KSU's associate degree and baccalaureate degree programs are oriented toward liberal studies and selected career opportunities related to state government services. Kentucky State University offers selected master's degree programs based on demonstrated needs, with a priority given to a public administration curriculum to meet the needs of state government.

The University focuses on liberal studies programming. Drawing upon its African American heritage, the University promotes the values and methods of interdisciplinary and multicultural education in its liberal studies offerings. All students participate in common curricula that explore the liberal studies. Drawing upon the mulitcultural strengths of the University, emphasis is placed on preparing minority students for careers in education and in other selected professions including business, computer science, nursing, human services and public services. These strategic priorities translate into a core of liberal arts baccalaureate degree programs, in addition to degree program priorities at the associate (A), baccalaureate (B) and master's (M) levels that may include the following: Education (B); Business (B); Computer Science (B,M); Nursing (A,B); Human Services (B); Public Administration (B,M); and Aquaculture/Aquatic Sciences (M).