Information Architecture and Knowledge Management

How do I apply for the IAKM degree if I've already been accepted to another graduate program at Kent State University?
The first thing you need to do is fill out a "Change of Major/Degree" form to switch to the IAKM Master of Science degree. These forms are available in the Graduate Admissions office in the Auditorium Building (http://kentstate.kent.edu/directions/kent/building.asp ) or the IAKM Office in 316 Library. If you do not live near campus, please contact Janna Korzenko at 330-672-5841 for assistance. You must then turn in the completed form to the college/school of the program in which you are currently a student.

• College of Arts and Sciences: 108 Bowman Hall
• College of Business Administration : 310A Business Administration
• College of Communication and Information: 202C Taylor Hall
• College of Education : 306 White Hall
• College of Fine and Professional Arts: 202C Taylor Hall

This form will serve as your permission to have your university application, transcripts, and GRE scores (if applicable) forwarded to the IAKM office. However, you may wish to include permission in writing for a copy of your file to be forwarded.

The IAKM office still needs three letters of reference. Your previous letters of reference are located in the department where you are already a student. If you want to use these letters, you must contact that department and ask them to forward them to the IAKM office. Copies are acceptable. NOTE: to use previous letters of reference, you must obtain the author's approval. All approvals should be e-mailed to Janna Korzenko at jkorzenk@kent.edu.

The other forms (resume, computer literacy form, statement of purpose) still must be submitted to the IAKM office. For more information on these forms, please see our application page.

How do I know whether I should take the GRE?
Admission to the IAKM program requires either the GRE or appropriate professional experience. The final decision regarding the GRE is up to you. However, here are some guidelines to help you decide:

Consider taking the GRE if:
• you have little or no full-time professional experience (less than two or three years).

OR

• your undergraduate grade point average is below a 3.0.

For more information about the GRE and how to schedule your exam, please see the GRE website at http://www.gre.org.

What are the admissions requirements for the degree?
Please see our apply page for a detailed list of admission requirements.

What is the deadline for applying?
It is suggested that you send your applications in by the following dates to ensure eligibility to register for your desired semester:

Fall: June 15
Spring: November 15
Summer: April 1

If you have missed a deadline and would still like to take classes, please contact Janna Korzenko, 330-672-5841 or jkorzenk@kent.edu.

What are the transfer policies?
For all course transfers, the coursework must be related to the IAKM degree, be no more than 6 years old by the time the student graduates with the MS in IAKM, and the student must have earned a “B” (3.0) or better in the coursework. All transfers are approved by the Program Director. All total transfers (between completed degrees, non-degree coursework and such) are limited to 12 credit hours.

If you are transferring from another program at Kent State University , any course listed as a part of the IAKM curriculum will count toward the IAKM degree. To count courses you have already taken that are not listed as part of the IAKM curriculum, you must submit an Alternate Course Request Form.

Transfer credits from a completed degree from Kent State University are also limited to up to 12 credit hours. As with other transfer courses, only those courses in which you have earned a “B” (3.0) or better are acceptable for review. To determine whether coursework will be accepted as part of the IAKM curriculum, you must submit the IAKM Transfer Credit Request Formfor each course.

If you are transferring from another university or credits from a completed degree from another university, you can transfer up to 12 credit hours from that university into the IAKM program. To determine whether they will be accepted as part of the IAKM curriculum, you must submit the IAKM Transfer Credit Request Formand the University Transfer of Credit Request form.

If you took courses as a Non-Degree Student or Guest Student, you are limited to transferring up to 6 credit hours into the IAKM program. You will not be required to submit a form unless you are requesting permission for courses that are not included on the IAKM Course List.

Can I apply classes to the IAKM degree that I've already used for another Master's Degree?
Kent State University policy allows up to 12 credit hours to transfer into a graduate program from a completed Master's degree, provided those credit hours are less than 6 years old at the time you graduate from the IAKM degree.

Any courses from another degree that you would like to transfer for credit towards your IAKM degree must be approved. The approval process can start by completing the IAKM Transfer Credit Request Form, which can be filled out electronically. Fill a form out for each course and forward each to the IAKM office.

Once I apply, how long until I find out if I've been accepted?
Once your application is complete, you should hear an admissions decision within approximately three to four weeks. If you want to know what the status is on your application at any time, please email iakm@kent.edu.

How long will it take me to complete the program?
The program is 42 credit hours. Full-time graduate students (at least 8 credit hours a semester) can finish in two to three years. Part-time graduate students, taking one course a semester (including some summers) can finish in five to six years.

University policy allows only six calendar years to complete a Master's program. However, students can receive extensions through the IAKM Office. The extension requires the Program Director's and Dean's approval.

What other necessary or helpful information is available for international students interested in IAKM?
International Student & Scholar Services
This page deals with what prospective international students should know when applying to Kent State University . Information on admissions, academic programs, financial aid, housing, health insurance, University Health Services, required immunizations and medical history, immigration terminology, what to do after admission and arrival and orientation for new students can be found on this page.

International Graduate Students
On this page, prospective students can learn more about graduate level programs and divisions, as well as research the application process and graduate assistantships.

Admissions Office Application Deadlines
Here students can find the admissions office official application deadlines. **Please keep in mind: for international students, the general rule of thumb is to apply sixth months prior to the semester in which you hope to begin . This allows for time to process visas and other paperwork necessary to enter the United States for study.

Kent State University International Online Application
On this page, students can complete an online application or download an application for printing. Application instructions are also available for downloading.

Admissions Office FAQ for International Students
The FAQ site from the Admissions Office provides answers to common questions international students have about applying and attending school at Kent State University. Topics covered on this page include financial aid and tuition costs, housing, transfer credit, immunizations and health care coverage, application materials, contacting other international students and traveling to Kent State University.