Find out more about Western Kentucky University

The Associate of Interdisciplinary Studies is an online liberal arts degree from Western Kentucky University.  This a very flexible, yet also focused, degree in liberal arts.  You will create a personalized program that fulfills graduation requirements and brings multiple disciplines together.  The curriculum is comprised of general education courses, electives, and courses from two areas of emphasis chosen by the student. 

Depending on your academic and professional goals, and personal interests, you will choose two of the following areas of emphasis:

• Arts
• Humanities 
• Science 
• Business 
• Education
• Technology 
• Health
• Social and Behavioral Science
• Organization and Communication of Ideas
• Social Justice and Equity Studies

The online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies is a liberal arts degree program from Western Kentucky University.  This liberal arts degree is designed for students who want greater flexibility than traditional degrees offer.  With only two required courses, you are in control of the curriculum with this liberal arts degree.  Students create a personal academic plan, around a chosen area of emphasis, that suits their professional and personal goals.  The area of emphasis is comprised of complementary courses from different academic disciplines. 

Four emphasis areas are offered fully online:

• Social & Behavioral Sciences
• Organization & Communication of Ideas
• Business
• Health

The online Graduate Certificate in Gender & Women's Studies is a gender studies degree from Western Kentucky University.  This program is designed to facilitate exploration of the rapidly expanding interdisciplinary scholarship in gender and women’s studies.  Coursework in this gender studies degree program broadens student’s knowledge of gender dynamics, globally and historically, emphasizing issues that are central to women’s lives. 

Courses cover topics in such areas as:

• Feminist Knowledge & Social Change
• Global & Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Women 
• Public Health Issues in Women's Health
• Family Violence
• Psychology of Women
• Women's Literature

The online Master of Arts in History degree program from Western Kentucky University is designed to prepare students to teach history on the junior or senior college level and to provide the initial graduate work for those who intend to pursue a doctoral degree.  This history degree features courses that are offered on a rotating basis, flexibility, and a non-thesis option for a Master of Arts degree.  The faculty believes in engaging students in the pursuit of knowledge and that asking questions and seeking knowledge is one of the worthiest of all pursuits.  You will examine how humans have tried to turn their hopes into reality with this degree in history. 

The curriculum is built around the student’s areas of interest and requires you to select one of the following concentration areas:

• Pre-Modern Europe/World (Ancient World to Early Modern Europe)
• Modern Europe (Enlightenment to Present)
• Non-Western World
• Pre-Civil War United States (including Civil War)
• Post-Civil War United States

The online Bachelor of Science in Management with a track in Business Administration provides a broad business perspective for students who wish to be involved in profit or goal management responsibilities.  This program is offered completely online with courses taught by the same professors who teach the courses on campus.  Courses include Management Information Systems, Business Communication Fundamentals, Critical Thinking in Management, Principles of Financial Management, and Human Resource Management.

The online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership provides an academic foundation for the professional and career-focused study of leadership principles and skills, specifically designed to advance the professional objectives of students who desire to complete a baccalaureate degree for career advancement and expanded job opportunities.  The curriculum combines leadership, management, and global and social-cultural perspectives that provide graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective leadership at various levels and in a variety of occupational settings.  Courses include Leadership Theory and Application, Leading Change, Leading Ethics and Decision Making, Leading in Global Contexts, and Contemporary Leadership Issues.

The online Certificate in Organizational Leadership is an interdisciplinary program that enhances understanding of leadership theory and practice while applying it directly toward academic and professional areas of interest.  Benefits of the program include enhanced career opportunities and professional experience, and the certificate becomes a part of your academic transcript.

The online Graduate Certificate in Business Core Competencies provides a general knowledge in all of the core business disciplines.  Students gain knowledge in accounting, finance, economics, information systems, organizational behavior, or marketing, depending on the courses chosen.

The online Graduate Certificate in Business Sustainability provides an educational framework of sustainable business opportunity to equip current and future business leaders in engineering, business, marketing, and management, and can be taken as an emphasis while pursuing an M.B.A. or as a stand-alone program.  Students gain an understanding of sustainability, regulations, compliance, and corporate social responsibility and are able to identify opportunities for sustainable actions and policies throughout the value chain while providing insight for initiatives in their organizations.  Graduates are proficient with quantitative operations models and techniques to analyze and evaluate the viability of sustainable opportunities throughout the life of a product, have social entrepreneurship acumen, and can evaluate and create effective sustainability marketing strategies.

The online Graduate Certificate in Communicating in Organizations provides the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of how communication functions in organizations, focusing on foundational and current research in the communication field, organizational communication theory and processes.  Courses focus on general organizational communication theory, applied organizational communication, communication within specific organizational concepts, and another course chosen by the student that is especially relevant to his own work and interests.  This certificate may be applied toward a master’s degree program of the student’s choice with advisor approval.

The online Graduate Certificate in Facility and Event Management focuses on practical skills needed for employment in this field, and is especially beneficial to professionals in the recreation and sport fields.  Professionals who can benefit from this program include municipal park and recreation employees, collegiate and professional sport facility managers, athletic coaches and administrators, campus recreation employees, and event planners.

The online Graduate Certificate in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration focuses on essential skills and knowledge needed for employment in the intercollegiate athletic administration field.  Students learn efficient methods of security management in the recreation and sport industry; support service guidelines toward student-athletes in the areas of academics, personal issues, and career preparation/planning; about the intercollegiate athletics governing bodies; and about NCAA rules and regulations relating to intercollegiate athletics.  It is comprised of four courses:  Facility and Event Security Management, Student-Athlete Development, Governance in Intercollegiate Athletics, and Compliance in Intercollegiate Athletics.

The online Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Administration is designed for those interested in specializing their credentials and career opportunities by learning to fulfill management roles within nonprofits, gaining the fundamental and practical skills and knowledge necessary for management roles and learning what sets nonprofits apart from businesses.  Courses develop a core of understanding of management and management responsibilities, including fiscal administration, nonprofit grant writing and fundraising, and issues in nonprofit administration.  Graduates understand and are able to apply ethical and legal guidelines and practices in the management of organizations; understand cultural diversity issues and apply cultural competency; and understand and utilize appropriate financial management accountability, stewardship, planning, and transparency for establishing and maintaining federal nonprofit status.

The online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership is designed to meet the needs of diverse students for professional training based upon knowledge from business, economics, communication, organizational functioning, leadership principles, political science, psychology, and research.  Courses use practical and applied approaches to develop skills in applied leadership, managerial and professional skills, decision-making, operational knowledge, and the ability to influence people while managing processes, products, and services.  Students can choose electives that allow them to advance in their chosen career field, allowing the flexibility to focus on an area of specialization and earn a graduate certificate while earning this master’s degree.

Wester Kentucky University offers a Master of Business Administration degree online.  This program takes place through the Gordon Ford College, and encompasses a wide variety of theories, technologies and disciplines of business.  Work on real-world business issues with qualified and devoted faculty as you enhance your own competitive edge in the field.  

Courses for this accessible and rigorous degree involve but are not limited to:

• Data modeling
• Accounting concepts
• Contemporary issues
• Information technology and strategy

This program seeks to meet the needs of the business community.  Through faculty guided, discipline-based learning, students can graduate with initiatives towards business, industry, and government organizations.

The online Master of Science in Recreation and Sports Administration is designed to prepare professional practitioners in the field for a wide range of occupations through four available concentrations: Interscholastic Athletic Administration and Coaching, Facility and Event Management, Intercollegiate Athletic Administration, and Sport Media and Branding.  The Interscholastic Athletic Administration and Coaching concentration emphasizes the ever changing economic, political, legal, and marketing concerns that are part of the k-12 sport industry while the Intercollegiate Athletic Administration emphasizes knowledge and skills at the college level.  The Facility and Event Management concentration focuses on professional organizations and the skills needed for their members, such as aquatic management, crowd control, playground safety, and risk management.  The Sport Media and Branding concentration explores the context and complexities of sport media relations, sport branding, digital media production and distribution, and sponsorships that touch many aspects of our social and cultural lives.

Western Kentucky University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology program gives students the knowledge and skills required to efficiently transmit, store, and analyze information. Graduates may pursue careers as computer network architects, computer programmers, computer support specialists, computer systems analysts, database administrators, information security analysts, software developers, or web developers.

The Certificate in Applied Data Analytics is an online data science degree from Western Kentucky University that is designed to prepare students for careers using data or to enhance their current careers.  With this interdisciplinary undergraduate certificate, you will learn to use data in various meaningful ways, including:

• Improve decision-making
• Enhance productivity
• Cost savings
• Capitalize on emerging trends

Courses use applied learning to teach skills in data extraction, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.  

This is a flexible online data science degree, allowing students to work while earning their certificate.  Plus, you are able to customize the program to meet your interests and goals by choosing electives.

Western Kentucky University offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems that provides students with the practical GIS skills necessary for success in a variety of careers. Students gain a solid foundation in the collection, management, analysis and display of data using GIS technology, learn how to develop and implement customized GIS applications, and gain practical experience by completing projects that require the use of GIS.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology is designed to prepare students for careers in the field. The study of criminology plays a crucial role in understanding, preventing, and addressing crime. From analyzing the root causes of criminal behavior to exploring law enforcement and the legal system, this field offers insights into how societies maintain order and seek justice.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Systems of Social Control
• Correlates of Crime
• Psychology

This online bachelor’s degree can be completed in four years. Classes are taught by dedicated and experienced faculty who are committed to the success of every student. Graduates are prepared to succeed in the field of criminal justice by obtaining this online bachelor’s degree.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, businesses face an ongoing battle to protect their digital assets from threats. With the volume and complexity of cyberattacks on the rise, there is a pressing need for professionals who can not only secure systems but also analyze data to identify vulnerabilities and proactively mitigate risks. Recognizing this demand, the online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Analytics is designed to equip individuals with the specialized skills needed to excel in this critical field.

Classes include:

• Cybersecurity Risk and Compliance
• Principles of Cybersecurity for Data Analytics
• Contemporary Business Analytics

The online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Analytics equips students with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to leverage data analytics in the fight against cyber threats. By blending cybersecurity expertise with data analytics proficiency, graduates are prepared to tackle the complexities of modern cybersecurity issues and contribute to the ongoing effort to safeguard digital assets. In a world where data is critical to organizations, graduates trained in cybersecurity analytics play a vital role in securing the digital future.

The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Data Analytics is designed to meet the high demand of cybersecurity professionals that employers are currently seeking. This online master’s program focuses on the engineering aspects of computer network security. Classes are taught by expert faculty who are committed to the success of every student.

Courses include, but are not limited to:

• Visualization and Decision-Making
• Predictive Analytics
• Data Management

Cybersecurity professionals can work in any industry. Career opportunities for graduates include jobs in engineering, architecture, information security, consulting, security auditing, and more. Graduates are equipped to tackle modern challenges and solve problems in the cybersecurity industry by obtaining the online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Data Analytics. 

Learn about children and families, developing an understanding of their needs when you enroll in an online early childhood education degree. You will study the critical principles that help you work with these groups as you gain entry-level competencies for child and family life.  

The curriculum covers such topics as:

• Nutrition
• Family relations
• Developing age-appropriate curriculum
• Child development and assessment
• Parenting

You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the real world through a required internship.

Choose to complete an elective track in either Child Development or Family Development.

The online Elementary Mathematics Specialist Endorsement program from Western Kentucky University prepares teachers, teacher leaders, and mathematics coaches to support effective mathematics instruction and student learning at the classroom, school, district, and state levels. May be completed as a stand alone certificate.

Courses cover topics such as:

• Leadership, Math & Technology Education
• Math & Technology Methods for Diverse Learners
• Problem Solving for Elementary & Middle Grades Teachers
• Number Concepts for Elementary & Middle Grades Teachers

The online Gifted & Talented Graduate Teaching Endorsement program from Western Kentucky University prepares individuals to teach accelerated students. In addition to a practicum which may be performed near the student’s residence, courses cover:

• Nature & Needs of Gifted, Creative & Talented Students
• Curriculum, Strategies & Materials for Gifted Students
• Psychology of the Gifted & Creative

The online Graduate Certificate in Adult Education from Western Kentucky University provides a basic understanding of the theories, techniques, and concepts used in the adult education setting. Courses cover topics in:

• Methods for Teaching Adults
• Program Development for Adults
• Adult Development & Learning

The online Graduate Certificate in Career Services from Western Kentucky University is designed to provide professionals with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to better serve students and clients within the context of a volatile and ever changing employment landscape. Graduates are prepared to help students be more engaged in their educational experience through appropriate academic major and career choices, which may lead to higher retention of current students and successful transition to the workforce.

Enroll in these online school counseling programs and advance professional opportunities. Help students in elementary, middle, and high school succeed. Candidates can choose careers as counselors, teachers, or coaches with this degree that focuses on preparing you to prepare your P-12 students to join a highly educated workforce. Learn how to combine education with life training so your students can be empowered to make choices for their future. Your P-12 students will be life ready.

The online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design from Western Kentucky University prepares graduates to instruct and train students and employees in schools, government agencies, and private businesses. Courses cover topics such as:

• Instructional Design Foundations
• Systematic Instructional Design
• Management of Instructional Systems
• Training Design & Development
• Trends & Issues in Instructional Design
• Multimedia Design

The online Graduate Certificate in International Student Services from Western Kentucky University prepares students to provide international student services as a component of campus internationalization. Graduates study:

• Theoretical and applied knowledge regarding student services (international and domestic)
• Expanded cross-cultural awareness and global consciousness 
• Enhanced intercultural communication skills

Enhance your existing knowledge of the learning environments and needs of gifted and talented students through this online special education degree. You will learn to prepare a curriculum, engage students, and foster greater excitement for these students.  

There are two options for completing this program:

• Advanced Certification for Teacher Leaders
• Advanced Research Focus

The Advanced Certification for Teacher Leaders leads to a Rank II certification and an endorsement in gifted education. The Advanced Research Focus prepares students for a variety of careers in higher education, government policy work, or other organizations and could lead to a Rank I certification.

The online MAEd in Literacy Education degree program from Western Kentucky University is designed to upgrade literacy instruction at all grade levels and is open to teachers in regular classrooms, special education classrooms, special reading classes, basic adult education classes, and community college reading instructors. Courses cover a range of related topics, such as:

• Reading Intervention
• Literacy Learning & Cultural Differences
• Psychology of Learning
• Curriculum Design

Additionally, there are thesis and non-thesis options available. 

The online MAEd in Elementary Education for Teacher Leaders degree program from Western Kentucky University is made up of two components. The first component, Professional Education, provides advanced level pedagogy, leadership, and content related to Kentucky Teacher Standards and applicable to all P-12 teachers working in the wide gamut of developmental levels and content areas. The second component, Specialization, directs the candidate into an individual program in content, pedagogy, and/or areas of professional growth concurrent with the goals of each candidate. The following Specialization areas are offered:

• Elementary Math Specialist P-5
• Environmental Education
• Gifted Education Endorsement
• Kentucky Computer Technology
• Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement

The online MAEd in Middle Grades Education for Teacher Leaders degree program from Western Kentucky University is made up of two components. The first component, Professional Education, provides advanced level pedagogy, leadership, and content related to Kentucky Teacher Standards and applicable to all P-12 teachers working in the wide gamut of developmental levels and content areas. The second component, Specialization, directs the candidate into an individual program in content, pedagogy, and/or areas of professional growth concurrent with the goals of each candidate. The following Specialization areas are offered:

• Environmental Education
• Gifted Education Endorsement
• Kentucky Computer Technology
• Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement

The online MAEd in Secondary Education for Teacher Leaders degree program from Western Kentucky University is made up of two components. The first component, Professional Education, provides advanced level pedagogy, leadership, and content related to Kentucky Teacher Standards and applicable to all P-12 teachers working in the wide gamut of developmental levels and content areas. The second component, Specialization, directs the candidate into an individual program in content, pedagogy, and/or areas of professional growth concurrent with the goals of each candidate. The following Specialization areas are offered:

• Environmental Education
• Gifted Education Endorsement
• Kentucky Computer Technology
• Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement

You can advance your rank and career prospects with the Master of Arts in Mathematics from Western Kentucky University. The online STEAM education master’s program boosts your skills to impact your students positively.

Through the online STEAM education graduate program, you prepare to teach at the college level. Your online studies lend expertise in such topics as:

• Statistics
• Operations research
• Stochastic processes
• Partial differential equations

The online MS in Instructional Design degree program from Western Kentucky University prepares practitioners to assume leadership roles in public or private organizations. Program graduates are equipped to design and develop instructional elements such as instructional videos, online instructional activities, user manuals for instructors, instruction materials for commercial products, professional development curricula for teachers, multimedia instructional units, training packs for trainers, instruction materials for vocational/technical courses, lesson and unit plans for classroom use, and educational curricula. Graduates also possess the abilty to:

• Analyze a variety of instructional performance issues in business, government, education, and home settings
• Design and develop instructional solutions, including appropriate combinations of traditional/instructor-led strategies, constructivist techniques, technology systems, and performance support systems
• Ethically and effectively manage instructional design projects, including project management/tracking and scheduling, budgeting, and client consultation skills
• Design appropriate assessment plans for instructional solutions
• Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of instructional solutions

Help students discover and utilize library resources with an online library science degree. This degree prepares students for service as library media specialists, training development specialists, educational technology specialists, and information service specialists in schools, colleges, public libraries, and private organizations.  

Students complete two areas of study:

• Library Media Specialist – prepares professionals for work in information service organizations like public libraries, library media centers in P-12 schools, and positions as library assistants in college and university libraries
• Educational Technology – prepares professionals who work with training and development specialists to incorporate technology into instruction/training, who serve as trainers of employees in the use of technology, and who are certified teachers who are educational technology specialists in P-12 settings

You can train for a supervisor’s position in industry with the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Management from Western Kentucky University. The online engineering management bachelor’s program benefits those with a technical certificate or associate’s degree.

Through the online engineering management program, you train to support innovation to compete on a global scale. Graduates find success in leadership roles in the following:

• Industry
• Business
• Workforce development

The online Graduate Certificate in Lean Six Sigma program provides preparation for professional certification and covers concepts, principles, and skills related to Six Sigma, Lean, Theory of Constraints, and total quality management. The program is geared toward students and employees seeking Black/Green Belt or Lean certification. Courses cover topics such as:

• Resource Management
• Operations Leadership
• Project Management
• Quality Management

You can gain expertise in business, leadership, management, technology, and engineering with the Master of Science in Engineering Management from Western Kentucky University. The online engineering management master’s program leads to such careers as:

• Industrial production manager
• Architectural and engineering manager
• Industrial engineering technologist

Through the online engineering management graduate program, working professionals with limited time may opt out of a thesis and take additional coursework and a complete capstone project. Graduates appreciate the multidisciplinary education that leads to success in management roles.

The online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and Long-Term Care Administration (LTCA) Certificate work together to prepare students for high-demand positions in the healthcare industry.  The LTCA certificate provides students with an additional area of expertise in dealing with the aging population and qualifies them to sit for the Licensed Nursing Home Administrator board exam.  Students will take courses designed for immediate on-the-job application, such as Health Care Finance, Health Care Quality, and Health Organizations and Management.

The online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management program is a diverse and evolving field that incorporates medicine, management, finance, information technology, and law into one career path.  The curriculum focuses on the management of information, people, and operational units, including budget preparation and administration of computerized health information systems.  Graduates have the skills and competencies needed for success in health data management, computer information systems, and administrative and clinical workflow.

If you want a career in health and human sciences but don’t want to pin yourself down to a specific area of study yet, consider a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. This is an interdisciplinary degree that provides a broad foundation in many facets of healthcare. Coursework comes from disciplines including biology, psychology, public health, ethics, and healthcare administration. All coursework is able to be completed 100% online, allowing you to enjoy flexibility and the ability to maintain your work and personal commitments while furthering your education.

Concentrations are offered in:

• Health Services Leadership & Management
• Health Sciences – Allied Health
• Preparatory Health Sciences

The online Certificate in Long Term Care Administration is ideal for professionals in nursing, business, social work, dietetics, healthcare, or information technology.  Students gain preparation for leadership roles in national long-term care organizations.  Graduates are prepared for many roles in long-term care, such as Clinical Nurse Consultants, Dieticians, Nursing Home Administrators, Business Office Managers, Dietary Managers, and more.

The online Certificate in Occupational Safety & Health program provides training for careers focused on the protection of human health from occupational hazards in built and natural environments. Courses require the application of basic Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) principles and challenges, which prepares students for diverse opportunities in the career fields of:

• Safety and health
• Environmental management
• Business

Prepare to lead your healthcare organization into the future with an Executive Master of Health Administration degree. The skills and knowledge you gain in this innovative program will equip you with the competencies you need in this dynamic field.

Become a well-rounded leader and innovator through your online healthcare administration degree studies. Working professionals can continue their careers while preparing for new opportunities with flexible online coursework and just three campus visits per year.

Graduates can assume positions such as:

• Health service manager
• Medical records specialist
• Health technologist
• Medical administrative assistant

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Worksite Health Promotion is an online public health program designed to add a specialization to your job skills. Students will gain skills targeted at providing health promotion services in a variety of industry settings.

Courses teach you how to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate worksite health programs. Students will also learn about common workplace hazards and gain communication skills vital to fulfilling your mission. Graduates will possess the expertise necessary to promote health and prevent disease in the workplace.

The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Health and Safety takes a look at the hazards in natural and man-made environments and instructs students on ways to prevent or mitigate negative health outcomes. This program consists of five courses completed entirely online. The flexible online nature is ideal for working adults.

Core classes explore topics in environmental toxicology, environmental health, and solid and hazardous wastes. In addition, students can choose elective courses to best fit the certificate to their career interests and needs. Some of the choices available include watershed management, occupational safety, environmental management, air quality management, disaster management, and environmental epidemiology.

Study the ways in which diseases and health events spread in communities with a Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology. Students in this online program will learn vital skills for a career in public health.

Classes prepare you to study and investigate disease outbreaks. Students will learn how to take accurate measurements and use their collected information to help control and prevent diseases. Coursework serves to strengthen your analytical and decision-making skills.

Prepare to teach healthcare disciplines to others with a Graduate Certificate in Health Education. This program aligns with the seven areas of study recommended by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing for Certified Health Education Specialists.

Coursework explores effective strategies, programs, and interventions for health education. Students will learn how to assess needs and design plans for educational studies. Communication and advocacy skills are encouraged throughout the program.

Classes in this online public health program cover topics including:

• Health behavior theory
• Program planning in public health practice
• Community organizing in public health

The online Master of Public Health provides a broad-based foundation that addresses the health and well-being of populations and communities.  The curriculum allows students to customize their public health focus areas to best meet their specific professional or academic goals.  The program is designed to meet the need of the public health workforce, healthcare providers, students enrolled in other programs, and other working professionals.

Learn how to improve the lives of those with speech disorders with a Master of Science in Communication Disorders focusing on Speech-Language Pathology. This program adheres to academic and clinical requirements set by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) for those pursuing certification and licensure.

Coursework introduces students to various communication disorders, delays, and differences and ways in which to improve skills for these individuals. Students may choose to take a thesis or non-thesis pathway. A six-week summer clinical experience is required and may be completed in the student’s local area.

Classes examine topics related to:

• Early intervention in speech-language pathology
• Motor speech disorders
• Fluency disorders
• Aphasia
• Voice disorders
• Cognitive-communication disorders
• And more

Learn how to protect human lives from toxic hazards with a Master of Science in Environmental and Occupational Health Science. This online program examines dangerous conditions in the soil, air, water, and food, as well as in workplaces.

This broad-ranging program prepares students for roles such as occupational health and safety specialists, epidemiologists, environmental scientists, and more. Coursework can be completed entirely online, and students can choose from thesis or internship options to fulfill graduation requirements. Students will learn the ways in which exposure to hazards in the environment and workplace occur and what measures can be taken to reduce or eliminate exposure.

Did you discover your passion for the speech-language pathology field after completing your bachelor’s degree in another field? You don’t have to start from scratch to pursue your SLP career. The Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Speech Language Pathology program is designed specifically to meet the educational needs of students with bachelor’s degrees without foundational coursework in communication sciences and disorders.

Graduates of this bridge program will be prepared to enter master’s programs in Speech-Language Pathology. Courses provide an introduction to the biological, physiological, neurological, developmental, and linguistic bases of human communication and swallowing processes. 

Students can anticipate coursework such as:

• Phonetics
• Language disorders
• Audiology
• Assessment in communication disorders
• Articulation disorders

You can gain professional training in the life sciences, with a minimum investment of your time and money, with the Graduate Certificate in Biology from Western Kentucky University. The online biology graduate program provides supplemental or enhanced skills through courses on such topics as:

• Virology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular genetics
• Animal communication

You can also earn continuing education credits through the online biology graduate certificate program. Your online studies follow a shortened semester schedule, with some sessions as short as two weeks. All students must complete a biology assessment exam.

You can avoid a thesis while gaining expertise in the life sciences with the Master of Science in Biology from Western Kentucky University. The online biology master’s program prepares you for work in such areas as:

• Research
• Teaching
• Public service

Through the online biology graduate program, you can design your curriculum to align with your career goals. Possible areas include ecology, marine biology, or cellular/molecular biology.

Sociology is such a far-reaching major, that you can find your niche within its field.  WKU offers this online BA in Sociology to give you the research, communication and problem-solving skills to apply to a variety of positions.  Through your coursework, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how individuals and groups interact in societies.  If you choose, you can concentrate your studies within this online BA degree in any of the following areas:

• Community, Environment, and Development
• Family, Gender, and Sexuality
• Inequality and Social Change
• Research Methods

Working with individuals within their own home, takes specialized skills and understanding.  In this Certificate in Family Home Visiting, you’ll learn how to provide services to families or children in need. As a unique, 100% online program and one of the very few offered across the nation, curriculum usually includes:

• Child and Family Stress 
• Parenting Strategies 
• Family Home Visiting

The online Master of Arts in Social Responsibility & Sustainable Communities is a humanities degree from Western Kentucky University.  This humanities degree is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with the tools to lead communities toward social justice and sustainability.  The curriculum is comprised of a core set of courses that cover policy issues, community building, and community-based research in addition to social justice and sustainability.  Coursework builds the skills and knowledge needed to encourage and lead for cultural, political, and social change leading to more just and sustainable communities.  You can choose to complete electives in environmental sustainability, gender and women’s studies, leadership, non-profit, or other areas of interest. 

Graduates of this humanities degree are prepared to:

• Examine a range of disciplinary perspectives on social justice
• Analyze the interrelationships of issues and interlocking systems associated with social organization and community development
• Examine the practical and theoretical principles of sustainability and how to apply them to diverse situations and communities throughout the world
• Analyze the power relationships (gender, race, age, class) that historically surround social justice and how these may be changed or augmented to increase social equality and equity
• Apply the principles of community organizing and be able to effectively utilize them in a variety of communities

Designed with the working professional in mind, is this online MS in Child & Family Studies.  You can earn this advanced degree from WKU, while juggling your job and commitments to your own family.  You’ll learn theory and practical applications of human development.  The curriculum will enable you to make a positive impact on the lives of kids and their families.  With a thesis option to complete this 100% online curriculum, classes usually offered are:

• Grant Writing for Child and Family Programs
• Research Methods
• Youth and Family Theory and Research

If you want to make a difference in diverse, rural communities, consider this online MSW from Western Kentucky.  You’ll learn advocacy, counseling, and skills for intervening in the lives of others to improve their quality of life. This CSWE-accredited program was designed to fulfill the need for social workers in rural communities.  Coursework likely includes:

• Cultural Competency in Social Work Practice
• Rural Community Organization and Development
• Foundations of Social Welfare Policy

Finish your master’s faster if you already have a BSW, with this online MSW in Advanced Standing.  You’ll enter this CSWE-accredited program at Western Kentucky with the ability to apply your professional experience to the curriculum.  This particular master’s degree was designed with the aim to fulfill critical needs for social workers in diverse, rural populations.  You’ll gain the skills to intervene successfully with individuals, families, groups, and entire communities, through electives such as:

• Social Work and the Law
• Child Sexual Abuse
• Social Work with Migrants