Student Handbook Highlights 

The Information Architecture and Knowledge Management Student Handbook is a guide to the Master of Science program in Information Architecture and Knowledge Management (IAKM), including admission, policies, resources, and personnel.  Graduate students are also expected to read and follow the Graduate Schools Catalog edition in effect during their first semester at Kent, which is the official policy document for graduate study at Kent State University.  This Handbook in no way replaces or supersedes the Graduate Schools Catalog.

This page provides highlights from the catalog and handbook that are especially important for students to understand right away.  It is expected that students will review the entire handbook.  You can also view a presentation by Dr. Froehlich that discusses important aspects of the handbook in relation to graduate study.

Academic Advising
Advising in the program is important for success in achieving the student's career or research objectives.  Important matters to discuss with advisors include selecting a concentration, selecting courses, choosing between a thesis, a master's project or capstone experience, finding a corporation to sponsor a master's project, approval for course substitution, taking course prerequisites, etc.  Students are recommended to schedule a meeting with the Program Director, Faculty Advisor, or Academic Program Coordinator prior to taking classes. If this is not possible, then such a meeting should occur within the first six credits of courses taken.

GPA Requirements
Students must maintain a 3.0 average in all coursework at Kent State University.  A student who earns a combination of more than 7 hours of 2.0 (C) or lower coursework or more than 4 hours of 1.0 (D) or lower coursework or below is subject to dismissal. In addition, in order to qualify for graduation, a 3.0 average must be maintained for all graduate coursework.  Grades below a 2.0 (C) are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree, but are counted in determining a student's grade point average.

Academic Grades and Administrative Marks
Student proficiency in coursework is recorded by letter grades.

Transfer Credits
A maximum of 12 credit hours can be transferred into the IAKM program from any university, provided the courses are applicable to the degree, the work is of 4.0 (A) or 3.0 (B) quality, and the credit is less than six years old at the time the degree is conferred at Kent. Students who want to receive two Master’s degrees simultaneously must apply for “Dual Degree” status, unless enrolled in one of the Multiple Degree Options (see page 12). On occasion, a workshop or class that is graded ‘S’ or ‘U’ may be considered for transfer if it is determined to be sufficiently robust and sufficiently appropriate. In all cases, substantial documentation is required (e.g., official transcripts, copies of syllabi, evidence of work performed, etc.).

Time Limits
A master’s degree student must register for courses at Kent State University within two years after the student’s admission date in order to retain active status. Failing to do so, reapplication must be made and all requirements in effect at the time of reapplication must be met. If a student is unable to begin formal coursework during the term for which admission was originally granted, he/she must maintain current demographic information and academic transcripts at the admitting office at Kent State University and indicate the term in which he/she will register. Students must complete the IAKM Master of Science Degree within six calendar years after initial enrollment in the IAKM program at Kent State University. Extensions may be granted at the discretion of the Program Director and the Dean.