Special Academic Programs

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: 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.

Accelerated Programs

The University of Kentucky has a broad policy for accelerated programs. Among the opportunities available are special programs for high school students and a variety of credit-by-examination programs. Many students use these opportunities to earn degrees in less time. Others prefer to use the time gained to explore areas outside their majors or to do more work in their major fields.

Accelerated Programs for High School Students

High school students interested in earning college credit while still in high school should inquire about admission before graduating from high school. The High School Exceptional Ability program is described in greater detail in the Undergraduate Admission  section of this Catalog.

Credit-by-Examination Programs

UK students may earn degree credit by successfully completing examinations described below.

Advanced Placement Program (AP)

The University of Kentucky recognizes examinations of the College Board Advanced Placement Program offered by high schools throughout the nation. A high school senior who wishes to have AP scores evaluated for academic credit or placement should have the results sent to the Office of the University Registrar. UK’s code is 1837.

Students who receive Advanced Placement credit for a course may apply this credit the same way credit earned by passing a course is applied. UK does not recognize College Board SAT II Subject Tests for placement or credit purposes.

Academic departments have designated the current policy (see chart below) for students who score 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement examinations.

Please note that the University of Kentucky awards Advanced Placement credit based on the score of the exam that is in effect during the academic year that the student enrolls in UK. Students should refer to the AP chart in the Catalog they received when they were admitted for the appropriate score.

UK does not award duplicate credit in the event that a student repeats an exam or if the credit award is the same for two or more exams. In the event a student takes the same exam more than once, credit is awarded for the best score only.

For more information on UK’s Advanced Placement policy, contact:

Registrar’s Office
10 W. D. Funkhouser Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0054
859-257-9535

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

UK participates in the national testing program of The College Board. CLEP Examinations cover specific material common to courses at many universities.

Credit for University courses is awarded to students who obtain the listed scores on the appropriate Examinations, as listed in the chart below.

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for all official posting of credit to a student’s record. For information regarding the CLEP program and posting of credit, contact the Registrar’s Office at 859-257-7157. For information on CLEP exams in general, visit the College Board website at: www.collegeboard.com/clep/.

International Baccalaureate Program (IB)

The University of Kentucky recognizes course credit earned through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program offered by high schools throughout the world.

Generally, course credit is awarded for scores of 5, 6, or 7 on either the Standard Level exam or the Higher Level exam. Please refer to the chart below for the actual course credit policy in each subject.

Any student desiring credit must request an IB transcript to be sent to the University. Course credit awarded through the IB program will apply toward degree requirements just as if the course had been taken on campus, except that there will not be a specific letter grade associated with the course.

Instead, a designation of CR - credit - will be awarded and the grade-point average will not be affected.

In some cases, as noted on the chart below, additional curriculum information must be supplied by the student’s high school before credit will be awarded.

For more information, contact the Registrar’s Office at 859-257-7157. For information on the IB Program in general, visit the IB website at: www.ibo.org.

Special Departmental Examinations

Undergraduate students requesting a special examination must apply in writing to the chairperson of the department that offers the course. Graduate students should apply to the director of graduate studies in the department offering the course. Applicants should include evidence that they are reasonably prepared for the examination.

These examinations are prepared and administered by the offering department, and are usually equivalent to a final examination. Students must be enrolled in good standing at UK. The examinations are offered without charge.

Any course offered at the University is available for credit by special examination, regardless of whether a student has audited the course, is currently enrolled in it, or has studied it independently. Please note, most elementary and intermediate foreign language courses are not available on the basis of a special examination.

More information about special examination credit appears in the Academic Requirements  section of this Catalog.

Evaluation of Military Credit

Official documentation is necessary to support the awarding of any credit based on military service.

Documentation

The supportive documentation required is as follows:

• Official Joint Services Transcript (JST) from the Army/American Council on Education Registry at https://jst.doded.mil/official.html.

Awarding of Credit

Credit is evaluated using the ACE Guide for evaluation of military credit (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard). ACE guide recommends hours to be awarded based on the length and content of each course. Course evaluations are equated by the respective Director of Undergraduate Studies and maintained by the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

1. ​Credit will be awarded on the student’s official academic transcript.
2. A copy of the evaluation is maintained in the university database and within the student’s Degree Planning and Registration (GPS) record.
3. Each college determines how awarded hours may be used in the degree program. Any additional applicability of awarded credit will be at the college level and at the discretion of the college.

For more information, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

The Chellgren Student Fellows Program

The Chellgren Student Fellows Program is an enrichment program for sophomores designed to help students identify a research mentor and spend a semester on an undergraduate research program. The program offers students opportunities to go beyond classroom instruction in order to help them cultivate extraordinary academic achievement. Fellows also work with the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards to understand the requirements and process to compete for prestigious awards, such as the Rhodes, Marshall, and Truman Scholarships, or to gain admittance into graduate and professional programs.

The Gaines Center for the Humanities

The Gaines Center for the Humanities is distinctive among special programs at state universities. Designed to enrich the upper levels of undergraduate study and thereby to offer exceptional opportunities for dedicated students, the programs of the center are open on a competitive basis to any student interested in the humanities, regardless of particular major or intended profession.

Activities of the Gaines Center are developed to encourage participation by a large segment of the university population. Conferences and lectures, informal seminars and discussions are open to all those interested. While the center’s principal purpose is to enhance an appreciation of the humanities, its programs are arranged to stimulate inquiry about the relationship of the humanities to other broad areas of investigation, such as the sciences, the arts, and the professions.

The John R. and Joan B. Gaines Fellowships in the Humanities

A major feature of the Gaines Center for the Humanities is the Gaines Fellowship Program. The Gaines Fellowships are given in recognition of outstanding academic performance, demonstrated independent study, an interest in public issues, and a desire to enhance understanding of the human condition.

The fellowships are awarded in the student’s sophomore year for tenure in the junior and senior years. Renewal in the senior year is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance.

All Gaines Fellows are required to take a specially-designed, four-credit-hour seminar in the humanities (HMN 301 and HMN 302) during both semesters of the junior year. Moreover, each Fellow in the senior year completes an undergraduate thesis (HMN 497) under the supervision of three faculty members and with a credit of three hours each semester.

Gaines Fellows also participate in all social and cultural activities sponsored by the Gaines Center.

Eligibility

Any student enrolled at the University of Kentucky, or any student enrolled in a community college who intends to transfer to the University of Kentucky, is eligible to apply.

The Thomas D. Clark Lectureship in the Humanities

Created to bring eminent scholars and authors to the campus, the Thomas D. Clark Lectureship stipulates that the recipient will offer a public lecture and will lead a session of a special humanities seminar related to the Lecturer’s professional field on interest. Juniors and seniors, selected on the basis of written application, participate in this seminar.

The Mary C. Bingham Seminar in the Humanities

The Mary C. Bingham Seminar in the Humanities is offered every other year and is open on a competitive basis to any junior or senior in the University. Participating students are selected on the basis of written application. The seminar combines course work with a special summer field trip up to four weeks in length either in this country or abroad (four credit hours). The seminar is concerned with the comparative study of a humanities subject that benefits from site analysis (e.g., cities, landscape). Conducted by a faculty member whose proposal has been selected in competition, the seminar offers up to a $1,000 summer travel scholarship to each student participant.

Edward T. Breathitt Undergraduate Lectureship in the Humanities

The Edward T. Breathitt Lectureship is the first undergraduate lectureship established at an American university. It is named in honor of an eminent Kentuckian and an outstanding alumnus of the University of Kentucky whose interest in higher education has been exceptional.

The lectureship is awarded to an undergraduate student whose qualities of mind and spirit have been expressed eloquently on one or more of the basic characteristics that distinguish the humanities as fields of study. They are: form, value, memory.

Any university faculty member may nominate a qualified upper level student from any discipline. Each nominee must submit a twopage prospectus describing the lecture topic (to be of the candidate’s own choice) and a brief, tentative biography, as well as a personal resume and an additional letter of recommendation. The recipient receives a special award and an honorarium.

How to Apply

Students interested in any of these special educational opportunities should write or telephone:

Gaines Center for the Humanities
218 East Maxwell Street
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0344
859-257-1537
gaines.uky.edu

The Lewis Honors College

The Lewis Honors College at the University of Kentucky is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate education and engages students holistically to learn and thrive. The mission of the Lewis Honors College is to better the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the world by helping students to explore their purpose, develop intellectually, and lead with integrity. The Lewis Honors College offers specialized, interdisciplinary, seminar style classes as well as departmental Honors section courses, which transform common undergraduate course offerings (such as biology and English) into more advanced seminars.

The Lewis Honors College’s flexible curriculum allows students to select classes from a variety of course offerings that best suit their individual interests and needs; it can be integrated with any area of study. Honors classes, which demand active participation and are capped at 25 students, are led by full-time faculty members. In addition to their Lewis Honors College courses, students engage in at least six credit hours of experiential learning through opportunities such as research, service learning, education abroad, and/or internship programs. Students complete their Lewis Honors College curriculum with a senior thesis project, usually in their major discipline. Lewis Honors College students are required to maintain 3.4 GPA.

Lewis Honors College students have access to priority registration, dedicated advising, the Lewis Honors College Center for Personal Development, special programming, funding and leadership opportunities. The Lewis Honors College encourages students’ participation in other divisions of excellence such as the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence and the Gaines Center for the Humanities, among others. Many Lewis Honors College students choose to participate in the Honors Residential Experience in Lewis and Haggin Halls, where they live among like-minded peers who are intellectually curious and prioritize their studies, well-being, and community. In reviewing applications, the Lewis Honors College selection committee considers the following: strength of application essays, academic rigor of high school courses, unweighted GPA and level of involvement in curricular and extracurricular activities. Any student with a strong academic record should apply.

Accelerated Master’s Pathways

The University of Kentucky’s Accelerated Master’s Pathways (AMP) gives highly motivated students the opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years, instead of six*. Students can also pursue their PhD utilizing this program. Qualified students can begin earning graduate credit during their undergraduate programs, allowing them to maximize their time on campus and return on their educational investment - earning up to 12 dual credit hours at no additional cost.

How AMP Works

• Explore & Connect – Explore your interests using the list of eligible programs listed below. Each master’s program lists possible pathways you can take as an undergrad such as suggested majors, minors, and certificates. 

• Confirm – Starting in Spring 2025 submit the online AMP Intent Form when you have earned between 60 - 105 credit hours.

• Get AMPed up – Complete or continue your undergraduate studies in the suggested major/minor/certificate pathway.

• Accelerate – As an AMP student, enroll in appropriate graduate courses as an undergrad.

• Apply – Your last semester as an undergraduate, apply to The Graduate School for your program.

• Graduate – Move into your graduate program, with up to 12 graduate credits from AMP.

Eligibility Critera

1.     3.0 Overall UK GPA

2.     60-105* credit hours *Be sure to meet with your advisor to discuss your eligibility if you have more than 105 hours.

3.     A selected area of interest

4.     Must not be exploratory or pre-major

5.     Meet with your Academic Advisor

6.     Complete the AMP Intent Form for advisor approval ​

Donovan Scholars Program and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UK

The University of Kentucky has a long-standing interest in individuals of or nearing retirement age. In 1962, the Board of Trustees established the Council on Aging to serve as the focal point for programs for older persons. The Council is an integral part of the College of Public Health.

The Herman L. Donovan Scholarship for Adults 65+

The Donovan Scholarship, named in honor of the late Herman L. Donovan, University President from 1941-1956, is a tuition waiver program for adults, 65 years and older, taking academic courses at the University of Kentucky. The tuition waiver is available for courses held on campus and limited availability for UK online classes. Donovan Scholars may audit courses for the joy of learning (exams, papers or other assignments are typically not required), take courses for credit without working toward a degree, or take classes for credit as a degree-seeking candidate. There is no previous educational requirement for Donovan Scholars auditing an undergraduate class (not seeking a degree). When working toward a degree, UK Admissions criteria must be met.

For more information, contact Trey Adkins at 859-257-2657; or email: trey.adkins@uky.edu.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UK, Lexington and Morehead

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UK offers educational, social, and community activities for adults ages 50 and up. Program activities are offered virtually and in-person at host locations throughout the community in Lexington and Morehead. Learning opportunities are offered in a variety of formats including weekly meetings, lecture series, day trips, shared interest groups and more. Topics vary each semester and include culture, health and wellness, history and government, languages, literature and writing, science and environment, and visual and performing arts. In addition to learning opportunities, the OLLI Program offers special events and socials such as concerts and luncheons. OLLI members can attend the Lancaster Aquatic Center with no additional charge. They can also attend the Johnson Center/Alumni Gym with an additional charge paid to the centers. The annual OLLI membership fee is $50; course fees vary.

For more information, contact the OLLI at UK at 859-257-2656; toll free at 866-602-5862; or email: Teresa.Hager@uky.edu.

OLLI at UK
Ligon House
658 South Limestone
Lexington, KY 40506-0442
859-257-2656, toll free 866-602-5862
www.uky.edu/OLLI

Academic Preparation and Placement Program

The Academic Preparation and Placement Program (APP) provides placement testing for incoming students and academic resources for admitted students who have not yet met statewide minimum test score requirements for college readiness in math, reading, and writing.

APP Status

A student’s profile is flagged with an “APP” status when the student has not yet demonstrated college-readiness in the areas of Reading, Writing, and/or Math, as determined by the Kentucky Council for Postsecondary Education. Students have the option of demonstrating readiness, and removing their APP status in one of the following ways:

1. By submitting a final high school transcript showing a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher
2. By submitting official SAT/ACT scores meeting college-readiness benchmarks (as described for each area below
3. By taking a placement exam (see below)
4. By completing 12 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher

Placement Testing

The Disability Resource Center in collaboration with campus partners provides placement testing for admitted students who have not yet met statewide minimum test score requirements for college readiness in math, reading, and writing.

On campus, online, and remote placement testing is offered for all incoming first-time admitted students for math, reading, and writing. Information about all placement tests is online at: https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/disability-resource-center/placement-testing. In order to register for online testing, students will need their official UKID number.

Math

All incoming UK students with a Math ACT score below 19 or Math SAT below 500 or an unweighted high school GPA below 3.00 are required to take the ALEKS mathematics placement test. Students with a high school GPA of 2.40 and above with pre-calculus, or if students have taken calculus regardless of unweighted high school GPA, are not required to take ALEKS. However, students who have a UK approved 100-level or above mathematics credit (including official AP, Dual credit, or transfer credit) accepted by UK admissions (send credits and scores to admissions@uky.edu) are highly encouraged, but not required to take the ALEKS placement test. The University of Kentucky uses the ALEKS math placement test to ensure students’ proper course enrollment in mathematics courses to meet UK Core and to prepare for their major program of study. The ALEKS PPL account is free for incoming UK students to continue mathematics preparation for future courses through the individualized learning modules for up to one year.

English/Writing and Reading

UK Placement tests in Reading and Writing (ACCUPLACER) are also available to assess students’ skills in these areas and assist advisors in recommending courses.

Students with an English ACT below 18 or English SAT below 480 or an unweighted high school GPA below 2.90 are required to take the Accuplacer Next Gen Writing Exam. Students with a Reading ACT below 20 or SAT Reading below 480 or an unweighted high school GPA below 2.90 are required to take the Accuplacer Next Gen Reading Exam.

For more information on APP placement testing and programming, please visit www.uky.edu/app/.

University of Kentucky Policy Guide for Advanced Placement

*Credit will be replaced with 5 credit hours for PHY 211  with a grade of CR upon presentation of documentation of appropriate laboratory experience to the Instructional Laboratory Specialist in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

†Credit will be replaced with 5 credit hours for PHY 213  with a grade of CR upon presentation of documentation of appropriate laboratory experience to the Instructional Laboratory Specialist in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

††Upon presentation of documentation of appropriate laboratory experience, credit will also be given for the laboratories associated with these courses, PHY 241 , PHY 242  respectively. 

University of Kentucky Policy Guide for CLEP Examinations

 For additional information on credits awarded for CLEP examinations, contact the Registrar’s Office, 10 Funkhouser Building, (859) 257-7157. For information on CLEP exams in general, visit the College Board website at: www.collegeboard.com/clep/.

University of Kentucky International Baccalaureate Program

Credit Awarded Based on Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL) Exam Scores of 5, 6, and 7

 *Credit will be replaced with 3 credit hours in the appropriate media course upon successful completion of a portfolio review. Please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the School of Art and Visual Studies to schedule your review.

For information on the IB Program in general, visit the IB website at: www.ibo.org.