College of Education and Professional Studies

Dean: Dr. Kimberly S. Gaiters-White

All educator preparation programs are approved by the Alabama State Board of Education. The College of Education and Professional Studies at Jacksonville State University is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation:

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
1140 19th St NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: (202) 223-0077

Accreditation includes the initial teacher preparation and advanced levels of professional education programs offered at JSU.

Educator preparation programs may be altered at any time to meet changes in federal and Alabama State Department of Education regulations.

Table Definitions

MA Master of Arts
MS Master of Science
MSE Master of Science in Education
EdS Education Specialist

Alternative Class A Program

The CEPS offers Alternative Class A Programs for students who completed a non-teaching degree or students who want to change teaching fields. Completion of the Alternative Class A program leads to the Master’s degree and recommendation for Master’s-level Alabama Class A professional educator certification.

Alabama Professional Educator Certificates

The Alabama Professional Educator Certificate licenses an individual to teach in the Alabama Public School System. Alabama has three classes of Professional Educator Certification: Class B, Class A, and Class AA. Individuals may apply for the Class B certificate after completing a bachelor’s-level teacher education program; the Class A certificate after completing a master’s-level teacher education program; and the Class AA certificate after completing an education specialist program. Each class has a different pay structure, which varies by county.

Graduate Degrees and Professional Educator Certification Programs in Education Available at JSU

Major Teaching/Instructional Support Field Degrees Offered Alternative Class Program Availability Alabama Professional Education Certificates
Counselor Education Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS
EdS
N/A
Counselor Education School Counseling (P-12)
MS
EdS
A
AA
Early Childhood Education (P-3) MSE Available A
Early Childhood Special Education (P-3) MSE A
Elementary Education (K-6) MSE Available A
Instructional Leadership (P-12) MSE*
EdS
A
AA
Instructional Technology MS N/A
Library Media (P-12) MSE
EdS
A
AA
Music Education (P-12) Instrumental MA
Available A
Vocal-Choral MA Available A
Physical Education (P-12) MSE
EdS
Available A
AA
Reading Specialist (P-12) MSE A
Secondary Education Biology (6-12) MSE A
Business Marketing Education (6-12) MSE Available A
English Language Arts (6-12) MSE Available A
Family and Consumer
Sciences (6-12)
MSE Available A
General Science (6-12) MSE Available A
General Social Studies (6-12) MSE Available A
History (6-12) MSE A
Mathematics (6-12) MSE Available A
Special Education Collaborative Teacher (K-6) (6-12) MSE Available A
Sport Management MS A
Teacher Leader EdS AA

*A Reduced Credit Hour Option for Certification in Instructional Leadership at the Master's Degree Level is also available.

Education

ED 500  Introduction to Graduate Education and Technology  (1)  

An introductory course for all graduate programs in the College of Education & Professional Studies. It is a requirement for all graduate students (Alternative 5th Year Masters Class A Certificate), and is required during the first semester of classes.

ED 501  Introduction to Graduate Teacher Education  (3)  

This is an introductory course to graduate teacher education and the School of Education Conceptual Framework. Such a course is a requirement for all initial education candidates including Alternative-A Master's candidates, and corresponds to the ED 300 undergraduate requirement. ED 501 is required prior to any practicum courses in the Alternative-A Master's Program and is required prior to teacher education program eligibility. ED 501 can be taken in the first semester of graduate course work.

ED 508  Internship in Applied Teaching and Learning  (3)  

This is a course for teacher candidates whose edTPA submissions did not meet the professional performance standards as defined by the Alabama Department of Education. This course will include an internship clinical experience coupled with support and guidance for retake of the edTPA. Enrollment in ED 508 requires permission of the Department Head and approved edTPA retake plan designed by the candidate and the assigned academic program faculty member.

ED 510  Academic Research for the Teacher  (3)  

Requires Teacher Education Program eligibility. An interpretation and conceptualization of research in education with a focus on how to locate, read, and analyze research as well as educational implications.

ED 595  Internship in Education  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Approval of academic adviser.

Corequisite(s): To be taken concurrently with ED 596 Reflective Practices in Education (3).

Grade: Pass or Fail only. Internship will be under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and a university supervisor. Internship is a semester-long course.

ED 596  Reflective Practices in Education  (3)  

Corequisite(s): To be taken concurrently with ED 595 Internship in Education (3).

This course contributes to the preparation and meaningfulness of the student internship and is a hybrid course. This hybrid course is a blend of face-to-face instruction with online learning. Grade: Pass/Fail

Educational Foundations

EFD 500  Research in Education  (3)  

An interpretation and conceptualization of research in education with a focus on how to locate, read, and analyze research as well as educational implications.

EFD 501  Tests and Measurements  (3)  

Emphasizes statistical underpinnings of testing, technical aspects of measurement, process of test development, interpretation of test scores, sources of testing information, and standardized instruments. Counselor Education students with a community agency counseling concentration may take PSY 512 in lieu of this course by advisement only.

EFD 502  Curriculum Development  (3)  

Overall process of curriculum construction and revision.

EFD 504  Statistical Applications Lab  (1)  

Corequisite(s): EFD 500 Research in Education.

For counselor education majors only. Application and interpretation of descriptive statistics in counseling research. Topics include properties of the normal distribution, defining and measuring variables, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, measures of variability, z-scores, correlation, and reliability computations. Computer software programs such as SPSS and MS Excel will be used to summarize, describe, present, and interpret data.

EFD 510  Proactive Orientation for Teachers  (3)  

Orientation to organizational theory, site-based management, leadership skills, decision-making skills, and problem-solving strategies in secondary schools.

EFD 515  Seminar in Schools and Learning  (2)  

Survey of the psychological, sociological, philosophical foundations of American education.

EFD 521  Independent Research  (1)  

Prerequisite(s): Approval of the instructor and approval of the department head.

EFD 522  Independent Research  (2)  

Prerequisite(s): Approval of the instructor and approval of the department head.

EFD 523  Independent Research  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Approval of the instructor and approval of the department head.

EFD 531  Philosophy of Education  (3)  

Contemporary philosophies of education, their historical development, and the beliefs tantamount to each.

EFD 532  Social Foundations of Education  (3)  

Analysis of current issues and trends throughout society with implications for education.

EFD 552  Diversity Issues in Education  (3)  

Study of issues in multiculturalism, globalism and comparative education as they influenced educational leadership, school curricular design and emerging educational policy.

EFD 560  Psychological Principles of Learning  (3)  

Advanced study of nature of knowledge, learning, and learner with emphasis on the teaching-learning process.

EFD 594  Seminar in Contemporary Education  (3)  

Selected contemporary problems in education.

EFD 615  Leadership in Education  (3)  

Study of theories, models, and techniques for enhancing effective leadership in group settings in the context of site based management; practical applications through self-analysis and skill development.

EFD 620  Measurement and Evaluation in Education  (3)  

Current issues in educational measurement and evaluation, including qualitative and quantitative data analysis and strategies for program development and improvement.

EFD 632  Assessment in Education  (3)  

Current issues in educational assessment, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, strategies for program development and improvement.

EFD 633  Funding for School Improvement  (3)  

Developing federal, state, and local grant resources to enhance school improvement.

EFD 645  Contemporary Challenges in Multicultural Education  (3)  

This course is designed to prepare leaders to meet the needs of a diverse student population and focus on education through sociological and cultural lenses.

EFD 670  Facilitating Quality Instruction in Mathematics with Colleagues  (3)  

Facilitating Quality Instruction in Mathematics with Colleagues (3) Provides opportunities to gather, interpret, and to work with teachers to evaluate materials and best practices related to the teaching of mathematics. Evidence of inquiry may include presentations, lesson plans, projects and lessons taught by teachers.

EFD 672  Facilitating Quality Instruction in Literacy with Colleagues  (3)  

Facilitating Quality Instruction in Literacy with Colleagues (3) provides opportunities to gather, interpret, and to work with teachers to evaluate materials and best practices related to the teaching of literacy. Evidence of inquiry may include presentations, lesson plans, projects and lessons taught by teachers.

EFD 681  Problems in Education I  (3)  

Prerequisites for ECE and EED majors: ECE/EED 631 and ECE/EED 642. Identification and analysis of problems specific to the current educational environment with emphasis on development of innovative and unique solutions. Must be taken after all basic and concentration requirements have been successfully completed.

EFD 682  Problems in Education II  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): EFD 681.

Continuation of identification and analysis of problems specific to the current educational environment with emphasis on development of innovative and unique solutions. Must be taken in the last semester of enrollment.

EFD 691  Advanced Research in Education I  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): To be taken towards the end of the program.

Identification and analysis of problems specific to the current educational environment with emphasis on development of innovative and unique solutions. Must be taken after all basic and concentration requirements have been successfully completed. (This course is cross-listed with IL 691; only one of these courses can be used for course credit.)

EFD 692  Advanced Research in Education II  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): EFD 691.

Continuation of identification and analysis of problems specific to the current educational environment with emphasis on development of innovative and unique solutions. Must be taken in the last semester of enrollment. (This course is cross-listed with IL 692; only one of these courses can be used for course credit.)

EFD 700  Philosophy of Education  (3)  

This course provides an overview of various philosophies of education with emphasis on the implications of their presuppositions on educational theory and practice. It examines the history of educational thought, institutions, and policies in their cultural and philosophical contexts. The course includes an analysis of educational problems and issues in education and has students consider the implications on educational theory and practice in an institution.

EFD 701  Educational Inquiry  (3)  

This course examines scholarly inquiry and ways in which research is situated within social and political contexts. Coursework will aid students in understanding major themes in the field of epistemology. Emphasis will be given to the nature and structure of knowledge and evidence, justification of beliefs, beliefs about "truth," naturalized epistemology and the role of skepticism in inquiry and advanced educational study.

EFD 702  Historical Foundations of Education  (3)  

This course introduces students to the major historical events in the system of American higher education, including the customs, values and traditions that affect students, faculty, administrators, and other stakeholders. In addition, the course examines the philosophical mission and purpose of American schools, colleges and universities, and emerging trends and practices that help to shape and define institutional issues and policies, and other distinctive features.

EFD 703  Data Collection and Management  (3)  

This course introduces students to quantitative and qualitative methods for conducting meaningful inquiry and research. They will gain an overview of research intent and design, methodology and technique, format and presentation, and data management and analysis informed by commonly used statistical methods. The course will prepare students to begin their own research data collection and management and will provide hands-on experience developing data collection and management systems.

EFD 704  Leadership Theory and Behavior  (3)  

This course focuses on an examination of theoretical educational leadership perspectives that have gained prominence over time. Coursework is designed to guide students through a reflection of their personal experiences and goals and use this knowledge to create a plan for developing leadership behaviors as professionals in educational leadership.

EFD 705  Advanced Measurement and Evaluation  (3)  

This course examines advanced research methods, measurement and assessment principles, statistical analytic techniques, standard setting, test bias, and equating. Students will understand how these methods are used to measure and evaluate student progress and how the information gathered through these processes can be used to inform decisions about students, programs, and activities.

EFD 706  Cultivating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education  (3)  

This course explores current educational issues in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world through the lens of theories and concepts such as democratic schools, social justice, feminism, normalization, and equity. Students investigate the critical role of education in a democratic society and understand the role and responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities of education administrators for creating and sustaining a truly inclusive community of learners.

EFD 707  Applied Educational Research  (3)  

This course provides an advanced study of qualitative and quantitative, Single Subject, Descriptive, Correlational, Causal, and Comparative research methods and evaluation research approaches.

EFD 708  Contemporary Issues and Trends in Education  (3)  

This course examines contemporary and emerging issues and trends impacting education. Topics will be dependent upon current national trends. Emphasis will be on developing, analyzing, and clarifying beliefs and practices regarding these issues and trends as they relate to education.

EFD 709  Conducting Dissertation Research  (3)  

This course serves as a guide to the dissertation methodology writing process. Students will synthesize concepts of research, focusing on conducting literature reviews, understanding theory, defining research problems and methods, collecting, and analyzing data, communicating findings, and applying research to solving educational problems.

EFD 710  Leadership for Creative Problem Solving  (3)  

This course defines the nature of change and transformation in education, investigates change strategies, and reviews and refines theories regarding educational transformation. Candidates examine transformative education and the vision, leadership, and drive necessary to create innovative and transformative learning experiences.

EFD 711  Directed Dissertation Proposal  (3)  

Corequisite(s): EFD 760.

This course is designed to assist students in the preparation of their dissertation research proposal. Students will submit an acceptable draft of the first three chapters of their proposal by the end of the course.

EFD 712  Directed Dissertation Research  (3)  

Corequisite(s): EFD 761.

This course provides individualized and independent scholarly investigation and research of an important topic involving teaching, leading and student learning in educational leadership. The focus, content and expectations for this study will be formally established by the doctoral student and supervising professor. With the guidance of a dissertation advisor and a committee, the candidate assumes the responsibility for completing the study and defending both process and results to the dissertation committee.

EFD 714  Directed Dissertation Presentation  (3)  

Corequisite(s): EFD 762.

This course is designed to assist students in the preparation of their dissertation research presentation. Students will also work on proper dissertation formatting and submitting the final dissertation copy for a plagiarism review and binding.

EFD 720  Politics and Governance in Education  (3)  

(General) This course introduces the conceptualization of how education's political structure determines schooling's nature. Students will examine political challenges at the national, state, local, and institutional levels and the resulting implications for primary stakeholders, such as faculty, students, administrators, donors/investors, parents, and employers in education.

EFD 721  Personnel Supervision and Evaluation  (3)  

(General) This course discusses the leadership and management skills required for a human resources program that supports all employees. Students learn the principles and practices needed in recruitment, evaluation, retention, promotion and removal of personnel and maintenance of staff personnel programs. Other key personnel functions include workforce development, benefits and compensation, employee relations, workforce diversity, as well as best practices and future trends in human resource administration and evaluation within education.

EFD 722  Organizational Theory  (3)  

(General) The course examines the organizational dynamics of education institutions, institutional culture, organizational goals, as well as traditional and emerging managerial patterns. Students will use leadership and systems theories as tools to analyze organizational behavior and the relationship of organizational behavior to a variety of contemporary issues and situations in education settings.

EFD 730  Educational Reform: Law, Policy, and the Public School  (3)  

(P-14) This course focuses on the process of law and policy development and the impact of outside forces on the operation of schools and school districts. Students will also explore the connection of law and policy development to educational reform efforts. An understanding of the value and use of qualitative and quantitative research in the formulation of laws, policies and practices will also be gained.

EFD 731  Student Development  (3)  

(P-14) This course is designed to enhance understanding of processes of student learning, growth, and development. Special focus will be directed toward recent theories including holistic models of development, issues of diversity in development, social context of learning, and the extent to which these models are used to guide empirical research and inform practice.

EFD 732  Operational Planning and Administration  (3)  

(P-14) This course examines concepts and theories relating to various forms and approaches of planning at the school district and post-secondary educational levels. Students are introduced to the concept of systemic institutional reform and the challenges facing educational change initiatives. Emphasis is placed on specific skills to perform educational forecasting and management techniques to plan for future events.

EFD 740  Higher Education Budgeting and Finance  (3)  

(Higher Education) This course examines the economic, legal, financial, and budgeting policies affecting the equitable distribution of fiscal resources across and within higher education institutions. Fiscal management and budgeting practices applicable to vocational/technical schools, two-and four-year colleges, and universities are explored.

EFD 741  Law and Ethics in Higher Education  (3)  

(Higher Education) This course examines the legal and ethical principles that guide higher education administration. The focus will be on the historical, contemporary, and emerging legal and ethical issues directly impacting administrators, faculty, staff, and students in American colleges and universities.

EFD 742  The American College Student  (3)  

(Higher Education) This course introduces foundational and contemporary human development theories that offer insight into the processes of student learning, growth, and development during the post-secondary years. Doctoral students will explore how these theories can help predict student behaviors and attitudes of students, to better address student needs and encourage student success.

EFD 743  Student Affairs  (3)  

(Higher Education) This course will explore the historical and philosophical influences and organizational structures that have guided the evolution of higher education and the student affairs profession. Students will examine the purpose, organization, roles, and functions of student affairs and its relationship to the academic community. Students will also explore the support services provided to assist students through their matriculation and assess the effectiveness of support services for academically diverse students.

EFD 744  Issues in Higher Education  (3)  

(Higher Education) This course provides an in-depth analysis of prevalent issues affecting higher education institutions. Historical, philosophical, political, multicultural, and other forces which shape ideas and opinions will be addressed. Emphasis is placed on addressing or resolving the effects of these issues on the total institution.

EFD 750  Topics in Learning Design and Technology  (3)  

(Teaching and Learning) This course explores different strategies for bringing about change leading to curriculum, institutional improvement, evaluation, and technological reform. Students will engage in research that identifies political, ethical, and societal changes that impact curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Students will also utilize trend data to design effective curriculum, instructional methods, and assessments.

EFD 751  Instructional Design  (3)  

(Teaching and Learning) This course provides students with an understanding of instructional design principles and processes such as goal and task analysis, learner and context analysis, instructional strategies, selection and development of instructional materials, and formative and summative evaluation. Students will gain practical experience applying theories of instructional design.

EFD 752  Design, Development, and Evaluation of Online Learning Systems  (3)  

(Teaching and Learning) This course will explore research-based best practices in the design, development, and evaluation of online instruction. Differentiated assignments will also be provided to expose students to technological applications available to support online teaching and learning, characteristics of virtual students, instructional methodologies for online teaching and learning, and future directions of online teaching and learning research.

EFD 753  Advanced Learner Assessment  (3)  

(Teaching and Learning) This course will examine current learning, child development, and ecological theories used to make decisions about classroom management, curriculum, motivation, diversity, exceptionalities, assessment, and instruction. Students will discover how observation, documentation, and assessment can be used to inform understandings about learners and the practice of teaching.

EFD 754  College Teaching and Learning Pedagogies  (3)  

(Teaching and Learning) This course immerses the learner in successful teaching and learning pedagogies in college teaching for classroom-based, experiential, and real-world learning environments. Doctoral students will cultivate their own philosophy of teaching and learning and will explore how students are impacted by faculty engagement, integrated learning experiences, and intentional course design.

EFD 760  Residency I  (0)  

Corequisite(s): EFD 711.

An on-site residency involving peer review, faculty conferencing, and library research consultations. Grades: Pass/Fail.

EFD 761  Residency II  (0)  

Corequisite(s): EFD 712.

An on-site residency involving peer review, faculty statistical workshopping and consultations. Grades: Pass/Fail.

EFD 762  Residency III  (0)  

Corequisite(s): EFD 714.

An on-site residency involving rehearsal and delivery of the dissertation defense. Grades: Pass/Fail.