Racer Academy
Every course counts with Racer Academy
Murray State’s Racer Academy dual-credit program provides a nationally-ranked educational experience for high school juniors and seniors who are looking to get ahead in their college experience.
Admission requirements
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You must be a high school junior or senior. Sophomores are allowed to take only Agriculture (AGR) courses. Homeschooled students are welcome and should follow the admission requirements and procedures listed below.
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Minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.0 or rank in top half of class.
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You and your guidance counselor need to do three things to be enrolled in a course: (1) students submit the Racer Academy Application online (always free!), (2) send us a copy of your transcript, and (3) sign and submit the Guidance Counselor / Principal Approval Form. More details can be found below.
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Some courses do require a test score or other prerequisite. Check Course Options below for details.
Dates to Remember
We are currently accepting applications for the Spring 2024!
December 1, 2023
NEW student deadline for Spring (January) semester. Submit transcripts and Guidance Counselor / Principal Approval Form to msu.raceracademy@babyfeedingshop.com.
January 5, 2024
Deadline to submit Spring registration request for ALL students, new and returning.
(Send Guidance Counselor / Principal Approval Form to msu.raceracademy@babyfeedingshop.com.)
January 16, 2024
Full semester Spring 2024 semester begins.
See the website for current students for additional academic deadlines .
Benefits of enrolling in Racer Academy
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Meet your high school course requirements while earning college credits at the same time.
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Get ahead, stay ahead. Get a head start in your college experience and graduate in four years or less from Murray State.
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Earn a college credit that transitions directly into a Murray State major.
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A high-quality, best-value educational experience. Murray State has been ranked for 29 straight years as a Top-Tier University by U.S. News and World Report, and as one of America’s Top College by Forbes for 12 straight years.
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Gain access to state-of-the-art resources such as Waterfield Library and Murray State’s computer labs.
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On-campus students will be given a Murray State student ID card and parking pass. You will have access to the Wellness Center and be able to attend campus events!
Ready to become a Racer? Here is how to apply and get started.
Step 1. Talk to your guidance counselor and guardian about your plans to register. Be sure
to talk to your guidance counselor about scholarships. You may be able to take your
dual credit course free of cost.
Step 2. Create an account and complete the Racer Academy Application for Admission. Remember, there is no admission fee for Racer Academy! Call Admissions at (270) 809-3350 if you
are locked out of your application account.
Step 3. Read and sign the Guidance Counselor / Principal Approval Form.
Step 4. Check your e-mail! We will let you know your admission status and when we register you for your course.
Are you a returning Racer Academy student? If you are returning to take another dual credit course, all we need is your Guidance Counselor / Principal Approval Form!
FOR GUIDANCE COUNSELORS:
Submit the following to msu.raceracademy@babyfeedingshop.com:
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High school transcript
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Test scores if applicable. (See Course options below.)
For more information and forms, visit our website for current students.
Cost
Racer Academy courses cost $93 per credit hour. Be sure to check with your guidance counselor to see if your course is eligible for a KHEEA scholarship or local grant. Some courses may require the purchase of additional materials such as a textbook. Parking passes will be issued for on-campus students after completing this form. This is required for students coming to campus with a vehicle.
If a parent(s) is employed by Murray State, a tuition waiver may be used to pay the course tuition.
All questions regarding cost, payments, and scholarships can be directed to Amy Watters in the Bursar's Office. She can be reached at awatters@babyfeedingshop.com or 270.809.4211.
Course options
To view the current schedule of courses, follow these steps:
- View the Schedule of Courses and select the appropriate Term. Click Submit.
- Highlight the Subject that interests you or highlight all using the keyboard shortcut (CTRL+A).
- Click on the box next to Racer Academy.
- Click the blue Search button at the bottom of the page.
- Don't see the course listed that you need? Contact us at msu.raceracademy@babyfeedingshop.com to check on course availability.
All courses with a "R" at the beginning of the Section (Sec) are for Racer Academy students. Online courses are list as "Web" under Campus.
Test scores and prerequisites
For courses that have a test or course prerequisite requirement, submit test scores from the testing agency or your high school transcript with posted scores. The following courses require test scores and/or have prerequisites.
| Course / Credit Hours | Prerequisite |
|---|---|
| Business Communication(BUS 215, 3) | ENG 105 or the equivalent with a minimum grade of C. |
| Intro. Chemistry(CHE 105, 4) | ACT Math score of at least 20 or MAT 110 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Intro. to Information Technology(CSC 199, 3 ) | ACT Math score of 19. KYOTE score of 16 on the Mathematics College Readiness Exam or KYOTE score of 14 on College Algebra Exam. |
| Critical Reading, Writing, & Inquiry(ENG 105, 4) | ACT English score of at least 18 and Reading score of at least 20. KYOTE score of 6 or above in English and 20 or above in Reading. |
| Humanities(HUM 211, 3 ) | Critical Reading, Writing, and Inquiry (ENG 105) or the equivalent is required. |
| Course / Credit Hours | Prerequisite |
|---|---|
| Mathematical Concepts(MAT 117, 3) | ACT Math score of at least 19 or KYOTE Math readiness of 22. |
| College Algebra(MAT 140, 4) | ACT Math score of 21 or KYOTE College Algebra Exam of 15 or more or mathematics readiness of 27. |
| Trigonometry(MAT 145, 3) | ACT Math score of 21 or KYOTE College Algebra Exam of 15 or more or mathematics readiness of 27. |
| Algebra & Trigonometry(MAT 150, 5) | ACT Math score of at least 23 or KYOTE Calculus of 12. Note: a student who receives credit for MAT 150 may not receive credit for MAT 130, 140, or 145. |
Earn college credit towards a Murray State degree
Earn an optional Racer Academy Track to help you get started with your college major. Our Tracks enable you to not only get a head-start on your collegiate experience by earning college credits, but position yourself for success in a chosen career. Six specific Tracks ranging from nursing to science, business to agriculture, and humanities to education are offered. A University Studies/Undeclared pathway is also an option. Led by supportive faculty members who are experts in their field, the Racer Academy curriculum places you on track to a lifetime of career fulfillment. Note: Courses may not be transferred to Murray State from other schools to count towards a Track. Only designated Racer Academy courses can count towards Track requirements.
ENG 105 Critical Reading, Writing, and Inquiry - 4 credit hours
Instruction and practice in close reading, research, and critical thinking as applied to academic writing, with emphasis on analysis, synthesis, and argument. ENG 101 in combination with ENG 102 will substitute for ENG 105. International students admitted unconditionally may take ENG 105. Prerequisites: English ACT of at least 18and Reading ACT score of at least 20.
COM 161 Introduction to Public Speaking - 3 credit hours
Organization and presentation of ideas through participation in frequent speech activities. Students present speeches to inform, solve problems and persuade. Communication needs of the individual students are considered and guidance is given by the instructor.
ECO 190 Consumer Economics - 3 credit hours
The course prepares the student to manage his or her own personal financial affairs in a competent manner as well as providing a foundation for later study and work in the financial planning field. Designed to meet the needs of both business and non-business majors. Cannot receive credit for both ECO 190 and FIN 230.
NTN 230 Nutrition - 3 credit hours
Principles of nutrition related to normal health include ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic factors that determine eating patterns; nutrient components of foods and their functions; physical and chemical processes of using food nutrients.
EDP 260 Psychology of Human Development - 3 credit hours
A study of the systematic changes in the cognitive, behavioral, social, and biological functioning of the individual across the developmental stages of life. Note: Cannot be counted toward both teacher certification and the psychology major or minor. Field hours required.
Official class descriptions are available in the Course Catalog.
ENG 105 Critical Reading, Writing, and Inquiry - 4 credit hours
Instruction and practice in close reading, research, and critical thinking as applied to academic writing, with emphasis on analysis, synthesis, and argument. ENG 101 in combination with ENG 102 will substitute for ENG 105. International students admitted unconditionally may take ENG 105. Prerequisites: English ACT of at least 18and Reading ACT score of at least 20.
MAT 140 College Algebra - 4 credit hours
Course develops and extends the student’s basic algebra concepts and problem-solving skills in the context of functions, models, and applications. Topics include exponents and radicals, graphing, setting up and solving equations in linear, quadratic, and other forms, systems of equations, and operations on functions. Properties and applications of linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions are studied. Prerequisite: ACT math standard score of at least 21.
COM 161 Introduction to Public Speaking - 3 credit hours
Organization and presentation of ideas through participation in frequent speech activities. Students present speeches to inform, solve problems and persuade. Communication needs of the individual students are considered and guidance is given by the instructor.
ECO 190 Consumer Economics - 3 credit hours
The course prepares the student to manage his or her own personal financial affairs in a competent manner as well as providing a foundation for later study and work in the financial planning field. Designed to meet the needs of both business and non-business majors. Cannot receive credit for both ECO 190 and FIN 230.
CSC 199 Introduction to Information Technology - 3 credit hours
Course is designed for students pursuing any program of study. A student taking this course will gain competency with file management, word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and presentation graphics software. In addition, the student will become familiar with general computer technology such as computer hardware, computer operations, networks, the Internet and the World Wide Web. Prerequisite: Math ACT score of at least 19.
Official class descriptions are available in the Course Catalog.
ENG 105 Critical Reading, Writing, and Inquiry - 4 credit hours
Instruction and practice in close reading, research, and critical thinking as applied to academic writing, with emphasis on analysis, synthesis, and argument. ENG 101 in combination with ENG 102 will substitute for ENG 105. International students admitted unconditionally may take ENG 105. Prerequisites: English ACT of at least 18and Reading ACT score of at least 20.
COM 161 Introduction to Public Speaking - 3 credit hours
Organization and presentation of ideas through participation in frequent speech activities. Students present speeches to inform, solve problems and persuade. Communication needs of the individual students are considered and guidance is given by the instructor.
ECO 190 Consumer Economics - 3 credit hours
The course prepares the student to manage his or her own personal financial affairs in a competent manner as well as providing a foundation for later study and work in the financial planning field. Designed to meet the needs of both business and non-business majors. Cannot receive credit for both ECO 190 and FIN 230.
CSC 199 Introduction to Information Technology - 3 credit hours
Course is designed for students pursuing any program of study. A student taking this course will gain competency with file management, word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and presentation graphics software. In addition, the student will become familiar with general computer technology such as computer hardware, computer operations, networks, the Internet and the World Wide Web. Prerequisite: Math ACT score of at least 19.
BUS 215 Business Communication - 3 credit hours
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the principles of business communication and give him/her practice in solving business problems through the use of written communications, research and report writing, and oral communications. Prerequisite: ENG 105 or the equivalent.
Official class descriptions are available in the Course Catalog.
ENG 105 Critical Reading, Writing, and Inquiry - 4 credit hours
Instruction and practice in close reading, research, and critical thinking as applied to academic writing, with emphasis on analysis, synthesis, and argument. ENG 101 in combination with ENG 102 will substitute for ENG 105. International students admitted unconditionally may take ENG 105. Prerequisites: English ACT of at least 18and Reading ACT score of at least 20.
COM 161 Introduction to Public Speaking - 3 credit hours
Organization and presentation of ideas through participation in frequent speech activities. Students present speeches to inform, solve problems and persuade. Communication needs of the individual students are considered and guidance is given by the instructor.
EDU 180 Exploring the Teaching Profession - 3 credit hours
Course introduces potential teacher candidates to the work and culture of the teaching profession through required clinical observations and interactions in an appropriate school setting in early childhood, elementary, middle school, and secondary school environments. Candidates will actively explore the importance of professional identity, roles and responsibilities; knowledge, skills, and dispositions; student-centered practice; and students’ developmental and cultural needs. By the end of this course, candidates will know if teaching is their career choice. Clinical experiences required.
ECO 190 Consumer Economics - 3 credit hours
The course prepares the student to manage his or her own personal financial affairs in a competent manner as well as providing a foundation for later study and work in the financial planning field. Designed to meet the needs of both business and non-business majors. Cannot receive credit for both ECO 190 and FIN 230.
EDU 280 Educating for Human Development - 3 credit hours
Course addresses human development as a foundation for student learning across the lifespan. Specifically, candidates will develop a basis for creating developmentally appropriate instruction and assessment. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the importance of building relationships, developing collaborative partnerships, and creating a culturally responsive, student-centered environment to meet all students’ needs. Clinical experiences required.
Official class descriptions are available in the Course Catalog.
ENG 105 Critical Reading, Writing, and Inquiry - 4 credit hours
Instruction and practice in close reading, research, and critical thinking as applied to academic writing, with emphasis on analysis, synthesis, and argument. ENG 101 in combination with ENG 102 will substitute for ENG 105. International students admitted unconditionally may take ENG 105. Prerequisites: English ACT of at least 18and Reading ACT score of at least 20.
COM 161 Introduction to Public Speaking - 3 credit hours
Organization and presentation of ideas through participation in frequent speech activities. Students present speeches to inform, solve problems and persuade. Communication needs of the individual students are considered and guidance is given by the instructor.
POL 140 American National Government - 3 credit hours
The American political system, its constitution, institutions and processes. An approved social science University Studies elective.
ECO 190 Consumer Economics - 3 credit hours
The course prepares the student to manage his or her own personal financial affairs in a competent manner as well as providing a foundation for later study and work in the financial planning field. Designed to meet the needs of both business and non-business majors. Cannot receive credit for both ECO 190 and FIN 230.
HUM 211 The Western Humanities Tradition - 3 credit hours
An exploration and analysis of the major ideas and questions in the humanities, as these have been expressed in works from the ancient past to the modern world. A student cannot have credit for both this course and HON 251. Prerequisite: ENG 105 or 150 or equivalent.
Official class descriptions are available in the Course Catalog.
Supports High School CTE Pathways.
The fifteen hour Agriculture pathway is designed to support KDE Career and Technical Education pathways for Kentucky high school students. This pathway will allow for multiple industry-based and KDE-approved stacked credentials (Plant Science, Animal Science, Bayer/Elanco/ICEV certificates and End of Program Assessment.
AGR 100 Animal Science - 3 credit hours
This is a basic course in animal science including the importance and place of livestock in agriculture; types, market classes and grades of beef, sheep, poultry and swine; origin and characteristics of breeds; and the judging of beef, sheep and swine.
AGR 140 Plant Science - 3 credit hours
A study of general plant science principles including basic plant anatomy, physiology and interactions with the surrounding environment.
AGR 160 Horticultural Science - 3 credit hours
A study of the practical principles and practices used in horticulture.
AGR 182 Introduction to Veterinary Science - 3 credit hours
Course examines basic principles of veterinary science, including breeds, biology, veterinary tools parasitology, office management, animal control, and basic clinical exam techniques for large and small animals. The purpose of this course is to provide upper classmen agricultural education students, at the high school level, with an introduction to the basic principles of veterinary science. This requires students to understand the biology of both large and small breeds of animals, as well as specifics related to the area of veterinary medicine. This class will build a foundation for those high school students interested in the area of veterinary science while serving as a dual credit course to gain elective credit through Murray State University.
AGR 199 Contemporary Issues in Agriculture - 3 credit hours
A course designed to increase the understanding, awareness, and critical analysis of contemporary agricultural issues and their effect upon the social, political, economic and cultural aspects of society. Topics will include environmental, bio-technology, animal, crop, career, economy and trade, agricultural policy, food quality/safety and international agriculture issues.
Official class descriptions are available in the Course Catalog.
ENG 105 Critical Reading, Writing, and Inquiry - 4 credit hours
Instruction and practice in close reading, research, and critical thinking as applied to academic writing, with emphasis on analysis, synthesis, and argument. ENG 101 in combination with ENG 102 will substitute for ENG 105. International students admitted unconditionally may take ENG 105. Prerequisites: English ACT of at least 18and Reading ACT score of at least 20.
COM 161 Introduction to Public Speaking - 3 credit hours
Organization and presentation of ideas through participation in frequent speech activities. Students present speeches to inform, solve problems and persuade. Communication needs of the individual students are considered and guidance is given by the instructor.
ECO 190 Consumer Economics - 3 credit hours
The course prepares the student to manage his or her own personal financial affairs in a competent manner as well as providing a foundation for later study and work in the financial planning field. Designed to meet the needs of both business and non-business majors. Cannot receive credit for both ECO 190 and FIN 230.
CSC 199 Introduction to Information Technology - 3 credit hours
Course is designed for students pursuing any program of study. A student taking this course will gain competency with file management, word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and presentation graphics software. In addition, the student will become familiar with general computer technology such as computer hardware, computer operations, networks, the Internet and the World Wide Web. Prerequisite: math ACT score of at least 19 or MAT 096 (or higher).
NLS 290 Introduction to the Role of Service and the Nonprofit Sector - 3 credit hours
Course is designed to introduce students to notions of service and volunteering, as well as to the broad roles of nonprofit organizations in society. Includes an emphasis on the values embodied in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, such as service, volunteering, human and cultural diversity, trust, stewardship, and social justice. Provides a direct exposure to the working of a local nonprofit organization or community service organization through service learning projects. Part of the Service Learning Scholars Program.
Official class descriptions are available in the Course Catalog.
Contact Racer Academy
Lisa Schmidt
Admission, Scheduling, School Visits
Center for Adult and Regional Education
313 Lowry Center
For admission instructions and general questions.
Haley Tidwell
Final Numerical Grade Submission & School Billing
Office of the Provost
333 Wells Hall
For final grade submission (numerical grades only) and school district billing. Individual student billing should be directed to Amy Watters, awatters@babyfeedingshop.com or 270.809.4211.
Kristina Jackson
Final Letter Grade Submission
Registrar's Office
110A Sparks Hall
Provides instructor assistance with mid-term and final letter grade submissions on myGate.
Amy Watters
Billing and Scholarships
Bursar's Office
121 Sparks Hall
For individual student billing and scholarship questions.
David Black
Agriculture coursework
Hutson School of Agriculture
214 South Applied Sciences
For questions regarding Agriculture coursework.
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