COURSE CURRICULUM

The General Education and course sequence for the Multiple Abilities Program (MAP) at The University of Alabama is carefully structured to ensure students meet both university-wide academic standards and professional teacher certification requirements, with a minimum of 120 total credit hours required for graduation. Students begin with foundational core courses such as UA 101 (or UA 201 for transfer students) and EDU 200, along with selected subjects in psychology or human development, which support understanding of learners and teaching practices. The program also requires completion of core areas like Natural Sciences (minimum 12 hours), Mathematics (with additional coursework to meet state teaching standards), Humanities, and Social and Behavioral Sciences, ensuring a well-rounded academic base, while also fulfilling requirements like U.S. and Global Citizenship, world language proficiency, and a music skills course. A key feature of this program is its intensive, cohort-based structure spread across five continuous terms: Fall I, Spring I, Summer, Fall II, and Spring II, where students complete a total of 78 specialized MAP credit hours. Each semester focuses on integrated themes such as professionalism, understanding learners, communication and collaboration, and facilitating learning, paired with hands-on field experiences or practicums that progressively build teaching skills in real classroom environments. The program culminates in extensive internship experiences during the final year, supported by a seminar course that prepares students for professional teaching roles. To continue in the program after the first semester, students must maintain at least a C- grade in all MAP courses and demonstrate strong writing abilities, reflecting the program’s emphasis on communication and academic rigor. Overall, this structured pathway ensures that graduates are fully prepared with the knowledge, practical experience, and certifications needed to teach diverse learners across multiple early childhood and elementary education settings.