Eastern Kentucky University

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Eastern Kentucky University Degree Programs Available

Students who desire a career in mental health or social services, as well as those who want a better understanding of human behavior, will benefit from the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program at Eastern Kentucky University. Students gain an understanding of problem-solving, critical thinking and the ability to provide principles not only professionally but also personally and organizationally. Students are able to collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research while also participating in co-op programs or clinical practicums. The program is available both online and on campus. Concentrations include:

  • Brain & Cognitive Sciences
  • Child & Family Psychology
  • Developmental Disabilities/Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Forensic Psychology
  • General
  • Psychiatric Rehabilitation
  • Psychology of the Workplace
  • Substance Abuse

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60-hour program that prepares graduates to be a licensed professional counselor in Kentucky. Students are prepared to work with individuals, families, and communities to improve mental health in a clinical setting. They gain an understanding of dynamics that could lead to mental health challenges as well as methods that will help alleviate those dynamics in order to improve mental health.

The Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology is designed for those who are not interested in providing counseling or therapy but wish to work in business using psychological principles to improve organizations. Instruction includes tools used to diagnose and provide solutions for business problems. Students learn what motivates people to work and who the best performers may be in an organization or in a particular position. They develop skills that allow them to help managers make better workplaces and develop appropriate training. They are also provided information on assessment tools used to diagnose workplace issues.

About Eastern Kentucky University

Founded as Central University in 1874 after a split in the Presbyterian Church, Eastern Kentucky University began as a small private college in Richmond. The school’s curriculum was based on southern values with students from local elite families who were members of the Confederacy. However, in 1901, Central University merged with Centre College which had been operated by the northern synod of the church.

Walters Collegiate Institute began using the campus buildings, named for one of Central University’s benefactors. Initially, the institute was a men’s preparatory school but, by 1906, educational reform was sweeping the country. The Kentucky legislature hoped to establish two normal schools, one in the east and one in the west in order to train teachers. To meet that goal, Walters Collegiate Institute transferred their buildings and land to Eastern Kentucky Normal School. Although the school was financially unstable, enrollment continued to grow and new buildings were constructed in 1909.

The Great Depression led to a 50 percent drop in state appropriations and, in an effort to remain open, the school took advantage of federal New Deal programs. World War II led to another drop in enrollment but the school remained open due to a Women’s Auxiliary Corps and army specialized training unit. Enrollment increased tremendously after the war as soldiers returned from service and took advantage of the GI Bill.

In 1966, the school became Eastern Kentucky University. Today, the school is a regional, coeducational public institution that offers general and liberal arts programs along with pre-professional and professional training. The school is located in the heart of Kentucky in the county seat of Madison County.

Eastern Kentucky University Accreditation Details

Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges – Commission on Colleges. Accreditation is a peer-review program that qualifies students to apply for federal financial aid. Through periodic reviews, the Association confirms that programs provided are of the highest quality and the school agrees to address any areas that are identified as needing improvement. Specific programs at the school are accredited by the following agencies:

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
  • Accreditation Council for Cooperative Education
  • Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences
  • American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences
  • American Bar Association
  • American Chemical Society
  • American Council for Construction Education
  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – International
  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs – Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs for EMT Paramedic
  • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Commission on Health Informatics and Information Management Education
  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
  • Council on Education for Public Health
  • Council on Education of the Deaf
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • Federal Aviation Administration
  • International Association of Counseling Services
  • International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
  • Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
  • National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Services
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children
  • National Association of Schools of Music
  • National Association of School Psychologists
  • National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council
  • National Recreation and Park Administration
  • Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
  • Professional Golfers Association of America
  • Public Relations Society of America

Eastern Kentucky University Application Requirements

Applicants for the Master of Arts in Mental Health or the Master of Education in School Counseling should complete an application. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, one of which must display the conferring of a bachelor’s degree or higher. Students with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher do not need to submit to an entrance examination.

In order to be admitted to the Master of Arts in Industry and Organization Psychology, students should hold a degree in psychology or completed at least five undergraduate psychology courses which should include general psychology, statistics, and experimental psychology. They must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and have clear admission to a graduate program. Applicants must also score a 149 verbal and 144 quantitative on the GRE.

Eastern Kentucky University Tuition and Financial Aid

Undergraduate full-time tuition is $4,498 for residents and $9,387 for non-residents. Part-time tuition is $375 per credit hour for residents and $782.25 for non-residents. Graduate tuition is $650 per credit hour for residents and non-resident is $825 per credit hour.

Online tuition varies from $409 to $480 per credit hour for bachelor’s degrees and between $610and $662 per credit hour for master’s degrees.

All students are asked to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) regardless of income. Financial aid is provided on both a need and merit basis. Students may be offered grants and scholarships which are gift aid. On campus, students may be offered work-study programs. Loans may also be part of financial aid packets. The University also accepts employer and military benefits.

Eastern Kentucky University has spent more than a century providing students with an outstanding education. Their online formats provide flexibility so that students who have work, family or social obligations are able to achieve their higher education goals. The Center for Student Accessibility at Eastern Kentucky University offers a wide range of programs designed to help students who may have learning difficulties so that they may also succeed in the college setting.