WKU Office of Graduate Studies and Research

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR FIFTH YEAR/RANK II

Planned Fifth Year / Rank II programs are offered in Elementary Education, Middle Grades Educations, and Secondary Education for students who do not meet the admission requirements of a degree program or who want greater flexibility with regard to time allowed for completion, transfer limitations, and selection of courses than is permitted in degree programs. Although the Planned Fifth Year / Rank II program does not result in the master's degree, it does result in Rank II salary classification in Kentucky, renews the teaching certificate, and permits entry into a Planned Sixth Year / Rank I program.

General Guidelines:

1. Students seeking admission to this program must obtain (online or through the Graduate Studies office) an Application for Admission (Form A) from the Office of Graduate Studies. The completed form along with a one time application fee of $35.00 (non-refundable) must be returned to the Graduate Studies Office.

2. Graduate of accredited institutions other than Western Kentucky University must submit an official transcript showing the completed degree to the Office of Graduate Studies.

3. Teaching Certificate

4. A minimum of 32 semester hours of graduate courses must be completed, with a minimum of GPA of 2.5.

5. At least 18 of the required hours must be completed at WKU. With the approval of the advisor and the certification officer, the remaining hours may be taken at other institutions, provided that the grades earned are "B" or higher and other transfer regulations are met.

6. A minimum of 12 hours must be in professional education courses, and a minimum of 9 hours must be in cognate areas.

7. Course work taken by correspondence is not accepted.

8. With prior advisor approval, a maximum of 12 hours of professional development credit may be applied to the program requirement.