2003-2004 UAF Catalog

Degrees and Programs

Education

School of Education
(907) 474-7341
https://www.uaf.edu/educ/

Degrees: B.A., M.Ed.

Minimum Requirements for Degrees: B.A: 127 credits; M.Ed.: 30 credits; Post baccalaureate graduate elementary licensure: 27 credits; Post baccalaureate secondary licensure: 33 credits; Music K-12 licensure: 33 credits

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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 rural campuses, 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 two degrees: bachelor of arts in elementary education and a 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 several 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 Kuskokwim (Bethel), Bristol Bay (Dillingham and Naknek), Interior-Aleutians (Unalaska and rural education centers throughout the Interior), Chukchi (Kotzebue) and Northwest (Nome) 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 mission of the School of Education.

Priority for enrollment in field-based courses is given to rural 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's Student Services Office.

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 Student Services Office 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 School of Education's Student Services Office for a current list of approved courses.

B.A. Degree, Elementary Education

The bachelor of arts in Elementary Education is an undergraduate degree program in which students are assessed relative to national and state standards, including National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) standards, the Alaska Teacher Standards, the Alaska Student Content Standards and the Alaska Standards for Culturally Responsive Schools. The degree provides students on the Fairbanks Campus and in rural remote sites with the coursework and classroom experiences necessary to be eligible for an elementary teacher license. The integrated major/minor degree requirements are designed to prepare students to meet standards that recognize, respect and build upon the unique cultural, linguistic and geographic factors specific to the Alaska context.

The degree requirements are interdisciplinary and provide breadth in the content areas necessary for successful teaching at an elementary level and depth in the opportunities to connect theory and practice in a variety of real classroom, school, and community contexts. Students completing this degree benefit from collaborative efforts with academic departments across campus and from School of Education partnerships with a wide range of Alaska's rural and urban schools and districts.

The central components of the degree include: (1) subject area coursework in the designated UAF core requirements; (2) additional subject area coursework in those areas important for successful teaching at an elementary level; (3) an integrated set of education courses and fieldwork experiences in schools and in the community, throughout the program, provide the foundation necessary for a successful professional internship year; and (4) a capstone year-long school internship with a mentor teacher, with concurrent enrollment in professional coursework that focuses on the integration and application of theory, research and practice in real school environments. Students follow the calendar of the school or district in which they complete their internship.

Degree and program requirements include multiple types of on-going assessments throughout the programs. There is a strong emphasis on performance assessment and portfolio development and evaluation relative to national and state standards.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, as a student seeking a B.A. degree in Elementary Education, provides students with the opportunity to enroll in and complete subject area courses and a series of education courses that provide a foundation for participation in the final Professional Internship year. All students, however, must submit the materials listed below and meet admission requirements as a prerequisite for participation in the Professional Internship year (i.e., prior to enrollment in professional year courses and prior to receiving an internship placement in a classroom). Declaring a B.A. in Elementary Education as one's major does not guarantee acceptance to the Professional Internship year.

Internships begin in August or September on the date when teachers return to school (this varies across districts). Since internship placements are arranged with principals and mentor teachers in the spring, all materials necessary for determining admission to the School of Education must be submitted by February 1. In order to make valid and reliable judgments about each applicant's knowledge, skills and dispositions prior to approval for the year-long internship in a classroom with elementary children, faculty in the School of Education use multiple criteria to make admission decisions.

The following information must be provided to the School of Education's Student Services Office by February 1.

  1. Copies of transcripts from all institutions attended
  2. Evidence of completion of all B.A. degree in Elementary Education degree courses (except for those required in the Professional Internship Year), with a minimum of a 2.75 overall GPA, a 2.0 in each major academic area, and a C or better in the UAF Core communication courses and in all required education and math courses. Students with less than a 2.75 overall GPA may be considered for conditional admission in special circumstances
  3. Alaska passing scores from the Praxis I exams in reading, writing and math
  4. Two letters of reference that address qualifications and potential as a teacher
  5. A current and complete resume/curriculum vitae
  6. Completion of two one-page essays on topics determined by the School of Education
  7. Completion of the Elementary Teacher Education Academic Analysis and Life Experiences/Work Form and the Life Experiences Form to provide information on breadth and depth of prior coursework and/or documented life experiences relative to ten Alaska Student Content Standard areas.
  8. Completion of a one-to-two-page autobiographical sketch (appropriate for presenting to prospective principals and mentor teachers)
  9. Completion of extemporaneous writing sample
  10. Evidence of technology competence at a level appropriate for the year-long internship
  11. Evidence of successful experiences in teaching and learning situations based on evaluations from teachers or community members who participated in applicant's previous classroom and community fieldwork experiences
  12. Evidence of ability to work collaboratively and respectfully in cross-cultural contexts
  13. Submission of completed Alaska Student Teacher Authorization Packet (including fingerprint cards and criminal background check. Forms are available from the School of Education)
  14. Interview, when appropriate

Note: Students are admitted for a specific academic year and must reapply if they do not enroll in the year in which they were reviewed.

 

Undergraduate Program

Major

Elementary Education-- B.A.Degree

  1. Complete the general universityrequirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete the following*: ANTH/SOC 100X, HIST 100X, PS 100X, MATH 107X* or 161X*, ART/MUS/THR 200X, BIOL 100X or 104X, CHEM 100X or PHYS 115X**. Students who choose the language option to meet core perspectives on the human condition requirements can submit their language credits only for the ENGL/FL 200X and the core ethics requirements.)
  2. Complete the following B.A. degree and program (major) requirements:
    1. Complete the following mathematics requirements:*
      MATH 205 -- Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I (3 credits)
      MATH 206 -- Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers II (3 credits)
    2. Complete 1 of the following:
      GEOS 100X -- Introduction to Earth Science (4 credits)
      GEOS 125X -- Humans, Earth and the Environment (4 credits)
      PHYS 116X -- Physical Science II ** (4 credits)
    3. Complete the following social sciences requirements:
      ANTH 242 -- Native Cultures of Alaska (3 credits)
      GEOG 101 -- Introductory Geography (3)
           or GEOG 203 -- World Economic Geography (3) (3 credits)
      HIST 131 -- History of the U.S. (3 credits)
      HIST 461W -- History of Alaska (3)
           or HIST 115 -- Alaska, Land and Its People (3) (3 credits)
      PSY 101 -- Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
      PSY 245 -- Child Development (3 credits)
    4. Complete the following humanities requirements:
      ENGL 271 -- Introduction to Creative Writing -- Fiction (3)
           or ENGL 272 -- Introduction to Creative Writing -- Poetry (3)
           or ENGL 314W,O/2 -- Technical Writing (3)
           or JRN 311W -- Magazine Article Writing (3) (3 credits)
      ENGL 306 -- Survey of American Literature:
      Beginnings to the Civil War (3)
           or ENGL 307 -- Survey of American Literature:
      Civil War to Present (3)
           or ENGL 308 -- Survey of British Literature:
      Beowulf to the Romantic Period (3)
           or complete another literature-focus course (3) (3 credits)
      JRN 486 -- Media Literacy (3)
           or JRN 308 -- Film and TV Criticism (3) (3 credits)
      LING 101 -- Nature of Language (3)
           or LING 303W,O -- Language Acquisition (3) (3 credits)
    5. Demonstrate competence in technology skills (through School of Education assessment) or completion of ED 429 -- Computer Application in the Classroom (3 credits)
    6. Complete the following education requirements:*
      ED 110 -- Becoming a Teacher in the 21st Century (1 credit)
      ED 201 -- Introduction to Education (3 credits)
      ED 204 -- Literature for Children (3 credits)
      ED 330 -- Assessment of Learning (3 credits)
      ED 350 -- Communication in Cross-Cultural Classrooms (3)
           or ED/ANS 420 -- Alaska Native Education (3) (3 credits)
      ED 410W -- Foundations of Literacy Development (3 credits)
      EDSE 422 -- Curriculum and Strategies II: high Incidence (3 credits)
      EDSE 482 -- Inclusive Classrooms for All Children (3 credits)
    7. Complete the following professional internship year with integrated coursework (first semester):
      ED 411 -- Reading, Writing. Language Arts: Methods and Curriculum Development (3 credits)
      ED 412W -- Integrated Social Studies and Language Arts: Methods and Curriculum Development (3 credits)
      ED 413 -- Mathematics and Science: Methods and Curriculum Development (3 credits)
      ED 466 -- Internship and Collaborative Student Teaching (3 credits)
      ED 467 -- Portfolio Development I (1 credit)
    8. Complete the following professional internship year with integrated coursework (second semester):
      ED 310 -- Art, Music and Drama in Elementary Classrooms (3 credits)
      ED 327 -- Physical Education and Health in Elementary Classrooms (3 credits)
      ED 468O -- Internship and Student Teaching (6 credits)
      ED 469 -- Portfolio Development II (1 credit)
  3. Minimum credits required (127 credits)

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each core communications, mathematics and education course.
** If PHYS 115X is completed for the core, a student cannot take PHYS 116X to fulfill the science requirement in the major.

 

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. 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 204 -- Literature for Children (3 credits)
    ED 330 -- Assessment of Learning (3 credits)
    ED 350 -- Communication in Cross-Cultural Classrooms (3)
         or ANS/ED 420 -- Alaska Native Education (3) (3 credits)
    ED 410 -- Foundations of Literacy Development (3 credits)
    EDSE 482 -- Inclusive Classrooms for All Children (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)
         or ANS/ED 420 -- Alaska Native Education (3) (3 credits)
    PSY 240 -- Lifespan Developmental Psychology (3)
         or PSY 245 -- Child Development (3) (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 School of Education's Student Services Office for list of approved elective courses.

 

Post-baccalaureate Licensure Programs

Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Licensure Program

Offered through the Elementary Teacher Education Partnership (ETEP) program in Fairbanks and through the Rural Educator Preparation Partnership (REPP) program through distance delivery.

The elementary teacher post-baccalaureate 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 complete the undergraduate courses ED 201, 330, 410, and EDSE 482 can use these to fulfill the summer requirements. During the academic year of the school district, students complete two semesters of integrated university courses and internship.

At the end of the school year, if students have successfully 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 and the Multicultural Education/Cross-Cultural Communication courses 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.

Elementary applicants may choose to complete this licensure program as part of the M.Ed. degree in curriculum and instruction, however, application to the M.Ed. degree program should be made at the beginning of elementary post-baccalaureate coursework to avoid losing credits for the M.Ed. 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 undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
    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.
    5. Interns will be required to submit negative TB test results to their placement schools. Some school districts may require interns to submit a physical examination form.

Program Requirements

  1. During the summer semester complete the following 9 graduate level credits; or complete ED 201, 330, 410 and EDSE 482 prior to August 1st of the internship year.
    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 624 meets the State of Alaska requirement for an approved multicultural/cross-cultural communication course.

  2. Complete the following professional internship year with integrated coursework (fall and spring semester):
    ED 412W -- Integrated Social Studies and Language Arts: Methods and Curriculum Development (3 credits)
    ED 458 -- Elementary Internship: Student Teaching (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 629 -- Teaching to the Standards: Integrating Content, Pedagogy and Context, II (3 credits)
    ED 642 -- Portfolio Preparation: Integrating Theory and Practice (3 credits)
  3. Minimum credits required (27 credits)

Secondary Post-Baccalaureate Licensure Program with M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction Option

Delivery offered in Fairbanks or through the Rural Education Preparation Partnership (REPP) program. This is an intensive, classroom-based secondary licensure program (33 credits) that prepares post-baccalaureate candidates for secondary (grades 7-12) teaching positions. The program is specifically designed to prepare candidates to teach in multicultural settings in Alaska. Content that addresses multicultural issues in general, and Alaska rural issues in particular, is contained specifically in EDSC 457/657 -- Multicultural Education and School-Community Relations, and is a fundamental component of the coursework within the program. In a year when funding is available, a rural practicum is required of all secondary candidates completing their program. Upon successful completion of a yearlong internship and coursework and State of Alaska licensure requirements, upon request, candidates are recommended for a teaching license. Candidates who have completed a State of Alaska approved Alaska Studies course will be eligible for a five-year Type A license. Others will be eligible for a two-year Type A provisional license. The program is accredited by NASDTEC and under NASDTEC standards until 2006.

Candidates who apply as graduate applicants may simultaneously pursue teacher licensure and the M.Ed. curriculum and instruction degree. Significant additional coursework will be required (See M.Ed. degree requirements).

Admissions Process and Graduate Applicants Requirements

Admission to the graduate-level post-baccalaureate licensure program with M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction option for secondary education candidates, includes meeting requirements of the UAF Graduate School and the School of Education. Graduate candidates will take five of the licensure courses at the graduate (600) level.

  1. Submit the following directly to the UAF Office of Admissions):
    1. UAF graduate application for admission and admission fee.
    2. Official transcript of bachelor's degree from accredited institution.
    3. Graduate Record Examination scores if undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0.
    4. Three current letters of reference that address qualifications and potential as a teacher.
    5. A vitae/resume.
    6. A personal statement indicating reasons for becoming a teacher, assessment of academic and personal strengths relative to teaching, future plans, description of direct experience with adolescents in supervisory or instructional capacities, and reason for selecting the secondary post-baccalaureate licensure program.

Admissions Process and Undergraduate Applicants Requirements

Admission to the undergraduate secondary post-baccalaureate licensure program, includes meeting requirements of the undergraduate admission process; and the School of Education. Candidates that do not gain acceptance into the Graduate School may apply to the undergraduate program. Students will take their courses at the undergraduate (400) level and will not be able to apply these courses towards a M.Ed. degree.

  1. Submit the following information directly to the UAF Office of Admission:
    1. UAF undergraduate application and $35 application fee.
    2. Official transcript of bachelor's degree from accredited institution, minimum grade point average of 2.75.

School of Education Requirements

Submit the following directly to the UAF School of Education:

  1. Alaska passing scores from the Praxis I exam in reading, writing and mathematics.
  2. Three letters of reference that address qualifications and potential as a teacher. Graduate applicants need not submit letters directly to the School of Education, the UAF Office of Admissions will forward copies of your admissions packet.
  3. A personal statement indicating reasons for becoming a teacher, assessment of academic and personal strengths relative to future teaching plans, description of direct experience with adolescents in supervisory or instructional capacities, and reason for selecting the secondary post-baccalaureate licensure program. Graduate applicants need not submit a copy of their personal statement directly to School of Education, the UAF Office of Admissions will forward a copy.
  4. Extemporaneous writing sample. Contact the School of Education advising office for date, time and location information.
  5. Demonstrated evidence of technology competence or completion of ED 429 -- Computer Applications in the Classroom, or an equivalent course approved by the School of Education.
  6. Demonstrated evidence of completion of degree in a content area suitable for teaching in a public secondary school as determined by the School of Education or appropriate academic department.
    • Additional content courses may be recommended or required for placement in a secondary internship. Candidates should seek early advising regarding content requirements.
    • All candidates applying for admission to the secondary post-baccalaureate licensure program in spring 2006 or later, will be required to meet new undergraduate degree requirements as listed in admission checklists.
    • Evaluation of transcript for equivalency of an academic major may be requested.
    • Candidates may request an evaluation for content equivalency from the School of Education in interdisciplinary social studies and interdisciplinary English/language arts.
    • * Praxis II passing scores as set by the State of Alaska (currently available in mathematics, English, general science, French and German) may be used to support competency in these areas.
    • The Department of Education and Early Development will, on request, add additional endorsement areas based on an 18 credit minor posted on an intern's transcript.
  7. Applicants must submit a placement packet. Contact the School of Education for specifics. The School of Education determines placement approval, change or termination.

Application Review Process

Applications are due on March 1 and are reviewed thereafter for admission in the summer semester. Applications of outstanding candidates may be considered through spring semester. A candidate may be admitted, not admitted, or admitted with stipulations. Stipulations are specified when additional development in particular areas is needed before beginning a secondary post-baccalaureate program.

The UAF School of Education coordinates with appropriate academic departments the review and evaluation of the candidate's qualifications, professional experiences and academic performance based on the contents of his/her application. The secondary post-baccalaureate program is a selective teacher education program. A comprehensive system, that includes more than one measure, is used to assess the personal characteristics, communication skills, and basic skills proficiency of candidates preparing to teach. Multiple assessment measures include a review of transcripts, content area strengths and/or Praxis II scores, personal statement and/or writing proficiency exams, Praxis I and/or GRE exam scores, and letters of reference. A personal interview will be required as part of the admission process.

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 candidate progress in knowledge, skills and disposition, 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 candidates 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.
  • Candidates will be required to submit negative TB test results to their placement schools. Some school districts may require candidates to submit a physical examination form.
  • State of Alaska Certificate of Authorization packet, fingerprint cards and money order in the amount of $66 to the School of Education by June 1st (this fee is non refundable once submitted to the State of Alaska). These materials will be submitted to the State of Alaska for a criminal background check. Fees are subject to change. These materials will be provided to the student.

Program Requirements

  1. Complete the following for secondary licensure:
    EDSC 402 -- Methods of Teaching in the Secondary School (3 credits)
    EDSC 407 -- Developing Literacy in the Content Areas (3 credits)
    EDSC 414/614 -- Learning, Development and Special Needs Instruction (3 credits)
    EDSC 415 -- Foundations of Modern Educational Practices (3 credits)
    EDSC 431/631 -- Secondary Instruction and Assessment in the Content Area* (3)
         or EDSC 432/632 -- English/Language Arts Secondary Instruction and Assessment* (3)
         or EDSC 433/633 -- Mathematics Secondary Instruction and Assessment* (3)
         or EDSC 434/634 -- Science Secondary Instruction and Assessment* (3)
         or EDSC 435/635 -- Social Studies Secondary Instruction and Assessment* (3) (3 credits)
    EDSC 442/642 -- Portfolio Preparation: Integrating Theory and Practice (3 credits)
    EDSC 457/657 -- Multicultural Education and School-Community Relations (3 credits)
    EDSC 458/658 -- Classroom Organization and Management (3 credits)
    EDSC 471 -- Secondary Teaching: School Internship I and Seminar (3 credits)
    EDSC 472 -- Secondary Teaching: School Internship II and Seminar (3 credits)
  2. Minimum credits required (33 credits)

* Candidates must take the section or course that corresponds with their major teaching content areas.

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 universityrequirements.
  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.

Master's in education degree (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction Options for Post-baccalaureate Elementary Licensure Program Students

Following completion of the year-long, post-baccalaureate elementary licensure program, ETEP students can pursue an M.Ed. degree 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 the master's degree requirements must be met within seven 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.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction

  1. Complete all graduate-level, post-baccalaureate elementary licensure ETEP program requirements.
  2. Complete the general universityrequirements.
  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.

M.Ed. Degree -- Curriculum and Instruction -- Secondary Option

Following the completion of the year-long secondary post-baccalaureate licensure program, students can pursue an M.Ed. degree in Curriculum and Instruction if they choose to do so. Fifteen graduate credits from the secondary post-baccalaureate licensure program can be used to meet the M.Ed. degree Curriculum and Instruction requirements. Courses are available through UAF by distance-delivery and on the Fairbanks campus. Students can enroll in courses during summer and academic years. Program requirements must be met within seven years.

  1. Complete all graduate-level, post-baccalaureate licensure program requirements.
  2. Complete the general universityrequirements.
  3. Complete M.Ed. degree requirements.
  4. Request permission from the candidate's graduate committee to use graduate-level secondary licensure coursework.
  5. Complete the 15 core credits required for an M.Ed. degree (see section on M.Ed. degree).
  6. Minimum credits required* (30 credits)

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

Guidance and Counseling M.Ed. degree:

Students may earn an M.Ed. degree in Guidance and Counseling. Refer to the Guidance and Counseling program section of this catalog for more information.

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 master 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 1 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.

Special Education Endorsement and M.Ed.Degree

The University of Alaska Anchorage's Statewide special Education Program offers a 24 credit Special Education Endorsement and a 24 credit M.Ed. in General Special Education or Early Childhood Special Education. UAA serves as the academic home base for this program with faculty members located on all three main University of Alaska campuses. Many courses will be offered both by distance delivery and on campus to provide candidates multiple options for meeting the requirements.

Note: Students must complete an application to the Special Education Program. For further information, please contact the UAA Special Education Program in Anchorage or the UA Special Education program coordinator office on the UAF campus.

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

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.

InterdisciplinaryPh.D.Degree

Students wishing to further their education beyond a master of education degree may pursue an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. degree. For more information, refer to the program section on Interdisciplinary Studies -- Ph.D. degree.

Title II mandated annual report on Teacher Education programs

Report April 2002.

Total number of teacher preparation students enrolled during 2000-2001: 332

Number of students in programs of supervised student teaching academic year 2000-2001: 83

Total number of supervising faculty during 2000-2001:18

The ratio of student teachers/interns to supervising faculty was 4.6

The number of hours per week required of student participation in supervised student teaching in these programs was: 32-40 hours. The total number of weeks of supervised student teaching required is 12-18. The total number of hours required is 480-576 hours. (first number = student teachers; second number = interns)

Information about state approval or accreditation of teacher preparation programs:

  • Is the UAF teacher preparation program currently approved or accredited by the state? Yes
  • Is the UAF teacher preparation program currently under a designation as "low-performing" by the state (as per section 208 (a) of the HEA of 1998)? No