Description of the Program

A focus on how to adjust instruction and assessment to maximize learning opportunities for all students in the K-6 classroom. The overall "theme" of the program is differentiated instruction so you will be provided in-depth instruction on different aspects of teaching that can impact students in different ways. The goal is to expand the professional educator's "toolbox" by teaching different paradigms of instruction. 

Admission Requirements

  • Holds a minimum of a bachelor's degree;
  • Holds a valid teaching certificate in elementary education (K-6);
  • Pass the GRE/MAT requirements, OR have 3 years of successful teaching, OR 3.0 undergraduate cumulative GPA, OR other master's degree.

How to Apply


To be considered for admission to all subjects/concentrations of the Master’s of Education program, applicants must complete the following steps:

  1. Create your Charger Status account and submit the UAH graduate application for admission.
  2. Submit official college transcript to the UAH Graduate Admissions Office through an electronic delivery service. UAH Graduate Admissions accepts official transcripts from Parchment and Student Clearinghouse.
  3. Upload the following items directly to your application through Charger Status.
    • Personal Statement
    • Valid ALSDE Teaching Certificate in K-6 education (certificates from other states may be considered)
  4. Please note, a GRE or MAT score may be required upon the review of your application.

Degree Requirements

Core Courses = 4 courses (12 hours)

ED 530

Applied Multiculturalism

3 hours

Online

Through an examination of constructs such as race, ethnicity, social class, gender, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation, students will develop a theoretical understanding of the connections between identity, difference, power, and privilege and the role(s) schools (could/should) play in perpetuating or ending discriminatory practices. Furthermore and importantly, students will develop an understanding of the ways research in both the humanities and social sciences can be used to interpret, analyze, and critique multiculturalism.

ED 535

Introduction to Applied Educational Research

3 hours

Online

Introduction to the nature of research and its relationship to educational thought and practice. Primary focus will be on planning and executing research activities(i.e. action research, thesis development) in the diverse classroom and analyzing the collected data to improve instruction, educational performance and adding to the body of knowledge on educational practices.

ED 540

Advanced Cognitive Psychology

3 hours

Online

Designed to inform students about recent developments in Cognitive Psychology and their implications for teaching and learning. Students will leave ED 565 with a variety of “cognitive understandings” for use in differentiated classrooms.

ED 565

Introduction to Differentiated Instruction

3 hours

Online

Provides an introduction to the philosophy and practice of differentiation. Examines the elements, content, process, product, affect and learning environment, by which instruction can be differentiated to address the complex challenges of meeting the diverse learning needs of all students.

Concentration Courses = 6 courses (18 hours)

ED 570

Differentiated Instruction for Special Populations

3 hours

Online

Provides practical strategies to maximize learning for all students, particularly those with disabilities, gifted/talented, and English language learners (ELL). Students will learn to utilize differentiated instruction to benefit both general and special education students simultaneously. This will include learning to select, implement, and evaluate lesson accommodations and modifications for students with exceptional needs.

ED 620

Curriculum Integration of Technology

3 hours

Online

Designed to teach how modern technology (blogs, text-messaging and Skype) can be used to improve learning in classrooms. Additionally, teachers will use educational technology in non-school environments such as museums, radio and television broadcasts, parks and recreation centers, and distance education programs to enhance learning.

ED 635

Using Assessment to Guide Differentiated Instruction

3 hours

Online

The focus of this course would be to use norm-referenced and criterion-referenced data to inform instruction for a diverse classroom within the RT imodel. Students would learn to use formative and summative assessments to determine the types of strategies needed to teach content.

ED 640

Differentiated Strategies for Research and Teaching for English Language Learners (ELL)

3 hours

Online

Designed to provide current educators the foundation for informed and effective classroom teaching in diverse classrooms with ELL students. Includes theoretical underpinnings of historical and contemporary ELL education, instructional methods, analysis and critique of methodologies, and strategies for pedagogically sound classroom instruction and lesson planning within linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms.

ED 650

Differentiating Elementary Mathematics and Science Instruction

3 hours

Online

This course will focus on guiding the learner to apply the concepts of differentiated instruction within mathematics and science contexts. Participants will learn how to implement effective strategies for managing flexible groups, acquire ideas for providing students with a variety of options to successfully target mathematics and science standards and understand how to plan strategically in order to reach the needs of diverse learners within the classroom through inquiry-based learning.

ED 665

Differentiating Elementary Literacy (Reading and Writing) Instruction

3 hours

Online

This course will focus on guiding the learner to apply the concepts of differentiated instruction to elementary literacy concepts. Advanced teacher candidates will develop and implement differentiated instructional plans that utilize individual and flexible grouping strategies and resources to support the growth of strategic, independent readers and writers.

Action Research Project = 1 course (3 hours)

ED 690

Master's Action Research Project

3 hours

Online

After the completion of the courses, advanced candidates will complete a summative action research project. Working with an individual faculty member, the action research will be planned, completed, and presented for the department.

Additional Information