This post-master’s degree provides opportunity for the advanced graduate student to improve the foundations and competencies for teaching. The program may also be structured to meet Rank I salary requirements under Kentucky’s minimum foundation program of education. The following emphases or specializations are available to the secondary education major: literacy, general curriculum and instruction, and gifted education. The EdS in Secondary Education requires 30 hours beyond a master’s degree.

In addition to meeting the admission requirements of Graduate Studies, applicants must meet the following departmental requirements:

1. Three years of teaching experience at the appropriate level. Up to two years of experience may be waived in favor of equivalent experience; and
2. Four letters of recommendation: Two from graduate faculty members and two from professional associates in administrative and/or supervisory roles.

This program requires 30 hours beyond a master’s degree.

Degree Requirements
A.  Professional Education Component* – 5 hours:
     EDU 501, EDU 604, EDU 596
      *If EDU 501 and EDU 598/596 appear on the transcript, students must
      enroll in EDU 601 and EDU 698

B. Related Professional Education Courses – 7 - 13 hours:
    Minimum of seven hours of advisor-approved, professional education graduate
    level courses, including EXED 516**, and SEC 699 (6 hours)
    **An approved elective may be substituted if an Exceptional Child Education course
     is on the student’s transcript.

C. Related Non-Professional Education Courses – 12 - 18 hours:
    Minimum of 12 hours of advisor-approved, subject-related courses
    pertinent to the area of specialization.

Note: There is a limit of 6 hours workshop and independent study credit that can be used on a Specialist Degree program. Only three of those 6 hours can be one credit hour courses.  A total of 24 hours non-professional education courses are required for MAE and the Specialist Degree combined.