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
Schedule an appointment Opens an external link.
Individual Degree Requirements
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Arts Education
On the UAB Graduate School application:
- Select Alternative Master of Arts in Education or Master of Arts in Education
- For music, select Choral or Instrumental as a concentration.
Deadlines
- Fall: July 15
- Spring: November 15
- Summer: April 15
Requirements
- Bachelor’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
Additional Requirements
For admission to the traditional master’s in music:
- Valid Class B music certification from the ALSDE
- Juried audition at graduate level with UAB music faculty
- Music theory assessment (if needed)
For admission to the AMP in music:
- GPA of at least 2.5 on the bachelor’s degree transcript
- Undergraduate major in music and certain prerequisite courses
- 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)
For admission to the AMP in visual arts:
- GPA of at least 2.5 on the bachelor’s degree transcript
- Undergraduate major in studio art, art history, or related
- Passing score on the Art Praxis #5134
- Background clearance per instructions on the ALSDE website
- Art portfolio (if needed)
-
Community Health and Human Services
Deadlines
- MAED: This master's degree program admits students based on the UAB Graduate School's application deadlines.
- PhD: April 30 (Fall-only admission)
Requirements
MAED
Prospective students must complete the online application and also submit the application fee. They must send one official transcript to the UAB Graduate School:
UAB Graduate School
LHL G03
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-0013Transcripts should be mailed directly from the issuing institution(s) and reflect all completed coursework. The MAT/GRE test is not a requirement for admission and has been waived. We require three (3) letters of recommendation and prefer them to be submitted through the online application, though we will accept hard copies mailed to the School of Education and Human Sciences at the address provided above. We also require all applicants to submit responses to professional questions in which they describe their academic training, professional experience, and career goals as they relate to community health education. International applicants must request that their official TOEFL test score or official IELTS test score be sent to the UAB Graduate School, and they themselves should mail to the Graduate School a Financial Affidavit of Support.
Please note: College graduates may take a few courses (up to 12 credit hours) in the community health master’s degree program to determine if our program is the right one for them. Prospective students must fill out a non-degree seeking graduate student application form obtainable from the UAB Graduate School. If such students are later admitted to the CHHS master’s degree program, they may apply their earned credits towards the total number required for completion of the MAEd.
PhD
Candidates for admission must enter the program with a master's degree in health education, community health, human services, or other related field from an accredited institution.
Applying for admission to the Community Health Promotion PhD program begins with completing an online application through the UAB Graduate School.
- Complete and submit online application for admission to the Graduate School
- Submit all required materials (see ‘indicators’ below)
- Pay application fee online with credit card/debit card
- Ask the individuals from whom you request references to respond online to the form they will receive via email from the Graduate School (this form is sent automatically to your references by UAB as soon as you submit your application).
Request transcripts from all prior institutions to be sent to UAB including institutions where you might have taken only one course (information on how to do this is provided in Apply Yourself). The preferred email addresses for electronic submission of transcripts are as follows:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. andThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . - Submit official TOEFL or IELTS test score (for international applicants only) NOTE: International applicants must also meet all international requirements opens a new website. This includes mailing your Financial Affidavit of Support.
Indicators
The admissions committee considers these indicators when making admission decisions:
- Graduate degree (minimum of a master's) in a health-related field
- Transcripts
- Professional resume/CV – make sure to include professional experience, presentations, and publications
- Admissions Essay – In approximately two single-spaced pages, explain why you are applying to this program. When writing this essay, consider these questions: What life experiences led to your decision to apply and what attracted you to this program? What are your research interests and career goals? How will this program help you pursue those research interests and career goals?
- GPA (minimum of 3.25 on previous graduate work)
- Three recommendations/letters of reference
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.
-
Counseling
Simple Admissions Process
- Deadlines:
- Fall: March 1
- Spring: September 1
- No Summer admissions
- Requirements:
- Undergraduate GPA: Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts
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:
- career goals,
- aptitude for graduate-level study consistent with program delivery type, and
- 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.
- Deadlines:
-
Early Childhood Education
Deadlines
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: December 1
- Summer: May 1
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from a regionally accredited university
- A Class B or Class A Alabama teaching certificate, depending on what degree you are pursuing (Class B = Master’s, Class A = PhD)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Essay
- Official transcript
- Resume or CV
-
Educational Studies in Diverse Populations
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
- 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 transcripts can be emailed or mailed to the Office of Student Services
- Transcripts from an accredited institution
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- Presentations at state, regional, and national conferences
- Publications
- Professional involvement
- Interview with faculty
-
Educational Studies MAEd
Deadlines
- Fall: July 15
- Spring: November 15
- Summer: April 15
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Official transcripts emailed (or mailed) to Office of Student Services
- Letters of recommendation
- Faculty interview
-
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
Deadlines
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: December 1
- Summer: May 1
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from a regionally accredited institution
- A Class B ALSDE Teaching Certification or out-of-state equivalent
-
Higher Education Administration
Requirements
- Undergraduate GPA: A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts can be emailed or mailed to the Office of Student Services
- Resume/ CV
- Statement of purpose
- Three professional recommendations
- Faculty interview
-
Learning Design and Learning Sciences
Deadlines
Fall and Spring admissions follow the UAB Graduate School admission dates opens a new website. There are no summer admissions.
Requirements
- Undergraduate GPA: A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official Transcripts can be emailed or mailed to the Office of Student Services
- Transcripts from an accredited institution
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- Written response to the provided prompt during the admissions process
- Resume/CV
-
Kinesiology: Exercise Physiology
Deadlines
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: December 1
- Summer: May 1
Requirements
- 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
- Official transcript
-
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
- Alternative:
-
School Psychology & Psychometry
Deadlines
- All programs except School Psychology EdS:
- Fall: July 15
- Spring: November 15
- Summer: April 15
- School Psychology EdS:
- Fall: July 15
Requirements
- A minimum 2.75 Undergraduate GPA
- Official transcripts can be emailed or mailed to the Office of Student Services
- School or district administrators complete the Assurance of Support for Applicant Form emailed to Stephanie Corcoran (
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) - 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
- All programs except School Psychology EdS:
-
Special Education
Deadlines
- Fall: July 15
- Spring: November 15
- Summer: April 15
Requirements
- Undergraduate GPA: A minimum 2.5 GPA
- Official transcripts can be emailed or mailed to the Office of Student Services
- Valid Alabama Teaching certificate (not required for Alternative Program)
- Traditional Master’s Program: Class B
- Educational Specialist Program: Class A
- 3 letters of recommendation