Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I don't know what I want to declare as my major?
- What is a roadmap?
- If I change my major, how do I update my roadmap?
- What if I start in the spring or summer semester, and the roadmap begins in the fall semester?
- What is a baccalaureate?
- What is a minor?
- What is a certificate?
- How can I find out what majors are offered on different campuses?
- Where do I find out what majors are about?
- Who do I contact if I want to talk with someone in person?
- How can I apply for admission?
- What happens after I am admitted?
- What is Destination Kent State?
- If I am a transfer student, how do I find out how my courses transfer and apply to my new major?
- Where do I find out what classes are being offered?
- Is there an online catalog?
- What do I do if I decide to change my major after I have been admitted?
- What is a "critical course?" What happens if I don't take it?
- What is a college-how does it differ from a university? What is my college?
- I want to visit campus. How do I schedule a visit?
- If I cannot decide upon a major, is there a class I can take that will help me?
Questions and Answers
What if I don't know what I want to declare as my major?
If you haven't yet determined a major, you can look at the 13 interest areas listed on the GPS website. They briefly describe the characteristics of the person who may be interested in one of the many majors included in each area. If you are still undecided, you may enter the Kent State as an Exploratory major. Exploratory majors have opportunities for extensive career/major exploration during their freshman year. You may also want to contact the Career Services Center (330-672-2360 or Career Services) to meet with a career counselor. This is a free service to Kent State students.
What is a roadmap?
A roadmap is a list of course requirements that must be met for you to graduate with a specific major. It is presented in a semester-by-semester layout for easy understanding. Roadmaps also identify courses and other milestones that are critical (they are in boldface and shaded) for students to complete in a particular semester to be on track for timely graduation.
If I change my major, how do I update my roadmap?
Academic advisors are available in each college to assist students with creating and updating their roadmaps. New students are assigned advisors once they register for classes. To find your advisor, log on to Flashline.
What if I start in the spring or summer semester, and the roadmap begins in the fall semester?
Your academic advisor will work with you to adjust your roadmap to accommodate your start time.
What is a baccalaureate?
Kent State University offers more 250 baccalaureate programs of study. Also known as bachelor's degrees, most of these programs are designed to be completed in four years by full-time students. Kent State offers the following 11 bachelor's degrees in many disciplines: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of General Studies (BGS), Bachelor of Music (BM), Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS), Bachelor of Applied Horticulture (BAH), Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Bachelor of Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Technology (BRIT).
What is a minor?
A minor is a secondary field of study used to complement or be in an addition to a major and is represented by a set of department-determined courses, generally between 18 and 24 credit hours. You may select a minor outside your major's department and college.
What is a certificate?
Certificates deliver focused instruction and formalized guidance to students in areas that address contemporary, topical and/or workplace needs. These programs consist of no less than 15 credit hours and no more than 30. Students do not need to be in a degree-granting major to declare a certificate.
How can I find out what majors are offered on different campuses?
A complete list of majors and the locations where they are offered is available on the GPS site.
Where do I find out what majors are about?
By hovering over an individual major on the GPS site, additional information will appear. By clicking on the major, you will be taken to the major's web page in the Undergraduate Catalog.
gpsmajors
Who do I contact if I want to talk with someone in person?
Begin with the Admissions Office (330-672-2444 or Admissions. That office will be able to direct your call to the appropriate person. If you will be attending a Regional Campus, contact the Admissions Office at that campus. Campus information may be found here.
What happens after I am admitted?
You will receive an information packet that explains how you apply for financial aid, housing, and the Destination Kent State program. It will include important dates and contact information. If you will be attending a Regional Campus, you will receive information from your campus concerning their Orientation program.
What is Destination Kent State?
Destination Kent State is a three-part program for Kent Campus new freshmen and transfer students with fewer than 16 hours. Part one is the summer overnight advising and registration program, which begins in June. The second step is Welcome Weekend in August, just before the start of classes. Part three is the First Year Experience course, which is designed to introduce students to their college home and help create a smooth transition to college life. More information can be found here.
If I am a transfer student, how do I find out how my courses transfer and apply to my new major?
You can log on to your Flashline account using your student ID to access your transfer information. Another option is to contact the Transfer Center at 330-672-8950.
Where do I find out what classes are being offered?
The Schedule of Classes can be found here.
Is there an online catalog?
The official Undergraduate Catalog can be found here.
What do I do if I decide to change my major after I have been admitted?
If you decide to change your major once you have been admitted, you should contact the Admissions Office at 330-672-2444 or the Admissions Office at your campus. If you have already begun your course work, Admissions will direct you to the appropriate college office.
What is a "critical course?" What happens if I don't take it?
A course may be critical because it is a prerequisite for future courses. It may be critical in time because it is only offered once a year. It may be critical because it requires a minimum grade, such as "C." The purpose of a roadmap is to guide you through your degree program in a timely manner. Missing a critical course may put you off track and push back your graduation. You may be receiving "warnings" from your college office that you are "off track" for graduation.
What is a college-how does it differ from a university? What is my college?
Kent State University is comprised of many colleges, which specialize in specific academic areas. Examples include the College of Nursing, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Technology. When you are admitted to Kent State, you are assigned to a college based upon your interest area or major choice. You may find your college by loggin into Flashline, under the Student Tools tab in the box marked Academic Profile.
I want to visit campus. How do I schedule a visit?
The Admissions Office at each campus offers several visitation programs to help you learn first hand about Kent State University. Please visit the admissions site or your campus' website for more information.
If I cannot decide upon a major, is there a class I can take that will help me?
There are two career exploration classes available: US 20008, Career Construction and US 20009, Career and Life Planning. Each course is one credit hour and will count toward your degree hours. If you have questions about whether these courses are appropriate for you, please ask your advisor.
