which the student received a grade of “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” during the last term (summer session/semester) of enrollment.

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.

The University offers 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 a degree completion within a few years of initial enrollment. Please consult the program descriptions in the graduate program sections.

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.

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 semester 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.

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