University of the Cumberlands presents a plan of studies for those students who are interested in a career in teaching. Graduate studies are available in three different Master’s degree programs, four administrative certifications, one reading and writing specialist certification program, two fifth year non-degree programs, add-on special education certification, alternative certification special education certification, and Rank I certification. Graduate courses are offered during the regular fall and spring terms and in the summer

The programs and certifications at University of the Cumberlands are designed to fulfill Kentucky state requirements for licensure and certification. Out-of-state requirements for licensure and/or certification are not the responsibility of University of the Cumberlands. Candidates should check with out-of-state agencies for reciprocity with Kentucky and that particular state’s requirements.

• Master of Arts in Education
  The Master of Arts in Education is designed for students who currently hold teaching certificates and who wish to further their education by earning a Master’s degree in their certification area. All candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree. This degree does not lead to initial certification but can provide certification in Reading and Writing. The total hours for the degree are 30 graduate credit hours, with a minimum of 15 hours at 600 level or higher.

• Master of Arts in Education: Instructional Leadership – Principalship
  The Master of Arts in Education: Instructional Leadership – Principalship is designed for students who wish to become a school principal. Level I and Level II certification are available, however, Level I and Level II must be completed for the Master of Arts in Education to be conferred. The total hours for the degree are 30 graduate credit hours, with a minimum of 15 hours at 600 level or higher.

• Master of Arts in Teaching (Alternative Certification program)
  The Master of Arts in Teaching degree is an alternate route to teacher certification and offers graduate programs for initial certification for those who currently do not hold a valid license in the desired content area. All candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree. The total hours for this degree are 39-42 graduate credit hours, with a minimum of 15 hours at 600 level or higher.

Non-degree Programs

• Alternative Certification – Special Education
  This alternative certification program is a non-degree program designed for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree and who are seeking special education certification. The total hours for the degree are 30 graduate credit hours, with a minimum of 15 hours at 600 level or higher.

• Add-On Certification – Special Education
  This add-on certification in special education is designed for candidates who hold a valid teaching certificate and who wish to add special education certification to their license. The total hours for the degree are 30 graduate credit hours, with a minimum of 15 hours at 600 level or higher.

• Administration Certification
  These programs provide Level I and/or Level II certification for Director of Pupil Personnel, Director of Special Education, or Supervisor of Instruction. Level I certification only is available for School Superintendent. All Level I certifications are a total of 18 graduate credit hours. Level II certification is a total of 12 additional graduate credit hours. Total graduate hours for both Level I and II are 30 graduate credit hours with a minimum of 18 graduate hours at 600 level or higher.

• Fifth-Year Non-Degree (Rank II)
  These programs are designed for candidates who hold a valid teaching license from an accredited institution and who are seeking a rank change. The total number of hours is 32 graduate credit hours.

• Rank I
  This program is designed for candidates who hold a valid teaching license, a Rank II certification and who are seeking a rank change. The total number of hours is 30 graduate credit hours with a minimum of 18 hours at 600 level or higher.