KCTCS and Morehead State University Launch New Common Course Numbering Program to Simplify Student Transfers

Published on Feb 4, 2026

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System and Morehead State University have announced a new common course numbering equivalency program designed to make transferring between the two institutions clearer and easier for students.

The initiative aligns course prefixes and numbers for widely taught general education classes, helping students better understand how credits transfer and apply toward their degrees. By using the same course numbers for equivalent classes, students, advisors, and faculty will have clear, consistent information from the start. This also helps ensure all coursework earned counts toward students’ degrees. 

“This program is about putting students first,” said Dr. Ryan Quarles, president of KCTCS. “When students can clearly see how their courses transfer, they save time, money, and frustration. This partnership with Morehead State reflects our shared commitment to making higher education in Kentucky more transparent and more student friendly.”

This collaborative effort between KCTCS and Morehead State University is based on a shared belief that transfer pathways should be simpler. Similar programs in other states have shown that common course numbering reduces confusion, limits unnecessary course repetition, and supports timely degree completion.

“KCTCS has been a great long-term educational partner with Morehead State University in facilitating transfer and transfer partnerships. Our program directors in the region meet regularly to try to create clear pathways,” said Morehead State University President Dr. Jay Morgan. “This common numbering initiative is just one more example of the student- centered focus that our two organizations exhibit.”

Key benefits of the program include:

• Clearer understanding of how credits transfer between institutions.
• Fewer duplicated courses, especially for dual credit students.
• Stronger alignment of general education requirements.
• Reduced credit loss and smoother advising for students.

The program will begin with general education courses that are most frequently transferred and already have established equivalencies across Kentucky’s public colleges and universities. The long-term goal is to include all general education courses required for KCTCS general education certification included in this common course equivalency program by Fall 2028.

Implementation will roll out in phases over the next several years, including course alignment, governance approvals, system updates, and new advising resources to support students during the transition.

KCTCS and Morehead State University leaders say the partnership could serve as a model for expanding common course numbering statewide, further reducing barriers for students transferring across Kentucky.