
      PSY 101 -- Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
      PSY 240 -- Lifespan Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
    3. Complete the following:*
      MATH 205 -- Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I (3 credits)
      MATH 206 -- Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers II (3 credits)
  3. Complete 1 of the following concentrations. Each concentration area must have a minimum of 12 upper division credits (except early childhood). Core requirements (except ENGL 111X, 211X, 213X, and COMM 131X, 141X) may be counted toward these concentration areas.

    Humanities concentration area

    1. Complete credits in one of the following disciplines: Art, English or Music (12 credits)
    2. Minimum credits required (30 credits)

    Social Science concentration area

    1. Complete credits in 1 discipline (12 credits)
    2. Minimum credits required (30 credits)

    Mathematics and/or Science concentration area

    1. Complete credits in 1 discipline (12 credits)
    2. Minimum credits required (29 credits)

    ESL/Applied Linguistics concentration area

    1. Complete the following:
      ANS 320W -- Language and Culture: Applications of Alaska (3 credits)
      ENGL 317 -- Traditional English Grammar (3)
           or ENGL 318 -- Modern English Grammar (3) (3 credits)
      ENGL 462 -- Applied English Linguistics (3 credits)
      A Language (6 credits)
      Approved linguistics courses (6 credits)
    2. Minimum credits required (21 credits)

    Alaska Native Languages/Bilingual concentration area

    1. Complete 1 Alaska Native Language or other world language (16-18 credits)
    2. Complete 3 of the following:
      ED/LING 303W,O -- Language Acquisitions (3 credits)
      ANL 287 -- Teaching Methods for Alaska Native Languages (3 credits)
      ANL 288 -- Curriculum and Materials Development for Alaska Native Languages (3 credits)
      ANL 315 -- Alaska Native Languages: Eskimo-Aleut (3 credits)
      ANL 316 -- Alaska Native Languages: Indian Languages (3 credits)
      ANS 320W -- Language and Culture: Applications of Alaska (3 credits)
      LING 340W -- Aspects of Bilingualism (3 credits)
      LING 410O -- Theory and Methods of Second Language Teaching (3 credits)
      LING 450O -- Language, Policy and Planning (3 credits)
    3. Minimum credits required (25 credits)
    4. Note: Students who meet requirement for the Native Language Education Certificate (see catalog program section for the Native Language Education program requirements) may substitute the certificate for the ANL/Bilingual concentration area.

    Early Childhood concentration area

    1. Complete early childhood education courses (12 credits)
    2. Complete upper-division courses in 1 of the following areas:
      Art (6 credits)
      Communication (6 credits)
      English (6 credits)
      Early Childhood Education (6 credits)
      Music (6 credits)
      Physical Education (6 credits)
      Theatre (6 credits)
    3. Minimum credits required (18 credits)
  4. Complete the following foundation/theory courses:*
    ED 201 -- Introduction to Education (3 credits)
    ED 304 -- Literature for Children (3 credits)
    ED 330 -- Assessment of Learning (3 credits)
    ED 350 -- Communication in Cross-Cultural Classrooms (3 credits)
    ED 375 -- The Exceptional Learner (3 credits)
    ED 410W -- Foundations of Literacy Development (3 credits)
    Education foundation elective (ED/LING 303, ED 345, 346, 380, 385, 422, 440, 450; ANS/ED 420, or ED/JRN 486) (3 credits)
    Physical education elective (ED 327) (3 credits)
  5. Complete ED 429* or a competency assessment.
  6. Complete the following methods block courses:*
    ED 310 -- Modes of Creative Expression in Education (3 credits)
    ED 411 -- Strategies for Reading and Writing Instruction in Multicultural Classrooms (3 credits)
    ED 412W -- Language Arts and Social Studies: Methods
         and Curriculum Development (3 credits)
    ED 413 -- Mathematics and Science: Methods and Curriculum Development (3 credits)
  7. Complete student teaching:
    ED 452O -- Elementary Student Teaching (12 credits)
  8. Minimum credits required (130 credits)

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each course.

** Students who complete 2 semester-length Alaska Native or foreign language courses (at 5 credits each) or 3 semester-length (9 credits) American Sign Language courses taken at the university level, by choosing the language substitution option in the Perspectives on the Human Condition core requirements will be allowed to waive 3 of the 6 humanities elective credits required for the B.Ed. degree.

Secondary Licensure -- Rural Program

The Rural Secondary Licensure Program is for non-Fairbanks campus students who already hold a baccalaureate degree in an endorsable teaching subject area.

  1. Complete the following foundation/theory courses:*
    ED 201 -- Introduction to Education (3 credits)
    ED 330 -- Assessment of Learning (3 credits)
    ED 375 -- The Exceptional Learner (3 credits)
    PSY 240 -- Lifespan Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
    Education foundation elective (ED 345, 346, 350, 380, 450, or ANS 420) (3 credits)
  2. Complete the following methods courses:*
    ED 402 -- Methods of Teaching in the Secondary School (2-3 credits)
    ED 407 -- Reading Strategies for Secondary Teachers (3 credits)
    ED 424 -- Small High School Programs
         or ED 425 -- Community as an Educational Resource (3 credits)
    ED 430 -- Multicultural Teaching Techniques (3 credits)
  3. Complete ED 453O -- Secondary Student Teaching (12 credits)
  4. Minimum credits required (39 credits)

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each course.

Note: Candidates who have successfully taught full-time in secondary schools may request a reduced student teaching experience. Contact the Office of Practica Experience for further information.

Minor

General Education

The General Education minor consists of two options. Option A is an education minor designed for students who intend to pursue a license in elementary education at the graduate level. Students who complete the Option A with a grade of C or better for each course, will be allowed to substitute this minor for ED 624, 625 and 626 in the post-baccalaureate Elementary Teacher Partnership Licensure (ETEP) Program available on the UAF campus.

Option B is designed for any student interested in education issues who does not intend to pursue a license in elementary education.

Option A*

  1. Complete the following:
    ED 201 -- Introduction to Education (3 credits)
    ED 304 -- Literature for Children (3 credits)
    ED 330 -- Assessment of Learning (3 credits)
    ED 350 -- Communication in Cross-Cultural Classrooms (3 credits)
    ED 375 -- The Exceptional Learner (3 credits)
    ED 410 -- Foundations of Literacy Development (3 credits)
  2. Minimum credits required (18 credits)

Option B**

  1. Complete the following:
    ED 201 -- Introduction to Education (3 credits)
    ED 299 -- Practicum in Education (3 credits)
    ED 350 -- Communication in Cross-Cultural Classrooms (3 credits)
    PSY 240 -- Lifespan Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
    Approved education electives*** (6 credits)
  2. Minimum credits required (18 credits)

* Practicum required in each course.

** Practicum may be required in each education course.

*** Contact the Office of Certification and Advising for list of approved elective courses.

Graduate Program

Fairbanks Campus -- Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Licensure Program

The Elementary Teacher Education Partnership (ETEP) program is a graduate level, intensive, year-long program designed to provide students with the coursework and internship experience necessary to meet the Alaska Teacher Standards and be eligible for licensure as a elementary teacher in Alaska. This classroom-based program is built upon the principle of partnership that is a cooperative effort between interns, mentor teachers, and university faculty partners.

Students begin the program in the summer with a 9 credit block of courses. Students who have completed an approved 18 credit undergraduate minor in education can use this to fulfill the summer requirements. During the academic year of the school district, students complete 2 more 9 credit integrated blocks while doing their internship.

At the end of the school year, if students have met all of the program requirements, they will be eligible to apply for an Alaska Type A Elementary License. Students who have completed the Alaska Studies course required by the Alaska Department of Education will be eligible for a five year license. Others will be eligible for a two-year provisional license.

ETEP interns may choose to complete this licensure program as part of the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree program, however, application to the M.A.T. degree program must be made at the beginning of elementary post-baccalaureate coursework to avoid losing credits for the M.A.T. degree

Admission and Application Information

It is recommended that students submit applications before December 15 to provide time to complete prerequisites if necessary. Applications will be reviewed as submitted. Deadline is March 1.

Admission includes meeting UAF graduate admissions requirements and the School of Education admissions requirements

School of Education Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Licensure Program Application Process

  1. Submit the following directly to the UAF Office of Admissions with a copy to the School of Education:
    1. Official transcript of bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A grade point average of at least 3.0 (B grade) in undergraduate degree is required but students with less than a 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission in special circumstances.
    2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores if required.
    3. Three letters of reference that address qualifications and potential as a teacher.
    4. A vitae/resume.
    5. Four to five page essay indicating: reasons for becoming a teacher, assessment of academic and personal strengths relative to teaching, future plans, and reasons for selecting the elementary post-baccalaureate program.
  2. Submit the following information directly to the School of Education:
    1. Alaska passing scores from the Praxis I exam in reading, writing and mathematics.
    2. Completed academic analysis form to provide information on breadth and depth of prior coursework relative to 10 Alaska Student Content Standard areas. Additional coursework may be required. If additional coursework is required, it must be completed prior to beginning the program.
    3. Extemporaneous writing sample, autobiography, evidence of technology competence, evidence of successful paid or volunteer teaching/learning experience, evidence of successful cross-cultural experience.
    4. Completed Alaska Department of Education and Early Development authorization packet (fingerprint cards and criminal background check). Packet is available from the School of Education. Contact the School of Education for additional information.

Program Requirements

  1. Complete the following for the post-baccalaureate elementary licensure program:
    ED 624 -- Foundations of Education in Alaska: From Segregation to Standards (3 credits)
    ED 625 -- Exceptional Learners and Child Development: Individual and Cultural Characteristics (3 credits)
    ED 626 -- Teaching Reading, Writing and Language Arts (3 credits)
    ED 627 -- Teaching to the Standards: Integrating Content, Pedagogy and Context, I (3 credits)
    ED 628 -- Integrating Math, Science and Technology into the Elementary Classroom (3 credits)
    ED 457 -- Classroom Teaching as a Partnership with Parents, Families and the Community (3 credits)
    ED 458 -- Elementary Internship: Student Teaching (3 credits)
    ED 629 -- Teaching to the Standards: Integrating Content, Pedagogy and Context, II (3 credits)
    ED 642 -- Portfolio Preparation: Integrating Theory and Practice (3 credits)
  2. Minimum credits required (27 credits)

Master's Degree Options for Post-baccalaureate Elementary Licensure Program Students

Following completion of the yearlong, graduate-level ETEP licensure program, ETEP students can pursue an Elementary M.A.T. degree or an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. Courses are available through UAF by distance delivery and on the Fairbanks campus. Students can enroll in courses throughout the year. Licensure and master's degree options requirements must be met within 7 years.

Students who have completed an undergraduate general education minor Option A as part of their ETEP licensure program must complete additional graduate level coursework to receive a master's degree. Please contact the Office of Certification and Advising for additional information.

M.A.T. Degree -- Elementary (admission suspended)

  1. Complete all graduate-level, post-baccalaureate elementary licensure program requirements.
  2. Complete 1 course from each of these three areas:
    Research Requirement
    CCS 601 -- Documenting Indigenous Knowledge Systems (3 credits)
    ED 601 -- Introduction to Applied Social Science Research (3 credits)
    ED/CCS 603 -- Field Study Research Methods (3 credits)
    A 600-level research elective approved by the candidate's graduate committee (3 credits)
    Cross-Cultural Foundations with Focus on Alaska Context Courses Requirement
    CCS 612 -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge (3 credits)
    ED/CCS 610 -- Education and Cultural Processes (3 credits)
    ED/CCS 611 -- Culture, Cognition and Knowledge Acquisition (3 credits)
    ED 612 -- Cultural and Philosophical Foundations of Education (3 credits)
    ED 616 -- Education and Socioeconomic Change (3 credits)
    ED 620 -- Language, Literacy and Learning (3 credits)
    ED/LING 621 -- Cultural Aspects of Language Acquisition (3 credits)
    ED 631 -- Small Schools Curriculum Design (3 credits)
    A 600-level research elective approved by the candidate's graduate committee (3 credits)
    Elective 600-Level Course Requirement
    A 600-level research elective approved by the candidate's graduate committee (3 credits)
  3. Complete and pass the comprehensive exam following completion of coursework.
  4. Minimum credits required* (36 credits)

* At least 24 credits must be at the 600 level.

M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction

  1. Complete all graduate-level, post-baccalaureate elementary licensure ETEP program requirements.
  2. Complete the general university requirements.
  3. Complete M.Ed. degree requirements.
  4. Request permission from the candidate's graduate committee to use graduate-level ETEP coursework.
  5. Complete the 12 core credits required for an M.Ed. (see section on M.Ed.).
  6. Complete 1 graduate-level elective course approved by candidate's graduate committee (3 credits)
  7. Minimum credits required* (36 credits)

* At least 30 credits must be at the 600-level.

Fairbanks Campus -- Secondary Post-Baccalaureate Program

The secondary post-baccalaureate program is an intensive, year-long teacher education graduate secondary licensure program. The program is designed to provide students with the coursework and internship experiences necessary to be recommended for an Alaska Type A Secondary Teaching license. The program operates on a one-year cycle, beginning in the summer.

Interns may also choose to complete this licensure program as part of a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree; however, you must apply to the M.A.T. at the beginning of secondary post-baccalaureate coursework in order to avoid losing credits for the M.A.T. degree.

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the following minimum requirements for admission to the secondary post baccalaureate program:
    1. Complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Students who receive an Alaska secondary teaching license will be endorsed to teach in their official major and minor content areas. Additional endorsements may be earned by completing official content area majors or minors.
    2. Complete at least a 3.0 grade point average (B grade) in the undergraduate degree.
    3. Complete and submit scores for the Praxis I: Academic Skills Assessment in reading, writing and mathematics.
    4. Submit scores on the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.

Application Procedures

  1. Complete and submit a UAF graduate application form to the UAF Office of Admissions by January 15.
    1. Submit 3 letters of recommendation (these letters should speak to your qualifications for the program and potential as a teacher).
    2. Submit a 4-5 page statement of your goals indicating why you wish to study in the education program, your qualifications and educational experience.
    3. Submit scores on the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
    4. Submit a resume/vita.
    5. Submit official transcripts.
  2. Complete and submit the following to the School of Education:
    1. Alaska passing scores from the Praxis I exam in reading, writing and mathematics.
    2. An extemporaneous writing sample. Contact the Office of Certification and Advising for information concerning the date, time and place for completing this writing sample.

Application Review Process

Applications are due on January 15 and are reviewed thereafter for admission in the summer semester. Faculty may vote to admit or not admit, or to admit with stipulations. Stipulations are specified when additional development in particular areas is needed before beginning a secondary post-baccalaureate program.

This is a selective teacher education program. A comprehensive system that includes more than one measure is used to assess the personal characteristics, communication, and basic skills proficiency of candidates preparing to teach. This system includes, but is not limited to, the following: a review of transcripts, essays and/or writing proficiency exams, Praxis I and GRE exams, and letters of reference. Faculty may also request a personal interview.

Upon Acceptance to the Program

The School of Education has a systematic procedure for monitoring the progress of education students from admission through completion of their professional education program to determine if they should continue the program, be advanced to the secondary teaching internship, and eventually be recommended for a teaching license. In assessing student progress, faculty will review grades, observations, faculty recommendations, demonstrated academic competence, and recommendations from the appropriate professionals in the schools. Systematic approaches are used to assist education students who are making unsatisfactory progress in their programs, but still maintain potential for successful completion.

Specific criteria for entry to the secondary teaching internship are:

  • Successful completion of summer program courses.
  • Approval of faculty to enter the Secondary Education Internship.
  • Placement information (resume, autobiography) for the teaching internship on file with the School of Education, Office of Certification and Advising by April 15.
  • Submit TB test prior to the start of ED 666 to the School of Education, Office of Certification and Advising.
  • Submit completed State Department of Education and Early Development authorization packet (authorization form, fingerprint cards and money order) to the School of Education by April 15. Forms and fingerprint cards will be provided to the student once admitted to the program. These materials will be submitted to the State Department of Education and Early Development. A criminal background check will be completed on all applicants.

Program Requirements

  1. Complete the following for secondary licensure:
    ED 402 -- Methods of Teaching in the Secondary School (2-3 credits)
    ED 429 -- Computer Applications in the Classroom (3 credits)
    ED 490 -- Curriculum Development in Cultural Perspectives (3 credits)
    ED 614 -- Learning, Development and Special Needs Instruction (3 credits)
    ED 657 -- Multicultural Education and School-Community Relations (3 credits)
    ED 658 -- Classroom Organization and Management (3 credits)
    ED 666 -- Secondary Teaching: School Internship I and Seminar (3 credits)
    ED 667 -- Secondary Teaching: School Internship II and Seminar (3 credits)
    ED 687 -- Alaska: Resources, People and Perspectives (3 credits)
  2. Minimum credits required (27 credits)

M.A.T. Degree -- Secondary (admission suspended)

Prospective teachers with bachelor's degrees may earn a Master of Arts in Teaching.

Admission Requirements

Applications from prospective teachers are due on January 15 and are reviewed for admission for the following summer term. Faculty may vote to admit, not admit, or admit with stipulations.

  1. Minimum requirements for admission to the M.A.T. program are:
    1. Complete a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
    2. Meet the requirements for a licensable subject area.
    3. Meet other admission requirements listed under the graduate secondary post-baccalaureate program.

Application Procedures

  1. See applications procedures listed under the graduate secondary post-baccalaureate program.

Degree Requirements

The secondary M.A.T. degree program is for prospective teachers with bachelor's degrees. The degree program consists of two integral parts: (1) post-baccalaureate teacher licensure; and (2) required subject courses. A student may earn the teaching license first and finish the M.A.T. degree later within the 7-year limit for master's degree.

  1. Complete the general university requirements.
  2. Complete the master's degree requirements.
  3. Complete the following M.A.T. degree requirements:
    1. Complete 27 credits of education courses required for secondary licensure*. At least 15 credits must be at the 600 level to complete teaching license.
    2. Complete 9 credits in subject area courses at the 600 level. The single subject areas are:
      • English/language arts/world languages
      • Mathematics
      • Science/technology/skills for healthy life
      • Humanities and social sciences (geography, government and citizenship, history, arts)
  4. Minimum credits required with at least 24 credits at the 600 level (36 credits)

*Selected in consultation with the student's graduate advisory committee.

M.A.T. Degree -- Secondary Licensed Teachers

Licensed teachers with bachelor's degrees may earn a Master of Arts in Teaching.

Admission Requirements

Applications from prospective teachers are due on January 15 or October 1 and are reviewed for admission for the following term. Faculty may vote to admit, not admit, or admit with stipulations.

  1. Complete the following minimum requirements for admission to the M.A.T. program:
    1. Complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a current teaching license and an undergraduate grade point average of a minimum of 3.00.
    2. Complete 1 year of satisfactory teaching or administrative experience in public schools. Alternative experience may be accepted.
  2. Submit scores on the general Graduate Record Examination if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.

Application Procedures for Applicants with a Teaching License

  1. Complete and submit a UAF graduate application form to the UAF Office of Admissions by January 15 or October 1.
    1. Submit 3 letters of recommendation.
    2. Submit a 4-5 page statement of your goals indicating why you wish to study in the education program, your qualifications and educational experience.
    3. Submit scores on the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
    4. Submit a resume/vita.
    5. Submit official transcripts.
    6. Submit a copy of your current teaching certificate.

Degree Requirements

  1. Complete the general university requirements.
  2. Complete the master's degree requirements.
  3. Complete 1 of the following M.A.T. degree requirements:

    Licensed teachers with a bachelor's degree

    1. Complete content* courses at the 300-, 400- and 600-level. At least 9 credits must be at the 600 level . (18 credits)
    2. Complete education* courses. At least 15 credits must be at the 600 level . (18 credits)
    1. Minimum credits required (36 credits)

    * Courses are selected in consultation with the student's graduate advisory committee.

    Licensed teachers with a bachelor's of education degree

    1. Complete content* courses at the 300-, 400- and 600-level. At least 12 credits must be at the 600 level in up to 2 subject areas. (24 credits)
    2. Complete 600-level education courses. (12 credits)
    1. Minimum credits required (36 credits)

M.Ed. Degree

Students may earn an M.Ed. in one of three areas of specialization: Cross-Cultural Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or Language and Literacy. Licensed teachers who wish to add on to their Type A License an endorsement in Bilingual/Multicultural Education, Early Childhood Education, Native Language Education, Reading, or World Language Education, as part of their M.Ed program of study will need to contact the Coordinator of Graduate Programs in the School of Education for specific course requirements.

Admission requirements

Applications will be reviewed on March 1 and October 1 for admission in the following semester. Faculty may vote to admit, not admit or admit with stipulations. Stipulations are specified when additional development in particular areas is needed before beginning a graduate degree program.

  1. Minimum requirements for admission to the M.Ed. program are:
    1. Bachelor's degree and a 3.0 grade point average.
    2. One year of satisfactory teaching or administrative experience. Alternative experience may be accepted.
  2. Complete the following application procedures for the UAF Graduate School:
    1. Submit a graduate application form to the UAF Office of Admissions.
    2. Submit scores on the general Graduate Record Examination if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
    3. Submit a 4-5 page essay which describes your career goals and educational philosophy, and how those goals and philosophy are relevant to the School of Education's mission and education graduate degree program.
    4. Submit official transcripts.
    5. Submit 3 letters of reference.

Degree requirements

  1. Complete the general university requirements.
  2. Complete the following education department requirements:
    1. Complete at least 30 approved credits for the degree.
    2. At least 24 credits must be completed at the 600-level.
    3. A synthesizing paper, to demonstrate mastery of the student's program of study, is required in lieu of the university comprehensive examination requirement.
  3. Complete the following M.Ed. core requirements:
    1. Complete 1 of the following research courses:
      CCS 601 -- Documenting Indigenous Knowledge Systems (3 credits)
      ED 601 -- Introduction to Applied Social Science Research (3 credits)
    2. Complete the following:
      ED/CCS 603 -- Field Study Research Methods (3 credits)
      ED 689 -- Proseminar in Applied Educational Research* (3 credits)
      ED 698 -- Research topic (3)
           or ED 699 -- Thesis (3) (3 credits)
    3. Complete 1 of the following Cross-Cultural Foundations with Focus on Alaska Context Courses:
      ED/CCS 610 -- Education and Cultural Processes (3 credits)
      ED/CCS 611 -- Culture, Cognition and Knowledge Acquisition (3 credits)
      ED 612 -- Cultural and Philosophical Foundations of Education (3 credits)
      ED 616 -- Education and Socioeconomic Change (3 credits)
      ED 620 -- Language, Literacy and Learning (3 credits)
      ED/LING 621 -- Cultural Aspects of Language Acquisition (3 credits)
      ED 631 -- Small Schools Curriculum Design (3 credits)
  4. Complete at least 15 credits of approved electives in consultation with individual student's graduate advisory committee.
  5. Minimum credits required (30 credits)

* Completion of course satisfies requirement for synthesizing paper.

K-12 Reading Endorsement

The UA statewide system offers a K-12 reading endorsement developed as a cooperative effort across the three campuses. The reading endorsement consists of eight courses (seven core, one elective) to be completed in six consecutive semesters. UAF students enrolling in the program enter a cohort that begins together in a summer institute in Fairbanks and continues taking classes in a specific order through the completion of the required 24 credits. The K-12 reading endorsement is granted by UAA. Students may apply these credits to a UAF Masters of Education M.Ed. degree in language and literacy. See the M.Ed. degree for information or contact the UAF School of Education graduate program.

Program Requirements

  1. Complete the following admission requirements:*
    1. Current elementary, secondary or K-12 teaching certificate.
    2. GPA of 3.0 or higher.
    3. Three years teaching experience.
    4. Access to school/class for internship practicum (as demonstrated by letter of support from one or more schools).
    5. Two letters of recommendation.
  2. Complete the following K-12 Reading Endorsement requirements:
    ED 669 -- Reading, Language and Culture (3 credits)
    ED 670 -- Developing Literacy: ECE-12 (3 credits)
    ED 671 -- Reading and Cognition (3 credits)
    ED 672 -- Literature and Reading: Supporting Readers at All Levels (3 credits)
    ED 673 -- Content Reading (3 credits)
    ED 683 -- Instruction and Assessment I (3 credits)
    ED 684 -- Instruction and Assessment II (3 credits)
    Elective (3 credits)
  3. Minimum credits required (24 credits)

* This requirement may be waived upon approval of endorsement advisor.

Type B License

A new UA systemwide Type B License program for those seeking school administrative licensure has been developed as a cooperative effort across the three campuses, with UAA serving as the academic home base for the program. Based on the current Alaska standards for school administrators, the program will include 4 core courses (3 credits each) and an academic year (2 semesters) internship/seminar for an additional 12 credits. The courses will be offered by distance education and on campus according to the following rotating schedule, so as to provide candidates from various circumstances (rural, urban, full-time, part-time) multiple options for meeting the prerequisite requirements and completing different components of the program in an appropriate sequence and a reasonable time frame.

Program Requirements

  1. Complete the following Type B requirements:
    ED F631 -- Small Schools Curriculum Design (3)
         or ED A638 -- Instruction and Curriculum Leadership (UAA) (3) (3 credits)
    ED A637 -- Educational Leadership and Organizational Behavior (UAA) (3 credits)
    ED A639 -- Social and Political Foundations of Education (UAA) (3 credits)
    ED A640 -- School Law and Ethics (UAA) (3 credits)
    ED A641 -- Principal Internship (UAA)* (6 credits)
    ED A642 -- Principal Seminar I (UAA)* (3 credits)
    ED A643 -- Principal Seminar II (UAA)* (3 credits)
  2. Minimum credits required (24 credits)

* Prerequisites are ED A637 (UAA) and ED A640 (UAA).

Note: Courses are offered as follows: ED F631 distance education (spring). ED A637 (fall) and summer (odd years). ED A639 distance education (spring) and summer (even years). ED A640 (spring) and summer (odd years). ED A641, A642 and A643 distance education (fall and spring). ED 638 summer (even years).

Note: Students must complete an application for the Type B program to be reviewed by a statewide admissions committee. For further information please contact the UAA Type B program coordinator office on the UAF campus.

Note: For course descriptions of UAA courses, see current University of Alaska Anchorage catalog.

Ed.S. Degree

The Education Specialist (Ed.S. degree) program has been deleted from this catalog, however program deletion is subject to final review and approval by the University of Alaska Board of Regents.