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Bachelor of Arts in English Teaching

Department of English

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in English Teaching

Department of English

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Low-Cost Textbooks

For All Students

Prepare for a Successful Career in English Education

Gain the skills and experience necessary for a successful career as an English teacher. Founded for teaching preparation in 1906, EKU has a long-standing tradition of excellence and innovation in English education. The English teaching major is designed for those who wish to pursue careers in Secondary English Teaching. Students take courses in English and education, along with a series of Clinical Experiences that provide teaching observation and practice in area schools.

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Career Outlook


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

Today’s schools need prepared and flexible educators to provide sustained access to quality education in Kentucky’s communities. The Department of English meets this need through distinct majors that lead to Teacher Certification in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Job Titles Include:

  • English/Language Arts Teacher, grades 8-12
  • ESL Teacher
  • Librarian

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?

  • Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Hands-on learning experience at onsite K-12 Model School – practice teaching early and often without leaving campus
  • Student-faculty collaborative opportunities
  • One-on-one mentoring and advising
  • Award winning faculty regarded as experts in their field

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

  • History
  • Appalachian Studies
  • Spanish

View the full list of minors available.

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

  • Appalachian Studies
  • Communication Studies

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Admission


All English Teaching Majors are offered in cooperation with the EKU College of Education. Candidates earning a degree that leads to teacher certification must obtain admission to the College of Education and must take the PRAXIS Series (Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers) and PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) exams as a requirement for graduation. Specialty exams are required for each certification area sought, and it may take more than one test date to complete all requirements.

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 any required materials electronically or by mail to:

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

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Letters, Arts, and Social 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.

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Kristi Carlisle

College Enrollment Counselor

Call: 859-622-2705
Text: 859-511-1603
class.recruitment@eku.edu

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Shaker Ezaizat

Enrollment Advisor

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

Student Stories & Features


  • Wyatt Owens

    EKU English & History Teaching Graduate
    My favorite part about being an EKU student were the bonds I made with my peers and instructors. The community within EKU’s English program is fantastic and each person feels like they have a place. I received support from all of my instructors when I needed it. Without their support, I would not be able to teach and fulfill my other responsibilities now.
  • Anna Allen

    EKU English Teaching Graduate
    I would not be the teacher I am without the faculty at Eastern Kentucky University. The English and Education departments provided me with the knowledge, aptitude, and confidence to achieve great things inside my career field. My professors always challenged me to do my best and wanted to see me succeed.
  • Kaitlyn Taylor

    EKU English Teaching Graduate
    Earning this degree aided my career by showing me the types of literature to teach along with how to teach. I have experience not only studying the English content (i.e. grammar, literature, etc.) but also studying specific teaching techniques that I use in my career today. My favorite part of being an EKU student was building connections with peers and professors that I am still in touch with today.

Upcoming Events

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Fall 2025 Graduation

December 4, 2025 at – December 5, 2025 at calendar-multiday
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Provost's Leadership Institute

February 12, 2026 at – February 13, 2026 at calendar-multiday
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High School Honor Band Festival

February 19, 2026 – February 21, 2026calendar-multiday
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EKU Choirs: NYC Preview Concert

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EKU Wind Ensemble and Concert Band Performance

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Suicide Prevention Month in September brings awareness to one of the leading causes of death in the United States, especially among young adults. According to Best Colleges, suicide causes about 21% of all injury-related deaths in ages 18-24. Evidence-based practice within Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Clinical Psychology program sheds light on strategies to deliver life-saving […]

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EKU’s Foster Music Camp Celebrates 90 years As the final concert crescendos beneath the stage lights and the last note hangs in the air, there’s a magic that lingers—an echo of growth, talent and unforgettable summer memories. For the young musicians of Foster Music Camp, the grand finale performance is a celebration of everything they’ve […]

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This year, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrates the 90th season of the Stephen Collins Foster Music Camp, the second oldest music camp in the United States. Since 1936, the camp has welcomed thousands of young musicians to EKU’s campus in Richmond, Kentucky, offering a transformative experience in music education. “For almost a century, Foster Music […]

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Contact Information

Department of English

Beckham Hall
Room 106
473 University Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-5861
Fax: 859-622-3156
kathy.mounts@eku.edu