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Rank 1 Programs

Department of Teaching, Learning, & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Rank 1 Programs

Department of Teaching, Learning, & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Online

Program

30 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

Varies by program Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Increase Your Rank and Salary and Gain Additional Expertise

Teachers in Kentucky are held to a three-tier rank system. They are able to advance their rank, leading to increased salary and promotion opportunities by completing additional education requirements. Educators who complete 30 hours above their master’s degree are eligible to advance to Rank 1. EKU offers a number of pathways for Kentucky teachers to meet the requirements needed to gain additional expertise and meet the Rank 1 requirements.

Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) is responsible for conferring rank and rank changes. EKU prepares educators with the required coursework and experience but does not award initial rank or changes to rank.

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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
  • Graduates are prepared to attain rank advancement in Kentucky and increase salary potential
  • 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

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 & Admission

Rank 1 programs at EKU are highly flexible to meet your personal and professional goals. Students who need to use financial aid to pay for the additional required hours should complete a second master’s degree, educational specialist degree, or Doctor of Education degree. Those who do not need to use financial aid will work with their advisor to develop a planned program of study that may include additional endorsements or certifications.

A total of 30 graduate hours are required to meet EPSB’s Rank 1 eligibility. Upon completion of their program, the College of Education and Applied Human Services certification officer shall recommend Rank 1 classification to the Kentucky Department of Education.

View the degree requirements:

  • Rank 1 Program
EKU Academic Catalog

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.

At least 15 credit hours must be taken at Eastern Kentucky University. The remaining 15 credits hours credit may be taken at EKU or, upon approval by the advisor, at other accredited graduate schools and transferred.

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

  • A bachelor’s or master’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a grade point in the last 60 hours of credit completed, including undergraduate and graduate coursework
  • A Verbal score of 150, a Quantitative score of 143 and an Analytical Writing score of 4.0 on the GRE. Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher or a 3.25 in the last 60 semester hours are exempt from the Entrance Examinations
  • Statement of Eligibility or Professional Certificate with EPSB
  • Candidates must have a Master’s degree or Rank II certification through a regionally accredited institution
  • Reference inventory on Candidate Dispositions (which candidate receives from a colleague or administrator who has worked directly with the candidate): In the areas of Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity, the candidate must receive a rating of 3 or higher to be eligible for admission to advanced programs
  • Professional Code of Ethics, Character Fitness Declaration, and Professional Dispositions:
  • Candidates must review the Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School Certified Personnel established in 16 KAR 1:020 and sign a COE Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky Declaration form
  • Candidates must review the character and fitness questionnaire contained in Section III of the CA-1 incorporated by reference in 16 KAR 2:010 and sign a COE Professional Character and Fitness Declaration form
  • Candidates must demonstrate understanding of professional dispositions expected of Professional educators.

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.

professional photo of shaker ezaizat

Shaker Ezaizat

Enrollment Advisor

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

Schedule an Appointment

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

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News & Updates

EKU Becomes Kentucky’s Largest Regional Public University

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is now the largest regional public institution in Kentucky, according to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. As of Fall 2024, EKU led the state’s regional public universities in degree-seeking student enrollment, reaching 14,565 students. “EKU’s growth is a testament to our commitment to student success, academic excellence and community impact,” […]

EKU and Kentucky National Guard Announce Educational Resource Partnership

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and the Kentucky National Guard (KYNG) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, to create a partnership that will support citizen soldiers on their path to earning a degree. Through EKU’s Office of Military and Veteran Affairs (OMVA), this initiative will provide tailored educational resources for members […]

EKU Volleyball Team Going to Europe, Thanks to Support from Former Coach Polvino

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Hall of Fame Volleyball Coach Dr. Geri Polvino, a beloved mentor and leader, gave two transformational gifts to EKU’s Volleyball Team, continuing a legacy of support and dedication to the program. The gifts amount to $125,000—establishing the Volleyball Alumni Legacy Fund to encourage alumni contributions and funding a 2025 European tour […]

Related Programs

Young student in classroom writes on board with teacher supervision.

Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)

Common Job Titles: Elementary, Middle or High School Teacher, Curriculum Specialist

Modalities: online

Credit Hours: 30-36

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

213 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-2154
tlel@eku.edu

Department Directory