Welcome
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers programs that are specifically designed for the professional development of teachers and school leaders. These programs encompass the preservice, inservice, and continuing education and serve to develop positive attitudes toward the profession of teaching, skills in specific areas, and skills and techniques necessary for continuous professional growth. As part of our continued effort to reach out to teachers and increase access to our programs, we have developed an Online Master of Arts in Elementary Education.

Please Note: Spring 2009 is the last semester applications will be accepted for the Master of Arts in Elementary Education.

Click here to access a printer friendly basic information packet.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Master of Arts in Elementary Education must have the following:

• A bachelor's degree from a college or university of recognized standing
• Teacher Certification - Please include a copy of your most recent teaching certificate in the application packet
  
• Application and Fee - Students seeking a graduate degree 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 $40.00 (non-refundable) must be returned to the Graduate Studies Office
• Official Transcripts - Graduates of accredited institutions other than Western Kentucky University must submit an official transcript showing the completed degree to the Office of Graduate Studies. Applicants who have not completed the undergraduate degree are required to submit one official transcript at the time of application and one official transcript showing the degree is completed
• GRE scores
• WKU Graduates please note: No GRE is required for Graduates of the Elementary Education program at WKU. Spring 2009 semester will be the last semester applications wil be accepted for the M. A. in Elementary Education without a GRE/GAP qualifying score.

Application and all supporting materials should be sent directly to: WKU, Office of Graduate Studies, 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11010, Bowling Green, KY 42101. Applicants can apply online at www.wku.edu/graduate, or may download a printable application.

Please note: To be eligible for any type of financial aid or a graduate assistantship, you must be admitted in good standing to a degree program. Non-degree seeking students are ineligible for financial aid and graduate assistantships.

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Program Requirements
The Master of Arts in Elementary Education requires 30 hours. Hours taken over 30 in the Master of Arts program may transfer to a Rank 1 program.

Please note: All courses are available online, unless otherwise noted. Hybrid courses require two-three meetings on WKU's main campus.

MASTERS COMPREHENSIVE GUIDELINES:
Written comprehensive examinations are required of all Master’s degree candidates in teacher education programs.  Students should be in their last semester or have completed the course requirements for their Master’s degree program before applying to participate in the comprehensive examination.  Comprehensive Exams are given only in June, October, and March.
You must have completed (1) EDFN 500, (2) ELED 503, (3) PSY 510, 511, or 540, (4) EDU 522, 524, 544, ELED 505, 506, 507, 509 or LTCY 519, EDU 501 and 6 hrs. in the specialization component. You will respond to test items in three categories: curriculum, methods, and general problem solving.

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Recommended Sequence of Courses
It is required that EDFN 500 (Education Foundations) be completed within the first 12 hours of graduate course work. It is also important to note that certain courses may offered on a rotating basis, so please plan your program of study carefully. Contact Dr. Toby Daniel, the academic advisor for the program for additional information on course offerings at tabitha.daniel@wku.edu or 270-745-2615. See what is currently being offered at www.wku.edu/online.

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How Do I Apply?
You can fill out the application for admission online at www.wku.edu/graduate.  Please indicate that you are applying to the Master of Arts in Elementary Education on the application. Send all required documents directly to: WKU, Office of Graduate Studies, 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11010, Bowling Green, KY 42101. The Graduate Studies Office will review your materials to see if you qualify for graduate admissions. If they determine that you meet admission requirements, they will forward your application materials to the department for review.

Is an online degree different from a “regular” degree?
No – the application process is the same, the core courses and many of the elective courses are the same, the diploma is the same.  The only difference is that the courses constituting the degree are taken online.

Is financial aid available for distance learners?
For qualifying students who have been officially admitted to a program of study there is financial aid available. To find out if you qualify, contact WKUs Office of Financial Assistance at 270-745-2755.

Can I take some classes without entering the program?
Yes, you can take 9 hours without formally entering a graduate program at WKU.  However, as soon as you know you want to complete a graduate degree at WKU, you should go ahead and apply so that you can discuss your course options and requirements with your advisor.  Also, it is important to note that you will not qualify for financial aid until you have received formal acceptance into a graduate program.

Can I get certified to teach with this degree?
No, this is not a certification degree.  Students entering the program must have their initial certification. If you are not certified, but are interested in becoming certified to teach, please contact the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences for more information.

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Academic Calendar
Our Distance Program follows the traditional academic calendar, with established start and completion dates. Academic Calendars can be found on the Registrar's Webpage at http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/AcadAffairs/Registrar/acad_calendar.htm.

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Tuition and Fees
There is a standard tuition rate for all distance students, whether in or out of state. Current tuition rates may be found at http://www.wku.edu/bursar.

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Financial Aid
For qualifying students who have been officially admitted to a program of study financial aid may be available. To find out if you qualify, contact WKUs Office of Financial Assistance at 270-745-2755 or visit http://www.wku.edu/Info/FinAid.

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Department Contact Information
Department Head and Program Advisor: Dr. Toby Daniel
Email: tabitha.daniel@wku.edu
Phone: 270-745-2615
Web: http://edtech.wku.edu/~teached/index.html

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