Bill > HB118

This bill amends Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 164.295 to permit Western Kentucky University (WKU), which is currently classified as a comprehensive university with limitations on doctoral programs, to offer up to five research doctoral degree programs. Specifically, the bill allows WKU to grant Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in areas that the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education determines directly impact the state's workforce and economic development. Previously, comprehensive universities were prohibited from offering research doctorate degrees, with only one exception for an advanced practice doctoral program in nursing. The bill maintains the existing restrictions on comprehensive universities offering professional doctorate degrees (such as medical or law degrees) while creating a specific exemption for WKU to expand its doctoral research offerings. This change could potentially enhance WKU's academic capabilities and contribute to Kentucky's educational and economic development by allowing the university to develop research-focused doctoral programs in strategically important fields.

Education

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb118.html