ADVANCED EDUCATIONRank I Programs

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Advance Your Rank. Elevate Your Impact. Earn More.

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Advance Your Teaching Career with Bellarmine

Bellarmine’s fully online Rank I program is designed for certified Kentucky educators who want to deepen their expertise, increase their salary, and step confidently into leadership roles. With flexible tracks and personalized guidance, you'll grow as an educator and rise as a leader.​​ ​

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Use a Bellarmine Degree as Your Launchpad ​

Bellarmine's Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) tracks can count toward Rank I certification. This means you can pursue your passion now and build momentum toward Rank I without duplicating coursework. Our faculty advisors will help you map your progress from MAEd to Rank I efficiently and strategically.

Available Tracks:

Bellarmine’s Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is a principal certification preparation program for educators who already hold a master’s degree in education and have taught for at least three years. This program may be the right path for you if you would like to obtain Rank 1 while preparing to step into an administrative role.

See Admission Requirements below.

Take the Next Step

Bellarmine’s Rank I program gives you more than a credential; it gives you clarity, confidence, and the flexibility to grow without stepping away from your classroom. Apply today and unlock your full potential as a teacher- leader.

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All advanced-level teacher education programs at Bellarmine University's Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education are recognized by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board and fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). View CAEP Annual Reporting Measures

Program Highlights

Designed for working educators​

  • Most MAEd programs are 100% online.
  • 60 credit hours of graduate-level coursework (including your master’s)​
  • Minimum of 15 hours completed at Bellarmine
  • ​ Personalized faculty advising on your program plan
  • ​ Designed to your area of interest and professional needs

*​ The MAEd and Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership and Administration are hybrid programs.​

What is Rank I?

Rank 1 programs are planned graduate-level programs designed for Kentucky teachers seeking rank change for salary purposes. They are recognized only in the state of Kentucky. By state regulation, Rank 1 status is 60 credit hours of approved graduate credit including a master's degree. ​

Teachers who complete a Rank 1 program may obtain a Rank change for salary purposes in Kentucky. Through a Rank 1 program, teachers may increase their depth of knowledge in their teaching areas or in additional areas of certification, as appropriate.

Admission Requirements

  • A valid Professional Teaching Certificate (Kentucky or equivalent).
  • Two recommendation forms:
    • One from your current principal or their designee.
    • One from a supervisor or colleague (e.g., department chair, employer, or former professor) who can speak to your potential for graduate-level study.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official language proficiency scores:
    • TOEFL iBT score of 80 or higher, or
    • Equivalent scores on the IELTS or MELAB
    • Bellarmine reserves the right to request a TOEFL score from any applicant based on review of materials.
  • International applicants must submit additional documentation. See the application form for details.

Learn more about Bellarmine University.

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Contact

For more information, call 502.272.7100 or email your questions to admissions@bellarmine.edu.