Kentucky State University serves many ends and many needs, but the true test of an institution’s quality is whether its graduates have learned to think for themselves. St. Augustine paid his education the compliment of saying that, as a result of it, he could read anything that was written, understand anything that he heard, and say anything he thought. There can be no higher praise.

Every baccalaureate degree program at the University is designed to provide students with a sound liberal studies education and the more specialized skills derived from disciplined study of individual subject matter. Together, the University’s Liberal Studies Requirements and specific academic degree requirements provide each student with an education worthy of the praise that St. Augustine paid to his own education.

Students admitted to Kentucky State University as beginning freshmen receive their initial placement in mathematics courses based on ACT/SAT scores. Students scoring below 19 on the math section of the ACT or below 460 on the math section of the SAT are initially placed in MAT 095. All students will be given the opportunity to take a placement test to ensure appropriate placement in mathematics courses.

Initial placement in English and Reading courses is based on ACT subscores or comparable SAT scores. SAT Writing subscore of 400 and above OR SAT Essay subscore (if taken) of 7 or above ENG 101

SAT Essay subscore (if taken) of 5 or 6 ENG 099 KSU CATALOGUE, 2008-2009

SAT Writing subscore of 400 and above OR SAT Essay subscore (if taken) of 7 or above ENG 101

NOTE: SAT Essay, if taken, will be used for initial placement into English Composition courses. The SAT-Verbal score will determine placement in any Reading courses.

NOTE: Scores subject to change.

A music placement test is required of all entering music majors. Foreign language proficiency examinations are available to those who seek advanced placement in or exemption from the foreign language requirements.

The University requires a proficiency level in a foreign language equal to that which the student would have achieved after taking two semesters of language at the 101/102 levels. Students who have completed language training at the high school level may satisfy all or part of the foreign language requirement through the Advanced Placement Program (described elsewhere in this Catalogue) or through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) (see Catalogue section, Division of Literature, Languages, and Philosophy, for more information). Any entering freshmen who have taken a foreign language for three years in high school and passed with a grade of C or better may not enroll in a 101 or 102 level of the same foreign language without taking a Placement Exam to determine level of competency. Such students may choose, however, to take a 101 level of a foreign language other than those studied in high school. Exemptions are students who have been out of high school at least five years.

University Orientation is a course designed to prepare students for the transition to university academic rigors and university life. It includes learning skills to succeed in the academic and social environments at the University.

All freshmen who are degree-seeking students entering the university or students who transfer to the university with 24 or less semester credit hours will take University Orientation (UNV 101 OR MUS 103 OR HON 103) with the intent to enroll during their first or second semester upon entering the university. This course is not part of the required liberal studies curriculum and will serve as three hours of free elective.

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