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 Kentucky University (EKU) has a pathway for you to earn your degree and make an impact in education.
Learn in person and get teaching experience right on campus
Founded as a teachers college over a century ago, EKU’s reputation for excellence in teacher education continues today with traditional four-year education degrees. Your degree in elementary education, middle grades education, special education and other fields comes with in-the-classroom experience from day one at EKU’s Model Laboratory School, Kentucky’s only P-12 public teaching lab.
Build your major around your passion
While you can specialize in different grade levels and areas of education within the School of Education, you may choose instead to major in a specific field of study for teaching. For example, majors such as history teaching, Spanish teaching, and others work directly with the School of Education to prepare you to both learn and teach your subject of expertise in a secondary school setting.
Fast-track your degree from wherever you are
If you want to teach elementary education but are seeking flexibility and the opportunity to complete clinicals in your home community, look no further than EKU’s fully online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Online students receive the same perks as on-campus students, including free textbooks through EKU BookSmart and free tutoring through EKU, as well as the same respected degree that has been offered on EKU’s campus for more than 100 years.
Earn your teaching certification while you work
If you work in a non-teaching role in a Kentucky school district, you can earn your degree in elementary education and initial teacher certification through EKU’s Option 9 program in just three years. With the additional option of competency-based education courses, paraeducators can apply their knowledge and experiences from the classroom to their coursework, demonstrating mastery in self-paced modules.
Get a head start on your degree with dual credit
EKU Dual Credit allows high school juniors and seniors to earn both high school and college credit at the same time. With the teacher education dual credit pathway, you can take classes to speed up your degree and step into the classroom even sooner. Choose from the P-12 education track or special education track, and knock out those core courses required for teacher learning and education leadership programs.
Turn your bachelor’s into a teaching career
If you already have a non-teaching degree and are interested in becoming a teacher, EKU’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is for you. With options for elementary education, middle grades education, secondary and P-12, school librarian and others, the MAT program allows you to advance your education and start a new chapter in your career.
Take it from Breanna Puckett, recent MAT graduate, who said, “EKU was a game changer for me by providing me with an opportunity to explore out of my comfort zone. These opportunities shaped me into the person I am today to complete my master’s degree and be successful with a wonderful career to provide for my future family.”
Expand your opportunities in education with advanced degrees
If you’re already a teacher looking to increase your salary and rank or move into administrative or leadership positions, EKU’s graduate programs include the Master of Arts in Education, Rank 1 programs, endorsement programs and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. EKU also offers an online post-master’s Specialist in Education (Ed.S) degree with certification options in school principal, district administrator and superintendent.
Ready to begin your journey toward a career in education? Explore the options at EKU’s School of Education.
By Christina Rannells
Interested in a degree from EKU?
Earn your undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree from a university that has been an education leader for more than 100 years. Choose from a variety of in-demand and nationally recognized academic programs, offered both online and on-campus.
Whether you want to start, finish or advance your education, EKU has a program that can fit your schedule and your needs. Complete the form to learn more about how EKU can help advance your career.
Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees.