to the writings of Darwin and to the discoveries of the genetic code in DNA.
Electives—3–6 semester credit hours each semester—may be used for in a variety of fields. LST courses offered as electives are: LST 241 and 242—3 semester credit hours each; LST 251 and 252—3 semester credit hours each; LST 351—3 semester credit hours; LST 352—3 semester credit hours; or any LST preceptorial (LST 331, 332, 431, or 432)—3 semester credit hours each.
Students who complete the honors core can opt for an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (honors option). Students who major in Liberal Studies, who earn at least 120 semester credit hours, who successfully complete 30 semester credit hours in required LST courses or approved liberal studies electives (with a grade of “C” or better) in their junior and senior years, who pass the Senior Comprehensive Examination, and who meet all other University requirements will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies (Honors option). Alternatively, students can pursue a minor in liberal studies. Details of the requirements for the major and minor in liberal studies can be found below in the Liberal Studies Degrees section.
KSU graduates applying to professional schools have the advantage of coming from an institution that emphasizes the liberal studies foundation in addition to specialized training. It is very important for students contemplating graduate school to continue their pursuit of liberal studies into the junior and senior years with the goal of achieving a liberal studies major or minor, even in conjunction with a specialized major. Among the selection criteria mentioned by the UK medical school is the following (1997–1998 University of Kentucky Bulletin):
“Often the physician’s ability to communicate effectively will determine the degree of success in the diagnosis and management of a patient’s health....Thus, consideration is given to the communication skills demonstrated by each applicant. Communication is a two-way process and involves the ability to listen perceptively, as well as to speak and write clearly.”
Regarding “Pre-legal Study,” the UK Law School has written that legal education “is not a technical or scientific training that builds upon a specific preparation in basic techniques and knowledge acquired in undergraduate school.” Rather, legal education requires that students come having developed three fundamental capacities:
“a thorough preparation in the use of language”;
“a comprehensive, exploratory undergraduate experience”; and
the completion of a degree program in which the student will learn “to think clearly, form sound study habits, and have the opportunity to master the methodology and knowledge of a particular field under the guidance of experienced instructors.”
These are precisely the skills developed by a liberal studies major or minor.
Many Whitney Young School of Honors and Liberal Studies students plan careers in a pre-professional program. Each of these students benefits from an advisor in the Honors School and in the pre-professional program. Many pre-medical students remain in the college to complete a major in liberal studies. Students majoring in Business, Biology, and Education can complete a minor in Liberal studies in four years. Liberal Studies curricula for pre-law students are listed in the following pages. Engineering students, who
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