Degree Completion

University Degree Completion is an opportunity for you to finish what you started and realize your dream of completing a bachelor's degree.

Earning a bachelor's degree is an achievement that provides a great sense of personal accomplishment and may offer substantial opportunities for professional advancement. University Degree Completion offers three bachelor degree programs that are designed to provide maximum flexibility and meet the needs of your current lifestyle. Our professional staff will work closely with you to develop a plan towards reaching your goal of graduation.


The Basics

Eligibility
  • Completed 90 credit hours or more at any KSU campus
  • Earned at least a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Stopped attending Kent State University for at least two years
  • Choose to earn a degree in one of three programs:
    • Bachelor of Integrative Studies: is for individuals who wish to take a multi-disciplinary, individualized approach to the design of an educational program while maintaining a focus on career and professional goals.
    • Bachelor of Science in Education Studies: is for individuals who wish to function as educators in human services and resource settings such as business and industry, religious, community, or interest and advocacy groups.
    • Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies: is for individuals who want a wide variety of skills/knowledge such as civic engagement, computer literacy, critical thinking, diversity/internationalization, ethics, information literacy, leadership, self-management, oral and written communication, and statistical thinking.
Degree Completion Resources
  • Career Exploration and Development
    Provides a variety of student services such as resume and cover letter critiques, practice interviews, job fairs, etc.
  • Flashline
    Online system used to access online classes, Kent State email, financial aid information, pay tuition, etc.
  • Blackboard
    System used to teach all online classes. You can access Blackboard through your Flashline account.
  • Commencement/Graduation
    This is the go-to site for information regarding Kent State University’s graduation ceremony. You will find information on ordering your cap and gown, how to RSVP for the ceremony, graduation tickets, etc.
  • Financial Aid
  • Writing Assistance
    Are you a little nervous about writing that first paper? You are not the only one. Here are some resources to help you get back into the swing of things.
    • Schedule an Online Writing Lab Appointment to send your paper to the Writing Commons. Your appointment will be scheduled with a tutor (if an appointment is available) who will provide in-depth feedback regarding your concerns as stated when you submitted your paper. An OWL appointment does not require you to come to the fourth floor of the library or to be online during the appointment time.
    • Schedule a Google Chat Appointment. Much like an in-person session, your tutor will collaborate with you to improve your writing skills. You will not need to come to the fourth floor of the library, but you will need to be on your KSU Gmail account for the duration of the appointment.
    • Citation Tools (i.e. APA Style, MLA Style, etc.)
  • E-Tutoring
University Degree Completion Assessment


Here's How it Works

University Degree Completion follows a five-step program to help returning students complete a bachelor's degree.

  • Through personalized advising, the Degree Completion Staff will get you on the fast track to graduation
  • Degree Completion Staff
    • Degree Completion Program
    • Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Phone: 330-672-2185
    • Fax: 330-672-2057
    • Email: degreecompletion@kent.edu
Step 1: Contact Degree Completion Staff
  • This is based on your completed coursework and earned credit hours. The Degree Completion staff will work with you on developing a plan and determining the best way to achieve your goal of graduation.
Step 2: Evaluation
  • Kent State offers a wide variety of traditional and online course offerings. The Degree Completion staff will work with you to determine which course offerings best meet your needs
  • Additional Student Resources
    • Log onto FlashLine
      • Online system used to access online classes, Kent State E-mail, financial aid information, pay tuition, etc.
      • Need Login Help?
    • Log onto Blackboard Learn
      • System used to teach all online classes. You can access Blackboard through your FlashLine account. This is where you will access your 100% online classes
      • Blackboard Learn Support
    • Academic Success Center
    • Writing Assistance
      • Are you a little nervous about writing that first paper? You're not the only one. Here are some resources to help you get back into the swing of things.
        • Schedule an Online Writing Lab Appointment to send your paper to the Writing Commons. Your appointment will be scheduled with a tutor (if an appointment is available) who will provide in-depth feedback regarding your concerns as stated when you submitted your paper. An OWL appointment does not require you to come to the fourth floor of the library or to be online during the appointment time.
        • Schedule a Google Chat Appointment. Much like an in-person session, your tutor will collaborate with you to improve your writing skills. You will not need to come to the fourth floor of the library, but you will need to be on your KSU Gmail account for the duration of the appointment.
        • Citation Tools (i.e. APA Style, MLA Style, etc.)
          • Not sure of how to cite sources or format your paper in accordance with your professor's preferred style guidelines? This page will help you learn the proper formatting.
Step 3: Class Registration
Step 4: Financial Assistance

The Commencement site is your go-to for information regarding Kent State University's graduation ceremony. You will find information on:

  • Submitting an application for graduation
  • Updating personal information
    • Be sure to verify that your name and current address are correct!
  • Graduation Ceremony Information
  • Getting Tickets
  • Ordering Your Cap and Gown
  • How to Receive Your Diploma
Step 5: Graduate!

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

How Do I Apply?

After your evaluation is complete, you will work with the Degree Completion staff to be re-enrolled or admitted to Kent State University through the Degree Completion program.

When Should I Apply?

Right away! We accept applications throughout the year, but applying early is beneficial for financial aid and early registration.

Do I Need Previous College Experience?

Yes, in order to participate in the Degree Completion Program you must have earned a minimum of 90 credit hours at any Kent State University campus.

What Can I Major In?

You can choose between one of three majors:

  • Bachelor of Integrative Studies: is for individuals who wish to take a multi-disciplinary, individualized approach to the design of an educational program while maintaining a focus on career and professional goals.
  • Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies: is for individuals who wish to function as educators in human services and resource settings such as business and industry, religious, community, or interest and advocacy groups.
  • Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies: is for individuals who want a wide variety of skills/knowledge such as civic engagement, computer literacy, critical thinking, diversity/internationalization, ethics, information literacy, leadership, self-management, oral and written communication, and statistical thinking. 
How Long Will It Take To Get My Degree?

This not only depends on your academic history (how many credits you have earned, etc.), but also the degree program you choose and how many classes you would like to take at a given time. You can take one, two, three or more classes at a time, the choice is yours. Prior to beginning classes, you will work with Deanna to design a degree completion plan that will fit your lifestyle.

Selecting & Registering for Classes

When Are Classes Held?

The Degree Completion program is designed to meet the needs of working adults. Convenient and flexible, we strive to find courses and a schedule that will best fit your individual needs. You will have the option to take on-campus and online classes, as well as day, evening, and weekend classes.

Do You Offer Any Online Classes?

Yes, we offer a variety of online classes for you to choose. We also have on-campus, evening, and weekend classes.

Paying For Classes

What Does It Cost To Attend?

Tuition and fee amounts are updated annually. Please visit the Bursar’s Office web page for tuition information.

When Can I File My FAFSA on the Web?

You will be able to file the FAFSA beginning January 1st.

Transfer Credit & Prior Coursework

Do You Accept CLEP?

Yes. Please click here for more information: CLEP Information

Do You Grant Credit For Military Training?

Yes, Kent State University does grant military credit. For more information about this please visit our Center for Adult and Veteran Services.

How Much Transfer Credit Do You Accept?

We will accept up to 90 hours of transfer credit from an accredited institution.

How Do I Know Which Courses Will Transfer to Kent State?

All college-level courses taken at a regionally accredited Ohio college or university will transfer with a grade of D or better if taken fall 2005 and later. Ohio courses taken prior to fall 2005 will transfer with a grade of C or better. All college-level courses taken at a regionally accredited non-Ohio college or university and international credit will transfer with a grade of D or better if taken fall 2010 and later. Prior to fall 2010, out of state courses and international credit will transfer with a grade of C or better.

To find out how courses you have taken at your previous institution(s) will transfer to Kent State, view the Transfer Credit Guide. This information is published and updated to help you see how your prior learning will transfer.