Consistent with the overall mission of the University, the major goal of the College of Arts and Sciences is to provide students with the requisite academic skills, knowledge, and a sense of competence which will allow them to assume leadership roles in their respective fields of study. The College is made up of four divisions, Behavioral and Social Sciences; Fine Arts; Literature, Languages, and Philosophy; and Mathematics and Sciences.
Academic majors, leading to the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree, are offered in the following areas: art, music, biology, chemistry, mathematics, mass communication and journalism, English, political science, psychology, social sciences, and Spanish.
The College of Arts and Sciences offers minors in the following areas: African-American studies, art, communications, English, French, history, journalism, music, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, Spanish, and speech and theater.
Students interested in becoming certified high school teachers in biology, English, mathematics, music, or social studies may complete Educator Preparation Programs offered collaboratively by the appropriate divisions in the College of Arts and Sciences with the School of Education in the College of Professional Studies. Students in this program should maintain close contact with their Divisional Education advisor as well as the faculty in the School of Education.
Students should refer to the appropriate degree program section in the College of Arts and Sciences for coursework requirements applicable to their particular programs. To earn a degree through the College in four years, students must satisfy both academic program and University course requirements. Summer session coursework and possibly an additional academic year may be required in some cases. Every student is encouraged to work closely with his or her mentor or advisor. However, students are encouraged to complete their degree requirements within eight semesters of study in the college.
Whitney Young Scholars are required to complete the Honors Core and the requirements for their chosen major. Whitney Young Scholars are required to complete minimum of 121 semester credit hours and the required coursework in the major.
The Division of Behavioral Sciences is committed to the University's particular emphasis on liberal studies. Baccalaureate degree programs are offered in criminal justice, political science, psychology, sociology and social sciences with a track in history, and social studies education. A Master of Arts degree is offered in interdisciplinary behavioral sciences specializing in the intersection of psychology and law. The Division provides its students with the knowledge, skills, tools, and perspectives to analyze and interpret phenomena in their selected fields as well as in related disciplines. The intent is to develop scholars who are knowledgeable and well-versed in each of the behavioral and social sciences.
In cooperation with the School of Education in the College of Professional Studies, the Division offers a specialization in social studies education, which prepares students for teacher certification in grades 8-12. The Educator Preparation Program in social studies has specific admissions requirements and coursework, including a semester of full-time student teaching. Students in this program should maintain close contact with their Social Studies Education advisor in the Division as well as the faculty in the School of Education.
This is an interdisciplinary program administered by the faculty of History. Kentucky State University is committed to continued scholarship, inquiry, and education in African-American history and culture. By drawing upon the resources of faculty in a broad range of related studies, it is hoped that students will develop an understanding of the African-American experience from a variety of perspectives.
Admission to this program requires a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0, and it is recommended that students complete the Liberal Studies Requirements prior to pursuing the minor. Students must successfully complete 18 semester credit hours from a variety of interdisciplinary courses selected in consultation with their advisor. The courses include ART 303; ENG 409; GEO 212; HIS 314, HIS 365, HIS 366, and HIS 411; MUS 323 and MUS 325; POS 462; and SOC 304.