must be upper-level courses. A student must declare a major either by the end of the sophomore year or the successful completion of 60 semester credit hours before he/she will be permitted to register for classes the semester immediately following.
A minor consists of a planned sequence of courses in a discipline. The minor shall consist of a minimum of 18 semester credit hours and shall not exceed 21 semester credit hours. A minimum of 12 semester credit hours in the minor shall be above the 100 level.
Some major programs consist of a core program of study within the academic unit as well as required additional study in one or more areas of specialization selected from options within or related to the discipline. The area of specialization shall consist of a minimum of 12 semester credit hours and a maximum of 18 semester credit hours.
A degree program may identify and require courses as are justified for proper completion of the major. Courses may be from within the discipline (pre-majors or prerequisites) or from other disciplines (prerequisites or support courses). Such credits thus required are not included in the requirements for the major, the minor and the specialization as stated previously, but are included in the requirements for the total number of semester credit hours for an associate or baccalaureate degree.
Free electives may be selected by the student from any courses not required in the particular degree program, excluding remedial and non-credit course offerings. Free electives may be used to meet hourly requirements for graduation not specified in those sections of the Catalogue pertaining to the General Education/Liberal Studies Requirements of the student's major or minor.
At Kentucky State University, academic advising is an intentional educational partnership between advisors and students. From their first day at Kentucky State University, students are encouraged to take an active part in their learning. The faculty and professional staff assist the members of our diverse student body to make a successful transition to college life, to plan and take responsibility for their learning, to set achievable academic and personal goals, and to progress successfully to graduation and beyond. Kentucky State University provides a full range of academic advising and personal counseling services to students. Every effort is made to ensure that each student receives personal attention and assistance with his/her matriculation. Academic advising at Kentucky State University begins with the Thorobred New Student Orientation. The overarching goal of the orientation sessions is to ensure that first-time KSU students complete a successful academic and social transition into the Kentucky State University family. All new freshmen and transfer students are required to attend the orientation sessions. The New Thorobred Student Orientation will provide:
Students are assigned a general education or a major advisor according to the following criteria:
Advising Council members are experienced faculty and staff who have demonstrated continuing commitment to the importance of providing students with personal attention and guidance in the planning and pursuit of their academic objectives. Major advisors, just as the general education advisors, provide academic and career advice to each student who has selected a major area of study in preparation for a career of the student's choice. The major advisor serves as a useful source of information regarding such matters as program degree requirements, research opportunities within the field, graduate study, and other career employment opportunities. Early and sustained interaction with advisors is a good beginning to a successful matriculation.