College of Education
M.Ed. in Elementary Education – Alternative A
Do you already have a bachelor’s degree? You may be eligible to earn a master of education degree and teaching certification without taking on-campus classes. Faulkner University, based in Montgomery, Alabama, offers an online Master of Education in Elementary Education Alternative A certification program.
Program Objectives
Designed to align with state requirements for K-6 educators, this program will lead to a master’s degree and an initial teaching certificate. To be eligible for admission, you must pass the Praxis II Multiple Subjects exam, but you do not need to have prior teaching experience or a bachelor’s in elementary education. Learn more about how to develop your skills as an educator and earn the credentials needed for advanced pay in the state.
Educators in Alabama and other states must hold the proper certification to teach in public schools and many private schools. While some teachers earn this certification after completing a bachelor’s degree in education, others discover their passion for education after gaining work experience or earning a degree in a different field. The Master of Education in Elementary Education Alternative A at Faulkner University is designed for students who want to become elementary school teachers but don’t have the right credentials. This degree program is aligned with Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) elementary certification requirements, and the curriculum equips students with the necessary skills and experience for the Alabama Class A teaching certification.
Program Design and Goals
Educators in Alabama and other states must hold the proper certification to teach in public schools and many private schools. While some teachers earn this certification after completing a bachelor’s degree in education, others discover their passion for education after gaining work experience or earning a degree in a different field. The Master of Education in Elementary Education Alternative A at Faulkner University is designed for students who want to become elementary school teachers but don’t have the right credentials. This degree program is aligned with Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) elementary certification requirements, and the curriculum equips students with the necessary skills and experience for the Alabama Class A teaching certification.
Master of Education Alternative A Curriculum
Students in the online master’s degree programs at Faulkner University have access to the same knowledgeable faculty and comprehensive curriculum available on campus. Courses are taught by instructors with years of relevant experience who are passionate about training the next generation of K-6 educators. The 45-hour program consists of professional studies courses, as well as content-specific coursework.
An Online Program Designed to Fit Your Needs
At Faulkner University, we understand it can be challenging to move into a new field while balancing work, family life, and other responsibilities. With the Master of Education in Elementary Education Alternative A program, you can attend class from anywhere, giving you the flexibility to meet your goals. Take courses on a timeline that works for you, while still gaining access to the same high-quality, Christian education that Faulkner University is known for. Upon completion of the program, you will be awarded a Master of Elementary Education degree and an Alabama Alternative Class A Certification in Elementary Education K-6.
PROGRAM RESOURCES
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission, applicants must pass the Praxis II Multiple Subjects exam as dictated by the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP). New students will be accepted into Faulkner University’s online Master of Education in Elementary Education Alternative A certification program twice per year.
After receiving a passing grade on the Praxis II Multiple Subjects exam for K-6 elementary, you may apply to Faulkner University’s online program. Students who wish to apply to the online Master of Education in Elementary Education Alternative A certification program must complete the following steps:
Summary of Required Application Materials
- Completed Application
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- Must hold a valid bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university. Must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher or a Master’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Personal statement of lifetime goals (250 words)
- Three (3) recommendations
- Passing scores from all required exams
Mail all additional items to:
Faulkner University
Attn: Graduate Enrollment
5345 Atlanta Hwy
Montgomery, AL 36109
You may submit up to six credit hours to be transferred from another university. Transfer requests are subject to approval by ALSDE.
The following requirements are necessary to complete the Alternative Class A program.Â
- A minimum GPA of 3.25 on all courses used to meet the requirements on the approved program checklist for Alabama State Board of Education educator preparation program.
- Completion of the required number of hours of clinical experiences.
- Completion of all ALSDE Teacher Certification requirements, including a passing score on the AECAP exams, successful completion of edTPA, and all the proper paperwork (including fingerprinting and ALSDE background check).
- Completion of all institutional requirements for graduation (i.e., filing proper forms with the Registrar’s Office, clearance with the Financial Aid Office, and clearance with the Business Office). This includes an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting the candidate’s bachelor’s degree.
- Completion and final approval of the internship portfolio, which shows evidence of competencies and completion of the above requirements. The candidate’s completed portfolio will hold all course artifacts.
- Satisfactory ratings on dispositional forms from professors for each education course taken.
Graduate Tuition and Fees
| TUITION | |
| Master of Arts in Biblical Studies | $510 per semester hour |
| Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Family Ministry | $510 per semester hour |
| Master of Arts in Family Life Ministry | $510 per semester hour |
| Master of Arts in Humanities | $485 per semester hour |
| Master of Business Administration | $580 per semester hour |
| Master of Education | $485 per semester hour |
| Master of Science in Counseling | $565 per semester hour |
| Master of Science in Justice Administration | $565 per semester hour |
| Master of Science Management - One year | $555 per semester hour |
| Master of Science Management - Two year | $500 per semester hour |
| Master of Science in General Psychology | $570 per semester hour |
| Master of Science in Psychology and Disability Services | $570 per semester hour |
| Certificate in Disability Services | $570 per semester hour |
| Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies | $920 per semester hour (starting Fall 2026) |
| Master of Speech and Language Pathology | $750 per semester hour |
| Master of Speech and Language Pathology - Online | $750 per semester hour |
| Master of Theology | $510 per semester hour |
| PhD in Biblical Studies | $585 per semester hour |
| PhD in Health Sciences | $780 per semester hour |
| PhD in Humanities | $660 per semester hour |
| Doctor of Physical Therapy | $750 per semester hour |
| Doctor of Occupational Therapy | $750 per semester hour |
| FEES | |
| General Fee | $350 per semester ($250 if 5 hours or less) |
| Online Course Fee (for fully online course) | $75 per semester hour |
| Applicable Course Fees (see fees below) |
Admissions and contact
For additional information, please contact our enrollment team:
Phone 334.386.7140
Email graduateenrollment@faulkner.ed
Faculty & Staff Directory
Jeannie Allen
Assistant Professor
Sandy Ledwell
Professor / Dean, COE
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