Fully Accredited
Affordable Tuition
Transfer Credits Accepted
Distinguished Faculty
Use Your Passion for Education to Make a Difference
Discover the endless opportunities that await you with an education degree from the University of West Alabama. Whether you’re interested in new teaching opportunities, advancing your career as an educator or exploring education roles that function outside the classroom, UWA will prepare you to succeed.
Whether you learn on campus or online, you’ll receive expert instruction from top educators and gain essential critical thinking and communication skills to apply in your career immediately. You’ll also benefit from affordable tuition, an accredited curriculum and an institution driven by success.
- +10% job growth for education occupations through 20301
- More than 920,000 new jobs for education professionals available by 20302
- UWA currently prepares more teachers than any other school in the state of Alabama.
Your Professional Success in Education Starts Here
4 years; 120 credit hours
Explore human, animal and plant biology through hands-on, discovery-based research opportunities and earn a teacher certification.
4 years; 127 credit hours
Gain the teaching skills to make a positive impact in the lives of diverse students and earn Certification in Special Education Collaborative Teacher K–6 and 6–12.
4 years; 123 credit hours
Build a deep understanding of the earliest stages of childhood and help establish the building blocks of education for children 5 and younger.
4 years; 127 credit hours
Become certified to teach at the elementary level and graduate fully prepared to begin your teaching career in Alabama.
4 years; 120 credit hours
Gain career-ready skills with courses that deliver a solid foundation in English and American literature, creative writing and technical writing.
4 years; 120 credit hours
Learn to apply effective teaching methods inside the classroom and become a certified science teacher in Alabama.
4 years; 120 credit hours
Explore social science through a professional lens and take the next step towards becoming a certified teacher.
4 years; 120 credit hours
Build the classroom-ready skills to teach English, history, math, physical education or science at the high school level.
4 years; 120 credit hours
Take the next step toward becoming certified to teach others the value of lessons throughout history.
4 years; 120 credit hours
Design your program by exploring courses across the University of West Alabama’s curriculum.
4 years; 120 credit hours
Develop a strong understanding of the language of mathematics and learn to apply math skills to analyze and interpret data. You’ll graduate with the teacher certification required to begin your career in education.
4 years; 120 credit hours
Explore innovative teaching methods for physical education and gain the skills to become an athletic coach.
2 years; 60 credit hours
Prepare for a successful career as a mathematics tutor or to continue your studies in mathematics at the bachelor’s level.
4 years; 127 credit hours
Prepare for a career in special education and earn a Class B Professional Educator Certificate as you explore collaborative teaching, behavior management, assessment and diagnosis. This hybrid program requires field experience at an Alabama-approved school.
4 years; 123 credit hours
Explore how to promote a student’s mental and physical well-being while studying growth and development, literature, special needs and more.
4 years; 127 credit hours
Gain the skills you need to teach young children from Pre-K through grade 3 and become a certified educator in the state of Alabama.
4 years; 127 credit hours
Earn your Class B Professional Educator Certificate as you build your foundation in elementary education. Explore topics such as measurement and assessment, educational psychology and various effective teaching methods.
4 years; 133 credit hours
Explore zoology, analytical chemistry, human anatomy and more with Alabama’s first fully online General Science Teacher Certificate program.
2 years; 46 credit hours
Pursue a teaching career or change your teaching area with the online alternative teaching certification in biology. This program provides you with master’s-level teaching certification in Alabama and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree.
2 years; 49 credit hours
Pursue a teaching career in early childhood or elementary education while developing a strong understanding of teaching concepts. Explore technology, teaching reading and various subject areas such as science, social studies and mathematics.
2 years; 49 credit hours
Prepare for a career in teaching preschool through third grade while developing a foundation in education, effective teaching and learning methods, educational planning and different subject areas, such as literature and mathematics.
2 years; 49 credit hours
Acquire the credentials needed to become an elementary school teacher as you explore the various methods of effective teaching and learning. While you develop your foundation in elementary education, you’ll study essential topics like educational planning and the current trends in early education.
2 years; 46 credit hours
Pursue a teaching career or change your teaching area with the online alternative teaching certification in English. This program includes master’s-level teaching certification in Alabama and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree.
2 years; 46 credit hours
Pursue a teaching career or change your teaching area with the online alternative teaching certification in science. This program provides you with master’s-level teaching certification in Alabama and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree.
2 years; 46 credit hours
Pursue a teaching career or change your teaching area with the online alternative teaching certification in history. This program provides you with master’s-level teaching certification in Alabama and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree.
2 years; 46 credit hours
Pursue a teaching career or change your teaching area with the online alternative teaching certification in mathematics. This program provides you with master’s-level teaching certification in Alabama and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree.
2 years; 46 credit hours
Gain practical experience while building a foundation in education and exploring curriculum and teaching aspects as applied to physical education.
2 years; 46 credit hours
Pursue a teaching career or change your teaching area with the online alternative teaching certification in social science. This program provides you with master’s-level teaching certification in Alabama and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree.
2 years; 49 credit hours
Build a foundation in special education while exploring various topics such as teaching methods, issues in special education, communication skills and transition planning.
2 years; 52 credit hours
Acquire a solid understanding of special education for Kindergarten through sixth grade. Study technology, special education and collaborative teaching methods, assessment and diagnosis, among other subjects.
1 year; 33 credits
Develop the skills and knowledge you need to successfully teach adult students in a variety of class settings.
1-2 years; 33 credits
Develop a strong foundation in counseling psychology with the online adult continuing education master’s in counseling and psychology.
1-2 years; 33 credits
Earn the credentials to run a successful library media program and become a library teacher for adult students. This program does not lead to certification.
1 year; 34 credits
This non-certification program expands your knowledge in planning, psychology, technology and more to help you meet the social, educational and emotional needs of young children.
1 year; 34 credits
Earn your Class A Professional Educator Certificate for teaching children in preschool through third grade as you prepare for a career as a child care center director, early childhood consultant or preschool teacher.
1 year; 34 credits
Become a more effective teacher in the kindergarten through sixth grade classroom while studying advanced teaching concepts. Explore educational planning, teaching reading, statistics, technology and more.
1-2 years; 33 credits
Focuses on systematic approaches to family counseling that emphasize a non-pathology based perspective for understanding family dynamics and developing strategies for bringing about desired change and ameliorating a wide range of relationship, mental health and life adjustment issues.
1-2 years; 48 credits
Prepare to serve students in P-12 educational environments with the online master’s in guidance and counseling. This program is an exact replica of our MEd in School Counseling certification program, but is designed for students who are not eligible for the school counseling program because they lack a teaching certificate.
1 year; 34 credits
Gain a foundation in advanced teaching concepts for instructing students in sixth through 12th grade. Topics include educational planning, statistics, technology and more.
1-2 years; 34 credits
Explore topics such as school law, supervision, leadership, technology and more in order to become an effective leader in an educational organization. Study how to lead others, advocate for quality educational practices and foster student achievement.
1-2 years; 30 credits
Build your skills for designing, developing and implementing programs/courses and tools that support effective learning in K-12 and higher education settings, as well as corporate environments. The online master’s in learning, design and technology provides you with a strong and advanced foundation for roles in education and corporate environments.
1-2 years; 33 credits
Earn your master’s-level certificate in library media as you explore management, reference services, information services and more.
1-2 years; 33 credits
Build a degree that suits your needs with one of four concentration areas as you prepare for a career in a hospital, corporate fitness or sport management setting. This program does not lead to Alabama teaching certification.
1 year; 34 credits
Learn the skills needed to excel as a physical education instructor for preschool through 12th grade. Study planning and technology, and choose 15 credits of any physical education courses.
1-2 years; 48 credits
Explore counseling techniques, crisis intervention strategies and more used to help students in educational settings through this master’s-level certification program.
1-2 years; 34 credits
Discover how to administer developmentally appropriate education in collaborative and inclusive settings to students in grades six through 12. Study the characteristics and strategies for special needs students, behavioral management and more.
1-2 years; 34 credits
Advance your skills as a special education teacher for Kindergarten through sixth grade. Explore topics such as educational planning, communication skills, technology, special education issues and more.
4 years; 33 credits
Develop the knowledge and skills needed for success in postsecondary education with the online Master’s of Education degree in student affairs in higher education program. You will learn how to thrive in leadership roles, as you study from scholars and practitioners in higher education.
1 year; 33-37 credits
Advance your career as an educator with an online Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of West Alabama. Learn from one of the leading trainers of educators in the state, in an online format designed for working teachers.
1 year; 12 credit hours
Meet requirements to earn a Class B certificate by choosing 12 credits from an approved list of courses.
1 year; 18 credit hours
Make a positive impact in educational organizations through effective leadership practices and prepare for Alabama Class A certification.
1-2 years; 33 credit hours
Work toward advancement in your counseling career as you study advanced topics such as educational research, family and adolescent counseling, leadership and more.
1-2 years; 33 credit hours
Become an early childhood leader as you expand your knowledge and skill set in pedagogy, research, assessment, curriculum and childhood theory.
1-2 years; 33 credit hours
Explore advanced concepts and methods in assessment, curriculum, leadership and research while earning your certification for Kindergarten through sixth grade.
1-2 years; 30 credit hours
Study how to improve instructional programs and provide strategic vision while exploring mentoring strategies, curriculum design, organizational leadership and more.
1-2 years; 33 credit hours
Study strategic planning, instructional design, leadership and more as you explore how to better support learners through library media.
1-2 years; 33 credit hours
Gain Alabama state certification and acquire a solid foundation in counseling as you examine leadership, advocacy and advanced elementary school counseling.
1-2 years; 33 credit hours
Earn your certification as a collaborative special education teacher for sixth through 12th grade as you examine assistive technology, inclusive practices, behavioral analysis and other topics.
1-2 years; 33 credit hours
Study curriculum design, leadership, educational research and more as you expand your knowledge of the trends and issues in the education of K-6 students with cognitive, behavioral, physical or multiple disabilities.
1-2 years; 30 credit hours
Improve the lives of your students with improved instructional practices and knowledge. Topics include leadership, assessment, coaching, mentoring strategies, curriculum, assessment, research and more.
3-4 years; 60-66 credit hours
Gain a deeper understanding of unique challenges, issues and needs in rural education with this doctoral degree, which is the first of its kind in the nation. Choose from four program track options: Counseling, Higher Education Administration, Organizational Change and Leadership or Teacher Leader. Each of these provide specialized expertise for career advancement.
Your UWA Experience
Because your education includes much more than going to class.
Over 2,400 enrolled undergraduate students*
Nearly 60 undergraduate programs
There are countless opportunities to become part of something great at UWA, and the more involved you become, the richer your college experience will be. From service organizations and Greek life to honor societies and social clubs, our beautiful, 600-acre campus has something for everyone.
*In fall 2023 online and on campus enrollment
- Over 60 clubs and student organizations
- Various study abroad opportunities
- UWA is recognized as one of the safest campuses in the nation
- Championship NCAA Division II athletics
- One of the lowest tuition rates in Alabama
An academic experience that meets you where you are.
Over 1,320 enrolled undergraduate students
Over 70 online programs
Whether you live outside of Alabama, have full-time professional responsibilities or have personal commitments that make it difficult to attend class on campus, you can still achieve your goals with an accredited online degree from UWA. As an online student, you’ll receive the same benefits offered on campus, including career and academic support services, competitively low tuition rates and instruction from industry-experienced faculty. Learning online means you can access course materials from the time and place of your choice and complete your degree at a pace that works for your schedule.
- Access course materials from anywhere at any time
- Taught by the same distinguished faculty who teach on campus
- Interactive learning platform
- Supportive academic advisors and guidance from Career Services
Accreditations
The University of West Alabama is committed to providing outstanding education programs designed to prepare students for rewarding and impactful careers. Each degree is accredited and recognized for meeting today’s highest academic standards.
The University of West Alabama is located in the heart of Livingston on the Mississippi border of the state and offers career-focused academic programs on campus and online to students worldwide. Our beautiful 600-acre campus is recognized as one of the safest in the nation and has nature trails along with a 54-acre lake that’s stocked for fishing.
Meet the Demand for Expert Educators
The education field is always in demand, especially in Alabama, as the state faces a shortage of teachers. With an education degree from UWA, you’ll gain the tools for advancement opportunities within the classroom and other roles for educators in the field.
Fastest-Growing Education Occupations2
- Preschool teacher
- Museum curator
- College professor
- Instructional coordinator
- Library media specialist
- Special education teacher
- High school teacher
- Kindergarten teacher
- Elementary school teacher
- Middle school teacher
Sources
- “Education Pays,” 2020. Elka Torpey, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved Jan. 6, 2022 from https://www.bls.gov.
- “Education, Training, and Library Occupations.” Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved Jan. 6, 2022 from https://www.bls.gov.