Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences

Strong Academic Preparation with Real-World Experiences

With roots tracing back to 1830 as the first state-supported teachers college south of the Ohio River, UNA has a rich history of preparing high-quality educators. Our work has expanded to include preparing high-quality practitioners and researchers in the fields of education, health, and wellness. The Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences offers a variety of programs including Counselor Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Instructional Leadership, Secondary Education, Special Education, Teacher Education, Teacher Leadership, Exercise Science, Sport and Recreation Management, and more.

  • 100% of undergraduate programs culminate in an internship
  • Ph.D. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion launched Fall 2021
  • Home of Kilby Laboratory School, Alabama’s only state-funded laboratory school
  • Extensive local, national, and international partnerships
  • Diverse opportunities for Study Away and Study Abroad
College Overview

Explore the Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences

At the Spencer College, we work to strengthen educator preparation, expand opportunities in health and wellness, and support applied research that addresses real-world needs.

Academic Programs

Explore more than 50 degree programs, minors, and certificates across three departments, from teaching to kinesiology.
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Departments

Learn more about our counselor education department, kinesiology department, and the teaching, learning, and leadership department.
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Educator Preparation

Whether you’re pursuing your first teaching certificate or taking your current certificate to the next level, you can find your path here.
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Student Engagement

Explore opportunities to get involved and connect with peers through our ambassador program and Kappa Delta Pi international honors society.
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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about transferring credits, letters of recommendation, or online admissions, find answers here.
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Inservice Center

Our inservice center offers professional learning opportunities throughout the year to support the state’s public educators.
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Student Learning and Licensure

This online tool allows students to record field experience, build portfolios, and log time on educational activities. Learn more about SLL here.
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Alumni News & Contact

If you have news about yourself or any of our alumni you’d like to share, click here to contact us!
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LEAD Initiative

LEAD enables school employees to advance their career by obtaining an advanced degree, certification, or micro-credential at a significantly reduced cost.
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Kilby Laboratory School

Our Kilby Laboratory School is an elementary school where university students can engage in meaningful interdisciplinary teaching, research, and service opportunities.
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SOR Symposium

The Science of Reading (SOR) Symposium is a conference surrounding innovative practices in preparing teacher candidates to implement the science of reading.
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UNA has prepared me for the many leadership opportunities that I have been able to have. UNA does not just teach you; it prepares you for your career.

- Shanise Blevins, Cole Honors College Participant

Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences At a Glance

0 First-Time Pass Rate on the edTPA
0 undergraduate programs include an internship
0 Founded as the first state-supported teachers college south of the Ohio River

Events

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Accreditation

The University of North Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). All teacher certification programs are approved by the Alabama State Department of Education, and all programs leading to teacher certification are accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through Spring 2028. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling graduate programs in the Department of Counselor Education are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) under the 2009 CACREP Standards.

Contact the College of Education and Human Sciences

If you have questions about the Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences, please contact Dr. Katie Cole Kinney, Dean, at kckinney@una.edu or call 256-765-4252. We are located in Stevens Hall 648.