Alabama Teacher Colleges and Degrees Online Guide

This guide to teacher preparation programs in the state of Alabama provides key information to help you research options for pursuing a teaching degree. Several colleges and universities in Alabama offer degree programs to prepare students to become teachers or advance in a teaching career. Scroll down to find student reviews, program ratings by the NCTQ, and a list of accredited teacher preparation programs. Whether you are a first-time college student or are switching from another career, you can start your search here for a program to fit your needs and goals.

School Facts

• There are 28 colleges and universities with teacher degree programs in Alabama.¹
• 18 colleges and universities offer a master’s or advanced degree in education.¹
• Highest graduation rate*: Auburn University 75%.¹
• Highest transfer-out rate*: Auburn University at Montgomery 54%.¹
• Highest net price per year*: Samford University $29,544.¹
• Lowest net price per year*: Troy University $10,283.¹
• Annual undergraduate tuition range for teaching degree programs in Alabama*: $8,090-$29,600.²
• Two schools are on Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2013: Auburn University (61), University of Alabama (55).
• Two schools are on the US News National University Rankings for 2013 (top 100): University of Alabama Tuscaloosa (77), Auburn University (89).
• 21 teacher programs are accredited by the NCATE, TEAC, or CAEP (see below).*

*For not-for-profit 4-year colleges and universities with teacher degree programs.

Profiles of Well-Known Schools

Auburn University: The Auburn University College of Education is located on the university’s main campus in Auburn, AL. The College of Education is currently ranked in the top 25% of education programs according to US News & World Report. Students are able to choose from over 50 majors at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Some of the most popular majors include Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Nursing Education Educational Administration and Counseling Education. The AU College of Education currently serves the university’s largest number of graduate students and fifth largest population of undergraduates. With over 30,000 alumni, the Auburn University College of Education has one of the largest alumni networks in the country. The mission of the College of Education has and continues to be the development of competent, professional, passionate and reflective educators capable of flourishing in today’s global learning community.

Top-Rated Teacher Preparation Programs

The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) evaluated 1,100 college programs that prepare teachers for the classroom (Teacher Prep Review 2013 Report). No programs in Alabama made the “honor roll” of 3 stars or higher. Read more about the NCTQ Teacher Prep Review 2013 Report.

The following teacher preparation programs in Alabama received the highest ratings by the National Council on Teacher Quality:

Alabama A&M University (Graduate Secondary)
University of Alabama (Undergraduate Elementary)
University of South Alabama (Graduate Secondary)
Athens State University (Undergraduate Secondary)
Auburn University (Undergraduate Elementary)
University of Alabama in Huntsville (Undergraduate Elementary)
University of Alabama in Huntsville (Undergraduate Secondary)

The following reviewed schools were cited as problematic (no stars):

Athens State University (Undergraduate Elementary)
University of Alabama at Birmingham (Graduate Secondary)
University of Montevallo (Graduate Secondary)

Teacher Preparation Programs Accredited by the NCATE, TEAC, or CAEP

• Alabama A&M University
• Alabama State University
• Athens State University
• Auburn University
• Auburn University Montgomery
• Birmingham-Southern College
• Faulkner University
• Jacksonville State University
• Miles College
• Oakwood University
• Samford University
• Stillman College
• The University of Alabama
• The University of Alabama in Huntsville
• The University of West Alabama
• Troy University
• Tuskegee University
• University of Alabama at Birmingham
• University of Montevallo
• University of North Alabama
• University of South Alabama

Read more about the CAEP, NCATE, and TEAC accrediting bodies.

Featured Programs and Schools

Request free information from the following schools to learn more about your options for choosing a teacher degree program. We recommend you: Request information from one or more of these schools.

Schools with Teaching Degree Programs in Alabama

Alabama A & M University
4900 Meridian St
Normal, AL 35762
(256) 372-5000
my.aamu.edu

Alabama State University
915 S Jackson Street
Montgomery, AL 36101-0271
(334) 229-4400
www.alasu.edu

Athens State University
300 N Beaty St
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-8100
www.athens.edu

Auburn University Main Campus
Auburn, AL 36849
(334) 844-4000
www.auburn.edu

Student Review: “I really enjoyed the teaching program at Auburn University. I was able to specialize in elementary education and get excellent teaching instruction. All the teachers were very knowledgeable and friendly which made it easy to ask questions when needed. I was required to participate in student teaching which gave me a first hand experience at what being a teacher is actually like. I learned very fast that it is hard work but my teachers kept encouraging me to do my very best. In the teaching program I learned the best methods to interact with students and how to help students achieve their very best. The teaching program at Auburn has an excellent reading program that is top of the line. I feel like I was very well prepared when I accepted my first teaching job out of college. All of my new coworkers were very impressed with my teaching skills and I tell everyone I know who is interested in teaching that Auburn has the best program around. There were a few things that the program could improve on in the future. I was not used to interacting with parents and talking in front of adults. I think as part of the student teaching experience, the student teacher should be required to have contact with the parents of the kids and be graded on how well they communicate to the parents.” -John G., student at Auburn University

Birmingham Southern College
900 Arkadelphia Road
Birmingham, AL 35254
(205) 226-4600
www.bsc.edu

Faulkner University
5345 Atlanta Hwy
Montgomery, AL 36109-3378
(334) 272-5820

Huntingdon College
1500 East Fairview Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36106-2148
(334) 833-4222
www.huntingdon.edu

Jacksonville State University
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265
(256) 782-5781

Judson College
302 Bibb St
Marion, AL 36756
(334) 683-5100
www.judson.edu

Miles College
5500 Myron Massey Blvd
Fairfield, AL 35064
(205) 929-1000
miles.edu

Oakwood University
7000 Adventist Blvd NW
Huntsville, AL 35896
(256) 726-7000

Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229-2240
(205) 726-2011
www.samford.edu

Talladega College
627 W Battle St
Talladega, AL 35160
(256) 761-6100

The University of Alabama
739 University Blvd
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0166
(205) 348-6010
gobama.ua.edu

Troy University
University Avenue
Troy, AL 36082-0001
(334) 670-3100
www.troy.edu

Student Review: “The Secondary Education program at Troy University helped to prepare me for the many challenges of teaching. The program was thorough and involved many teaching scenarios and environments. Group projects promoted teamwork and broadened students’ ability to cooperate and teach in front of others for practice. Technology was incorporated heavily into the curriculum. The use of new applications and websites was encouraged and there was a lot of input from professors and students on what tools are most useful for classroom management and organization. The professors were personable and helpful. Many of them were happy to help students with interviewing skills and resume preparation. My only complaint is that the schools with which our university cooperated were often unorganized and unprepared to work with us as students. There was frequently confusion as to when and where student teaching and observations would take place. Occasionally, these mishaps caused students to miss out on required assignments.” -Student at Troy University

Tuskegee University
Kresge Center
Tuskegee, AL 36088-1920
(334) 727-8011

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Administration Bldg Suite 1070
Birmingham, AL 35294-0110
(205) 934-4011
www.uab.edu

Student Review: “My educational experience at University of Alabama at Birmingham was very positive. The professors and staff always had my best interests in mind and made it their goal to have me succeed in becoming a master’s level teacher. I was provided with the best possible professors and in field supervising teachers in the area. The availability of teaching technology was superior and was integrated into all facets of our education. The special education courses were superior to all others I had previously taken in my college career. I was taught by current teachers, who understood what knowledge was truly needed in order to be a successful teacher. With the vast variety of school systems in the Birmingham area, students had the opportunity to interact with children from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds in a wide range of school settings.” -Shannon S., student at University of Alabama at Birmingham

Student Review: “The University of Alabama at Birmingham is an excellent school and tuition is very affordable for a state university. The staff members are generally helpful and friendly and I can’t particularly say I’ve had a bad experience with any of the employees. There is an excellent athletic facility on campus, a large grassy area in the middle of the university called the Campus Green, and plenty of activities to be involved in if you so desire. Most of the professors I had kept regular office hours, were always willing to help or answer questions, and had fair grading practices. The only real exception is the math department because all homework and tests are done online via Course Compass, which can be frustrating. Just like any university parking can be hectic, but you probably won’t have to walk more than a few blocks even during the busiest hours. BlazerNet, the schools intranet site from which you access online classes, grades, and can register for classes, is a tad confusing and a little dated looking. However if you know what you are doing you can easily perform most school related tasks on.” -Roger J., student at University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Mobile
5735 College Parkway Drive
Mobile, AL 36613-2842
(251) 675-5990

University of North Alabama
One Harrison Plaza
Florence, AL 35632-0001
(256) 765-4100
www.una.edu

Student Review: “I am an instrumental music education major at the University of North Alabama. The music department has a stellar reputation and has lived up to every bit of it. I have learned so much from my music classes as they not only teach the textbook information you need, but also teach you information directly related to your career. UNA has many fields and is a top university in the state. There are plenty of student organizations to join related to your field. The campus is beautiful and everything is within a comfortable walking distance. The only negative for me is that some of the education department faculty do not follow any of the ideals that they are supposed to teach you about and give a very bad example to follow as a teacher.” -Christopher V., student at University of North Alabama

University of South Alabama
307 N University Blvd
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
(251) 460-6101
www.southalabama.edu

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Niche College Search: https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges/