What are the disadvantages to completing a non-degree Planned Fifth-Year (for Rank II pay status) or Planned Sixth-Year (for Rank I pay status) program, versus completing a degree program?
For both the Planned Fifth-Year (Rank II) and Planned Sixth-Year (Rank I) programs the main disadvantage is that these non-degree programs may not be recognized outside of Kentucky. Thus, if you complete a non-degree program and then move to a state that only recognizes graduate degrees, you may not qualify for a higher pay status. A second disadvantage of enrolling in a Planned Sixth-Year (Rank I) program is that it may not provide eligibility for a federal student loan, whereas enrollment in degree programs (e.g., a master’s degree or education specialist degree) does provide loan eligibility. A third disadvantage is that if you should want eventually to teach at the postsecondary level, completion of a non-degree program won’t provide the qualification that completion of a degree does. Postsecondary institutions have to meet regional accrediting guidelines for faculty credentials, and the usual minimum qualification for teaching baccalaureate-level courses is a master’s degree in th
Related Questions
- What are the disadvantages to completing a non-degree Planned Fifth-Year (for Rank II pay status) or Planned Sixth-Year (for Rank I pay status) program, versus completing a degree program?
- How can I work on a Planned Sixth-Year (Rank I) program and still be eligible for a federal student loan?
- What alternative ways are there to earn Rank I pay status through graduate course work?
