Current Kent State Students & Transient Coursework

Are you looking to supplement your Kent State program with courses from another institution?

If so, review the information below before making an appointment with your advisor. You will need to fill out the form linked at the bottom before taking the course. Taking courses at another institution to transfer back to your currently enrolled institution is also sometimes called transient coursework. When you contact other institutions, they may refer to it using this word and ask for a copy of your Transfer Course Planning form. Make sure you review the Transfer of Undergraduate Credit policy in the catalog before registering for any non-Kent State course.

1. Research and Verify Course Equivalencies: Use Kent State’s online Transfer Guide to check if your desired course matches your degree requirements. If the course or school is not listed, you must obtain an official course syllabus for faculty review and use the Credit Transfer Office email inquiry form to confirm the course’s transferability and equivalency.

2. Meet with Your Academic Advisor: Schedule an advising appointment to confirm that the course will transfer and properly apply to your specific program of study. If you are taking a course not found in the Transfer Guide, make sure to bring the course information and syllabus to this meeting so your advisor can initiate an official evaluation.

3. Submit the Transfer Course Planning Form: Complete the online planning form with accurate course details and route it directly to the advisor you met with. Your advisor will determine the exact KSU course equivalents and verify financial aid (CPOS) eligibility before the final approved form is automatically attached to your student record.

COMPLETE TRANSFER COURSE PLANNING FORM

4. Complete the Course and Send Official Transcripts: Register for and pass the approved course (notify your advisor if your plans change to deactivate the form). Once grades are posted, request an official transcript from the host institution to be sent directly to Kent State Admissions; transcripts issued to or handled by students cannot be accepted as official. You will receive an email once your transfer credits are processed and added to your record.

Make sure you use official websites such as the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education and the American Council on Education to verify the institution you plan to enroll at is reputable. Use caution clicking ads on social media for schools or programs offered for free or sound too good to be true. Don't hesitate to contact your advisor or use our Email Inquiry form for assistance verifying school accreditations.

Important Transfer Credit Information

💰 Using Financial Aid?

If you plan to use financial aid to help cover the cost of your transient courses, make sure to take action before your classes begin:

Complete the Consortium Agreement: Head to the University form database to access and fill out the Ad Hoc Consortium Agreement Form.
Submit Early: Be sure to submit this form before taking your outside courses so the Financial Aid Office can properly guide you on how your grants and aid will apply.

🌍 Planning to Study Abroad?

If you are taking advantage of one of Kent State's Education Abroad Programs, you may need to complete a few extra steps:

Contact Education Abroad: Reach out to the Education Abroad area to check if additional forms are required for your international courses.
Verify your "Method of Instruction": Confirm exactly how your course will be delivered with your Education Abroad Advisor. If the instruction method changes at any point, notify them immediately.
Stay in Touch: Keep open communication with your Academic Advisor, the Education Abroad Office, and Student Financial Aid to ensure you continue to meet all program and funding requirements.

📄 Sending Your Final Transcripts

Once you complete your transfer course and receive your final grades, you must have an official transcript sent to the Kent State Office of Admissions to get your credit.

Electronic Delivery: If the host institution requires an email address to send an electronic transcript, use transcripts@kent.edu.
Match Your Personal Info: Make sure your personal details (such as name changes or date of birth) at the host school match your Kent State records exactly so your transcript can be promptly matched to your account.
Track Your Progress: Monitor your @kent.edu inbox. The Credit Transfer Office will send you an email confirmation as soon as the transfer credits are officially added to your Kent State record.
Need Help? If you have questions about the process, reach out to your academic advisor or send an email inquiry through the Credit Transfer website.

🎓 Current Graduate Students

If you are already enrolled in a Kent State graduate program, you must obtain program approval before taking any courses at another institution. You should also complete a Transfer Course Planning form with your advisor. Your college will then also complete the "Transfer of Graduate Credit" form after your official transcript has been sent to Kent State. Visit the Transfer of Graduate Credit catalog policy page for more information regarding transfer of graduate credits.