Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the admission process?

Because of the time it takes to obtain official transcripts from institutions of higher education, take the GRE exam, secure three letters of recommendation, and receive a vote of the graduate faculty, it is strongly suggested to begin the application process at least three months prior to the semester an applicant wishes to enroll.  The factors that will impact on the amount of time necessary include the number other institutions attended, composite grade point average of all undergraduate coursework (students with a 3.30 composite gpa will have the GRE requirement waived), and how quickly letters of recommendation are completed by their authors.

Can the GRE be waived?
As pointed out above, students who earned a 3.30 composite gpa of all undergraduate coursework will have the GRE requirement waived.  The 3.30 level is used as the cutoff because that is the level at which students generally are awarded undergraduate honors (cum laude).

Can a student apply with less than a 2.75 composite undergraduate gpa?
Students may still apply for admission to the Master of Technology program if they have special circumstances.  Special circumstances which may be weighed by the graduate faculty include outstanding GRE scores, prior experience in a technology-based career, length of time since completing undergraduate coursework, etc.

How much of the program will be available via distributed learning?
The three core courses required of all students in the program are available via the Internet.  Several other courses are also offered via the Internet or video conferencing to regional campus locations.  More courses are currently under development.

What is the Program of Studies form?
The Program of Studies form is an agreement between the student and the College of Technology that outlines the course requirements for the Master of Technology program.  This form should be completed with the student's faculty advisor as soon as possible after admission and updated on a semester basis.  The faculty advisor will keep the original and provide copies to the student and the College of Technology's Graduate Office.  Making sure this form is up to date, is important because it indicates what each student's requirements are for the degree program.  Completion of this form is required before an application for graduation will be accepted.

Can graduate workshop credits be applied to the degree requirements?
Credit workshops award a satisfactory / unsatisfactory (S/U) grade.  Therefore, their application toward graduate degrees is limited.  The College of Technology will allow up to three credits in graduate technology workshops to be applied toward the master's degree.  The use of additional workshop credits must be formally approved by the graduate faculty advisor and Dean of the College of Technology.  Do not assume workshop credits can be used without getting prior approval.

How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students must complete 32 graduate credits, which normally equates to 11 courses.  Full-time students may complete the program in one to one and one-half years, depending upon course availability and individual interests.  Part-time student may complete the program in two - five years, depending upon how many courses they take each semester, whether they attend during the summer, etc.  The program must be completed within six years of the admission date.

What is the cost of graduate tuition?
The graduate tuition rate is the same regardless of which of Kent State University's eight campuses offers the graduate courses.  For the most current information regarding tuition costs, visit the Bursar's Office on-line.

How can additional information be obtained?
To obtain additional information about the Master of Technology program, send an e-mail to SOTGrad@tech.kent.edu or  call 330-672-0792.