MAE Teacher Leader Specializations
The Specialization Component for the MAE in Secondary Education requires 18 hours; the Middle Grades Specialization Component requires 14-21. The Specialization allows students considerable flexibility in choosing their course work. The courses in this area will be selected by the candidate based on individual needs, content areas and/or areas of professional growth.
The following pre-approved courses are available in an online or WKU On Demand delivery format:
BIOL 403G |
Molecular Basis of Cancer |
Prerequisites: BIOL 319/322 or equivalent course. Biological and molecular features of oncogensis and clinical cancer, focusing on specific molecular events underlying carcinogenesis, metastsis and angiogenesis. Case study learning will be integrated into the course to engage students in understanding the societal implications of cancer. |
BIOL 446G |
Biochemistry I |
Prerequisite: CHEM 314 or 340. Biochemical compounds and their role in metabolism. |
BIOL 456G |
Ichthyology |
Prerequisites: BIOL 224/225, and permission of instructor. Fishes of the world, their physiology, structure, behavior, and ecology. Emphasis on the collection and identification of freshwater species of Kentucky. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, four hours. |
BIOL 483G |
Multivariate Methods/Biology |
Prerequisites: Junior standing and a course in statistics, or permission of instructor. Application of multivariate statistical analysis techniques to problems in the biological sciences. Principal component and factor analysis, canonical discriminant analysis, correspondence analysis, distance metrics and clustering, canonical correlation, repetitive sampling, randomization. Not a course in mathematical statistics; rather, emphasis is on experimental design, selection of appropriate methods for testing particular hypotheses, and the analysis of real data. |
BIOL 490G |
Plants as Alternative Therapeutics |
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An exploration of plants used traditional in systems of medicine with an emphasis on their pharmacological implications as evidenced in modern clinical research. The therapeutic actions of phytochemicals, vis-a-vis different human illnesses (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, autoimmune psychosomatic disorders; cancer, AIDS, skin diseases, etc.) will be examined. |
BIOL 495G |
Molecular Genetics |
Prerequisite BIOL 450G. A study of the molecular basis of genetics and heredity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. |
BIOL 501 |
Biological Perspectives |
Designed to acquaint graduate students with advances in the biological sciences and practical applications of biological principles. |
BIOL 519 |
International Wildlife Management Policy |
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Exploration of the major wildlife management models used in various countries, emphasizing North America, Europe and Africa. Economic ramifications of these models and international treaty obligations relating to the wildlife trade are investigated. |
BIOL 526 |
Physiological Ecology |
Prerequisites: BIOL 330 or consent of instructor. Study of the physiological adaptations of animals that enhance their survival and/or permit them to exploit extreme environments. |
BIOL 530 |
Animal Behavior |
N/A |
BIOL 560 |
Advanced Cell Biology |
Prerequisite: BIOL 411 or equivalent. Lecture-discussion course designed to understand structure and function of differentiated cells of multicellular organisms. Textbook readings, review articles and current research papers will be incorporated into lectures and discussions. |
BIOL 566 |
Advanced Molecular Genetics |
Prerequisites: BIOL 495 or consent of instructor. Consideration of the molecular mechanisms for replication, gene expression and regulation of development. |
BIOL 675 |
Advanced Topics in Biology |
Selected topics in Biology. |
The Specialization Component for the MAE in Secondary Education requires 18 hours; the Middle Grades Specialization Component requires 14-21. The Specialization allows students considerable flexibility in choosing their course work. The courses in this area will be selected by the candidate based on individual needs, content areas and/or areas of professional growth.
The following pre-approved courses are available in an online or independent learning delivery format:
EXED 515 |
Education of Exceptional Children |
Introductory course for initial certification in Exceptional Education. Induction issues in special education are examined. |
EXED 516 |
Exceptional Child: Perspective and Issues |
Focus is on the characteristics, priorities, resources and issues of children who are disabled, delayed or gifted and their families. Emphasis is on current results of research and perspectives on today's children, families, schools and communities. Descriptions, issues and techniques for each area of exceptionality including learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, mentally challenged, autism, giftedness, physically challenged, health concerns, communication disorders, hearing loss, blindness or low vision, and traumatic brain injury will be included. |
EXED 517 |
Trans Services of Individuals with Disabilities |
Prerequisites: EXED 516 and EXED 530 and EXED 531 |
EXED 518 |
Seminar: Contemporary Issues in Special |
Prerequisite: Minimum of 12 hours of graduate level course work in Exceptional Education, Instructor permission. Issues in special education. Classroom experiences to develop awareness and sensitivity to educational needs. |
EXED 523 |
Current Methods, Early Childhood Special |
Selection/development of curricula materials for planning, implementation, and evaluation of intervention with children P-5 who have disabilities. |
EXED 530 |
Advanced Assessment Techniques |
Experiences will be provided for students to enhance their knowledge of issues, techniques, and interpretations of various assessment procedures and instruments. |
EXED 531 |
Advanced Prescriptive Teaching |
Adapting the learning environment to the learner. The identification and modification of various aspects of specialized learning environments are examined. |
EXED 532 |
Families, Professionals & Exceptionalities |
Interpreting programs for individuals with disabilities to maximize family involvement. Emphasizes the attitudes, skills, and knowledge taught in the educational program. |
EXED 533 |
Current Evaluation of Moderate/Severe |
Development, adaptation, and evaluation of curricula, methods, materials, and resources. Implementing and evaluating instructional programs for students with mild disabilities is stressed. |
EXED 534 |
Research in Exceptional Education |
Reading, interpreting and conducting research related to students with disabilities, parents, and teachers. An independent research project is required. May be repeated once with permission of the program director. |
EXED 535 |
Curriculum for Moderate/Severe Disabilities |
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Currently or to be available via Online and KYVU: The Endorsement requires four three-hour courses:
- GTE 536: Nature and Needs of Gifted, Creative and Talented Students. (3 hours)
- GTE 537: Curriculum, Strategies, and Materials for Gifted Students. (3 hours)
- PSY 432G: Psychology of the Gifted and Creative. (3 hours)
- GTE 538: Practicum for Teachers of Gifted Students. (3 hours)
- Prerequisites: GTE 536, GTE 537, and PSY 432G.
The Specialization Component for the MAE in Secondary Education requires 18 hours; the Middle Grades Specialization Component requires 14-21. The Specialization allows students considerable flexibility in choosing their course work. The courses in this area will be selected by the candidate based on individual needs, content areas and/or areas of professional growth.
The following pre-approved courses are available in an online or independent learning delivery format:
HIST 419G |
Tudor-Stuart England |
A study of the principal political, economic, social, religious, and cultural developments in British history from the beginning of the Tudor dynasty in 1485 to the end of the Stuart dynasty in 1714. |
HIST 502 |
US History for Secondary Teachers |
Emphasis on bibliography, documents, historical interpretations and materials for secondary teachers of history. |
HIST 526 |
Social and Intellectual 20th Century US History |
A study of twentieth century American thought and its relation to our social, economic, and political institutions. |
HIST 531 |
A Cultural History of Alcohol |
An examination of the role that alcohol plays in historical development among various world cultures over time. Instructor may choose to focus on a specific region and/or time period. |
HIST 535 |
Historiography |
A survey of historical writing from ancient times to the present, with emphasis on European and American historians of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. |
HIST 544 |
Gilded Age America |
A study of American history and culture from the end of Reconstruction to the early
twentieth century, |
HIST 553 |
American Women's History |
Social, cultural, and political history of American women from pre-colonial times to the present. |
HIST 563 |
The Atlantic World |
A study of the areas touched by the Atlantic Ocean in the period from the 1300's through the early 1900's, focusing on the intersections of African, Native American, and European cultures. |
HIST 606 |
Seminar in European History |
Graduate seminar in such diverse areas as the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation, and Nazi Germany. May be repeated once with a different topic. |
HIST 622 |
Seminar in American Borderlands |
A study of American borderlands and/or the regional West with a concentration on social, cultural, and political developments. May be repeated once with a different topic. |
HIST 630 |
Seminar in US History |
Graduate seminar in such diverse areas as Colonial America, the Federalist era, the Slavery Controversy, the U.S. since 1945. May be repeated once with a different topic. |
Educational Technology Course Requirements
- LME 535: Survey of Educational Technology Practices
- LME 537: Principles of Educational Technology Applications (Prerequisite: LME 535)
Elective Courses (students may select six hours from the following list):
- LME 545: Educational Technology Production (Prerequisite: LME 537)
- LME 550: Emerging Technology in Education (Prerequisite: LME 535)
- LME 547: Integration of Educational Technology (Prerequisite: LME 537)
- LME 737: Educational Technology Leadership
The Specialization Component for the MAE in Secondary Education requires 18 hours; the Middle Grades Specialization Component requires 14-21. The Specialization allows students considerable flexibility in choosing their course work. The courses in this area will be selected by the candidate based on individual needs, content areas and/or areas of professional growth.
The following pre-approved courses are available in an online or independent learning delivery format:
LTCY 518 |
Literacy, Learning and Technology |
Survey of use of technology to promote the development of reading, writing, and teaching and learning via electronic formats. Topics include integration of technology into literacy instruction that supports diverse literacy learners and designing appropriate reading and language arts technology-based projects for literacy learners. |
LTCY 519 |
Foundations of Reading Instruction |
Analysis of the reading process with emphasis on the psychological and physiological foundations of the reading act. |
LTCY 523 |
Diagnostic Reading Procedures |
Emphasizes practical methods of reading appraisal, diagnostic procedures, and materials essential for developing teaching strategies in reading instruction. |
LTCY 524 |
Content Area Literacy |
Reading and study skills strategies and techniques to increase student achievement in content-area classes. |
LTCY 528 |
Literacy Research Methods and Evaluation |
Investigation and critical analysis of literacy research and theory, and completion of literacy related-research project. |
LTCY 624 |
Seminar in Literacy Issues & Trends |
Study of literacy research focusing on issues and trends within the discipline of literacy education. Course may be repeated on different topics up to 2 times for a maximum of 9 hours. |
The Specialization Component for the MAE in Secondary Education requires 18 hours; the Middle Grades Specialization Component requires 14-21. The Specialization allows students considerable flexibility in choosing their course work. The courses in this area will be selected by the candidate based on individual needs, content areas and/or areas of professional growth.
The following pre-approved courses are available in an online or independent learning delivery format:
LME 501 |
Program Organization and Administration |
Development and administration of the library media program to support the educational goals of the school. Includes school/community needs assessment, program design, implementation of evaluation, budget, and other management areas. |
LME 502 |
Collection Management |
Principles of collection management to meet the needs of the school library media program. Evaluation, selection and acquisition of print, non-print and electronic resources. Examination and development of collection policies and procedures, including acceptable use policies and copyright. |
LME 506 |
Classification and Cataloging |
Classification, descriptive and subject cataloging for print and other media forms. Compliance with national standards including MARC record format. |
LME 508 |
Information Sources and Services |
Information sources and services in school library media centers. Evaluation and use of print and electronic general reference sources, including search techniques. Emphasis on reference interview process, information literacy, and development of pathfinders. |
LME 509 |
Investigations in Educational Technology |
The completion of a formal research study in educational technology or the creation of an educational technology prototype under the supervision of a faculty member. |
LME 512 |
Issues in Library Media Education |
Types of information centers and their history, state and national accreditation standards, the development of communication and information technologies, the impact of technology on education, and career opportunities. Attention to legal issues like intellectual freedom, censorship, and information access. |
LME 518 |
Advanced Children's Literature |
Materials available to meet the needs of children including outstanding authors, illustrators, topical issues, and the reviewing of children's books. |
LME 519 |
Special Topics in Educational Technology |
Special topics in the field of educational technology. May be repeated once with a different topic. |
LME 527 |
Thematic Young Adult Literature |
Thematic examination of literary genres and non-print media appropriate for young adults, ages 12-18. Includes management and service components for effective young adult literature programs. |
LME 535 |
Survey of Educational Technology Practices |
Focus on instructional design and communication models appropriate to effective utilization of multimedia for instruction and training. Application of various multimedia to design, produce, and evaluate instructional/training projects. |
LME 537 |
Principles of Technology Applications |
Uses of technology for instruction and instructional management. Emphasis on instructional techniques, evaluation and utilization of appropriate instructional software, productivity tools, and the Internet for various subjects, grade levels, and needs of diverse learners. Prerequisite: LME 535. |
LME 545 |
Educational Technology Production |
Product design and production techniques for education and training. Utilization of various software and hardware configurations to produce electronic prototypes. Prerequisite: LME 537. |
LME 547 |
Integration of Educational Technology |
Application of principles of instructional design to the integration of technology into education and training programs. Prerequisite: LME 537. |
LME 550 |
Emerging Technology in Education |
Prerequisite: LME 535 or instructor approval. Survey of new and significant technology developments and integration strategies in education; research on applications and their effectiveness on P-12 pupil learning; application of new technologies to design, produce, and assess P-12 learning. |
LME 737 |
Educational Technology Leadership |
Emphasis on educational technology leadership, professional development, and instructional management. Topics include equitable access, technology plans, meeting needs of diverse learners with technology, and technology integration strategies. |
The Specialization Component for the MAE in Secondary Education requires 18 hours; the Middle Grades Specialization Component requires 14-21. The Specialization allows students considerable flexibility in choosing their course work. The courses in this area will be selected by the candidate based on individual needs, content areas and/or areas of professional growth.
The following pre-approved courses are available in an online or WKU On Demand delivery format:
MATH 423G |
Geometry II |
An axiomatic development of plane hyperbolic geometry which presupposes a development of absolute geometry. |
MATH 501 |
Introduction to Statistics I |
Interpreting and analyzing univariate and bivariate data; data collection; planning and conducting experiments; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference. |
MATH 511 |
Secondary Mathematics an Advanced Perspective |
Intended for teachers wishing to develop a deeper understanding of high school algebra and calculus. Examines links among different fields of mathematics and connections among high school, mathematics, college mathematics and higher mathematics. |
The Specialization Component for the MAE in Secondary Education requires 18 hours; the Middle Grades Specialization Component requires 14-21. The Specialization allows students considerable flexibility in choosing their course work. The courses in this area will be selected by the candidate based on individual needs, content areas and/or areas of professional growth.
The following pre-approved courses are available in an online or independent learning delivery format:
PE 501 |
Research Methods in Physical Education |
Selected studies in the physical education literature related to methods, materials, techniques, and planning of research studies used and conducted by the profession. |
PE 503 |
Motor Learning |
Theories and principles of learning as they apply to the acquisition of gross motor skills. Emphasizes the interpretation and practical application of experimental data. |
PE 504 |
Advanced Exercise Physiology |
Application of physiological principles of motor activity. Emphasis on improving instructional practices. |
PE 505 |
Foundational Curriculum Construction |
Principles, procedures, and criteria for curriculum construction and revision, course building, and lesson planning. |
PE 515 |
PE/Recreation Assessment |
Focusing on assessment tools utilized to measure motor development, fitness, motor skills, etc. |
PE 520 |
Teaching Strategies |
Study and application of teaching strategies utilized in the elementary and secondary physical education setting. |
*Other courses may be selected with permission of advisor, teacher certification officer
and the Graduate School & Research.
Students may also elect to take advisor approved courses from the following areas: Social Studies (History, Political Science, Geography,
Sociology, Psychology), Biology, and Mathematics. For additional information on online
course availability within these areas, students will need to refer to the Schedule of Classes or contact the department where the course originates.
Students may also incorporate course work from any of the following online endorsements for specialization electives: Gifted and Talented Teaching Endorsement, Instructional Computer Technology Endorsement, or other approved endorsements.
For additional information:
Program Contact: Dr. Rebecca Stobaugh
Email: rebecca.stobaugh@wku.edu
Phone: (270) 745-4497
Visit Us Online:
Middle Grades: wku.edu/ste/mged/mae_mge_advising_sheet.pdf
Secondary Education: wku.edu/ste/seced/mae_seced_advising_sheet.pdf
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