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Kent State student

Combined Program

A combined bachelor’s/master’s degree program allows exceptional, well-prepared Kent State University undergraduate students early admission into a graduate program. Students in a combined degree program take up to nine credit hours graduate-level coursework as undergraduate students, thus enabling courses to be applied toward both degree programs. Students in the College of Public Health may pursue any of the colleges’ graduate programs paired with any bachelor’s degree at the institution.

College of Public Health graduate programs include:

Eligibility for the Combined Program

To be eligible for admission to a combined degree program, undergraduate students must meet the following stipulations:

  • Earn a minimum 60 credit hours (junior standing)
  • Achieve a minimum 3.000 overall Kent State GPA (some combined degree programs may require a higher GPA)
  • Complete a standard online graduate application, including paying the application fee
  • Meet all admissions requirements for the master’s degree program. Program admission requirements can be found in the University Catalog.
  • Once admitted to the graduate program students should meet with an undergraduate academic advisor in the College of Public Health.

Information Sessions

Students interested in a combined program should visit the College of Public Health’s event page for upcoming sessions.

Additional Information

Students can find additional information about the combined program at Kent State University in the University Catalog. Please visit the “Academic Policies” section of the catalog.

For more information about the College of Public Health Combined Program, read the Frequently Asked Questions section below and contact Gretchen Thomas at gthoma33@kent.edu or 330-672-6528.
 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be in a specific bachelor’s degree program to be a combined student?

No, any student at the university in any bachelor’s degree program who meets the eligibility criteria for the Combined Program can apply.

How do graduate credits apply to my undergraduate degree?

Students should work with their undergraduate academic advisor to ensure that nine hours of general electives are available. In some situations, with approval of the college dean or program coordinator ,graduate courses may apply to major electives or concentration courses in some programs. 

What courses can I double count?

Each student’s situation is unique. Students should work with their undergraduate academic advisor to ensure that nine hours of general electives are available. In some situations, with approval of the college dean or program coordinator, graduate courses may apply to major electives or concentration courses in some programs. 

What are the benefits?

There are several benefits to participating in a combined program.

  • Cost: students pay undergraduate tuition for nine hours of graduate courses.
  • Reduced time to degree: students are able to apply courses to both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
  • Scholarships: students may be able to apply for additional scholarship opportunities. Specifically, the College of Public Health offers a scholarship earmarked for combined students.
How much time do I save?

Students can double count up to nine hours of coursework, which often equates to one semester of full-time graduate study. However, each student's program and sequence are unique, an academic advisor can help students understand how the combined program can impact their time to degree.

How much money can I save?

Students pay undergraduate tuition for their nine hours of graduate coursework. Students can meet with the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to understand the impact of the combined program on their tuition. 

Can my current undergraduate scholarships be applied to the combined program?

Tuition based scholarships often can be applied to your coursework in the combined program. Students can meet with the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to understand the impact of the combined program on their scholarships. 

Is there a specific scholarship available for students in the combined program?

Students in the combined program are eligible to apply for the Future Public Health Leaders Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded in the spring for the following academic year. Details about scholarships can be found in Scholarship Universe. 

When can I apply?

Students should apply for the program after they have accrued 60 earned hours and achieved a 3.0 GPA. While the majority of programs admit students’ year round admission terms can be found in the University Catalog for the specific program you are applying for. 

Do I need to apply to the graduate program first and then to the combined program?

When you complete your application for the graduate program you will be able to indicate your interest in a combined program. Once admitted to the graduate program, students should meet with an undergraduate academic advisor in the College of Public Health. The advisor will assist you with completing the necessary paperwork for the program. 

Does my advisor need to recommend me for the program or is it open to everyone?

Students may need letters of recommendation to apply for a graduate program and often academic advisors, faculty advisors or prior faculty members can assist with this request. However, approval from an academic advisor in advance is not necessary.

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