Instructional Leadership Reduced Hour Option (Teaching Certification Only)

Note: Students enrolled in the reduced hour option (RHO) are not eligible for financial aid.

Admission to the reduced hour option (RHO) certification only program requires the following:

• A master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Current Alabama Class A professional educator certificate in a teaching field or instructional support area
• Experience Options:
  • Experience Option One: Three years of full-time professional educational experience in a P-12 setting, including one year of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience
  • Experience Option Two: Alabama Class A certification as a library media specialist, school counselor, speech-language pathologist, school psychometrist or school psychologist and four full years of full-time employment, in the same school system, as a library media specialist, school counselor, speech-language pathologist, school psychometrist or school psychologist in a P-12 setting
• 3.0 GPA or higher in a completed graduate degree program
• Submission of an application portfolio to the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy and Technology Studies to include:
  • Copy of most recent performance appraisal
  • Evidence of ability to improve student achievement
  • Evidence of leadership potential
  • Resume/vitae
  • Statement identifying reasons for pursuing degree
  • Statement outlining program expectations
  • Copy of teaching certificate
  • Completed EXP form
    • Experience must be verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form. The applicant should complete Page 1. The current and/or previous school system(s) (usually the HR department) should complete Page 2. (In lieu of the notary requirement, the signing official may attach a business card.) The school system may email the completed form to Dawn Bryant (debryant@ua.edu) as long as the original is also mailed to the address below (not to the address on the form).Questions related to acceptable experience or certification should be directed to Dawn Bryant, graduate admissions and certification coordinator, at debryant@ua.edu. The original form should be mailed to:

The University of Alabama College of Education
ATTN: Dawn Bryant
Box 870231
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0231

A completed Graduate School application package includes unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended, three letters of recommendation (one from current employing principal/superintendent), and a statement of purpose. Applicants applying under Experience Option Two must provide a written recommendation from the current employing superintendent.

Application Deadlines

• May 1 – summer admission
• July 1 – fall admission
• Nov 15 – spring admission

All prospective certification-only students should contact Dawn Bryant (debryant@ua.edu), graduate admissions and certification coordinator in the College of Education, before beginning an application.

Instructional Leadership RHO (Teaching Certification Only) Application Instructions:

• Begin your graduate application through the UA Graduate School. When you reach the “Program of Study” page, section “Academic Program” follow these instructions:
  • For “Program Type” select Distance (Online/Blended/Gadsden)
  • For “Select degree type” use the drop-down menu to select Non-Degree
  • For “Select course of study” use the drop-down menu to select Non-Degree Education Student Certification
  • A new drop-down menu will appear for “Select your area of focus, if applicable” – use the drop-down menu to select Educational Leadership
  • For “Campus” select Distance Learning 

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to these degree programs that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.