Curriculum and Teaching
Graduate Programs Admissions Support
Getting Started
Welcome to teacher education at Auburn University. This page is geared towards helping you work through the application process.Graduate School Requirements
Online ApplicationCurrent Résumé
Please plan to provide an electronic version of an updated résumé an/or curriculum vitae in a standard format. File types accepted include .pdf and .docx.Statement of Intent
Doctoral students should be able to provide an electronic version of their statement of intent. This one-page document may include personal reflections on things such as teaching philosophies and career goals.Additional Materials
Some applicants may be required to provide additional matierals as requested. Please note that the admissions committee may can request additional letters of recommendation or even a traditional face to face interview.Desired Program Type
There are multiple levels and types of programs from which you may choose. Picking the most appropriate will save time and confusion in the admissions process.- Graduate Certificate - Results in no certificaiton. Typically 15 credit hours. May be had outside of a degree program. GRE required.
- Master of Science (MS) - Results in no certification. Typically 30 credit hours including orientation and capstone experiences.
- Alternative Master of Education (MED) - Results in Class A certification. Typically 45 credit hours including internship, teaching methods, content, and adviser-approved coursework. GRE Required.
- Traditional Master of Education (MED) - Results in Class A certification. Typically 45 credit hours including teaching methods, content, and adviser-approved coursework. GRE Required.
- Educational Specialist (EDS) - Results in Class AA certification. Typically 30 credit hours beyond master's degree. Includes teaching methods, content, and adviser-approved coursework. GRE may be required.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) - Results in no certification. Typically 90 credit hours including dissertation (10), transfer work (30), and new coursework (50). Includes adviser-approved educational research, teaching methods, and content coursework.
Required Background Check
All applicants on all levels (domestic and international) are required to register with the The Alabama Beuraus of Invistigation. This is done through Cogent ID Systems. Visit the Cogent link below to begin that process. Note that it is important to register with Cogent online before visiting a fingerprint center.https://www.cogentid.com/al/index_adeNew.htm
GRE Scores
Graduate Record Exam scores are required of all applicants. Visit the ETS website to register. Note that official records should go to The Graduate School at Auburn University (code: 1005).To be considered "typical" applicants for MED, MS, and EDS programs will score a cumulative 294 or better on the quantitative and verbals sections. PHD applicants should have a 300 or better. It is important to remember that admissions are considered on a holistic bases and are seldom rejected based on GRE alone.
Note: Applicants who already hold a master's degree with an acceptable GPA may be exempt from taking the GRE. Please work through the program coordinator, Graduate Student Services Coordinator, and/or Graduate Programs Officer for more information. Note that these case are rare exceptions to the rule.
On-Campus or Distance Courses
Many programs offer some or all of their required courses with online options. Please research your intended program area to ensure that its course format meets your needs. Please also be aware that some online programs will require one or more in-person meetings. It is important that applicants work through program coordinators and/or the Coordinator of Graduate Student Services (contact informaiton below).Interstate Distance Learning Agreements
Applicants to online programs are responsible for ensuring that their home states allow for coursework and internship experiences from Alabama. The link below shows a current list of states offering Interstate Distance Learning. Courses taken outside of these agreements may not be valid for home state certification.Additional Requirements
Teaching Certificate
Traditional MED programs require prior teaching certificaiton in one's field. Alternative MED programs do not require such certificaiton but typically include extended coursework. EDS programs require prior master's-level certification. PHD programs are not certified in the State of Alabama and do not always require prior teaching certification for admission.Internships
Alternative MED programs will require a full range of internship and clinical residency experiences. Out of state students should coordinate throught he Professional Education Services (PES) Office to recieve approval to use a local school for internship experiences. These approvals can take several months to process. Students are encouraged to begin thinking about these things early in the program.Teacher Testing
Applicants to alternative MED programs will be required to take the Alabama Basic Skills Test (BST) during their first semester of course work. Also, the Praxis Exam will be required. Please work through the Professional Educaiton Services (PES) Office for information on test dates and availability.WES Transcript Translations
International applicants to certification (MED or EDS) programs must have transcripts translated and evaluated through WES.MOU Regarding Background Checks
Applicants to all programs are required to register with the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. International students may request a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) stating that they will complete a background check upon arrival in the United States. Other applicants must have a clear background check on file before attending classes. Background checks can be initiated through Cogent ID Systems (www.cogentid.com).MOU Regarding Certification
International applicants to MED programs are not eligible for Class A certification as typically awarded for master's programs. Such applicants must complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to document this agreement.Approval Process
The Department of Curriculum and Teaching begins to review applicantion packets once they are considered complete. Complete applicantions contain all of the items mentioned above. Additional matierals may be requested. At that time, the Graduate Studies Committee will review the application and make a recommendation to The Graduate School at Auburn University. Decision notifications to the applicant will be forthcoming at that time. Depending on time of the semeester, applications can take two to four weeks to cyle through the required review steps.Department Contacts
Dr. Sue Barry
Graduate Programs Officer
barryms@auburn.edu
Adam McGhee
Graduate Student Services Coordinator III
acm0049@auburn.edu
Last Updated: July 17, 2015
