
Bachelor's Degree in Middle Level Teacher Education
Who is this program for?
A bachelor's degree in Middle Level Teacher Education is ideal for students passionate about teaching and supporting young adolescents, focusing on both academic and social development.
Program Overview
The Middle Level Teacher Education program offers a personalized, innovative approach to teacher preparation. Our unique approach embeds courses in local schools early in the program, ensuring you gain valuable field experience and forge important connections. From day one, you'll work in actual classrooms, gaining over 200 hours of experience through classroom observations, community outreach, school board meetings, and other school visits, followed by two full semesters of student teaching in the two content areas of your chose: English, Math, Social Studies, or Science.
Upon completion, you will earn Kentucky certification to teach grades 5-9 in two content areas. Our program prepares you to be a highly qualified teacher, with strong connections to schools actively seeking our graduates. You will also have opportunities to work with top educators, engage with a diverse community, and participate in travel and study abroad experiences.
Our Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), recognizing our commitment to high standards in teacher preparation. This accreditation assures prospective students that our program meets rigorous benchmarks for quality, continuous improvement, and positive impact in the field of education.
Plan to Pursue Licensure Outside of Kentucky?
If you plan to obtain professional licensure outside of Kentucky, please refer to the Licensure page to confirm whether the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in your state of interest.
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What You'll Learn
The Middle Level Teacher Education curriculum focuses on the unique academic and developmental needs of young adolescents. Students gain expertise in subject-specific instruction, classroom management, and inclusive teaching practices. With extensive field experiences and student teaching, future educators are well-prepared to support and inspire various learners during this critical stage of development.
Below is a template that outlines the typical course progression for this major. Actual progression may vary based on factors such as AP/IB credits, dual enrollment, transfer credits, and individual academic readiness. A College of Education academic advisor will help develop a path to graduation that is best suited for you. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan for the different combinations of the two areas of content specialization.
Total Freshman Credit Hours: 32
Fall SEMESTER
17 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
15 Credit HoursTotal Sophomore Credit Hours: 30
Fall SEMESTER
15 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
15 Credit HoursTotal Junior Credit Hours: 34
Fall SEMESTER
16 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
18 Credit HoursTotal Senior Credit Hours: 24
Fall SEMESTER
12 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
12 Credit HoursCurrent students should log in to myUK to access their Major Map and personalized degree audit through the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
Total Freshman Credit Hours: 31-32
Fall SEMESTER
16-17 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
15 Credit HoursTotal Sophomore Credit Hours: 33
Fall SEMESTER
15 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
18 Credit HoursTotal Junior Credit Hours: 34
Fall SEMESTER
16 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
18 Credit HoursTotal Senior Credit Hours: 24
Fall SEMESTER
12 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
12 Credit HoursCurrent students should log in to myUK to access their Major Map and personalized degree audit through the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
Total Freshman Credit Hours: 32-33
Fall SEMESTER
17-18 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
15 Credit HoursTotal Sophomore Credit Hours: 35
Fall SEMESTER
17 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
18 Credit HoursTotal Junior Credit Hours: 34
Fall SEMESTER
16 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
18 Credit HoursTotal Senior Credit Hours: 24
Fall SEMESTER
12 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
12 Credit HoursCurrent students should log in to myUK to access their Major Map and personalized degree audit through the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
Total Freshman Credit Hours: 33
Fall SEMESTER
17 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
16 Credit HoursTotal Sophomore Credit Hours: 32
Fall SEMESTER
17 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
15 Credit HoursTotal Junior Credit Hours: 34
Fall SEMESTER
16 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
18 Credit HoursTotal Senior Credit Hours: 24
Fall SEMESTER
12 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
12 Credit HoursCurrent students should log in to myUK to access their Major Map and personalized degree audit through the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
Total Freshman Credit Hours: 34
Fall SEMESTER
17 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
17 Credit HoursTotal Sophomore Credit Hours: 31
Fall SEMESTER
16 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
15 Credit HoursTotal Junior Credit Hours: 31
Fall SEMESTER
16 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
15 Credit HoursTotal Senior Credit Hours: 24
Fall SEMESTER
12 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
12 Credit HoursCurrent students should log in to myUK to access their Major Map and personalized degree audit through the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
Total Freshman Credit Hours: 32-33
Fall SEMESTER
17-18 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
15 Credit HoursTotal Sophomore Credit Hours: 35
Fall SEMESTER
17 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
18 Credit HoursTotal Junior Credit Hours: 31
Fall SEMESTER
16 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
15 Credit HoursTotal Senior Credit Hours: 24
Fall SEMESTER
12 Credit HoursSpring SEMESTER
12 Credit HoursCurrent students should log in to myUK to access their Major Map and personalized degree audit through the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Application Deadlines
Freshman
-
Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
-
Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
-
Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2025
"Being a student in the Middle Level Teacher Education Program at The University of Kentucky has prepared me to become a well-rounded and successful teacher in my future classroom. The dedicated Middle Level Education professors continue to support and encourage their students to grow into the best future educators. This program has provided me with numerous opportunities to gain experience and make connections in variety of diverse field placements across Lexington."

Ellie Jones
Middle Level Teacher Education

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