Degree Definitions The following definitions are to be considered University norms for evaluation and approval of doctoral, master's, baccalaureate, and associate degree programs. The definitions and the limitations that accompany them are based upon the University's policy of emphasizing breadth of study in the basic disciplines with emphasis on the liberal arts in fulfillment of Kentucky State University's mission. Course content shall be appropriate for university-level courses. Departures from these norms must be justified by the nature of the program and must have the recommendation of the Faculty Senate and approval of the Board of Regents.

Doctoral Degree Program

I am University otters a Doctor of Nursing Practice. This professional practice degree is a 72 credit hour program, nine semesters, or three years of study. The program is offered entirely online and includes clinical and residency hours to be completed by students in the region or state in which they reside. Each doctoral degree program requires at least 30 graduate semester credit hours and no more than 45 graduate semester credit hours. The doctoral degree program must be completed within six years of initial enrollment as a degree-seeking graduate student. Some programs require degree completion within fewer years of initial enrollment. Please consult the program descriptions in the graduate program sections.

Master's Degree Program

A master's degree program is a planned and approved program of study leading to graduation with a master's degree. Each master's degree program requires at least 30 graduate semester credit hours and no more than 45 graduate semester credit hours. The master's degree program must be completed within six years of initial enrollment as a degree-seeking graduate student. Some programs require degree completion within fewer years of initial enrollment. Please consult the program descriptions in the graduate program sections.

Baccalaureate Degree Programs

A baccalaureate degree program is a planned and approved program of study leading to graduation with a baccalaureate degree. It should be possible to complete a baccalaureate degree program in eight semesters of normal full-time study. The minimum semester credit hour requirement shall be 120, and no program should require more than 144 semesters credit hours. A student may elect to exceed this maximum in meeting personal education objectives.

Each baccalaureate degree program shall include the Liberal Studies Requirements of the University (unless specific courses have been officially substituted or waived) and a major. Minors, areas of specialization, pre-major, prerequisites, and support courses may be required. Individual students may elect to take a minor or a second major to meet personal education objectives. Unless otherwise specified, any course taken to satisfy a requirement (including electives) for one program may be used to satisfy a requirement for another program. A minimum of 42 semester credit hours in upper-level courses is required for graduation.

Associate Degree Programs

An associate degree program is a planned and approved program of study leading to graduation with an associate degree. It is possible to complete an associate degree program in four semesters of normal fulltime study. The minimum semester credit hour requirement shall be 60, and no program should require more than 76 semester credit hours. A student may elect to exceed this maximum in meeting personal education objectives.

Each associate degree program, except the Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies, shall include required major courses, support courses, and at least 15 semester credit hours of the Liberal Studies Requirements of the University. The liberal studies component shall include courses designed to develop skills in oral and written communication and in computational skills. The liberal studies component shall also include courses drawn from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural sciences/mathematics.

Certificate Programs

A certificate program includes a minimum of twelve credit hours, not to exceed a year's worth of course worth.

The Major

A major consists of a planned sequence of courses usually within a single discipline; however, a major may consist of a planned group of courses from more than one discipline. The major must constitute at least 25% of the hours required for a baccalaureate degree, which is at least 30 semester credit hours of a 120-hour degree program. At least 18 semester credit hours in the major

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