Kennesaw State University (KSU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

As its name implies, Kennesaw State University (KSU) is located in the city of Kennesaw, which is part of the Atlanta metro area. The institution is a member of the University System of Georgia and the third largest university in the state.

Founded as a junior college in 1963, the college became a 4-year school in 1978 and received university status in 1996. Today, the university awards bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

KSU focuses on teaching and learning, offers a general education program, and is committed to public service, scholarly and creative work, and applied research. The 384-acre campus is home roughly 25,000 students. Select classes are also held at Dalton State College and Appalachian Technical College as well as the Cobb Galleria Centre.

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Information Summary

Ranks 21st in Georgia and 942nd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	81.1
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$24,659
Admission Success rate	57%
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	24 / 1170
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	25 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	76% / 54%
Enrollment Total (all students)	24,629

Academics

KSU is comprised of the Colleges of the Arts, Education, Business, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, and Health and Human Services as well as the Graduate College. More than 50 undergraduate degree programs and a number of applied undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are offered.

Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in a number of different disciplines, including art, education, the liberal arts, music, sports management, information systems, marketing, and exercise and health sciences. Minors are offered in many of these fields, including anthropology, criminology, gerontology, professional sales, and in different cultural areas, such as Asian studies, Latin American studies, and Native American studies. There are also undergraduate certificate programs in fields such as alternative dispute resolution, forensic chemistry, legal interpreting, and public history.

Master’s degrees are awarded in accounting, business, education, conflict management, professional writing, public administration, nursing, information systems, and applied computer science. Graduate certificates are awarded in creative writing and in professional writing for international audiences.

Library Resources

In addition to resources such as electronic databases, laptops for loans in the library, and a large collection of print volumes, the KSU library system also has special collection in children’s literature and team literature. It also houses rare books and government documents.

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Unique Programs

Global Engagement

The university has made a deep commitment to expanding the global experience of KSU students through its “Get Global” initiative, which was first conceived in 2007. The program offers multiple opportunities for international learning experiences, which can lead to Global Engagement Certification.

Future Scholars

The Future Scholars Program supports minority students studying to become educators. It is a collaborative effort between the Bagwell College of Education and the College of Humanities & Social Sciences.

Admissions

Admissions to the university are considered competitive. Acceptance requirements include an SAT score of 950 or an ACT score of 20 along with a minimum high school GPA of 2.5. The “Freshman Admission Predictor Form,” an online tool that uses information about the applicant’s high school career to determine whether that applicant will meet admission requirements, is available on the school’s website. Applicants should also be prepared to list various high school courses they have completed and their predicted GPA in order for the Predictor to function properly.

Prospective undergraduate students must meet the following entry requirements: four courses in English, four in mathematics, three in natural sciences, two in foreign languages in the same language, and three in social sciences. Students must graduate from high school. The GED is only honored for students who have been out of high school for more than five years. Graduate students must meet individual program requirements for admission.

The Office of Admissions also offers a Hispanic Admissions Assistance program to support Hispanic students—first generation or otherwise—in the application and admissions process.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available through a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Scholarships are available for both need- and merit-based students, and the Financial Aid office can help assist students in identifying other private sources of scholarships funds.

In order to determine eligibility for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. As some awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, it is advisable to file the FAFSA as early as possible.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 4961st for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Georgia.

Students

As with most large universities, the KSU student body is a diverse mix of traditional, nontraditional, residential, and commuter students. Campus is home to over 100 clubs, organizations, and athletic activities. Intramural athletics include basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, track, and soccer.

Residential Life

There are over 3000 students living in one of four unique on-campus communities: University Place, KSU Place, University Village, and University Village Suites. The dorms are “apartment-style” and include private baths and bedrooms. Students living in residences without kitchens must participate in a meal plan at KSU Dining Services; students with kitchens may choose to participate in meal plans or not.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

KSU’s athletic program began in 1981, and the university achieved membership in the Georgia Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the National Association of Intercollegiate State University Athletics in 1982-1983. It was provisionally accepted as a member of the NCAA in 1992 and has since become a full member.

The Kennesaw State Owls compete in NCAA Division I and the Atlantic Sun conference. School colors are black and gold, and Scrappy the Owl is KSU’s proud mascot.

Men’s sports include:

baseball
golf
basketball
cross-country
track

Women’s sports include:

basketball
softball
tennis
cross-country
track
soccer

There is also a competitive cheer team.

Departments and Facilities

The Athletic Department’s sports medicine staff provides therapy and medical support to all student athletes. Sports facilities include separate fields for baseball, soccer, and softball. There is also an outdoor track, and an indoor athletic facility.

Traditions

Several alumni clubs help maintain connections between graduates from specific disciplines. These clubs include areas like the College of Education, Black Alumni, College of Business, Communication Alumni, and Nursing Alumni.

Local Community

Kennesaw is just 20 miles from Atlanta, home to major sports teams and various art and culture organizations. Attractions in the Atlanta metro area include the Braves, Hawks, and Falcons professional sports teams, as well as the Georgia Dome, CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, Zoo Atlanta, and MLK Center and Birthplace. For history buffs, the city offers the Atlanta History Center, Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History, and the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

Kennesaw State University