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School of Education

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

School of Education

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Have a Meaningful Impact on Future Generations

Inspire students to reach their full potential, provide leadership in educational settings and fulfill your passion for life-long learning with programs in Eastern Kentucky University’s School of Education.

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School of Education Degrees & Certificates

Undergraduate Programs

graduate Programs

MINORS

Students seeking certification to teach in grades 5-12, 8-12, and P-12 complete academic majors in EKU colleges outside of the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences. Teacher preparation courses are taken in the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences. Students are guided by academic advisors in the department of their major and education advisors in the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences.

Why Study Education?

Make a difference in the lives of children and your community. Teachers and school administrators play a pivotal role in shaping future generations. Enjoy a fulfilling career that is in high demand. Teachers in the United States rate their lives better than all other occupation groups, trailing only physicians. Additional education provides already certified teachers the opportunity to expand their knowledge, increase their rank and salary, and advance their career.

Option 9 is a pathway for paraeducators in Kentucky to become certified teachers. This expedited route to certification results in a bachelor’s degree and initial Elementary Education certification in 3 school years. Experienced teachers provide coaching and mentoring to the candidates to help facilitate learning.

Option 9 candidates must be employed in a classroom position while completing coursework. This route does not allow the candidate to serve as a teacher while enrolled. Initial certification is granted after the candidate completes their bachelor’s degree and certification assessments.

Please check with your school district to see if Option 9 is a possibility where you work.

EKU offers active Kentucky teachers a discounted tuition rate for select programs in appreciation of their dedicated service.

The following programs are eligible for the discounted tuition rate:

  • Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Master of Arts in Education
  • Education Specialist
  • Teaching Endorsements
  • Additional Teaching Certifications

Model Laboratory School at Eastern Kentucky University provides a world-class P-12 education. Model is the only educational laboratory school in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It functions as an integral part of EKU allowing graduate and undergraduate students a place for observation, practicum, and other research initiatives.

Student Stories & Features

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

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Thu
04

Fall 2025 Graduation

December 4, 2025 at – December 5, 2025 at calendar-multiday
Thu
12

Provost's Leadership Institute

February 12, 2026 at – February 13, 2026 at calendar-multiday
Thu
19

High School Honor Band Festival

February 19, 2026 – February 21, 2026calendar-multiday
Mon
02

EKU Choirs: NYC Preview Concert

at – calendar-day
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03

EKU Wind Ensemble and Concert Band Performance

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20

Middle School Honor Band Festival

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News & Updates

Making Every Word Count With Dyslexia Research

Dyslexia refers to a language-based learning disability, affecting as much as 15-20% of the population, according to the International Dyslexia Association. October as Dyslexia Awareness Month brings to light resources and learning support while celebrating dyslexia excellence. Motivated by her passion for helping children to learn—and inspired by her daughter who has dyslexia—Dr. Kellie Ellis, […]

EKU Teaching Grad Goes the Extra Yard

Originally in the horse industry, Devon Moody, ’15, felt drawn to teaching because it combined her love of literature and writing with a desire to make a difference. After moving from Orange County, California, to Kentucky in 2012, her path to the classroom began at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in the Master of Arts in […]

How to Become a Teacher

Explore the Pathways Offered at EKU Have you dreamt of becoming a teacher since elementary school when a teacher made a lasting impression on you? Or, have you already worked in the classroom or even another field, where you’ve just discovered your passion for teaching? Wherever and whenever you’ve found your calling to teaching, Eastern […]

Contact Information

School of Education

Combs Building
Room 427

213 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-2154
tlel@eku.edu

Department Directory