While Kent State University in Kent, Ohio began as a "normal school" to train elementary-school teachers in 1910, over the past 100 years the school has evolved into a Tier-1 research institution that grants bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. The Office of Continuing and Distance Education offers a variety of on-campus, online, and hybrid programs for adult learners seeking a broad range of choices for certificate, bachelor's and master's degree programs.
Continuing Education for Part-time and Full-time Adult Students
Like many continuing education programs, Kent State has no typical student, according to Deborah Huntsman, Executive Director for Continuing and Distance Education. "We certainly have primary segments. These include adult learners pursuing undergraduate degree completion such as our RN-to-BSN degree program. Also, we have a large number of traditional students who are taking a single online course or two each semester, or part-time undergraduates who are taking a few online courses while working full time."
Huntsman notes that "another area that is experiencing growth is KSU alumni with associates degrees from our seven regional campuses who are now interested in completing their bachelor's degree online while they work full or part-time."
Kent's adult education enrollment mirrors that of other programs, with most students working full-time and a majority-female population.
Online-Only Degrees and Certificates
While the online-only nursing BSN degree is the most popular option, the Kent State continuing education office offers a number of degrees that are 100% distance only, including:
- Master's degree in Computing Technology
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Music Administration
- Master's degree in Knowledge Management
- Master's degree in Journalism Education
- Master's degree in Instructional Technology
- Master's degree in Cultural Foundations
Certificate programs offered to adult learners in an online-only environment include:
- Autism Spectrum Intervention Specialist
- Community College Leadership
- Integrating Technology into the Classroom
- Knowledge Management
- Nonprofit/Human Services Management
- Online Learning and Teaching
Adult learners who wish to enroll in on-campus, hybrid, or online-only programs at Kent State face two options. To enroll in one or two courses per semester without being enrolled in a specific degree or certificate program, start with the registration page at the Office of Continuing and Distance Education Office of Continuing and Distance Education website.
Students who wish to enroll in a degree or certificate program must go through the traditional admissions process through the KSU Admissions Department, then enroll in courses following the standard registration process and deadlines. To apply existing Kent State credits or to transfer credits from other programs, speak with a continuing education Transfer Center advisor.