Education Specialist Degree
Elementary Education

This post-master’s degree provides opportunity for the advanced graduate student to improve the foundations and competencies for teaching.  The program may also be structured to meet Rank I salary requirements under Kentucky’s minimum foundation program of education.  The following emphases or specializations are available to the elementary education major: literacy, general curriculum,  English as a second language, and instruction, and gifted education.  The EdS in Elementary Education requires 30 hours beyond a master’s degree.

In addition to meeting the admission requirements of Graduate Studies, applicants must meet the following departmental requirements:

1. Three years of teaching experience at the appropriate level.  Up to two years of experience may be waived in favor of equivalent experience; and
2. Four letters of recommendation: Two from graduate faculty members and two from professional associates in administrative and/or supervisory roles.

Degree Requirements
A.  Professional Education Component – 9 hours:  EDU 601, ELED 603,        
     EDU 604, EDU 698

B. Related Professional Education Courses – 9  hours: EXED 516*, ELED 699,
     plus 3-6 hours of advisor approved, professional education graduate-level   
     courses.
     *An approved elective may be substituted if an Exceptional Education course              
      is on the student’s transcript.

C. Related Non-Professional Education Courses – 12 hours:
    Twelve hours of advisor approved graduate level, subject-related course work.

Note: There is a limit of 6 hours workshop and independent study credit that can be used on a Specialist Degree program.  Only three of those 6 hours can be one credit hour courses.  A total of 24 hours non-professional education courses are required for MAE and the Specialist Degree combined.