Developmental Courses

A developmental course is considered below college level and, therefore, cannot be applied toward the requirements for a certificate or degree program (Ohio Administrative Code 3333-1-02, section B[4]). Although developmental courses count toward the course load for financial aid and other purposes, hours taken in these courses are subtracted from the students' total before graduation.

Kent State’s developmental courses are designated with 0 as the first number (e.g., MATH 00020 Pre-Algebra).

The following definitions are taken from the Ohio Department of Higher Education Decision Rules for Assigning Levels and CIP Codes for Undergraduate Courses in the HEI Course Inventory (April 27, 2012).

  • Developmental English: Below-college-level courses that cover topics in reading and writing to prepare students for college-level English and composition courses.
    • Level 01: courses that, if completed successfully, qualify a student for enrollment in regular college level composition or English courses (as defined by the college level course’s inclusion in the institution’s Ohio Transfer 36).
    • Level 02: developmental English, reading or writing courses below level 01.
  • Developmental Reading: Below-college-level courses that cover topics in reading and reading comprehension.
    • Level 01: courses that, if completed successfully, qualify a student for enrollment in regular college level composition or English courses (as defined by the college level course’s inclusion in the institution’s Ohio Transfer 36).
    • Level 02: developmental English, reading or writing courses below level 01.
  • Developmental Writing: Below-college-level courses that cover topics in writing skills.
    • Level 01: courses that, if completed successfully, qualify a student for enrollment in regular college level composition or English courses (as defined by inclusion in the institution’s Ohio Transfer 36).
    • Level 02: developmental English, reading or writing courses below level 01.
  • Developmental Mathematics–Computational Skills/Geometry/Algebra: Below-college-level math courses that cover topics in arithmetic operations, geometry and algebra.
    • Highest level (01) is for intermediate algebra, just below college algebra. Topics include equations and inequalities in one variable and two variables, including graphing and different forms of radicals, quadratic functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions.
    • Middle level (02) is for elementary algebra and geometry, statistics and algebra with basic geometry and basic right-angle trigonometry. Topics include linear equations, applications, factoring algebraic fractions, exponents, graphing, basic geometry, and basic right triangle trigonometry.
    • Lowest level (03) is for computational skills/pre-algebra. Topics include whole numbers, arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, ratios and proportions, percent, measurement and measurement conversions, signed numbers, and linear equations.
  • Developmental Mathematics–Statistics: Below-college-level courses that cover topics in statistics and probability.
  • English as a Second Language: a program that focuses on the development of proficiencies in reading, writing, and speaking a language or languages, other than the mother tongue, that are needed to perform day-to-day tasks. Includes instruction in the use of basic communication skills to develop and transmit ideas and thoughts.
  • Study Skills: Courses designed to improve study skills, time management and other topics that aid in the transition to college. Note: Not all study skills courses must be classified as developmental. Designation of developmental depends on whether the course credits can be applied towards degree or certificate.
  • Other Developmental Courses: as appropriate (e.g., developmental chemistry course).