College of Education

JEFFREY T. FAIRBROTHER, Dean and Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor
JARED RUSSELL, Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs
DAVID CROWE, Assistant Dean for Assessment and Certification Officer
RODNEY GREER, Assistant Dean for Research

THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION is home to innovative thinkers and doers, working together to meet society’s education and health challenges, building better futures for all. College of Education graduates are equipped for a variety of career options as educators, administrators, health professionals, counselors, rehabilitation specialists, and more, transforming their communities, our nation, and the world. Through our shared commitment to service and equity, undergraduate and graduate students have unique opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning, real-world research, and compelling outreach.

The College of Education prepares students to excel as education, health, and rehabilitation leaders through several distinct academic areas represented by:

Admission to the College

Review Auburn University admission requirements for general admission guidelines and specific degree or program sections for any additional requirements. On-campus students may request a transfer into the College of Education by contacting their current academic advisor for their program area. Although currently enrolled students may transfer into any of the college's undergraduate majors, students transferring into the Teacher Education Majors should review GPA restrictions and other admission requirements. Please discuss progression and completion requirements with an academic advisor in the College of Education.

Additionally, College of Education students are charged a fee for professional liability insurance.

Accreditation and Approvals

Auburn University ’ s College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). All programs preparing teachers and other professional school personnel are approved by the Alabama State Board of Education (ALSBE). In addition, the state of Alabama signs the National Association of State Directors of Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement which facilitates the applications of AU ’ s graduates who have met all Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) certification requirements when they apply for certification in other states. Students planning to teach in a state other than Alabama, should contact that state's certification agency to ensure compliance with any additional state requirements.

Undergraduate Degrees

The College of Education offers many undergraduate degree options, including several minors, with a focus on teacher preparation, health, and rehabilitation studies.

Teacher Education Majors

The college ’ s teacher education majors are designed to ensure that program graduates have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to help all students learn. These programs maintain selective admission, retention, and graduation requirements and are in compliance with the Alabama State Board of Education ’ s (ALSBE) rules for educator preparation. Therefore, it is critical that students meet with their academic advisor for guidance throughout the program to ensure state guidelines are followed to meet certification requirements. All transfer courses must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution. Detailed information on the specific requirements for teacher education admission, clinical experiences, clinical residency, graduation, certification, and assurance of competence is available in the Teacher Education Majors Section or on the College of Education website.

AUTeach

AUTeach is a teacher preparation program designed for undergraduate science students in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM). Students completing the AUTeach program along with their COSAM degree will explore the profession of science teaching through a hands-on approach, graduate with a double major, and will be certified to teach secondary science in Alabama public schools. Currently, students majoring in Chemistry, Physics, or the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Concentration of Biomedical Sciences can complete the double-major in four years. Other programs might require additional time. Please visit https://auburn.edu/auteach for details on the program and to request additional information.

Health and Rehabilitation-related Majors

Exercise science and exercise, performance, and health optimization programs are offered in the School of Kinesiology. These programs promote knowledge about physical activity and performance. They prepare students for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, corporate wellness or cardiac rehabilitation, coaching, strength and conditioning, or personal training. The Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling offers one program in rehabilitation and disability studies. This program prepares undergraduates to work in the professional positions that assist individuals with disabilities in achieving maximum independence through expanding knowledge of the complexities of disability within the context of society. Students are prepared to become professionals in the fields of disability studies and services that include counseling, allied health fields (occupational therapy/physical therapy), case management, human services, and supported employment.

Graduate Degrees

The College of Education offers graduate programs that prepare professionals in the fields of education, kinesiology, counseling, and rehabilitation. Offerings include M.Ed., M.S., Ed.S., D.PT., and Ph.D. degree programs, graduate minors, and graduate certificates.

Non-degree Programs

The Physical Activity and Wellness program is a non-degree program that requires 8 hours (4 courses), including KINE 1100, Wellness, and 3 courses (each one from a different category of physical activity). Categories include cardio-respiratory fitness (PHED 1200s), fitness and conditioning (PHED 1300s), team sports (PHED 1400s), individual sports (PHED 1500s), performance activities (PHED 1600s), and aquatic skills (PHED 1700s). Students who complete the 8-hour program may apply for a Physical Activity and Wellness Certificate, issued by the School of Kinesiology. Students may also elect to take individual courses, without completing the 8-hour program. Of course, students may elect to take more than four courses if they desire to use the program to ensure a regular physical activity program.

The Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success, or EAGLES program is a comprehensive transition program (CTP) for students with intellectual disabilities. EAGLES provides a post-secondary education opportunity for students with intellectual disabilities to engage in a two or four-year campus experience to help students achieve their employment and independent living goals upon successful completion of the program. The EAGLES program is a non-degree program focusing on (1) academic enrichment, (2) personal and social skills, (3) independent living skills, (4) health and wellness, and (5) integrated work experiences. Students in the program receive an inclusive post-secondary education providing them with an enriching and rewarding Auburn experience as they prepare to transition to gainful employment, that aligns with the student ’ s strengths and interests and independent living. The EAGLES program curricula are structured to help students become contributing members of society through their career interests both now and in the future.

Minors

The College of Education offers five undergraduate minors, including community music, counseling, office systems management, sport coaching, and training and workforce development.

Additionally, graduate minors include critical studies in education, psychology of learning, and sport management.

Majors

Minors

Graduate Programs

The College of Education offers graduate programs that prepare professionals in the fields of education, kinesiology, counseling, and rehabilitation. Offerings include M.Ed., M.S., Ed.S., D.PT., and Ph.D. degree programs, graduate minors, and graduate certificates.

Departments

Curriculum and Teaching — Graduate Certificate, MEd, MS, EdS, PhD

Degree Programs

Graduate Certificates

Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology — Graduate Certificate, MEd, MS, EdS, PhD, Minor

Degree Programs

Graduate Certificates

Minors

School of Kinesiology — Graduate Certificate, MS, DPT, PhD, Minor

Degree Programs

Graduate Certificate

Graduate Minor

Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling — Graduate Certificate, MA, MEd, MS, EdS, PhD

Degree Programs

Graduate Certificates

Special Requirements for Graduate Programs that Lead to Educator Certification

Each academic department in the College of Education offers one or more degree programs that prepare educator professionals. These program offerings include the Master’s of Education (M.Ed.), Master’s of Science (M.S.), and Education Specialist (Ed.S.).

Master’s Degrees (MEd or MS)

The college offers two options for master’s degrees that lead to certification. Most traditional M.Ed./M.S. programs are designed for individuals to further develop knowledge and skills within the same subject area as their initial certification. However, there are special cases for individuals pursuing a traditional M.Ed./M.S. for the following fields: English for speakers of other languages, reading specialists, special education, school counseling, and instructional leadership. The Alternative M.Ed./M.S. option is designed for individuals who have a baccalaureate degree in another field and want to earn their first teaching certificate.

Traditional Master’s Option

Admission Requirements to the Traditional Master’s Option