Online
Program
41 - 52 Credit Hours
to Graduate
Online Tuition Rate
$530 Per Credit Hour
Low-Cost Textbooks
For All Students
EKU’s online specialist in education degree is a post-master’s program that fulfills the requirements for Kentucky director of pupil personnel, supervisor of instruction and superintendent of schools. The program prepares highly qualified candidates for administrative roles and district-wide leadership. Program graduates are primed to become highly effective professional leaders who will develop productive environments for academic excellence and equity.
Through EKU’s unique program, students can choose to earn level 1 supervisor of instruction and level 1 director of pupil personnel endorsements in addition to a superintendent of schools endorsement.
NOTE: If you do not hold teacher certification in Kentucky, please consult with your state’s licensing agency to determine whether our program will meet your state’s licensure requirements.
Overall employment of preschool and childcare center directors is projected to grow 1 percent from 2019 to 2029.
Overall employment of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029. Growth in the state of Kentucky is expected to be faster due to a high number of teacher retirements.
– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
EKU’s graduate education programs are divided into three disciplines:
Teachers in Kentucky are held to a three-tiered rank system. By completing additional education programs, teachers are able to advance their rank, leading to increased salary and promotion potential.
After completing a bachelor’s degree and earning a provisional teaching certificate, educators enter the field with Rank III eligibility.
By completing a 30-hour master’s degree, either to enhance competency in the initial teaching area or to add certification in a new area, educators are eligible to advance to Rank II.
Educators choosing to complete 30 hours above their Rank II are eligible to advance to Rank I. It is highly recommended that these 30 hours be taken as part of a second master’s program as Rank is not typically recognized outside of Kentucky. Rank I is the highest level attainable and typically carries the highest salary and promotion potential.
The 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.
EKU’s online specialist in education curriculum prepares students for a variety of rewarding career options that will allow you to take on leadership roles at both the school and district levels while making your mark as a public educator.
Specialist in education courses are designed to provide skill sets that can be immediately applied to your school and prepare you to step into roles of increasing responsibility.
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 your enrollment advisor.
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
Common Job Titles: principal, superintendent, school administrators
Modalities: online
Credit Hours: 60
Common Job Titles: Provides credit hours needed for a rank and salary increase in Kentucky
Modalities: online and on-campus
Credit Hours: 30
Combs Building
Room 427
213 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475
859-622-2154
tlel@eku.edu
