General Education Criteria Defined by SACS and CPE
Criteria Defined by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
In each undergraduate degree program, the institution requires the successful completion of a general education component at the collegiate level that (1) is a substantial component of each undergraduate degree, (2) ensures breadth of knowledge, and (3) is based on a coherent rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent; for baccalaureate programs, a minimum of 30 semester hours or the equivalent. These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural science/mathematics. The courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession. If an institution uses a unit other than semester credit hours, it provides an explanation for the equivalency. The institution also provides a justification if it allows for fewer than the required number of semester credit hours or its equivalent unit of general education courses. (See Excerpts From "Principles of Accreditation")
Criteria Defined by the Kentucky Council of Postsecondary Education (CPE)
General education certification is based on a 33-hour general education core which consists of the following core categories: 1) Communications – 9 hours; 2) Humanities – 6 hours; 3) Mathematics – 3 hours; 4) Natural Sciences – 6 hours; and 5) Behavioral and Social Sciences – 9 hours. There are also three certification levels: 1) category-certification, for which students complete at least one but not all of the categories listed above; 2) block-certification for which students complete all categories listed above; and, 3) full general education certification for which students complete all of the categories listed above plus any additional general education requirements of the sending institution. (See KY CPE Gen Ed Transfer Policy)
