Online Master's Degree Programs

Thank you for your interest in Western Kentucky University's online graduate degree programs. WKU currently offers 20 online master degree programs, and eight graduate certificates. A summary of each program is below.

Did you know?

Did you know that you may be able to earn a graduate certificate in conjunction with your Master's degree? Many master degree programs allow 12 hours of advisor-approved electives. With proper planning, you can earn two credentials at the same time: a graduate certificate in a specialized area, and a master's degree. To learn more about earning a certificate in conjunction with your Master's degree click here.

For additional information about the programs listed below, simply select your program of interest from the list, call us toll-free at 888-495-8932 (888-4WKUWEB) or email us at learn.online@wku.edu.

Executive Master of Health Administration(link to WKU Cohort Programs)

Created to meet the goals of busy executives, the Executive MHA program's curriculum only requires three classroom visits per year.  Completing the Executive MHA Program at WKU increases your knowledge, boosts your qualifications, and guides your advancing career.  Your experience as a healthcare professional has prepared you to become a leader, and you can take your leadership to the next level with WKU's Executive MHA Program.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The online MBA is an interdisciplinary program that provides professional education for successful careers in management.  Students are not only exposed to the latest theories and technologies of all business disciplines, but they also learn how to apply them to the competitive advantage of the organization.  The program emphasizes accounting, computer information systems, economics, finance, management, and marketing.

Master of Arts in Education in Adult Education

This program is designed for students who wish to do advanced study of education or behavioral sciences but whose career goals are not addressed by existing programs. The 30 - 39 hour online master's degree program includes coursework designed to introduce adult educators to some of the common knowledge found in the field of adult education, instructional methodology, and practices used to educate adults. Graduates of the program are employable in adult basic education settings, adult literacy settings, human resource and organizational settings, community-based education settings, and community colleges.

Master of Arts in Education in Elementary Education

The Master of Arts in Education in Elementary Education/ Teacher Leader program is for certified teachers (Grades P-5). Teacher Leader programs are designed to empower teachers to address authentic needs in classroom management, differentiated instruction and most importantly improve student learning. The Elementary Education program requires 30-31 hours, and is divided into two instructional components: Professional Education, and Specialization.

Master of Arts in Education in Middle Grades Education

The Master of Arts in Education in Middle Grades Education/Teacher Leader program is for certified teachers (Grades P-12). Teacher Leader programs are designed to empower teachers to address authentic needs in classroom management, differentiated instruction and most importantly improve student learning. The Middle Grades Education program requires 30-37 hours, and is divided into two instructional components: Professional Education, and Specialization.

Master of Arts in Education in Secondary Education

Master of Arts in Education in Secondary Education/Teacher Leader program is for certified teachers (Grades 8-12, 5-12, or P-12). Teacher Leader programs are designed to empower teachers to address authentic needs in classroom management, differentiated instruction and most importantly improve student learning. The Secondary Education program requires 30-37 hours, and is divided into two instructional components: Professional Education, and Specialization.

Master of Arts in Education in Special Education

The Master of Arts in Special Education/Teacher Leader program has two concentrations from which to select: Moderate and Severe Disabilities (MSD), and Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD), each designed to develop Teacher Leaders who can positively impact student learning in their classrooms and schools while serving students with special needs.

Master of Arts in Education in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

The Master of Arts in Education in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education/Teacher Leader program, offered by The School of Teacher Education, is designed to prepare educators to create and plan experiences and instruction that support the development and learning of infants, toddlers, preschool children, and kindergarten children (birth through five years), and their families, including those with disabilities.

Master of Arts in Education in Literacy Education

This 36-hour program is available both as a face-to-face and online program. Student may also elect to take a combination of courses. Graduates from this program are prepared to work in a changing, multicultural world in leadership roles in educational programs and institutions, and private and corporate sectors. Teacher certification is required.

Master of Arts in Criminology

This 33-credit hour online program exposes students to the empirical study and evaluation of crime patterns in society using a social scientific perspective. Courses in the curriculum examine the major correlates of crime, delinquency, and deviance.  Students are challenged to think about how prior and current research in the field of Criminology can be used to inform social and public policies.

Master of Arts in History

The online M.A. option is a three-year program, and designed to prepare students to teach history on the junior and senior college level; to provide the initial graduate work for those who intend to pursue a doctoral degree; and to enhance the preparation of secondary teachers of history who desire to meet certification requirements through such a program.

Master of Arts in Mathematics (Math Education)

The M.A. in Math Education is intended for students who are secondary teachers in Kentucky who already hold teacher certification and are seeking rank change through attainment of a Master's degree.  The expertise of the WKU mathematics faculty together with the convenience and flexibility of online instruction are a proven winning combination that ultimately helps busy adults realize their educational goals!

Master of Arts in Social Responsibility and Sustainable Communities

This Master of Arts degree is an interdisciplinary program of study that provides students with the tools to lead communities toward social justice and sustainability. It is designed especially for students inclined toward the humanities, social sciences, and related fields.  The program also includes an option to study abroad.

Master of Science in Athletic Administration (link to WKU Cohort Programs)

Western Kentucky University's Master of Science in Recreation and Sports Administration with a concentration in Athletic Administration and Coaching is designed to equip interscholastic athletic professionals with the leadership skills required as both disciplines in coaching and athletic administration grow. As a student in this unique program, you will have the opportunity to become a Certified Master Athletic Administrator through our partnership with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

Master of Science in Biology

This 30 hour online program provides many opportunities in teaching, research, and public service and provides excellent preparation for many other areas of basic and applied sciences.  The program's online format promotes time flexibility without the disrupting a professional career.

Master of Science in Communication Disorders

This program is designed to prepare professional speech pathologists to meet the needs of the communicatively handicapped in hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, and schools. It also meets the academic and clinical requirements of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association, leading to national certification and state licensure.

Master of Science in Instructional Design

The 30 credit-hour online Master of Science in Instructional Design (Ref. #0428) prepares practitioners to assume leadership roles in public or private organizations. Program graduates are equipped to design and develop instructional elements such as instructional videos, online instructional activities, user manuals for instructors, instruction manuals for commercial products, professional development curricula for teachers, multi-media instructional units, training packs for trainers, instructional materials for vocational/technical courses, lesson and unit plans for classroom use, and educational curricula.

Master of Science in Library Media Education

The 30-33 credit-hour M.S. in Library Media Education program is a dual track program in information service and educational technology. The degree prepares persons for service as library media specialists, training development specialists, educational technology specialists, and information service specialists in schools, colleges, public libraries, and private organizations.

Master of Science in Engineering Technology Management

The Master of Science in Engineering Technology Management develops leaders to support the needs of the modern world-wide industry. The curriculum enhances both career and personal objectives. Graduates of the program are equipped to manage organization resources, lead technological change, and strategically integrate higher level knowledge within their companies.

Master of Science in Facility and Event Management (link to WKU Cohort Programs)

Numerous professional organizations emphasize trainings and certifications in facility and event management for their members. These offerings can include aquatic management, crowd control, playground safety, accessibility, risk management, construction standards, turf management, emergency action planning, green design and sustainability, and many more. This program is designed to prepare recreation and sport professionals with qualifications and skills to do just that.