WKU Office of Graduate Studies and Research

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR SIXTH YEAR/RANK I

Planned Sixth-Year/Rank I programs are offered in Elementary Education, Middle Grades Educations, Secondary Education, Early Childhood Education, Communication Disorders, Guidance, and School Administration in the following areas: principalship, pupil personnel, administration, supervisor of instruction, general school administration and special education director. Planned Sixth Year/Rank I programs lead to the Rank I salary change for certified teachers.

General Guidelines:

1. A minimum of either (a) 30 semester hours of approved graduate level credit in addition to the requirements for the Rank II salary classification, or (b) 60 semester hours of approved graduate level credit, including a master's degree, must be completed.

2. 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.

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

4. Teaching Certificate

5. All course work must be planned in consultation with the advisor and must be related to the professional needs of the student.

6. A minimum of 15 semester hours must be completed in courses numbered 500 or higher.

7. A "B" average must be maintained, and no course grade lower than a "C" may be counted.

8. At least 15 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.

9. A minimum of 24 hours of the total 60 (62 hours when based on Rank II salary classification) must be in academic work apart from professional education. These hours must be in the candidate's major or minor, area of preparation, or in supporting courses from other disciplines as approved by the institution.