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Educational Endorsement Programs

Department of Teaching, Learning, & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Educational Endorsement Programs

Department of Teaching, Learning, & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Online

Program

12 - 14 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

$541-$419 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Expand Your Instructional Range and Increase Your Marketability as an Educator

Endorsement preparation programs at EKU prepare students for professional endorsement by Kentucky’s Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB) in specialized instructional areas. Achieve new levels of teaching standards, leading to better learning outcomes for students, more career opportunities, and a more fulfilling educational experience. Endorsement preparation programs at EKU can be completed on their own, as part of a Rank change or sometimes as part of a Master of Arts in Education degree.

*The $419 rate applies to active Kentucky teachers and students admitted prior to Spring 2022 only. Receipt of the required employment verification is outlined in the enrollment section tabs below.

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Career Outlook

Employment of 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-approved
  • Flexible and convenient online course work
  • Assignments and action research that build critical thinking skills
  • Quality courses from respected faculty who teach the same classes online and on-campus
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Free online career services assistance
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment

Program Options

Endorsements are opportunities to increase an educator’s instructional repertoire in specialized areas, such as English as a Second Language (ESL), Gifted and Talented (GT), literacy specialist, and teacher leader. Endorsements can be earned toward a rank change. In some cases, the endorsement may be earned as part of a degree program (MAEd Middle Grades, MAEd Secondary, MAEd School Librarian).

Choose from:

  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Grades P-12
  • Gifted Education Grades P-12
  • Literacy Specialist Grades P-12
  • Teacher Leader

Attend Online

Choosing an online program doesn’t mean completing your education alone. EKU Online strives to provide students with unparalleled staff and faculty access, rich engagement opportunities and every resource possible to succeed. We are committed to helping you find success in your coursework, as well as identifying and pursuing employment opportunities upon graduation. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Online students have access to:

  • Accelerated 8-week terms
  • Courses begin 6 times per year
  • No campus visits required
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance 

Curriculum & Enrollment

EKU’s endorsement preparation curriculum prepares students for specialized areas of instruction providing fulfilling educational careers and more career opportunities. Endorsement preparation programs are designed to provide skill sets that can be immediately applied to your classroom.

A minimum of 12-15 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Note: students must pass the required Praxis II exam for endorsement to be added to teaching license.

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.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
Fall AAugust 1August
Fall BOctober 5October
Spring ADecember 1January
Spring BMarch 5March
Summer AMay 5May

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 the college enrollment counselor for your preferred program.

professional photo of shaker ezaizat

Shaker Ezaizat

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-2316
shaker.ezaizat@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

John Hepner

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-8610
John.Hepner@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
CEAHS Advising Information for Current Students

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

EKU student Whitney Cox poses in white on a white background with her family

Whitney Cox

EKU Graduate, Elementary Education, Middle Grades, School Leadership
The degrees that I have been able to earn at EKU has helped me grow as an educator and future leader. I feel prepared and confident in my ability due to the instruction provided by the professors at EKU.
EKU student Tina G. Cornelius

Tina G. Cornelius

EKU MAEd School Librarian – Teacher Leader Student
I have been a middle school teacher for 19 years. I plan to finish my last 8 years in education as a librarian. I am so proud to have three degrees from EKU and the first person in my family to go to college. I came from a small eastern Kentucky town and I have my amazing career and degrees to be proud of. I am excited to work with kids and other teachers as a media specialist as I finish my practicum and begin my new path.
EKU graduate Taylor Newton poses in her cap and gown on the steps of Keen Johnson.

Taylor Newton

EKU MAEd School Librarian Student
I had never taken online courses, even during my undergraduate time at EKU. I was nervous to transition to this style of learning. However, I was surprised to find all of the advantages to being a part of an online program! I am able to fit the coursework into my weekly schedule and be an active, engaged student!

Quick Links

Upcoming Events

Halls Open

Residence Halls Open for the Spring 2025 semester. Front desks begin normal operating hours.

Check-In Deadline

Check-in deadline for all returning and new students for spring 2025. For late return/check-in, contact our office at 859-622-1515.
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News & Updates

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The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Provost’s Faculty Internship Program develops leadership skills and complements leadership endeavors among faculty by supporting individual development while assisting university-wide academic initiatives. Established by EKU […]

EKU Climbs the Ranks for Best Public Affairs Program

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has climbed the ranks in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Graduate School rankings, particularly in the category of Best Public Affairs Programs,  where it […]

Related Programs

teacher stands in front of a whiteboard of written words holding a book and is speaking to a classroom

Rank 1 Options

Common Job Titles: Library Media Specialist, Gifted Education Coordinator, Elementary, Middle or High School Teacher

Modalities: online

Credit Hours: 30

group of teacher administrators in lanyards talking and laughing while in a school office

Specialist in Education (Ed.S.)

Common Job Titles: School Principal, Director of Pupil Personnel, School Superintendent

Modalities: online

Credit Hours: 41-52

Contact Information

Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership

Combs Building
Room 427

859-622-2154
tlel@eku.edu

Department Directory