Department's Frequently Asked Questions

How to get started with the Application process?

New Applicants: Apply to Graduate Studies using Graduate Admissions, along with a copy of your current, valid Teaching Certificate, official transcripts and GRE scores. Your GAP (GRE score times undergraduate GPA) should be 2200 and 3.5 or better on your writing score. If you did the old three part GRE you should have a GAP score of 3500. Complete the departmental application, along with three letters of recommendations, your personal statement, a recent snapshot (snapshot), and a statement from your central office with your number of years of teaching experience. Return all materials to Educational Administration, Leadership & Research, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd. #41031, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-1031.

Returning Graduate Students: Re-apply using your WKU ID or original login information to Graduate Studies using Graduate Admissions. You should not be charged an additional fee. You will need to submit a copy of your current teaching certificate.

How long does it take to get admitted?

Once everything is submitted, it generally takes no more than two weeks for you to be admitted.

Whom to contact for different programs:

Please see Admissions/Advising Contact Persons for Graduate Programs

When do I get an advisor?

Once you are admitted to the department you are assigned an advisor. Your advisor will mail you a program to sign along with a letter of congratulations. You will need to sign the program and return all copies to the department. After your advisor signs your program, the department sends the program to the Certification Office where it is signed off. A copy of the program is mailed to you and the department retains one.

How do I find out about the GRE?

Go to the ETS website.

What if I don't do well on my GRE?

If you don't make the minimum on your GRE, you have to have at least taken the GRE twice before you can be admitted via the alternate route. To get the guidelines for Alternate Admission go to a College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

Admissions to Alternate Route to Principal/Superintendent Certificate Program:

Have you been fully accepted to WKU's administration programs?

Can you complete all education administration program requirements including the two required tests within two years?

Do you have a job offer that requires principal or superintendent licensure?

If yes to all of these, contact the EALR Department.

Is there a code of conduct for students?

Please see the Code of Conduct for Professional Education Candidates.