Eastern Kentucky University crest

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, United States Founded 1906 World Rank #4636

Overview

Acronyms: EKU
Founded: 1906
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #4636
Rank in United States: #485
Motto: Where Students and Learning Come First
Colours: Maroon and white
Mascot: Colonels
Eastern Kentucky University central facility
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Founded in 1906, the Eastern Kentucky University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Richmond (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Kentucky.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 118-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

EKU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

The geographic and contact details below cover where Eastern Kentucky University is and how to reach its administrative offices. Campus emergency contact is typically distinct from general inquiries.

Address: 521 Lancaster Avenue
Postal Code: 40475-3102
Phone: +1 (859) 622 1000
Fax: +1 (859) 622 1020
Social Media:

Academic Details

Eastern Kentucky University's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.

Total Students: 12,318
Student Enrollment: 10
Academic Staff Range: 900-999
Campus Setting: Rural
Memberships & Networks
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Below is how Eastern Kentucky University is organised academically — the schools, faculties, and units that house its programmes. Larger institutions often run multi-faculty divisions to coordinate cross-disciplinary work.

Unit 5 items
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Business and Technology
  • College of Education
  • College of Health Sciences
  • College of Justice and Safety

Programs Offered

Eastern Kentucky University's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.

Bachelor's Degree

66 programmes

Browse 66 programmes at Eastern Kentucky University for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.

Agricultural Production Operations Agriculture
Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Forestry & Natural Resources
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Graphic Communications Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
American Sign Language Linguistics & Language Studies
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Legal Support Services Law
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Fire Protection Emergency & Disaster Management
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Social Work Social Work
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Air Transportation Aviation Studies
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Insurance Business Administration
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations Retail Management
Construction Management Business Administration
History History

Master's Degree

33 programmes

Eastern Kentucky University provides 33 programmes at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.

Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
History History

Doctorate

4 programmes

Eastern Kentucky University's 4 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.

Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing

Professional Doctorate

4 programmes

Eastern Kentucky University's 4 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.

Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing

Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications

43 programmes

Alongside its degrees, Eastern Kentucky University provides 43 programmes at associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation level, typically shorter and more applied in focus.

Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other Agriculture
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Legal Support Services Law
Legal Support Services Law
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Mathematics and Statistics, Other Mathematics
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations Military Science
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Dispute Resolution Liberal Arts
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Psychology, Other Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Fire Protection Emergency & Disaster Management
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Social Work Social Work
Geography and Cartography Geography
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing

How to apply to Eastern Kentucky University

What applying to Eastern Kentucky University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Eastern Kentucky University offers 150 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Each programme at Eastern Kentucky University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Apply directly via Eastern Kentucky University's online portal at www.eku.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (859) 622 1000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eastern Kentucky University

The questions below summarise Eastern Kentucky University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.

In what year was Eastern Kentucky University established?

Eastern Kentucky University was founded in 1906 (approximately 120 years ago).

Where can I find Eastern Kentucky University?

The institution is located in Richmond, United States.

What is Eastern Kentucky University's control type?

Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution.

How many students does Eastern Kentucky University have?

The institution has a student body of 10,000-14,999.

Where does Eastern Kentucky University stand in university rankings?

Eastern Kentucky University holds rank #4636 globally and #485 in United States.

How is Eastern Kentucky University organised academically?

Eastern Kentucky University is organised into 5 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Eastern Kentucky University accredited?

Yes, Eastern Kentucky University is recognised by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

What is Eastern Kentucky University's official website?

The institution's website is www.eku.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Some the United States systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Membership renewal cycles for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) create periodic quality reviews. Recent renewals or admissions to the network signal currency of standards — older memberships may need re-examination.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Public transport hubs near Eastern Kentucky University affect access to all the universities below similarly. Major transit nodes often correlate with where the cluster of institutions is densest.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Industry advisory boards on Education & Teaching programmes signal employer engagement and curriculum currency. Check whether each the United States alternative to Eastern Kentucky University publishes its industry partners.

Universities Often Compared with Eastern Kentucky University

When students choose Eastern Kentucky University, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.

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