Following the completion of the yearlong UAF secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program, students can pursue an M.Ed. degree in secondary education.

This program is designed to expand the preparation and instructional practices of middle and secondary educators and education professionals. Fifteen graduate-level credits from the UAF secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program may be applied toward the M.Ed. in secondary education program. Courses are available through UAF by distance delivery and on the Fairbanks campus. Master’s degree requirements must be met within seven years of beginning the program.

Admission and Application Requirements

Admission to the graduate secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program and the M.Ed. in secondary education includes meeting requirements of the UAF Graduate School and of the School of Education.

Submit the following information to the UAF Office of the Registrar:

1. UAF graduate application and application fee.
2. Official transcript of bachelor’s degree from accredited institution. Applicants who have attended more than one university should include transcripts from all universities.
3. ACT or SAT or GRE scores.
4. Three current letters of reference that address qualifications and potential as a teacher.
5. A vitae/resume.
6. A personal statement of 1,200-1,500 words explaining your motivation for becoming a teacher. Describe how your academic qualifications and work experiences have prepared you for a career in teaching. Elaborate on your personal strengths, including your ability to work collaboratively with others. Describe your experiences with adolescents in instructional and supervisory capacities. Explain why you believe you can help young people of all cultures be successful in school.

Send the following scores directly to the School of Education:

1. Passing scores on an Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (EED) approved basic competency exam (http://education.alaska.gov/TeacherCertification/praxis.html).
2. Passing scores on the Praxis II test for each content area the applicant expects to teach. The scores must meet the score set by the State of Alaska (https://education.alaska.gov/TeacherCertification/). World language applicants may need an oral proficiency test as required by EED.
3. Secondary faculty will interview applicants as part of the admission process.

Additional Information:

Evidence of content competency in one of the UAF-approved secondary endorsement areas is necessary. Endorsement areas for teacher certification include biology, chemistry, Earth science, economics, English, French, German, history, mathematics, physics, political science and Spanish. Student can establish content competency by:
a) Holding a degree in an approved secondary endorsement area; or
b) Documenting content competency (e.g., transcript analysis by faculty). Additional course work may be required.

*Before student teaching, teacher candidates will need to complete the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development student teaching authorization. Fingerprint cards and criminal background check necessary to work in schools.

Minimum Requirements for Degree: 37 credits

Options

Thesis Option

Project Option

Comprehensive Exam Option