Rank I programs are planned graduate level programs designed for Kentucky teachers seeking rank change for salary purposes. Rank I programs are not degree programs. They are recognized only in the state of Kentucky. By state regulation, Rank I status is sixty (60) semester hours of approved graduate credit including a Master's degree.

Admissions Requirements

Students may apply to the program by first going to the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies web site. Admission requirements include the following credentials:

• Official transcripts with a GPA of 2.75 in the Bachelor's degree and a GPA of 3.0 in the Master's degree
• Teaching certificate
• TOEFL (Students holding a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. are exempt from this requirement.)

 Rank I

1. The candidate for Rank I shall hold a regular teaching certificate and a master's degree or its equivalent based on one of the following:

• A master's degree leading to a standard teaching certificate;
• A master's degree in a professional education specialty;
• A master's degree in an academic subject identified in the teacher certification requirements (religion and law are not appropriate);
• A 32-semester hour non-degree fifth year program; and
• A 32-semester hour non-degree fifth year program, which may include 12 semester hours of credit, earned as continuing education units and/or professional staff development units.

2. The Rank I classification shall require the completion of either:

• 30 semester hours approved graduate level or equivalent (approved teacher institute) credit in addition to the requirements for a Rank II classification, or
• 60 semester hours approved graduate level credit including a master's degree.

3. The candidate shall plan his Rank I program in consultation with an advisor in the School of Education in advance of completing the first coursework or very early in the program. The program shall be appropriate to the candidate's present or projected role in professional education. A copy of this program shall be filed in the Education Advising Center.

4. Of the total Rank I program, at least 15 semester hours beyond Rank II shall be taken at the University of Louisville. The remaining credit hours may be taken at the same institution or, upon approval of the faculty advisor, at other institutions. There is no stipulation as to recency of completion of Rank I credit.

5. All coursework for Rank I shall carry graduate credit or equivalent (approved teacher institute) credit, and no less than half shall be earned in courses open only to graduate students.

6. An academic average of "B" shall be required on the course hours submitted for Rank I, and no credit shall be accepted for course carrying a grade lower than "C".

7. A portfolio is required for successful completion of this program.