Advanced Program Applicants
Advanced (certified) applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Minimum GPA 2.75 (including all undergraduate and graduate coursework)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for last 30 hours of coursework (including all undergraduate and graduate coursework). Classes used for the calculation will be considered based on the current OELE/EPSB regulations.
- Applicants who hold a master’s degree with a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 from a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher learning may be admitted without regard to undergraduate transcripts.
For most advanced applicants, admission decisions can be made with an application, an official college transcript(s), a copy of a current teaching certificate, a writing sample verifying collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity, and a completed Kentucky Code of Ethics form.
Notes:
Moderate and Severe Disabilities Certification requires a KY teaching certificate in Learning and Behavior Disorders.
Initial Teacher Certification Program Applicants
A bachelor’s degree or advanced degree awarded by a regionally or nationally accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; or a grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale on the last thirty (30) hours of credit completed, including undergraduate and graduate coursework.
Applicants seeking admission into Special Education certification programs must meet the requirements listed above. In addition, applicants seeking admission into content area certification programs (e.g., English, Math, Social Studies) submit evidence of content area mastery in two ways. First, evidence of previous coursework is submitted and reviewed. Second, evidence of registration for the relevant Praxis II Content Exam in the proposed certification area is submitted. A candidate must provide their Praxis II Content Exam score before being allowed to register for EDU536: Mentored / Student Teaching for MA Certification.
Always consult with the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) regarding state admissions requirements to teacher education programs.
Notes:
When a candidate in an initial (traditional or alternative certification) program wishes to exit the program and enter another initial (traditional or alternative certification) program, all current admissions criteria must be met.
Original application materials may be accepted in lieu of new application materials at the discretion of the Graduate Admissions Office.
Proficiency-Based Certification Pathway
Candidates who already hold teaching certification and are seeking additional proficiency-based certification will, in addition to providing documentation of their current Kentucky Teacher Certification, meet all of the admission requirements applicable to 16 KAR 5:020 for all initial candidates currently accepted into all of our initial programs. These requirements include the following:
- Official Transcripts of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university
- Professional dispositions for acceptance, which will be verified through the Signed Kentucky Code of Ethics
- Writing Sample indicating Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or greater or 3.0 on last 30 hours of course work
- Signed curriculum contract (educator learning plan)
- Passing scores on required Praxis content exams (if applicable)
- An Electronic Portfolio
Proficiency Evaluation
Pursuant to 16 KAR 5:030, candidates may request a proficiency evaluation as “an alternate means for recognizing competency and proficiency other than academic credit…through previous education, unusual experience, or proficiency assessment at a level comparable to the usual requirements in the content area in which the educator is seeking certification.” In order to request an evaluation, a candidate must:
Submit an online application requesting a proficiency evaluation.
Submit a formal request for proficiency evaluation to the Dean of Education, stating:
The specific course or program requirement to evaluate for proficiency,
The method to demonstrate proficiency (i.e., previous coursework “at a level comparable to the usual requirements in that curriculum area,” exceptional (unusual) experience, proficiency examination, etc.)
Upon submission of the form, the Dean of Education will consult with the appropriate program coordinator and department chair to evaluate the proficiency application and to make a preliminary recommendation. The recommendation will be taken to the appropriate program faculty for approval and the results will be sent to the Dean of Education. The Dean will evaluate the results, recommend adjustments if needed, document the rationale, and bring the recommendation to the Education Unit for final approval. Upon approval, an “educator learning plan (ELP)” will be created which will include all requirements to demonstrate proficiency. If the proficiency evaluation involves a proficiency examination or evaluation of competencies outside of a regularly scheduled course, the Dean of Education and the program chair will discuss the method for completing and assessing these competencies, which may involve the candidate completing independent study or course by arrangement course(s) if appropriate, or by paying the appropriate credit by exam fee as indicated in the Georgetown College Catalog.
If the proficiency evaluation involves a course taken at another institution but used for a degree at that institution, the course will not be transferred into the program but will be evaluated to ensure that the course content and proficiencies were comparable to the course in the Georgetown College program. Courses accepted must be from a regionally accredited institution.
Graduate candidates may appeal proficiency evaluations as described in the ‘Academic Appeals’ section of the Graduate Catalog. Undergraduate candidates may appeal proficiency evaluations by submitting a letter of appeal to the Dean of Education. The appeal will be taken to the Education Advisory Committee for final dispensation.