Admission - Non-Degree Student Download to print

Admission as a special non-degree student enables students to take a limited number of courses for credit (either full time or part time). Students in this category are generally not seeking a degree, but wish to earn a certificate or take courses for job achievement, personal enrichment, intellectual curiosity or other personal reasons. Special non-degree students may apply to Kent State for any semester through the Office of Admissions. Undergraduate adult students may apply through the Center for Adult and Veteran Services. A non-refundable application fee is required. Admission is based on the same criteria detailed above for undergraduate, graduate or transfer students, whichever is appropriate.

Undergraduate special non-degree students may remain in this special status for one academic year or until a maximum of 45 semester hours of credit is earned. Should special non-degree students wish to pursue a degree program, they may, prior to or upon earning 45 semester hours, apply to any undergraduate division of the university. Admission to a degree program, however, is based upon the admissions requirements established by each academic department or school.

Graduate non-degree students must have official transcripts from each college or university previously attended (except Kent State University) sent to the Division of Graduate Studies, Office of Graduate Admissions, Kent State University, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001. They should submit the application a least six weeks prior to the start of the semester in which they plan to begin their work. Application deadlines vary across programs. Applicants should check individual departments or schools for deadlines and further information.

Students who are taking graduate certificate programs should apply as a non-degree student, unless they are already in a concurrent degree program. Maximum 12 semester hours of such credit may be petitioned to satisfy requirements of a degree program. Such a petition must receive approval of the department/school and the college dean. Note that only 6 semester credit hours can be transferred in some departments/schools graduate programs. Non-degree students may not transfer credit earned at another university.

Persons who have earned a graduate degree from an accredited institution may be admitted as graduate non-degree students, subject to departmental approval, after making application and filing evidence of such degree with the appropriate college or independent school.

In order to retain active status, graduate non-degree students must register for coursework within two years after the admission date. Admission of students who do not register within two years will be inactivated. Reapplication must be made if the students desire to register for coursework at this time. Once registered, graduate non-degree students may continue to take courses for six years. Six years after the first registration, non-degree students will be inactivated and must reapply for admission if continued registration in graduate coursework at Kent State University is desired. Anyone who has been denied admission to graduate studies, or is under dismissal from the University, is not eligible for graduate non-degree student status.

All fees, deadlines and performance standards for degree students apply to non-degree students.