Kennesaw State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Admissions Viewbook
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS VIEWBOOK
SLAP THE ROCK
When you Slap the Rock, a natural piece of exposed limestone, you’re joining a decades-long tradition to leave your mark on the Marietta Campus.
SCRAPPY
Scrappy is our beloved mascot, and he’s always ready to welcome you with open wings and Owl Eyes.
OWL EYES
Owl Eyes, coined by our very own Scrappy, serve as a hand symbol that unifies us without having to say a word.
HOOTY HOO
Used as a greeting, exclamation, or battle cry, yelling “Hooty Hoo!” is our favorite way to show everyone KSU’s radiant energy and relentless spirit.
48,000 NEARLY
ENROLLED STUDENTS
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS 42,500+ DUAL-ENROLLED STUDENTS 1,350+ GRADUATE STUDENTS 5,000+
FIRST-GEN STUDENTS REPRESENT
38%
First-generation students, defined as students whose parents or guardians did not attain a four-year college degree, represent more than a third of our student body. OF OUR TOTAL STUDENT POPULATION
150,000 OVER $ OVER AVERAGE STUDENT: FACULTY RATIO IN THE CLASSROOM
23:1
AVERAGE GPA
3.48 OF OUR FIRST-YEAR ENROLLED STUDENTS
1.3 MILLION DOLLARS IN NEED- AND MERIT-BASED HONORS SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED EACH YEAR
WHO WILL YOU BECOME AT KSU?
You will become an authentic leader by embracing your unique qualities, passions, and values without compromise. By choosing KSU as your academic home, you are committing to a journey of personal and intellectual development. Each day you will step onto campus knowing you belong here, your voice matters, and that you are an essential part of our academic community.
You will become a dedicated scholar, driven by an unwavering commitment to your academic goals and the ambition to impact the world. At KSU, you will immerse yourself in transformative experiences, connect with inspiring faculty, and seize opportunities that align with your aspirations. With our diverse range of programs, cutting-edge facilities, and strong emphasis on research and innovation, KSU empowers you to push the boundaries of your potential and change the world.
YOU WILL BE
successful.
You will become engaged in every aspect of your academic journey at KSU. Here, academic success services are not just resources — they are pathways to your growth and achievement. From personalized tutoring sessions to dynamic workshops on study skills, you will actively participate in shaping your academic experience. With dedicated advisors supporting you every step of the way, you will navigate challenges with confidence, set ambitious goals, and achieve academic excellence. Because we understand that active engagement is key to your success, you can trust that KSU is committed to ensuring that you are empowered to reach your fullest potential, both academically and personally.
Engineering technology students showcase their robotic drone for NASA’s Space Exploration at KSU’s Symposium of Student Scholars.
STARTING BLOCKS
Targeted first-year core curriculum course scheduling based on your major and interests ensures you are on the right track from the start.
STEPPING BLOCKS
Career planning and professional development services ensure you are on the path to your dream career by offering assistance in identifying optimal career paths, preparing for workforce entry, and enhancing professional readiness, step by step.
BUILDING BLOCKS
Experiential learning opportunities, including research, internships, service-learning, and on-campus jobs, provide valuable professional experience. Coupled with a degree from KSU, you’ll have the experience that speaks volumes to employers.
KSU offers the only B.ARCH program in Georgia. The B.ARCH program is a professional degree that meets the education requirements for architecture licensure without a master's degree.
Aspiring teachers elevate their skills with interactive research labs.
YOU WILL PUSH
boundaries.
At Kennesaw State University, we believe in pushing boundaries, fostering intellectual curiosity, and challenging conventional thinking. Picture this: diving into stimulating discussions, collaborating with your professors, and embarking on eye-opening adventures abroad. That's what awaits you when you join the KSU Journey Honors College — you'll set off on a journey of academic exploration. By challenging yourself in the classroom and studying abroad, you'll push your boundaries and grow in ways you never imagined.
Nick Farinacci, engineering major and a President’s Parliament Scholar Ambassador, also serves as the President of KSU’s Aerial Robotics Competition Team (ARCT) developing advanced aircraft for national competitions like the SAE Aero Design Challenge.
Students remain engaged in cohorts.
LAND INTERNSHIPS, GET INVOLVED IN RESEARCH, & COMPLETE PROJECTS both locally and globally.
Read about physics major Casey Hampson’s upcoming internship at CERN in Switzerland. ksuhub.com/Casey
APPLY FOR ELITE COHORTS
Traditional first-year students of any major are invited to apply to our cohorts. Here, you'll find scholarships and study abroad opportunities while earning an academic minor along the way!
PRESIDENTIAL EMERGING GLOBAL SCHOLARS (PEGS)
Hone your leadership skills and serve communities both at home and abroad.
HONORS ANCIENT AND MODERN CLASSICS (AMC)
Skip the textbooks and engage in literary discussions at home and on two European study abroad programs.
WELLSTAR TOM AND BETTY PHILLIPS ELITE HONORS NURSING SCHOLARS
Begin your nursing journey as a traditional first-year student with a nursing interest major, plus receive scholarships, mentorship from nursing faculty, and exclusive cohort benefits your first semester.
JOURNEY TO ITALY
Explore the cultural richness of Montepulciano, Italy on a spring break trip during your first year of your KSU Journey Honors College experience.
ksuhub.com/honors
CAREER PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
YOU WILL
change the world.
KSU goes beyond preparing you for a job — you'll be ready for lifelong achievement. Our most successful students are those who take advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom to develop their skills. Whether it’s through internships, networking events, or workshops focused on career competencies, each experience you engage in is a stepping stone toward building a solid foundation for your future, ultimately leading to your dream career.
The Wellstar School of Nursing is the largest nursing program in North Georgia, and our graduates consistently outperform the national average on the state licensing exam.
43,507
INTERNSHIPS, CO-OPS, AND FULL-TIME JOBS ON KSU'S HANDSHAKE JOB BOARD
644
COMPANIES ATTENDED KSU CAREER FAIRS
3,654
COMPANIES RECRUITED STUDENTS AND ALUMNI
INTERNSHIPS & CO-OPS
You will find many opportunities during your time at KSU to be a part of internships and co-ops. These resume-building experiences are a valuable stepping block from academia to the professional world, providing you with the skills, experience, and connections that are necessary for a successful career.
SERVICE-LEARNING
KSU service-learning facilitates real-world experience by allowing you to take concepts learned in the classroom and bring them into community service projects. These assignments enable you to utilize a variety of skills, including leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. You’ll grow both professionally and personally as you gain a deeper understanding of societal issues and the importance of community engagement.
YOUR DREAM CAREER AWAITS
Atlanta is where inventive minds can make their mark in a top tech market. More than 70% of Fortune 1000 companies have established operations in Metro Atlanta.
YOUR MONEY WILL GO FURTHER
Your hard work will go further in Atlanta because it is considered to be one of the most affordable major metro cities in the United States.
BLAZE YOUR OWN TRAIL
Atlanta is the #2 city in the nation for professional opportunities and the #1 place to start a career, giving graduates a competitive edge in launching and advancing their careers.
Source: DCPD Handshake and 2024 Job Fair Data
Internships provide students with valuable hands-on experience.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
ELLA SMITH
Devastated by progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition similar to Parkinson’s disease, Ella Smith recalls how her grandmother was unable to speak by the time of her death. Ella applied to the First-Year Scholars Program the same day her grandmother died, determined to study how death and the final words between parents and children impact self-esteem and closure in mourning. Learn more by visiting ksuhub.com/Ella.
DESYNE MARTINEZ
Desyne Martinez, a mathematics major, realized his love of statistics and the application of real-world data. His father’s cancer battle drove his need to understand every bit of data he could get about stage 3 multiple myeloma and served as the inspiration for his award-winning Analytics Day project. Learn more by visiting ksuhub.com/Desyne.
MORE THAN $
1.4 MILLION
DEDICATED TO FUNDING UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHERS
These funds are used to support KSU student research programs and conference presentations.
340
STUDENTS
PARTICIPATED IN THE FIRST-YEAR SCHOLARS PROGRAM IN 2024-2025
Want to get your hands on research? This program pairs incoming first-year students with faculty researchers on a yearlong project.
SIAM SAROWER
Siam Sarower first learned about Galileo Galilei and Sir Isaac Newton in a world history class at Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia. From there, he found his way to the physics program at Kennesaw State University, where he distinguished himself as one of the country’s elite undergraduate researchers by winning the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. A first-generation college student, Siam is a research student in the theoretical condensed matter physics group of Assistant Professor of Physics Mahmoud Asmar, Ph.D. Learn more by visiting ksuhub.com/Siam
DEGREE PROGRAMS
STEM majors at KSU can apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, which provides scholarships to recipients.
At KSU, you’ll find yourself inspired by our student-centered approach to higher education. With over 190 degree and certificate programs spanning 11 colleges, you’ll find endless opportunities to expand your horizons and embrace the spirit of innovation. Our top-ranked programs and collaborative academic community will inspire you to make intentional decisions about your future, equipping you with the skills to positively impact the world.
2025 BEST ONLINE PROGRAMS RANKED AMONG THE BEST IN THE NATION BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT KSU ONLINE
KSU Online offers you digital learning experiences in a collaborative and innovative online educational community. For a full list of programs, visit ksuhub.com/KSUOnline.
The Department of Dance at KSU is home to the largest collegiate dance program in Georgia, offering a Bachelor of Arts degree with concentrations in ballet and modern dance.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
Accounting l Anthropology l
Applied Science in Information Technology n
Architecture n
Art l
Art History l
Asian Studies l
Biochemistry l
Biology l
Chemistry l
Computer Game Design & Development n
Computer Science n
Construction Management n
Criminal Justice l
Cybersecurity l
Dance l
Data Science & Analytics n
Digital Animation l
Economics l
Education, Early Childhood
Birth through Kindergarten l
Education, Elementary l
Education, English l
Education, History l
Education, Middle Grades l
Education, Music l
Education, Secondary l
Electrical Engineering Technology n
Engineering n
Engineering, Aerospace n
Engineering, Civil n
Engineering, Computer n
Engineering, Electrical n
Engineering, Environmental n
Engineering, Industrial & Systems n
Engineering, Mechanical n
Engineering, Mechatronics n
Engineering, Software n
English l
Entrepreneurship l
Environmental Science l
Exercise Science l
Finance l
Geography l
Geospatial Sciences l
Health & Physical Activity Leadership l
History l
Hospitality Management l
Human Services l
Industrial Engineering Technology n
Information Security & Assurance l
Information Systems l
Information Technology n
Integrated Health Science l
Interactive Design l
Interdisciplinary Studies l
International Affairs l
International Business l
Journalism & Emerging Media l
Learning, Design, & Technology l
Management l
Manufacturing Operations n
Marketing l Mathematics n
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Media & Entertainment l
Modern Language & Culture l
Music l
Nursing l
Organizational & Professional
Communication l
Physics n
Political Science l
Professional Sales l
Psychology l
Public Health l
Public Relations l
Sociology l
Sport Management l
Theatre & Performance Studies l
KEY
l Primary Campus: Kennesaw
n Primary Campus: Marietta
Highly motivated? Consider accelerating your path toward a master’s degree. Double Owl Pathways provide the opportunity to obtain your undergraduate and graduate degrees faster and at a significantly lower cost than pursuing each degree independently. ksuhub.com/doubleowl
GRADUATE COLLEGE
Embarking on a graduate degree program is an opportunity to aspire higher both academically and professionally. Through advanced coursework, research, and specialized training, you will delve deeper into your chosen field, gaining invaluable expertise and insight. ksuhub.com/graduate
KSU Alumni are known as “Forever Owls.”
EDUCATION ABROAD
YOU WILL BE
global.
KSU believes that changing the world starts by seeing it. Your unique perspective, honed through your studies abroad, sets you apart in an increasingly competitive job market. But beyond professional and academic growth, studying abroad is about personal transformation. Once you see the world through the eyes of people who think and feel differently than you do, you can build understanding and relationships that impact the world. Being global is about discovering who you are in the context of a larger world, forging connections that transcend borders, and becoming a catalyst for positive change.
South Korea
KSU Italy began in 1999 as a single study abroad program, quickly expanding its reach to serve all of our academic colleges. Since 2013, KSU has held an educational site in the Renaissance town of Montepulciano, Italy, known as the largest hill town in southern Tuscany.
KSU Italy operates classes out of a historic medieval fortress (“The Fortezza”) in the Tuscan hilltop town of Montepulciano, Italy. Students live in locally owned apartments and experience the rich traditional Italian culture right outside their doorsteps while taking KSU coursework. Come see for yourself why Montepulciano has been a home-away-from-home for over 20 years to fellow KSU Owls, faculty, and staff.
STUDENT SUCCESS
Emma Hunt, an exercise science major, qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. ksuhub.com/emma
BLAKE AITA (‘22)
As a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, Blake Aita was selected 177th overall in the sixth round of the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft. Aita’s selection marks the 16th consecutive year an Owl has been drafted by the MLB.
At KSU, competitiveness transcends the classroom and the field. Whether excelling in academic challenges, dominating in NCAA Division I athletic events, or preparing to thrive in the workforce, our students embody a relentless pursuit of excellence. Here, the competitive edge is not limited to athletes; it is a defining characteristic of all our students, empowering them to achieve their personal best and prepare for a dynamic future. Join us and embrace the spirit of competition that defines KSU, where excellence is not just a goal but a way of life.
EMMA HUNT
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
We’ve been told we are competitive... And you’ve got that right! From building formula race cars to aerial robotics and steel bridges — if there’s an opportunity to show off student talent, we are in. Take, for example, our Hydraulic Bike Team that sped past the competition to take first place in the 2024 Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge Competition. Designed to promote original thinking in a competitive setting, this challenge combines two technology platforms that are not normally associated with one another — human-powered vehicles and fluid power. ksuhub.com/fluidpower
KENDAL ELISON, HONORS COLLEGE
DOUBLE OWL
KSU lacrosse player Kendal Elison brings the same focus and determination to the classroom as she does to the field. A junior in the Journey Honors College, she balances a dual major in computer science and software engineering with a full athletic schedule. Her love for tech began at a fourth-grade coding camp that grew into a passion for emerging technologies. That early spark, along with support from her professors and teammates, helped her earn College Sports Communicators All-District honors. Kendal plans to pursue a graduate degree in data analytics and use performance data to support decision-making in sports. Whether she’s debugging code or defending a goal, Kendal is all about strategy, resilience, and impact. ksuhub.com/Kendal
Kendal Elison
KSU’s Hydraulic Bike Team
400+
YOU WILL BE
engaged.
Imagine a place where every dream, every hope, and every passion is not just welcomed but celebrated — that’s what it means to be a part of Owl Nation. From late-night conversations to laughter that fills the room, these shared moments become the cherished memories that will define your KSU experience, setting the stage for your academic success and personal fulfillment.
TAKE FLIGHT
FLIGHT is a class-year program that provides exciting events and opportunities for you to show school spirit and make lasting connections with your class community.
KSU provides various peer-to-peer mentor programs, including the Odyssey Peer Mentoring Program for first-year and transfer students to help with the college transition.
GET INVOLVED
With over 2,000 programs and events occurring each semester, the possibilities for involvement are endless. As you dive into clubs, volunteer in the community, and hone your leadership skills, you’re not just checking off boxes; you’re forging meaningful connections that last a lifetime. KSU invites you to get involved early and often, frequently engaging with peers that share your interests and goals, ultimately fostering success in and out of the classroom.
ksuhub.com/involvement
DISCOVER YOUR COMMUNITY
We understand that your collegiate journey is not solely academic — it’s about finding your community. You deserve a support system of people who get you, who lift you up, and who cheer you on every step of the way. KSU fosters a welcoming environment through a wealth of educational and social programs. Whether you’re seeking connection, understanding, or simply a place to call home, you will find your community at KSU.
ksuhub.com/community
FIND WELLBEING
YOU MATTER at KSU. Your mental health matters. Your happiness matters. And above all, you matter. The college experience can be equal parts exhilarating and challenging. If you ever find yourself stressed, in need of guidance, or craving a safe space to recharge, we’re here for you. Wellbeing@KSU is a support system dedicated to your mental and physical health. Through counseling, health education, addiction and recovery support, fitness and recreation activities, and access to basic needs, we’re committed to helping you do well and be well during your time at KSU.
ksuhub.com/wellbeing
During the annual Days of Service, the KSU community volunteers with local nonprofits and community organizations.
YOU WILL BE AT HOME IN
owl nation.
KSU offers the best of both worlds: the vibrant energy of a big city combined with the cozy charm of a southern retreat. Nestled in the suburbs of Metro Atlanta, our campuses provide the perfect balance, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city yet close enough to experience its opportunities. And when you’re a part of Owl Nation, stepping onto campus feels like coming home — a place where discovery and innovation thrive, where fond memories are created each day, and where potential meets possibility.
Enjoy a sunny day on the Campus Green with friends or bike through K Field on a crisp autumn day. Our beautiful campuses are your home.
LIVE WITHIN REACH EXPLORE GEORGIA
All of Georgia is within your reach from KSU! Boasting activities like mountain hikes, relaxing walks on the coast, and rich history in between them all, our unique location allows for exciting weekend explorations.
HIKE
Explore over 1,500 breathtaking hiking trails in the state, from the start of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail to the historic Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Site.
CLIMB
Start your morning in the mountains and be in a canyon by evening. Accomplish both with the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and Georgia’s very own Little Grand Canyon.
LEARN
Experience where the pirates arrived on shore in Savannah, walk into the room where the 39th president was raised, and dive into the history and heart of the Civil Rights Movement.
EXPERIENCE
Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Atlanta and its surrounding metro area, a bustling destination for concerts, theater productions, museums, and more. From captivating performances to engaging exhibitions, there are plenty of opportunities for entertainment and enrichment. 24 / 7
University Village
Find inspiration in every corner of campus — from the drawing tables to the research labs.
AFFORDABILITY
Earning a college degree doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Our dedicated financial aid counselors are ready to help you explore your aid and scholarship options.
YOU WILL BE
empowered.
At KSU, we believe in empowering you with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the workforce without burdening your financial future. With a focus on practical learning and responsible financial decisions, you can graduate equipped with the skills employers value, without drowning in student debt. We make college degrees a reality for thousands of students each year, and we’d like to add you to that list.
36,137
STUDENTS ENROLLED AT KSU IN FALL 2024 RECEIVED
COST CALCULATOR
From tuition and fees to books and supplies, our cost calculator will give you an idea of what you’ll spend to attend college at KSU. ksuhub.com/cost
FAFSA
FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s an application that uses your tax information (and, if you are a dependent student, tax information from your parent[s]) to determine your eligibility for various federal financial aid, including grants, loans, federal work-study programs, and more. If you think there’s a chance you will need financial aid to afford college, you should file a FAFSA. ksuhub.com/FAFSA
HOPE AND ZELL MILLER SCHOLARSHIPS
If you are a Georgia resident who has met academic achievement standards, you may be considered for the HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarships. These merit-based scholarships are available to students who are residents in the state of Georgia and are enrolled in an undergraduate degree-seeking program. If you think you may be eligible, you will need to complete the Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP). Please note: The FAFSA automatically applies for HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships. If you have completed the FAFSA, the completion of the GSFAPP is optional. You can find a full list of requirements and the application at gafutures.org.
SCHOLARSHIPS
KSU makes the scholarship application process painless with a one-stop resource for students to apply for internal and external scholarships. ScholarshipUniverse functions like a matching service: You create a profile outlining your academic achievements and goals, organizational affiliations, and your desired course of study, and the website matches you with potential scholarships that might be a good fit. ksuhub.com/scholarships
OUT-OF-STATE TUITION WAIVER
If you are an out-of-state student with an exceptional GPA, you may be eligible for an out-of-state tuition waiver. ksuhub.com/waiver
KSU offers students access to state-of-the-art technology.
Jacqueline Hand and her daughters Tanasia Kenney and Tanneka Hylton.
WHO WILL YOU
become?
FIRST-YEAR
REQUIREMENTS
Choosing a college is not only about where you will spend the next few years studying. It is about finding a place that speaks to you authentically, allowing for your growth and belonging. More than a name on a diploma, your college choice should reflect your values, passions, and aspirations. At KSU, we believe in surrounding you with the resources and people who can inspire, challenge, and support you in becoming the best version of yourself — personally, academically, and professionally. Take the next step and apply for admission into Owl Nation!
GPA REQUIREMENTS Minimum 2.5 GPA calculation based on the required high school coursework listed below. Test-optional admissions with 3.2 recalculated GPA through Summer 2026. Test scores will be required beginning Fall 2026.
Minimum 3.0 GPA based on the required high school coursework listed below.
• Admissions requirements for dual enrollment, transfer, international, veteran, non-degree, audit, and adult non-traditional students can be found at ksuhub.com/requirements.
• Additional requirements for home-schooled students can be found at ksuhub.com/requirements.
• Select academic programs may require a separate application and admissions process. Learn more by visiting ksuhub.com/majors.
Visit ksuhub.com/undergrad to start your application and submit the $40 application fee. START
• OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS
• SAT SCORES collegeboard.org (SAT CODE 5359)
• ACT SCORES act.org (ACT CODE 0833) SUBMIT
Check your Pathway to Enrollment portal to track the progress of your application and ensure you meet deadlines at ksuhub.com/status. CHECK VIEW APPLICATION DEADLINES ONLINE ksuhub.com/deadlines
You can only tell so much from our websites and brochures. But by spending time here, you’ll really get a feel for what life is like at KSU. More than just a visit, it’s a chance to see our campus culture firsthand and learn more about the supportive campus community waiting for you. We invite you to choose KSU, and your journey starts here. Learn more at ksuhub.com/visit. Our admissions experts are ready to help you every step of the way. Reach out to us at ksuadmit@kennesaw.edu.
SCHOOL OF CHOICE FOR NEW FRESHMEN IN GEORGIA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA, FALL 2024 ENROLLMENT REPORT
