Graduate Studies
The Alabama State University, School of Graduate Studies is the admitting school for all students pursuing advanced degrees at Alabama State University. Currently almost 1000 students are enrolled in the School of Graduate Studies. The Graduate School works in cooperation with the degree granting colleges (College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Health Sciences, and College of Business). Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees are available in the areas of Accounting, Biology, General Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, History and Mathematics.
The Master of Education degree is available in the areas of Instructional Leadership, Biology Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Health Education, History Education, Library Education Media, Music Education, Mathematics Education, Physical Education, School Counseling, Social Sciences, Collaborative (Special) Education, and Reading Specialist.
The Alternative Fifth-Year Programs (ALTA) that lead to the Master of Education (M.Ed), degree and certification are available in the areas of Biology Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Health Education, History Education, Music Education, Mathematics Education, Physical Education, Social Sciences and Special Education.
Education Specialist (Ed.S) degrees are available in the areas of Instructional Leadership, Biology Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, General Counseling,History Education, Library Education Media, Mathematics Education, School Counseling and Social Sciences.
The University offers three doctoral program degrees: Educational Leadership, Policy and Law (Ed.D.), Microbiology (Ph.D.) and Physical Therapy (DPT).
The doctoral program in Educational Leadership, Policy and Law (Ed.D.) is unique because of its highly select students and cohort structure. Those individuals admitted to the Ed.D. Program are required to engage in at least three years of doctoral study and successfully complete a minimum of 69 semester hours of post master's level work, of which at least 63 hours must be doctoral coursework taken at Alabama State University. This program will prepare professional educators to be part of a vanguard through the twenty-first century. These educators will be provided with: the necessary knowledge of their subject; an understanding of our diverse culture; technological skills; critical thinking skills required to make informed decisions and implement change, and the ability to provide a just and ethical, accurate, and meaningful education for their students.
The program in Microbiology (PH.D.) serves as Alabama State University's first science-based research doctoral program. The ultimate vision of the Ph.D. Program in Microbiology is to make essential scientific and societal advancements for the benefit of the state of Alabama, southeast region and nation through the operation of unique new doctoral research and training program. This program has been designed to feature a sound microbiology core curriculum which will support a second tier of specialized microbiological and related science courses. The curricular design is based upon research on regional and national microbiology programs curricula, and will ensure a diverse yet cross-cutting academic base appropriate for the program's two areas distinct yet related areas of specialization: environmental microbiology and microbiology of food/water system.
The Philosophy of the Alabama State University Graduate Program in Physical Therapy (DPT) is based on the belief that concepts from the physical, biological, and social sciences serve as the scientific foundation for physical therapy education and practice. The elements of prevention, examination, evaluation, and intervention are based on the application of these concepts for a better understanding of patients' physical, psychological, and social conditions thereby, enhancing overall physical therapy management. "Physical therapy" is a dynamic profession with an established theoretical base and widespread clinical applications in the preservation, development, and restoration of optimal physical function.