Bachelor's Students Awarded Associate Degrees

Kent State University’s seven Regional Campuses will begin automatically awarding associate degrees to bachelor’s degree-seeking students who have completed all requirements for either the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree.

To qualify: 

  • The student must be currently enrolled.
  • The student must have completed or be currently enrolled in courses that meet the requirements of an associate of arts or associate of science degree.
  • The student must have not previously been awarded a degree.

Those who have met the criteria above will receive an email to their Kent State University email address letting them know of their eligibility for the associate degree.

Regional Campus students with questions about the program should contact their academic advisors or their campus representative below:

Contact InformationJob TitleCampusEmailPhone
Irene SkleresCoordinator of Academic ServicesKent State University at Ashtabulaiskleres@kent.edu 330-964-4565
Brooke VarnerSenior Advisor IKent State University at Starkbdvarner@kent.edu 330-244-3286
Shelly WeekleyDirector II, Enrollment Management and Student ServicesKent State University at East Liverpoolmweekley@kent.edu330-382-7415
Nicolette FenlockDirector II, Enrollment Management and Student ServicesKent State University at Geauganmhall@kent.edu440-834-4187
Shelly WeekleyDirector II, Enrollment Management and Student ServicesKent State University at Salemmweekley@kent.edu330-382-7415
Alison HoskinsonDirector II, Enrollment Management and Student ServicesKent State University at Trumbullafrost@kent.edu330-675-8966
Laurie DonleyDirector II, Enrollment Management and Student ServicesKent State University at Tuscarawasldonley@kent.edu330-308-7425
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Participation

What should I do if I do not want an associate degree?

You should select to opt-out by completing the form that you received in your email.

If I opt-out of the associate degree can I change my mind and get it?

Yes, you can still choose to earn the degree by completing an undergraduate change of program and applying to graduate.

Will I receive the Associate of Arts or the Associate of Science?

Bachelor’s Degree

AA or AS

BA

AA

BS

AS

BFA

AA

BAH

AS

BIS

AA

BM

AA

BTAS

AA

BBA

AA

BRIT

AS

BSIT

AS

BSE

AS

BSN

AS

BSPH

AS

Will I receive a diploma?

Yes, your diploma will be mailed to your diploma address as it appears in FlashLine. If you do not have a diploma address on file, your diploma will be mailed to your permanent address as it appears on FlashLine. Please check your address for accuracy.

Will the associate degree appear on my transcript?

Yes, your associate degree will be noted on your transcript.

Must I attend commencement to receive my associate degree?

No, you are not required to attend your campus commencement ceremony in order to receive your associate degree. 

Admissions and Academic Status

Will I have to reapply for admission if I earn an associate degree?

No, you will not have to reapply for admission.

Will I need to re-declare my major?

No, you will remain in your declared bachelor’s degree program.

Can I repeat a course at a later date if I have my associate degree?

Yes, courses taken as part of a completed associate degree may be repeated under course repeat policy.

Can I use the Academic Forgiveness Policy if I have been awarded an associate degree?

The Academic Forgiveness Policy can apply to any course not used in awarding the associate degree.

What should I do if I already have a degree from another college or university?

You should select to opt-out by completing the form that you received in your email.

Financial Aid and Repayment

Will earning an associate degree impact my financial aid eligibility?

No, your financial eligibility will not be affected by earning the associate degree.

Will my student loans go into repayment six months after I earn my associate degree?

No. As long as you are continuously enrolled at least half time and working on your bachelor’s degree, earning your associate degree will not change your loan repayment schedule. A student must complete Exit Loan Counseling when they exit the university, drop to less than half time enrollment status or graduate. You must complete Exit Loan Counseling on the web, via www.studentloans.gov.

I understand that I must be continuously enrolled at least half-time to prevent my student loans from going into repayment. I am not taking classes this summer. Will my loans go into repayment during this time?

Yes, they may.  If you do not intend to enroll in classes for the summer semester, after earning the associate degree in the spring, you will need to contact your loan servicer to determine your eligibility for deferment or forbearance.

Learn more about Repayment