88-28-1. Definitions.
Each of the following terms, wherever used in this article of the board’s regulations, shall have the meaning specified in this regulation:
(a) “Academic year” means instruction consisting of at least 24 semester credit hours over a period of two semesters or the equivalent.
(b) “Associate’s degree” means a postsecondary degree consisting of at least 60 semester credit hours or the equivalent of college level coursework. This term shall include the following types of associate’s degree:
(1) “Associate in applied science degree” means a technical oriented or occupational oriented associate’s degree that meets the following conditions:
(A) Is granted to each student who successfully completes a program that emphasizes preparation in the applied arts and sciences for careers, typically at the technical or occupational level; and
(B) requires at least 15 semester credit hours in general education and at least 30 semester credit hours or the equivalent in the technical content area.
(2) “Associate in arts degree” means an associate’s degree that meets the following conditions:
(A) Is granted to each student who successfully completes a program that emphasizes the liberal arts; and
(B) requires at least 30 semester credit hours or the equivalent in general education, including English, mathematics, humanities, communications, physical sciences, and social and behavioral sciences, or any combination of these subjects.
(3) “Associate in general studies degree” means an associate’s degree that meets the following conditions:
(A) Is granted to each student who successfully completes a program that emphasizes a broad range of knowledge; and
(B) requires at least 24 semester credit hours or the equivalent in general education.
(4) “Associate in science degree” means an associate’s degree that meets the following conditions:
(A) Is granted to each student who successfully completes a program that emphasizes either mathematics or the biological or physical sciences, or both; and
(B) requires at least 30 semester credit hours or the equivalent in general education.
(c) “Bachelor’s degree” and “baccalaureate” mean a degree that meets the following conditions:
(1) Requires the equivalent of at least four academic years of college level coursework in the liberal arts, sciences, or professional fields meeting the following conditions:
(A) Requires at least 120 semester credit hours or the equivalent;
(B) includes at least 45 semester credit hours or the equivalent in upper-division courses; and
(C) requires at least 60 semester credit hours or the equivalent from institutions that confer a majority of degrees at or above the baccalaureate level; and
(2) requires a distinct specialization, which is known as a “major,” that requires either of the following:
(A) At least one academic year, or the equivalent in part-time study, of work in the major subject and at least one academic year, or the equivalent in part-time study, in related subjects; or
(B) at least two academic years, or the equivalent in part-time study, in closely related subjects within a liberal arts interdisciplinary program.
(d) “Catalog” means a document delivered in print or on-line containing the elements specified in K.A.R. 88-28-2.
(e) “Closure of an institution” and “closure” mean the practice of no longer allowing students access to the institution to receive instruction. Closure of an institution occurs on the calendar day immediately following the last day on which students are allowed access to the institution to receive instruction.
(f) “Degree program” means a course of study that meets the following conditions:
(1) Leads to an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, an intermediate (specialist) degree, a first professional degree, or a doctor’s degree; and
(2) consists of at least 30 semester credit hours or the equivalent of coursework in a designated academic discipline area.
(g) “Doctor’s degree” means a degree that may include study for a closely related master’s degree and that meets the following conditions:
(1) Is granted to each student who successfully completes an intensive, scholarly program requiring the equivalent of at least three academic years beyond the bachelor’s degree;
(2) requires a demonstration of mastery of a significant body of knowledge through successful completion of either of the following:
(A) A comprehensive examination; or
(B) a professional examination, the successful completion of which may be required in order to be admitted to professional practice in Kansas; and
(3) requires evidence, in the form of a doctoral dissertation, of competence in independent basic or applied research that involves the highest levels of knowledge and expertise.
(h) “Enrollment documents” means written documentation provided by an institution to a student in which the institution agrees to provide instruction to the student for a fee. The enrollment documents shall meet the requirements of K.A.R. 88-28-7.
(i) “Enrollment period” means the period of time specified in enrollment documents during which instruction, including any examinations given, is to be provided to a student.
(j) “Entering an institution” means commencing class attendance by a student at an on-site institution or first submitting a lesson by a student for evaluation in a distance education program.
(k) “First professional degree” means a degree that meets the following conditions:
(1) Is granted to each student who successfully completes study beyond the fulfillment of undergraduate requirements, as approved by the state board;
(2) requires the equivalent of at least five academic years of study, including work towards a bachelor’s degree; and
(3) includes a specialization in a professional field.
(l) “Honorary degree” means a special degree awarded as an honor that is bestowed upon a person without completion of the usual requirements.
(m) “Intermediate (specialist) degree” means a degree, including an educational specialist degree, granted to each student who successfully completes a program requiring the equivalent of at least one academic year beyond the master’s degree in a professional field.
(n) “Master’s degree” means a degree that meets the following conditions:
(1) Is granted to each student who successfully completes a program in the liberal arts and sciences or in a professional field beyond a bachelor’s degree;
(2) requires the equivalent of at least one academic year in a curriculum specializing in a single discipline or single occupational or professional area; and
(3) culminates in a demonstration of mastery, which may include one or more of the following:
(A) A research thesis;
(B) a work of art; or
(C) the solution of an applied professional problem.
(o) “Program” means either of the following:
(1) A course or series of courses leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree; or
(2) training that prepares a person for a field of endeavor in a business, trade, technical, or industrial occupation.
(p) “Review course” means an educational offering designed to review previous knowledge gained from a completed educational program.
(q) “Teach-out agreement” means a written agreement between institutions that provides for the equitable treatment of students and a reasonable opportunity for students to complete their program of study if an institution, or an institutional location that provides 100 percent of at least one program offered, ceases to operate or plans to cease operations before all enrolled students have completed their program of study.
(r) “Upper division course” means any course with content and teaching appropriate for students in their third and fourth academic years or for other students with an adequate background in the subject. (Authorized by and implementing K.S.A. 2021 Supp. 74-32,165, effective Oct. 20, 2006; amended March 18, 2011; amended May 26, 2017; amended Feb. 17, 2023.)