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Kentucky Residency
The Academic Common Market
Admission Procedures
International Applications
Support Services for the International Student
Special Admission Categories
Dual Degree Programs
Collaborative Degree Programs
Kentucky Residency
According to law, the University of Kentucky and all other state-supported institutions of higher education assess tuition on the basis of Kentucky or non-Kentucky residency. The policy for determining residency is established by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Council on Post Secondary Education (see Residency Policy at https://registrar.uky.edu/residency). Students who are unsure of their residency status should check with the Registrar’s Office before applying for admission.
The Academic Common Market
The Academic Common Market allows non-resident students to pay resident tuition rates while studying selected academic programs that are not available in their home states. The list of programs included in the Academic Common Market is revised periodically to reflect the changing needs and offerings of participating states. For more information, visit: http://www.sreb.org. The fifteen states that participate in the Academic Common Market are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information, contact the Academic Common Market Institutional Coordinator, 10 Funkhouser Building, University of Kentucky, residency@uky.edu or 859-562-2075.
Admission Procedures
The University of Kentucky is committed to a policy of providing educational opportunities to all qualified students regardless of economic or social status, and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, beliefs, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability.
Students seeking admission to the University of Kentucky Graduate School must satisfy the following requirements:
- Students seeking admission to the Graduate School must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the term for which s/he is admitted, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. An accredited U.S. institution is one that is accredited by the appropriate regional agency (Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, WASC Senior College and University Commission). A recognized foreign institution is an institution that is recognized by that nation’s Ministry of Education or similar authority as a postsecondary, academic degree-granting institution.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work is required by the Graduate School. Individual departments may require higher grade point averages. Upon admission students must have official transcripts sent by each institution of higher learning previously attended directly to the Graduate School. To be official, records must bear the Registrar’s signature and/or official seal of the issuing institution. A summary of credits transferred and recorded on the transcript issued by the institution granting the degree will not suffice.
- Applicants must submit scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the aptitude section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) unless their chosen program is listed here: https://gradschool.uky.edu/application-process#GREWaivers. This rule may be waived in individual cases upon recommendation of the Director of Graduate Studies in the individual department or program. However, in cases where waivers are granted, the GRE scores must be submitted prior to the start of priority registration for the second semester of graduate study. The advanced portion of the GRE may be required by individual programs. Test scores must be sent directly to the University of Kentucky Graduate School from ETS.
Domestic applicants (U.S. citizens or resident aliens) must pay a $65 application fee. This must be paid by credit card at the time of on-line application submission.
Completed applications must be received no later than one month before the beginning of the term the applicant intends to begin graduate work (see Calendar). Some programs maintain earlier deadlines for admission. The application and information is at http://gradschool.uky.edu/admissions
International Applications
The following additional requirements apply to international applicants:
- An international applicant must typically hold a four-year bachelor’s degree (exceptions to this rule include countries in the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand). When credentials are submitted in support of any application, they should be either the original documents or certified copies (i.e., copies certified or attested as “true copies” by a notary public). An official translation must be attached to these records if they are in a language other than English. Credentials should include a record of all degrees earned, detailing all subjects taken and grades obtained. Grades must be listed in the indigenous system.
- The University of Kentucky requires a minimum score of 79 on the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a minimum overall score of 9 on TOEFL Essentials for all applicants whose native language is not English (see https://www.ets.org/toefl/). Permanent residents who graduate from US institutions or schools outside the US in English-speaking countries such as Australia, Great Britain, and English-speaking Canadian provinces, are not required to take the TOEFL. Permanent residents who graduate from other institutions outside the US must provide TOEFL scores. Applicants may also use International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores to satisfy the language requirement. The minimum acceptable IELTS overall band score is 6.5 and is 115 on DET. Admission recommendations may be made based on self-reported language scores, but official scores are required to process the admission. Test scores must be sent directly to the University of Kentucky, Graduate School. Photocopies are not acceptable.
- International graduate applicants must certify that they have at least $53,014** available for each 12-month period of study. Students must have readily accessible funds sufficient to pay for tuition, fees, room and board, and health insurance at the beginning of each registration period. Applicants must certify that $7,350** per year is available for their spouse and $5,040** per year for each additional dependent (this is normally proven by bank account statements).
International applicants must pay a $75 application fee.
Complete international applications must be received by April 15* for the fall semester and September 15* for the following spring semester.
Upon arrival, admitted international students:
- must have on hand a minimum of $1500, or $2000 if bringing dependent(s). Self-supported students must have on hand at the beginning of each registration $19,440 to pay for tuition and fees, room and board, and health insurance.
- must obtain a tuberculin screening test and reading, and complete a health history form from the Student Health Service before registration will be allowed. This should be done as soon as possible following arrival on the University campus (See also Health Services).
Support Services for the International Student
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): ISSS, a unit of the International Center, is the focal point for international student services. It orients students to a new educational system and to American culture, and provides a continuing source of information, counsel and friendship through their stay. The ISSS office is charged with the responsibility of interpreting immigration regulations and to report and maintain university compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor’s Information Program (SEVIS), which affect international students and scholars. It also sponsors intercultural programs on campus and in the community designed to encourage communication and understanding between Americans and internationals. Among the programs offered are GradCATS, K-Week, and the International Hospitality Program. ISSS is on the 2nd floor of Bradley Hall and representatives can be reached by emailing isss@uky.edu or calling 859-323-2121. The International Center has a satellite office in the east wing of the Gatton Student Center where programs are offered regularly for graduate students.
Health Services: The University has an excellent health care clinic for outpatient care that is of special importance to international students (see section on Health Services). All international students on F-1, J-1 and J-2 visas who are registered for courses are automatically enrolled in the University of Kentucky student insurance plan. Students who have purchased health insurance in their home countries may be eligible for a waiver and must apply annually. Because of the extremely high cost of health care, it is imperative that a student have insurance for himself or herself, spouse, and children. Waivers must be completed each semester in order to cancel the charge. More information about the health plan is available on the website: https://international.uky.edu/ISSS/Students/HealthCoverage
Intensive English Program (IEP) for International Students: The Center for English as a Second Language offers eight-week terms of study in the Intensive English Program; students may join in June, August, October, January, or March. With 20 hours of instruction a week in listening/speaking, reading, writing, and grammar, this program is designed to assist students in rapidly improving their English language proficiency. No college credit is given for courses in the Intensive English Program, but students are given certificates of completion. For further information, go to https://esl.as.uky.edu/ or email esl@uky.edu.
Sponsored International Graduate Students: International graduate students who are financed by sponsoring agencies are provided with specialized advising and services such as group health insurance waivers, third-party billing, mailing diplomas abroad and sponsor requests for progress reports. ISSS has a dedicated immigration specialist who works with the sponsored students and their sponsor representatives. For more information about sponsored students, please visit our website at https://international,uky.edu/ISSS/Sponsored.
Special Admission Categories
Conditional Admission
Students wishing to pursue an advanced degree who are temporarily ineligible for regular graduate admission status may be recommended by the Director of Graduate Studies for conditional admission status in the following cases:
- Receipt of a final undergraduate transcript showing an awarded Bachelor’s degree.
- Receipt of official GRE (or equivalent) scores.
These requirements will be monitored by the Graduate School and must be met prior to the date set for priority registration during the first semester of enrollment. Students will not be allowed to priority register if these requirements are not met.
Programs will also have the option to recommend that students be admitted “conditionally” for other reasons including:
- Completion of deficiencies, such as taking specific required undergraduate courses
- Program review upon completion of a specified number of hours of course work
These requirements will be monitored by the program; the Graduate School should be notified when they have been met so that the student’s status can be changed to regular admission. Approval to proceed with the doctoral qualifying examination or the master’s final examination will not be granted to student’s remaining in conditional status.
Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Student
Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited institution of higher learning and who wish to pursue graduate study without a degree objective may apply for admission as post-baccalaureate graduate students. Note that post-baccalaureate status is not a form of probationary admission to a degree- granting graduate program. Post-baccalaureate students may take graduate courses for graduate credit. Permission to enter any graduate class as a post-baccalaureate student will be granted only if the student meets the prerequisites for that course and if space is available.
An application for admission to the Graduate School as a post-baccalaureate graduate student should be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the registration date for the term in which the student plans to enroll. An overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.50 or better and 3.00 on all previous graduate work (both on a 4.00 scale) are required by the Graduate School for admission. GRE scores are not required.
A post-baccalaureate student who later wishes to apply to enter a degree-granting graduate program must have a 3.00 or better grade point average on all graduate course work attempted as a post-baccalaureate. A standard application form must be presented to the Graduate School requesting admission to a specific program.
University Scholars Program (Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s or Doctoral Degree
The University Scholars Program offers particularly gifted and highly motivated students the opportunity of integrating their undergraduate and graduate courses of study in a single continuous program culminating in both a baccalaureate and a master’s or doctoral degree. The total number of hours for the combined program may be as many as 12 less than the total required for the bachelor’s and the master’s or doctoral degrees separately. The requirements for the bachelor’s degree are unaffected.
Application to the program should be submitted at the end of the student’s junior year. Applicants should have completed at least 90 credit hours of work toward the bachelor’s degree, or be eligible for senior standing in the semester they are admitted to the program. The master’s program should be in the field of the undergraduate major (there are some exceptions made), and the undergraduate grade point average must be at least a 3.50 in the applicant’s major field and 3.20 overall. University Scholars may take no more than 16 credit hours per semester, except by recommendation of their Director of Graduate Studies and by approval of the Dean of the Graduate School. Students must have an undergraduate advisor and a graduate advisor. A jointly planned program must be prepared for each student.
Applicants must submit both a Graduate School application and a University Scholars Form: http://gradschool.uky.edu/university-scholars-program . Students must register in the Graduate School for all work taken following admission to the University Scholars Program. The primary classification of University Scholars will be undergraduate until they have completed all requirements for their undergraduate degree, and undergraduate tuition rates will be applied to the 12 hours (or less) of graduate level coursework designated for dual credit in this program. University Scholars cannot receive Graduate School support until they have completed the credit hours required for their undergraduate degree.
The following graduate degree programs currently offer University Scholars opportunities through participating undergraduate programs: https://gradschool.uky.edu/university-scholars-program
Graduating Seniors as Part-Time Students
Seniors at the University of Kentucky lacking no more than 6 credit hours for graduation and having an undergraduate average of at least 2.75 on all work attempted may register in the Graduate School in conditional status with the consent of the undergraduate college dean, the appropriate Director of Graduate Studies, and the Dean of the Graduate School. The total load of such students may not exceed 12 credit hours. Graduate credit will be allowed for each credit hour of graduate work beyond the six or fewer credit hours needed to complete undergraduate requirements. Requirements for the undergraduate degree must be completed during the semester in which the student is allowed to register for part-time graduate work. Students applying for admission to the Graduate School under these conditions must fill out a petition form listing the course or courses to be taken to complete the undergraduate requirements https://gradschool.uky.edu/graduating-seniors-part-time-graduate-students.
Non-Degree Certification Students
The University of Kentucky offers admission to students pursuing course work applicable toward non- degree certification. These include Rank I Certification and Fifth Year Certification through the College of Education. This is a separate type of admission, which differs from post-baccalaureate status. Minimally, the Graduate School requires applicants for certification to meet the same admission requirements as for post-baccalaureate status, but the unit often imposes additional and more rigorous requirements for admission. It is best to consult with the Director of Graduate Studies in the specific area for which certification is sought prior to applying. Certification students who later wish to transfer credits into a master’s or specialist program at the University of Kentucky may do so. The requirements and limitations are the same as for any transfer of credits into such a program.
Visiting Students
Students who are enrolled in a graduate program at another institution and plan to attend the University of Kentucky as a Visiting Student must submit the following form (https://gradschool.uky.edu/visiting-students) when filing an application (transcripts are not required). Visiting Student admission is for one semester only and credit earned in that status is not applicable to a University of Kentucky degree.
Leave of Absence
Enrolled graduate students at the University of Kentucky who sit out for one or more semesters will need to complete a new application and pay the application fee to be considered for readmission. In many instances this requirement can be avoided by requesting a “leave of absence”. In addition to avoiding the application process, this status will allow the student to priority register in preparation for their return to UK. Procedurally, students should contact their DGS to seek approval for the leave prior to the beginning of the semester in question. If approved, the DGS and student should contact their Graduate School admissions officer by e-mail. Once the student has dropped all courses for the semester in question, the admissions officer will apply the leave of absence. No more than two consecutive and four total semesters in leave of absence status may be requested. International students considering a leave of absence are strongly encouraged to discuss their plans with their advisor at the International Center prior to making a formal request.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Postdoctoral fellowships are available in many research programs. Information concerning the terms of these fellowships is available in the individual departments. Postdoctoral fellows are required to register with the Graduate School through their departments.
Dual Degree Programs
B.S. Engineering/M.B.A.
The College of Business and Economics and the College of Engineering offer the opportunity to obtain the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.) and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degrees in a five- year dual degree program. In addition to regular engineering courses, prerequisite undergraduate courses in accounting, economics, and statistics are taken during the first three years of study to prepare students for management, economics, business, and finance M.B.A. courses. The students’ senior year marks the beginning of the graduate M.B.A. courses and interaction with non-engineering M.B.A. students. During the summer prior to the fifth year, the students participate in study abroad designed expressly for the program, thereby enhancing and broadening their cross-cultural experience.
B.S. Engineering/M.P.A.
The Martin School of Public Policy and Administration and the College of Engineering offer the opportunity to obtain the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.) and Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degrees in a five-year dual degree program. Typically, students will enroll in the College of Engineering as freshmen and take courses required for the B.S. degree through the junior year. During the senior or fourth year, students will begin to take M.P.A. courses. In the fifth year, students will take M.P.A. classes exclusively. Students must complete an internship in the summer following the fifth year of course work.
B.S. In Electrical or Mechanical Engineering/M.S. in Manufacturing Engineering
The College of Engineering offers an opportunity to receive a Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering. The dual degree program is structured to appeal to engineering students who plan a career in manufacturing and is especially structured to allow students to be involved in engineering co-op employment while pursuing the dual degree.
Upon completition of their sophomore year in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, students should apply to the Graduate School to be condtionally admitted into the program. Full admission would require formal application to the Graduate School and a minimum GPA of 3.00 and completion of their junior year. Students must have a strong interest in manufacturing, and preference will be given to students who will be in a co-op work program.
J.D./M.A. In Diplomacy
The University of Kentucky offers a year and half, 30-hour Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Diplomacy through the Graduate School. The College of Law offers a three-year, 90-hour Juris Doctorate (J.D.). The J.D./M.A. dual degree is the only one of its type offered in the Commonwealth. It permits students to gain both degrees in a total time period of one semester less than if the degrees were earned independently. For information, contact the Director of Graduate Studies in the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce or the College of Law.
J.D./M.B.A.
The College of Business and Economics and the College of Law offer the opportunity to obtain the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees in a dual degree program. Both schools recognize that some aspects of business and law are compatible and interrelated. Consequently, students can usually obtain both degrees in less time than if the degrees were pursued separately. As a result, students gain marketable skills and specialized employment opportunities in less time than might otherwise be required. Students interested in the J.D./M.B.A. program must apply to both the College of Law and the Graduate School.
J.D./M.P.A.
The University of Kentucky offers a two-year, 45-hour professional Master of Public Administration degree through the Graduate School. The College of Law offers a three-year, 90-hour Juris Doctorate. The M.P.A. program has been professionally reviewed and recognized by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. The College of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. The J.D./M.P.A. dual degree is the only one of its type offered in the Commonwealth. It permits students to gain both degrees in a total time period of one year less than if the degrees were earned independently. For information, contact the Director of Graduate Studies in Public Administration or the College of Law.
J.D./M.H.A.
The JD/MHA Dual Degree Program encompasses the combination of the Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree from the College of Public Health and the Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the College of Law. The JD/MHA Dual Degree Program is a full-time program that is completed in four years. The MHA degree alone is a two year, 54 credit hour program. The JD degree alone is a three year, 90 credit hour program. Under the dual degree program, each college would accept nine credit hours earned in the other college, having the student earn a total of 126 credit hours by the end of the four years.
M.D./M.B.A.
The University of Kentucky M.D./M.B.A. program is designed to provide students with the necessary educational foundation so that they not only are prepared to begin practice as doctors, but also to assume managerial responsibility in a variety of health care settings. The integrated, sequenced program of study consists of the full, four-year Kentucky Medical Curriculum and foundation business courses followed by M.B.A. courses. The program may normally be completed in five years. Students interested in the program must apply to both the College of Medicine and the Graduate School.
M.D./M.P.H.
The University of Kentucky M.D./M.P.H. combined degree provides well-trained physicians with additional skills and knowledge in public health policies and procedures, enabling them to provide service to individuals within the context of a healthy community and its unique population characteristics. With careful planning, the M.D. and M.P.H. tracks can be completed in five years. Students interested in the program must apply to both the College of Medicine and the Graduate School.
M.D./PH.D.
Students combining studies toward a Ph.D. degree and an M.D. degree in one of the established programs of the Graduate School must be admitted to both programs. Before applying for admission to the Graduate School, applicants should consult with the Director of Graduate Studies of the graduate area of interest. Copies of the guidelines for students wishing to pursue the combined M.D./Ph.D. degrees may be obtained in the office of the Associate Dean for Academic Administration in the Graduate School.
PHARM.D./M.B.A.
The College of Business and Economics and the College of Pharmacy offer the opportunity to obtain the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees in a dual degree program. Students can usually obtain both degrees in four years plus three summers instead of the five and one-half years required if the degrees were pursued separately. The dual degree program is designed to provide students with the necessary educational foundation so that they not only are prepared to begin practice as a pharmacist, but to assume managerial responsibility in a variety of health care settings. A student desiring admission into the dual degree program will be required to apply formally and independently to both programs.
PHARM.D./M.P.A.
The University of Kentucky offers a two-year, 45-hour professional Master of Public Administration degree through the Graduate School. The College of Pharmacy offers a four-year, 158-hour Doctor of Pharmacy. The Pharm.D./M.P.A. dual degree is the only one of its type offered in the Commonwealth. The dual degree program permits a student to gain both degrees in a total time period less than if the degrees were earned independently. The dual degree program is highly desirable for persons seeking careers in state and federal regulatory and administrative agencies, the pharmaceutical industry, managed care organizations, and academia. For information, contact the Director of Graduate Studies in Public Administration or the College of Pharmacy.
PHARM.D./M.P.H.
The University of Kentucky currently offers a 42-credit hour professional Master of Public Health (MPH) degree through the University of Kentucky College of Public Health. The University’s College of Pharmacy offers a four-year, 158 credit hour Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. The Pharm.D./MPH dual degree program is one of fewer than ten of its type offered in the nation. The dual degree program permits a student to gain both degrees in a total time period less than if the degrees were earned independently. The dual degree is thought to be highly desirable for persons seeking careers in state and local health departments, the pharmaceutical industry, managed care organizations, and academics.
PHARM.D./M.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences
Under the dual degree program, 2 current PharmD courses will count towards graduate credit (PHS 951 Cardiopulmonary and Renal Pharmacology [5 credit hours] and PPS 966 Pharmacotherapy III [5 credit hours]. Other graduate courses will be taken to account for the 8 credit hours of elective credits needed for the PharmD curriculum.
Collaborative Degree Programs
University of Kentucky/Lexington Theological Seminary, Double Competency Program
The Lexington Theological Seminary and the University of Kentucky have established a double-competency program to educate qualified students whose career interests are social work and the ministry. The mutual recognition of certain courses between Lexington Theological Seminary (LTS) and the College of Social Work makes possible the shortening of the overall time required to acquire both degrees separately. Interested students should contact the Director of Graduate Studies in Social Work.
University of Kentucky/Asbury Theological Seminary, Double Competency Program
Asbury Theological Seminary and the University of Kentucky have established a double-competency program for students whose interests are social work and the ministry. The mutual recognition of certain courses between the College of Social Work and Asbury Theological Seminary makes possible the shortening of the overall time required to acquire both degrees separately. Interested students should contact the Director of Graduate Studies in Social Work.
Collaborative Curriculum Leading to the Master of Music in Sacred Music
The UK School of Music offers the Master of Music with an emphasis in Sacred Music; this degree involves the completion of core course work at the University of Kentucky, as well as 6-9 credits of course work at an accredited seminary or other appropriate institution. One option available to the student involves a collaborative curriculum between the University of Kentucky and Lexington Theological Seminary leading to the award of the Master of Music from UK, and the Master of Arts in Church Music from Lexington Theological Seminary. Interested students should contact the Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Kentucky, School of Music.
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