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To apply for any of the UAB School of Education and Human Sciences graduate programs, please review the steps below. Whether you want to advance your teaching career, become a school or district-level instructional leader, hone your research skills in one of our kinesiology laboratories, or work as a health educator, the UAB School of Education and Human Sciences has a program for you.

Step 1: Review Admissions Requirements

In addition to the requirements for admission to the UAB Graduate School opens a new website, the School of Education and Human Sciences programs have specific requirements for admission.

NOTE: Individual degree requirements are listed below.

Step 2: Know Your Deadlines

Application deadlines and available start terms vary from program to program. Although most deadlines align with the UAB Graduate School (Fall: July 15, Spring: November 15, Summer: April 15), please check your specific program details below to ensure you’re aware of when applications must be submitted.

Step 3: Apply Online

Once you know your program’s requirements and deadlines, you’re ready to apply!

Graduate School Application Opens an external link.

Step 4: Reach Out to Our Recruiter for Help

Mary Frances Lembke, the School’s graduate recruiter, is happy to answer any questions that you might have about deadlines, requirements, and the actual application. Her email is mlembke@uab.edu and phone is (205) 996-8791. Additionally, you can schedule an appointment with her below.

Schedule an appointment Opens an external link.


Individual Degree Requirements

  • Arts Education (MAEd, Alt MAEd)

    Deadlines (All Degrees)

    • Fall: July 15
    • Spring: November 15
    • Summer: April 15

    Requirements (Alternative Master’s Degree: Visual Arts Education)

    • Overall GPA of at least 2.5 on the bachelor’s degree transcript
    • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
    • Undergraduate major in studio art, art history, or related
    • Passing score on the Art Praxis #5134
    • Background clearance per instructions on the ALSDE website
    • Official Transcript(s)- Click Requirements drop down to see more detailed instructions regarding transcripts
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Personal statement

    Requirements (Traditional Master’s Degree - Music Education [Choral/instrumental])

    • Valid Class B music certification from the ALSDE (Note: you do not need to provide a copy. Our Office of Student Services will verify your level of certification through their system)
    • Juried audition at graduate level with UAB music faculty (only necessary if student plans to opt for in person applied lessons or ensemble electives)
    • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
    • Music theory assessment (if needed)
    • Official Transcript(s)- Click Requirements drop down to see more detailed instructions regarding transcripts
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Faculty interview
    • Essay

    Requirements (Alternative Master’s Degree - Music Education [Choral/instrumental]):

    • Overall GPA of at least 2.5 on the bachelor’s degree transcript
    • Undergraduate major in music and certain prerequisite courses
    • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
    • Passing score on the Music Praxis #5113
    • Background clearance per instructions on the ALSDE website
    • Juried audition at graduate level with UAB music faculty
    • Music theory assessment (if needed)
    • Official Transcript(s)- Click Requirements drop down to see more detailed instructions regarding transcripts
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Faculty interview
    • Essay
  • Community Health and Human Services (M.A.Ed, PhD, Certificates)

    Deadlines

    Requirements (Master’s - Community Health)

    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Statement of purpose
    • Resume/CV
    • Official transcript(s)
    • If you are an international student, you must also satisfy requirements set forth by the UAB Graduate School. Please see the “Requirements” opens a new website tabs for more information

    Requirements (PhD - Community Health Promotion)

    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Graduate degree (minimum of a master's)
    • Professional resume/CV – make sure to include professional experience, presentations, and publications
    • Official transcript(s)
    • Admissions Essay
    • GPA (minimum of 3.25 on previous graduate work)
    • If you are an international student, you must also satisfy requirements set forth by the UAB Graduate School.Please see the “Requirements” opens a new website tabs for more information

      If the admissions committee feels the student is a good candidate for the program, a faculty member from the committee will be in contact for an interview. If you are an international student, you must also satisfy requirements set forth by the UAB Graduate School. Please see the “Requirements” opens a new website tabs for more information.

    Requirements (All Certificates)

    • Official transcript(s)
    • Essay
    • If you are an international student, you must also satisfy requirements set forth by the UAB Graduate School. Please see the “Requirements” opens a new websitetabs for more information

  • Counseling (M.A., Certificates)

    Simple Admissions Process

    • Deadlines (Master's):
      • Fall: March 1
      • Spring: September 1
      • No Summer admissions 
    • Requirements:  
      • Undergraduate GPA: Minimum 2.75 GPA
      • Three letters of recommendation  
      • Personal statement
      • Official transcripts
    • Deadlines (Certificates):
      • Summer Only: April 1

    Admission Process for Counseling Programs 

    Consideration for admission to graduate study in Counseling will occur in the fall and spring semesters. The completed application must be received by the Counseling Program from the Graduate School by the deadlines shown here.

    NOTE: Applicants to the Marriage, Couples and Family (MCF) or Clinical Mental Health (CMH) certificate program are not required to submit all documents listed below. Instead, applicants for the MCF or CMH certificate submit an abbreviated application via the UAB Graduate School website. 

    Admission to graduate study in Counseling is initiated through the Graduate School and all required materials are to be submitted per specified instructions delineated by the Graduate School opens a new website.

    Requirements
    • Each applicant seeking admission to a Counseling program concentration must include, with the other required materials, a typewritten statement of professional purpose that reflects the applicant’s background, development, pertinent work-related experience, professional career objectives and specified ways that completion of this program will contribute to his/her goal for becoming a professional counselor
    • undergraduate GPA: 2.75 or better

    Admissions

    Per the 2024 Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP) Standards, admission decisions must include consideration of each applicant’s:

    1. Career Goals
    2. Aptitude for graduate-level study consistent with program delivery type, and
    3. Potential success in forming effective counseling relationships with diverse populations.

    Given these requirements, the admission committee considers multiple sources of information when making decisions. The admissions committee considers previous/current grade point average, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.  

    In addition, applicants deemed to have acceptable GPA, strong references, and appropriate statement of purposes will be invited for an interview that will include a series of small group interviews, a group experience, and a possible writing sample with the Counseling faculty. Applicants should not infer they have been admitted into the program if granted an admissions interview. 

    The Counseling faculty will make admission decisions after reviewing the applicant's credentials in their entirety, and some candidates meeting minimum requirements may not be admitted. Further, the faculty reserves the right to make subjective decisions about a candidate’s ability to appropriately complete graduate work, which may influence the decision to admit. Candidates participating in the interview may be given one of two decisions: a) admit, b) denied. Students are notified of their admission status following the interview. 

    Non-Degree Seeking Students 

    Potential students may take classes prior to admission to the Counseling Program as non-degree seeking students. However, such students are limited to 12 hours of coursework that may be transferred into the Counseling Program. Non-degree seeking students may enroll in elective courses with the permission of the program. It is important for them to make an advising appointment with the Counseling Program Director prior to enrolling in courses. They are not permitted to take courses not designated as open to non-degree seeking students.

    It is also important to note that students taking coursework as a non-degree seeking student do so at their own risk. Enrolling and passing non-degree seeking coursework does not guarantee admission into the program, as admission criteria are the primary factors considered when reviewing student suitability for the program.

    For more information about this option, please contact our graduate recruiter (Mary Frances Lembke - mlembke@uab.edu)

  • Early Childhood Education

    Deadlines (Traditional Master’s - Early Childhood Education)

    • Fall: August 1
    • Spring: December 1
    • Summer: May 1

    Deadlines (PhD)

    • Fall: July 15
    • Spring: November 15
    • Summer: April 15

    Requirements (Traditional Master’s - Early Childhood Education)

    Requirements (PhD)

    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Statement of purpose
    • Official transcripts
    • Resume or CV
    • Experience teaching early childhood education

    For international students, you must also satisfy requirements set forth by the UAB Graduate School. Please see their International Applicants Requirements for more information.

  • Early Childhood Special Education

    Deadlines

    • Fall: July 15
    • Spring: November 15
    • Summer: April 15

    Requirements (Traditional)

    • Official transcripts can be emailed or mailed to the Office of Student Services
    • Valid Alabama Class B Teaching certificate
    • 2 letters of recommendation
    • Personal Statement: Please write a brief statement of purpose summarizing your academic interests, career goals, and relevant background experience.

    Requirements (Alternative)

    • Undergraduate GPA: A minimum 2.5 GPA
    • Official transcripts can be emailed or mailed to the Office of Student Services
    • 2 letters of recommendation
    • Background clearance per instructions on the ALSDE website
    • Passing Praxis scores
    • Personal Statement: Please write a brief statement of purpose summarizing your academic interests, career goals, and relevant background experience.
  • Educational Leadership Education Specialist

    Deadline to Apply

    July 1, to start in the fall semester

    November 1, to start in the spring semester

    April 1, to start in the summer semester

    Requirements

    • Hold a master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a valid Alabama Class A certificate in Instructional Leadership, or a Professional Leadership Certificate, or one of the other Class A leadership certificate designations per Rule 290-3-3-.43(2)(b)
    • Meet one of the experience criteria according to Rule 290-3-3-.43(2)(c). For example, currently serving as a school administrator, documented three years of employment in an instructional leadership position with proper certification, or demonstrate abilities in the Class A Instructional Leadership standards prior to admission (typically evidenced by completion of a Class A Instructional Leadership program).
    • Applicants who did not complete a Class A Instructional Leadership program on or after Sept. 8, 2005 must successfully pass an admissions portfolio and interview.

    More information about the process and the portfolio can be accessed in the program information folder Opens an external link..

  • Educational Leadership MAEd

    Deadline to Apply

    July 1, to start in the fall semester

    November 1, to start in the spring semester

    April 1, to start in the summer semester

    Requirements

    • Hold either a bachelor’s degree and a valid Alabama Class B professional educator certificate, or a master’s degree and a valid Class A professional educator certificate, in a teaching field or instructional support area.
    • Minimum GPA of 2.5 in latest program of study
    • Experience: Applicants must meet on of the following criteria:

    Option One: a minimum of three full years of full-time, acceptable, professional educational experience in a P-12 setting which must include one full year of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience; or

    Option Two: For those with Alabama certification for library media or school counseling, a minimum of four full years of full-time employment in a school system as a library media specialist or school counselor in a P-12 setting and provide a written recommendation from the current employing superintendent

    • An acceptable score on an Admissions Portfolio and Admissions Interview.

    More information about the process and the portfolio can be accessed in the program information folder Opens an external link..

  • Educational Leadership Post-Master’s Certificate

    Deadline to Apply

    July 1, to start in the fall semester

    November 1, to start in the spring semester

    April 1, to start in the summer semester

    Requirements

    • Hold a master’s degree and a valid Alabama Class A professional educator certificate in a teaching field or instructional support area
    • Minimum GPA of 2.5 in latest program of study
    • Experience: Applicants must meet on of the following criteria:

    Option One: a minimum of three full years of full-time, acceptable, professional educational experience in a P-12 setting which must include one full year of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience; or

    Option Two: For those with Alabama certification for library media or school counseling, a minimum of four full years of full-time employment in a school system as a library media specialist or school counselor in a P-12 setting and provide a written recommendation from the current employing superintendent

    • An acceptable score on an Admissions Portfolio and Admissions Interview.

    More information about the process and the portfolio can be accessed in the program information folder Opens an external link..

  • Educational Studies in Diverse Populations (PhD)

    Cohorts begin every other year, in even-numbered years. Degree-seeking applications are due March 1 in even-numbered years for admission to cohorts starting in the Fall. 

    Requirements

    • GRE
    • A graduate-level degree, minimum of a master’s, in a related field
    • 3.25 GPA on a previous graduate degree
    • Professional resume/ CV
    • Admission essay on why you are applying to the program
    • Official Transcript(s)- Click Requirements drop down to see more detailed instructions regarding transcripts
    • Transcripts from an accredited institution
    • Three (3) letters of recommendation
    • Presentations at state, regional, and national conferences
    • Publications
    • Professional involvement
    • Interview with faculty
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)

    Deadlines

    • Fall: July 15
    • Spring: November 15
    • Summer: April 15

    Requirements

    • Bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
    • Official transcripts emailed (or mailed) to the Office of Student Services
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Faculty interview
    • Valid Alabama certification for admission to certification tracks
      • Traditional Master’s: Class B
      • Educational Specialist: Class A
    • Additional requirements for admission to the alternative master’s
      • Undergraduate GPA: minimum 2.5
      • Passing score on the ESOL Praxis #5362
      • Background clearance per instructions on the ALSDE website 
  • Elementary Education (M.A.Ed)

    Deadlines

    • Fall: July 15
    • Spring: November 15
    • Summer: April 15

    Requirements (Traditional Master's - Elementary Education)

    • A Class B ALSDE Teaching Certification or out-of-state equivalent in the same field in which the Class A Teaching Certificate is sought
    • State-approved background clearance (pdf)
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Statement of Purpose
    • Official Transcript(s)- Click Requirements drop down to see more detailed instructions regarding transcripts

    For international students, you must also satisfy requirements set forth by the UAB Graduate School. Please see their International Applicants Requirements for more information.

  • Higher Education Administration (M.S., Certificate)

      Deadlines

    • Fall: August 1
    • Spring: December 1
    • Summer: No Summer Admission
    • Requirements (M.S - Higher Education Administration)

    • Undergraduate GPA: A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
    • Official Transcript(s)- Click Requirements drop down to see more detailed instructions regarding transcripts
    • Resume/ CV
    • Statement of purpose
    • Three professional recommendations
    • Committee interview
    • Requirements (M.S - Higher Education Intercollegiate Athletic Administration)

    • Undergraduate GPA: A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
    • Official Transcript(s)- Click Requirements drop down to see more detailed instructions regarding transcripts
    • Resume/ CV
    • Statement of purpose
    • Three professional recommendations
    • Committee interview
    • Requirements (Certificate - Higher Education Administration)

    • Statement of purpose
    • Official Transcript(s) - Click Requirements drop down to see more detailed instructions regarding transcripts
    • One professional recommendation
  • Learning Design and Learning Sciences (M.S., Certificate)

      Deadlines

    • Fall: August 1
    • Spring: December 1
    • Summer: No Summer Admission
    • Requirements (M.S.)

    • Official Transcript(s) - Click Requirements drop down to see more detailed instructions regarding transcripts
    • Undergraduate GPA: A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale>
    • Undergraduate GPA: A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
    • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
    • Transcripts from an accredited institution
    • Two (2) letters of recommendation
    • Written response to the provided prompt during the admissions process
    • Resume/CV
    • Requirements (Certificate)

    • Official Transcript(s) - Click Requirements
    • drop down to see more detailed instructions regarding transcripts
    • Resume/CV
  • Exercise Physiology (M.S., Certificates)

    Deadlines (M.S., Certificates)

    • Fall: August 1
    • Spring: December 1
    • Summer: May 1

    Requirements (M.S.)

    • A minimum 2.75 GPA undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution must be awarded before starting the program
    • Pre-requisite courses: Undergraduate or graduate level biology, chemistry, human anatomy, and human physiology courses with a grade of 'C' or higher. A human anatomy and physiology course is acceptable
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Essay
    • Resume
    • Official transcript(s)

    Requirements (Coaching the Intercollegiate Scholar Athlete Certificate)

    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Essay
    • Resume
    • Official transcript(s)

    Requirements (Clinical Exercise Physiology Certificate)

    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Essay
    • Resume
    • Official transcript(s)
  • Kinesiology: Physical Education with Teacher Certification

    Deadlines

    • Fall: July 15
    • Spring: November 15
    • Summer: April 15

    Requirements

    • AMP:
      • 2.5 GPA
      • Background check
      • A score of 149 or higher on the Physical Education Praxis Assessment (#5091)  
    • Traditional Masters:
      • Valid class B teaching certificate in physical education
      • Background clearance
      • 500-word essay
      • Interview 
    • Educational Specialist:
      • Class a teaching certificate in physical education
      • Background clearance
      • 3.0 GPS from an accredited college or university
      • 500-word essay
      • Interview. 
  • Secondary Education

    Deadlines

    • Alternative:
      • Fall: July 15
      • Spring: November 15
    • Traditional:
      • Fall: July 15
      • Spring: November 15
      • Summer: April 15

    Requirements

    Alternative Master's
    • Bachelor’s in related field
    • Qualifying Praxis Content Area Score (updated test codes can be found under the "secondary education" drop down on the Praxis website opens a new website)
    • 2.5 GPA
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Essay
    • Official transcripts
    • Background Check
    • Completed UAB Grad School App
    Traditional Master's
    • Class B Certification in appropriate teaching field
    • 3.0 GPA
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Essay
    • Official transcripts
    • Completed UAB Grad School App
  • School Psychology & Psychometry (MAEd, EdS, Certificate)

    Deadlines (MAEd - School Psychometry)

    • Fall: July 15
    • Spring: November 15

    Deadlines (Post-Master's Certification)

    • Fall: July 15
    • Spring: November 15

    Deadlines (EdS - School Psychology)

    • Fall: July 15

    Requirements (Post Master's Certification - School Psychometry)

    • A minimum 2.75 Undergraduate GPA
    • Official Transcript(s)- Click Requirements drop down to see more detailed instructions regarding transcripts
    • School or district administrators complete the pdfAssurance of Support for Applicant Form emailed to Stephanie Corcoran (corcoran@uab.edu)
    • Valid Alabama Class A certificate (or higher) or equivalent out-of-state certificate
    • Criminal background clearance
    • Documentation of two years, Full-Time Satisfactory P-12 professional educational work experience
    • One letter of recommendation

    Requirements (Post Master's Certification - School Psychometry)

    • A minimum 2.75 Undergraduate GPA
    • Official Transcript(s)- Click Requirements drop down to see more detailed instructions regarding transcripts
    • School or district administrators complete the pdfAssurance of Support for Applicant Form emailed to Stephanie Corcoran (corcoran@uab.edu)
    • Valid Alabama Class A certificate (or higher) or equivalent out-of-state certificate
    • Criminal background clearance
    • Documentation of two years, Full-Time Satisfactory P-12 professional educational work experience
    • Essay

    Requirements (Post Master's Certification - School Psychometry)

    • A minimum 2.75 Undergraduate GPA
    • Official Transcript(s)- Click Requirements drop down to see more detailed instructions regarding transcripts
    • School or district administrators complete the pdfAssurance of Support for Applicant Form emailed to Stephanie Corcoran (corcoran@uab.edu)
    • Valid Alabama Class A certificate (or higher) or equivalent out-of-state certificate
    • Criminal background clearance
    • Documentation of two years, Full-Time Satisfactory P-12 professional educational work experience
    • One letter of recommendation
    • Faculty interview
    • Essay
  • Special Education

    Deadlines

    • Fall: July 15
    • Spring: November 15
    • Summer: April 15

    Requirements (Traditional)

    • Official transcripts can be emailed or mailed to the Office of Student Services
    • Valid Alabama Class B Teaching certificate
    • 2 letters of recommendation
    • Resume/CV
    • Personal Statement: Please write a brief statement of purpose summarizing your academic interests, career goals, and relevant background experience.

    Requirements (Alternative)

    • Undergraduate GPA: A minimum 2.5 GPA
    • Official transcripts can be emailed or mailed to the Office of Student Services
    • 2 letters of recommendation
    • Background clearance per instructions on the ALSDE website
    • Personal Statement: Please write a brief statement of purpose summarizing your academic interests, career goals, and relevant background experience.
    • Passing Praxis scores

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