The Whitney Young School of Honors and Liberal Studies, which houses the KSU Honors Program, the Integrative Studies Program, and the Institute for Liberal Studies, reflects the University's commitment to excellence in liberal studies education. The School is named after the late Whitney M. Young, Jr., executive director of the National Urban League from 1961 to 1971, distinguished leader of the American civil rights movement, and a graduate of Kentucky State University. The Whitney Young School of Honors and Liberal Studies aims, through its special curriculum, to develop in its students the qualities of critical judgment, maturity, and leadership exemplified by Mr. Young. [For a brief biography of Whitney Young, click here:Who is Whitney M. Young, Jr.? ]
The Honors Program is an integrated liberal arts program that emphasizes student discussion of excellent books in small classes. Honors students can complete the core requirements of general studies courses through the Honors Program and then go on to major in any field. Honors students may also major or minor in Liberal Studies. The program offers a challenging interdisciplinary and multicultural curriculum, and the small classes promote a community spirit among faculty and students.
Five distinct Liberal Studies Degrees (two Associate of Arts and three Bachelor of Arts degrees) are available through the Whitney Young School. The Bachelors Degree options include the Honors Program degree in Liberal Studies, a general studies "completion degree," and a student-designed major in liberal studies. The School also provides an Honors option through which students may complete the core liberal studies requirements that must be met by all who seek baccalaureate-degrees.
The Integrative Studies Program is made up of Integrative Studies courses and the Institute for Liberal Studies. The Integrative Studies courses comprise a sequence of interdisciplinary classes emphasizing key developments in the history of thought in Western and non-Western cultures. The Institute for Liberal Studies promotes campus and community liberal studies activities and hosts an annual interdisciplinary conference on "Science and Culture" that attracts scholars from around the state, the nation, and the world.
The designated Pre-Law curriculum for KSU students is offered through the Honors Program. Kentucky State University has a special arrangement with the three law schools in Kentucky that can guarantee admission if certain conditions are met.
The Information for Students page is designed for prospective, current, and former students. It tells how to apply for Whitney Young School Scholarships, answers Frequently Asked Questions, provides a way for Honors alumni to keep in touch, and describes opportunities for Study Abroad and Internships.
For more information or to talk to faculty members about the programs, call the Whitney Young School of Honors and Liberal Studies at (502) 597-7015. For toll-free calls dial 1-800-633-9415 inside Kentucky or 1-800-325-1716 outside Kentucky and ask for extension 7015. Click here to contact us by email. sophia.ellis@kysu.edu