Passing the Requirements for an Online Rank 1 (Masters +30) Program
Is my GPA high enough? How many credit hours do I have to have for admissions? Where do I send my letters of recommendation? The entrance requirements for a Rank 1, or Master’s +30, program can be overwhelming. However, the information in this article should help you to better understand the process as a whole, including requirements, program details, and descriptions of accredited, online programs available to you.
In order to receive a Rank 1 (Masters +30) degree, you must be ready to complete a set of both entrance and exit requirements. To gain admissions to a Rank 1 program, you must have successfully completed a master’s degree in education. Specific specializations, such as the education specialist degree, may also require an additional 3-6 graduate credit hours beyond your master’s in order to enter the Rank 1 program.
To be considered for admissions in the Rank 1 program, you will also have to meet the following requirements: a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, a minimum GPA requirement, qualifications for a Kentucky classroom teaching certificate, letters of recommendation, and a passing score on any Praxis test.
Exiting a Rank 1 program has its own set of requirements. The completion of a level 1 and level 2 portfolios is generally standard for achieving Rank 1 certification. In some cases, online programs have an exit GPA requirement that must be met by the student in order to receive their certification. Potential Rank 1 candidates will also need to have three years teaching experience and the minimum score of 82.5% on the Kentucky Specialty Test of Instructional and Administrative Practices Test.
Overall, Rank 1 programs aim to refine teachers’ instructional skills and arm them with the latest trends in education models, behavior patterns, technology, and leadership techniques. The option to attain the Rank 1 certification online is a golden opportunity that has several advantages, such as: leadership including access to exceptional state government internships, flexible schedules, 24/7 access to classroom materials, and round the clock tech support. Financial aid, if eligible, can make paying for your education easier than in previous years. With today’s commitment to education and high standards for teachers, the amount of financial aid options is expanding to include state grants, Pell grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, loans, scholarships and other resources. In the end, online instruction gives student a greater amount of control over their education. People no longer have to put their lives on hold in order to pursue a higher degree or certification.
Bethel College is one of select few colleges in Kentucky that offer a Rank 1 (Masters +30) program in an online format. As part of their mission, the online Rank 1 program at Bethel College gives educators an online opportunity to gain the experience and skills necessary for career advancement and, ultimately, make them a better teacher.
The primary objective Union College online program in Rank I certification is to prepare well-educated teachers for public and private schools in Kentucky and the nation. This unique Rank 1 program allows students to receive Rank 1 certification in two different areas, Special Education and Educational Leadership.
At the University of the Cumberlands, students of the online Rank 1 program can also receive additional certification in other specialty fields while completing their Rank 1 requirements. The areas in which students can complete their Rank I certification in are Special Education or School Leadership. The ability to earn Rank I status while simultaneously receiving an additional certification makes the University of the Cumberlands an excellent choice for students who wish to excel in their chosen field.

