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Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education

Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education

Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Teach What You Love and Guide Students Through Adolescence

There will always be a demand for qualified teachers across the country. Prepare for this rewarding and in-demand career with EKU’s Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education. Adolescence is an important time of development for students. Serve as a role model while teaching a subject you love by working as a middle school teacher. Graduates of the program will be prepared for 5-9 teacher certification in Kentucky.

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Career Outlook


Employment of middle school teachers is projected to remain steady through 2033.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • EPSB accredited
  • CAEP accredited
  • Generous transfer credit policy
  • Multiple scholarship opportunities
  • Free tutoring and career services assistance
  • Personalized graduation plan
  • Clinical experiences that support hands-on learning in your own community
  • Quality courses delivered by respected full-time faculty with many years of diverse teaching experience in public schools as well as strong research that informs our course content

Curriculum & Admission


Choosing a career as a middle grade teacher positions you to become a positive role model during an important developmental time for students. You’ll also have the opportunity to introduce students to more complex subjects and help them discover their potential. EKU’s middle grades education degree program blends academic and professional preparation through relevant course content and clinical hours in the 5-9 classroom.

EKU’s middle grades education curriculum prepares students with the essential skills needed for entry into fifth through ninth grade classrooms. Students gain content expertise, while honing their professional dispositions and ensuring ethical practices. Course content includes topics such as disciplinary literacy in the middle grades, understanding the learner, differentiation in inclusive classrooms, and human development and learning.

Students seeking middle grade certification select two areas of emphasis from:

  • English and Communications
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

The teacher education programs offered by Eastern Kentucky University and the College of Education are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and/or the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). The initial teacher preparation programs, including the undergraduate baccalaureate programs, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Communication Disorders are accredited by both CAEP and EPSB and the advanced level professional education programs are accredited by EPSB only.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
1140 19th St NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 223-0077

The Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) has the authority and responsibility to “set standards for, approve, and evaluate college, university, and school district programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel” for Kentucky pursuant to KRS 161.028(1)(b). The EPSB’s process for approving educator preparation programs is generally set forth in 16 KAR 5:010 with the general requirements for all educator preparation programs set forth in 16 KAR 5:020 and 16 KAR 5:040. Kentucky Administrative Regulations – EPSB

The EPSB Division of Educator Preparation ensures that preparation programs for Kentucky educators meet established standards of quality. It facilitates the accreditation process, reviews programs and continuous assessment materials, and provides technical assistance for program improvement. All educator preparation programs offered at EKU are approved and accredited by EPSB. The initial preparation programs including the undergraduate initial, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) initial, and Communication Disorders (CD) are also CAEP accredited. The Advanced Programs and programs for Other School professionals are approved and accredited by EPSB only.

EPSB Website: www.epsb.ky.gov

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Education and Applied Human Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

Professional photo of Stephen Howard

Stephen Howard

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2710
stephen.howard@eku.edu


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News & Updates

EKU’s Classroom in a Box Initiative Supports First-Year Teachers

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Education and Applied Human Sciences launched an innovative initiative to support graduates as they embark on their teaching careers. “Classroom in a Box” provides essential classroom supplies to new teachers, many of whom are the first in their families to graduate from college. “Schools across Kentucky are filled with […]

Bringing Healthcare Back Home

For Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Spanish and pre-med graduate Evan Singleton, ’17, the path to becoming a physician may have led him away from home, yet his goal has always been to return. He went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati and after completing his residency in family medicine in […]

EKU HEAT Program Sparks Healthcare Exploration for High School Students

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) received funding from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) to host a summer program for rising high school seniors interested in the health sciences. The program, called Healthcare Exploration and Academic Transition (HEAT), aims to provide students with opportunities to explore healthcare careers through hands-on experiences, simulations and essential skill […]

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Contact Information

Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership

Combs Building
Room 427

213 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-2154
tlel@eku.edu