Alternative Education

Online Graduate Certificate and Certification

College of Education and Professional Studies

Gain a solid foundation in the history, philosophy, educational psychology, curriculum, instruction and management involved in the rapidly growing area of Alternative Education. The University of Wisconsin-River Falls has developed the following courses that will effectively prepare teachers and administrators to work in alternative education settings. Each two-credit course is offered completely online in an asynchronous format.

Who Should Enroll Licensed Wisconsin educators seeking a WI 952 license Any educator wishing to learn more about teaching in alternative education settings Current alternative educators who would like to continue their professional development

New to Online Learning? Visit this web page.

Key Features

• All classes are online in an asynchronous format – you can log on anytime.
• Participants will be able to interact with fellow educators from all over the state and country.
• Each class is completed in approximately six weeks.
• Practical experience is incorporated throughout the courses.
• Both theoretical and practical experiences based on a reflective practice model.
• Courses are approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for 952 certification.

Required Courses

To qualify for Wisconsin licensure in alternative education, students must complete the four core classes (eight credits) and a certification portfolio as specified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (external site).

Students will complete a practicum experience in an alternative education setting concurrently with AED 701, 702 and 703. Students may begin the program any time and complete the courses in any order. To successfully complete the practicum students need to be working in an alternative education program or arrange to have access to a program so that observations can be made and conversations held with practitioners.

Offered in Summer:

AED 700 History and Philosophy of Alternative Education, 2 credits

Offered in Fall:

AED 701 Alternative Education Students: Who are They?, 2 credits
AED 702 Teaching and Working with Alternative Students, 2 credits

Offered in Spring:

AED 703 Building and Evaluating Alternative Programs, 2 credits

Elective Course
AED 689 Topics in Alternative Education , 2 credits

Admission Requirements

• Completed application (PDF) for graduate study at UWRF.
• An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended as an undergraduate student, sent directly to Graduate Studies from the institution.
• An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a four-point scale) or an average of at least 2.90 based on the last 60 semester credits (90 quarter credits) of the undergraduate program.

For More Information

Mary Manke, Associate Dean
College of Education and Professional Studies
715-425-3774
Email: mary.p.manke@uwrf.edu

Please contact your adviser for information regarding Wisconsin DPI portfolio requirements.