BS - Biology - Plant Biology Track
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College of Science and Mathematics
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
Biology, BS (Plant Biology Track)
Program Information:
This track is designed for students interested in attending graduate school or entering the professional workforce where plants are the principal study organism.
This is a suggested 4-year schedule of courses based on the Biology (Plant Biology Track) degree requirements and course prerequisites in the Fall 2018 Undergraduate Catalog. (If course prerequisites change, you must meet the prerequisites in effect when you take the course, so always check the current Catalog for course prerequisites.)
Milestones/Notes:
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Must earn a grade of "C" or better in coursework.
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Not all courses are offered every semester.
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A maximum of 8 hours from BIOL 3110, BIOL 4400, BIOL 4402, BIOL 3398, and/or BIOL 4450 can be used to satisfy biology upper-level electives.
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Credit for BIOL 3317 and BIOL 3396 can be applied to Free Electives only.
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See KSU online Catalog or departmental website for pre-requisite(s) or course descriptions.
Contact Information:
(470) 578-5100
http://csm.kennesaw.edu/eeob/index.php
Term 1
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Requirement
Hours
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2
ECON 1000 2 Credits Contemporary Economic Issues
This course provides students with the knowledge and tools necessary to critically examine social and policy issues from an economic perspective. Fundamental economic questions ? as they relate to individuals, firms, and society in the modern global world ? are addressed. Students learn about different economic systems, how markets function, the role of government in the economy, the basis for international trade, measurement of macroeconomic performance, and the impact of globalization on living standards and economic growth.
Prerequisites:
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3
ENGL 1101 3 Credits Composition I
Focuses on skills required for effective writing in a variety of contexts with emphasis on exposition, analysis, and argumentation. Also includes introductory use of a variety of research skills. The corequisite for this course applies only to Learning Support Students.
Prerequisites:
-
3
CHEM 1211 3 Credits General Chemistry I
CHEM 1211 is the first course in a two-semester sequence covering the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry for science majors. Course content includes electronic structure of atoms and molecules, bonding fundamentals, fundamentals of chemical reactions, and gas laws.
Prerequisites: (
MATH 1112** with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1113** with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1190** with a minimum grade of C)
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with CHEM 1211
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1
CHEM 1211L 1 Credits General Chemistry I Lab
First laboratory course in general chemistry. Designed to introduce the student to the application of cognitive skills utilizing chemical knowledge in the laboratory.
Prerequisites: (
CHEM 1211** with a minimum grade of C) and (
MATH 1112** with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1113** with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1190** with a minimum grade of C)
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with CHEM 1211L
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3
MATH 1113 3 Credits Precalculus
This course is an intensive study of the basic functions needed for the study of calculus. Topics include algebraic, functional, and graphical techniques for solving problems with algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their inverses.
Prerequisites: ((Test
HSGPA with a minimum score of 3.0) and (Test
A02 with a minimum score of 25 or Test
S12 with a minimum score of 590)) or (Test
ALEKS with a minimum score of 61)
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3
Total: 15
Term 2
-
Requirement
Hours
-
4
MATH 1190 4 Credits Calculus I
This course is the first in the calculus curriculum and introduces the central concepts of calculus. Topics include limits, continuity, derivatives of algebraic and transcendental functions of one variable, applications of these concepts and a brief introduction to the integral of a function.
Prerequisites: ((
MATH 1112 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1113 with a minimum grade of C)((Test
HSGPA with a minimum score of 3.20) and (Test
A02 with a minimum score of 26 or Test
S12 with a minimum score of 620)) or (Test
ALEKS with a minimum score of 76))
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3
ENGL 1102 3 Credits Composition II
Develops writing skills beyond the levels of proficiency required by ENGL 1101. Interpretation and evaluation are emphasized, and a variety of more advanced research methods are incorporated.
Prerequisites: (
ENGL 1101 with a minimum grade of C or
ENGL 101 with a minimum grade of C)
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3
CHEM 1212 3 Credits General Chemistry II
Second course in a two-semester sequence covering the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry for science majors. Course content includes chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics, liquids and solids, properties of solutions, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and qualitative analysis.
Prerequisites: (
CHEM 1211 with a minimum grade of C or
CHEM 1211K with a minimum grade of C) and (
MATH 1112 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1113 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1190 with a minimum grade of C)
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1
CHEM 1212L 1 Credits General Chemistry II Lab
Second laboratory course in general chemistry. Designed to continue the application of cognitive skills utilizing chemical knowledge in the laboratory including qualitative analysis techniques.
Prerequisites: (
CHEM 1211 with a minimum grade of C and
CHEM 1211L with a minimum grade of C and
CHEM 1212** with a minimum grade of C)
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with CHEM 1212L
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3
BIOL 1107 3 Credits Biological Principles 1
The course is an introduction to cell and molecular biology as well as molecular and population genetics. Students who successfully complete the class should be able to describe the fundamental biology of the cell, including cellular anatomy and cellular metabolic processes in both plants and animals. Students will also use molecular genetics to describe the basis for heredity and how this is expressed in populations as well as how it informs evolutionary principles.
Prerequisites: (
CHEM 1211** with a minimum grade of C and
CHEM 1211L** with a minimum grade of C) or (
CHEM 1211K** with a minimum grade of C)
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with BIOL 1107
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1
BIOL 1107L 1 Credits Biological Principles 1 Lab
This lab complements BIOL 1107. Students will learn how to use scientific equipment to explore the cell and molecular biology in plant and animals as well as the biochemistry of life. Students will learn about experimental design and how to generate and interpret scientific data.
Prerequisites: (
BIOL 1107** with a minimum grade of C)
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with BIOL 1107L
Total: 15
Year 1 (Hours: 30)
Term 3
-
Requirement
Hours
-
3
WELL 1000 3 Credits Foundations for Healthy Living
This course is designed to examine priority health issues impacting KSU students through a focus on health promotion and disease prevention. Emphasis is placed on achieving and maintaining healthy lifestyles by developing effective strategies to adapt to changing personal and environmental factors. Topics of exploration include physical activity, nutrition, weight management, stress, emotional health, and behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death and disabilities in the United States.
Prerequisites:
-
3
POLS 1101 3 Credits American Government
This course examines the institutions and processes of American government and Georgia State government. Global comparisons are made between the governments of the U.S. and other modern nation-states.
Prerequisites:
-
3
STAT 3125 3 Credits Biostatistics
In this course students use descriptive statistics and visual displays to describe data. They learn about some common population and sample distributions. They perform and analyze results of statistical inferences, including confidence intervals, correlation, linear regression, odds/risk ratios and hypothesis testing (F and T-tests for regression, Chi-square for independence, 2 group and paied sample t-tests). Analyses are performed using MS-Excel. The student is required to select, analyze and interpret real life data for a project.
Prerequisites: (
BIOL 1107 with a minimum grade of C and
BIOL 1107L with a minimum grade of C) or (
CHEM 1212 with a minimum grade of C and
CHEM 1212L with a minimum grade of C or
CHEM 1212K with a minimum grade of C)
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3
CHEM 3361 3 Credits Modern Organic Chemistry I
CHEM3361 is the first course of a two-semester sequence in modern organic chemistry. The course includes a study of structure, properties, synthesis, and reactions of basic organic compounds using modern structural and mechanical theories.
Prerequisites: (
CHEM 1212 with a minimum grade of C or
CHEM 1212K with a minimum grade of C)
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1
CHEM 3361L 1 Credits Modern Organic Chem I Lab
Laboratory experiments designed to introduce the students to modern experimental method used in organic chemistry for separation of mixture, purification of compounds, and reactions illustrating single functional group transformation.
Prerequisites: (
CHEM 1212 with a minimum grade of C and
CHEM 1212L with a minimum grade of C and
CHEM 3361** with a minimum grade of C)
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with CHEM 3361L
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3
BIOL 1108 3 Credits Biological Principles II
This is the second course in a two-semester sequence covering the fundamental principles of biology. Students will explore the evolution and diversity of life in this course. Students will have additional focus on organismal anatomy and physiology as well as learning basic principles of ecology.
Prerequisites: (
CHEM 1211 with a minimum grade of C and
CHEM 1211L with a minimum grade of C) or (
CHEM 1211K with a minimum grade of C) and (
BIOL 2107 with a minimum grade of C or (
BIOL 1107 with a minimum grade of C and
BIOL 1107L with a minimum grade of C))
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1
BIOL 1108L 1 Credits Biological Principles II Lab
This lab corresponds with the organismal biology topics covered in BIOL 1108 lecture. Students will examine phylogenetics, organismal diversity, ecological principles, and physiology through a combination of lab observations and hypothesis-testing experiments. Students are also expected to perform a fetal pig dissection in order to explore vertebrate anatomy. Application of the methods of experimental design, data analysis, and data presentation will be a major component of this course.
Prerequisites: (
BIOL 1108** with a minimum grade of C)
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with BIOL 1108L
Total: 17
Term 4
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Requirement
Hours
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3
CHEM 3362 3 Credits Modern Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 3362 is the second course of a two-semester sequence in modern organic chemistry. The course includes a study of structure, properties, synthesis and reactions of basic organic compounds using modern structural and mechanical theories.
Prerequisites: (
CHEM 3361 with a minimum grade of C)
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1
CHEM 3362L 1 Credits Modern Organic Chem II Lab
Laboratory experiments designed to introduce the students to modern experimental methods used in organic chemistry synthesis, characterization of compounds, and multistep synthesis of useful target-compounds from readily available starting material.
Prerequisites: (
CHEM 3362** with a minimum grade of C) and (
CHEM 2511K with a minimum grade of C or (
CHEM 3361 with a minimum grade of C and
CHEM 3361L with a minimum grade of C))
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with CHEM 3362L
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3
BIOL 3370 3 Credits Ecology
This course explores relationships among living organisms and their environments. Students will explore interactions at the individual, population, community and ecosystem levels. Laboratory and field activities will emphasize environmental sampling procedures and statistical analysis of sampling data.
Prerequisites: ((
STAT 3125 with a minimum grade of C and
BIOL 1108 with a minimum grade of C and
BIOL 1108L with a minimum grade of C) or (
STAT 3125 with a minimum grade of C and
BIOL 2108 with a minimum grade of C))
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1
BIOL 3370L 1 Credits Ecology Laboratory
Laboratory and field activities will emphasize environmental sampling procedures and statistical analysis of sampling data.
Prerequisites: (
BIOL 3370** with a minimum grade of C)
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with BIOL 3370L
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3
PHYS 1111 3 Credits Introductory Physics I
This is an introductory algebra and trigonometry-based course on classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. The student will be able to apply Newton's laws and conservation of energy and momentum to various problems in kinematics and dynamics, use the law of universal gravitation to falling objects and orbital motion, describe simple harmonic motion, oscillations, and waves, and explain temperature, heat, and entropy.
Prerequisites: (
MATH 1112 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1113 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1190 with a minimum grade of C)
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1
PHYS 1111L 1 Credits Introductory Physics I Lab
Prerequisites: PHYS 1111** with a minimum grade of C
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with PHYS 1111L
ART 1107 or ART 1107 3 Credits Art in Society
This interactive course is an introduction to the role of visual art in global societies, from antiquity through the present day. It examines various media within their social, historical, and intellectual contexts; explores a variety of art-historical, art-critical, and theoretical issues; and facilitates critical and analytical thinking. It also teaches students how to analyze the basic elements of art and design and how to visit a museum. (Visits to some venues may require paid admission.)
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
DANC 1107 or DANC 1107 3 Credits Dance in Society
Through an examination of the role of arts in society, and an in-depth study of selected dance events, this interactive course provides an understanding of the creative process and develops skills in creativity and critical analysis. Heightened perceptual abilities will be developed through class experiences and field visits to a variety of arts events in dance, music, visual arts, and theater. (Attendance at some events requires paid admission.)
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
MUSI 1107 or MUSI 1107 3 Credits Music in Society
This course examines the role of music in society through a study of musical works within their cultural and historical contexts. Course assignments develop skills in critical analysis and global perspectives as well as an understanding of the creative process. Required attendance at live performances provides the experiential component so crucial to the understanding and enjoyment of music. (Most events require paid admission.)
Notes: Offered as an online course.
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
TPS 1107TPS 1107 3 Credits Theatre in Society
This interactive course examines the role of theatre in society through the study of dramatic works and performance events within their cultural and historical contexts. Course assignments promote understanding of the creative process and develop skills in critical analysis, global perspectives, and collaboration. Attendance is required at live performances, including some events with paid admission.
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
3
Total: 15
Year 2 (Hours: 32)
Term 5
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Requirement
Hours
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3
BIOL 3300 3 Credits Genetics
This course presents fundamental principles and applications in genetics. Students learn how traits are inherited and to use this information in predicting and analyzing genetic outcomes. Students study nucleic acid structure, learn how DNA replicates and how genes are expressed. Mutation at the gene and chromosomal levels will be surveyed, and their effect on gene structure and function examined. Finally, students will explore various genetic methods, including pedigrees, mapping, and molecular techniques.
Prerequisites: (
CHEM 1211 with a minimum grade of C and
CHEM 1211L with a minimum grade of C) or (
CHEM 1211K with a minimum grade of C)((
BIOL 1107 with a minimum grade of C and
BIOL 1107L with a minimum grade of C) or (
BIOL 2107 with a minimum grade of C))
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1
BIOL 3300L 1 Credits Genetics Laboratory
This course is designed to reinforce principles and applications of transmission genetics, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics. Students will learn to use problem-solving, data analysis and quantitative methods to explore genetics. Exercises in molecular biology will expose students to methods of recombinant DNA technology.
Prerequisites: (
BIOL 3300** with a minimum grade of C)
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with BIOL 3300L
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3
PHYS 1112 3 Credits Introductory Physics II
PHYS 1112 is an introductory algebra and trigonometry-based course on electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. The student will be able to apply the concepts of electric field and electric potential to problems in electrostatics and with electric currents, describe the motion of charged particles in magnetic fields and induction, explain the origin of electromagnetic waves and properties of light, and understand elementary principles of special relativity and quantum physics.
Prerequisites: (
PHYS 1111 with a minimum grade of C or
PHYS 2211 with a minimum grade of C or
PHYS 2211K with a minimum grade of C or
PHYS 1211K with a minimum grade of C) and (
MATH 1112 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1113 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1190 with a minimum grade of C)
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1
PHYS 1112L 1 Credits Introductory Physics II Lab
Prerequisites: PHYS 1112** with a minimum grade of C
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with PHYS 1112L
HIST 2111 or HIST 2111 3 Credits United States History to 1877
This course explores major themes in the social, cultural, political, and economic history of the peoples of North America to 1877. Topics include the intersections of cultures in colonial America, the origin and development of the American republic, the evolution of democratic ideas and institutions, western expansion, slavery, sectional conflict, and emancipation and its aftermath.
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
HIST 2112HIST 2112 3 Credits US History Since 1877
This course examines the major themes in the social, cultural, political, and economic history of the United States since 1877, the multicultural nature of contemporary U.S. civilization, and the nation's role in the global arena.
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
3
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3
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3
Total: 17
Term 6
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Requirement
Hours
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4
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3
BIOL 3410 3 Credits Cell Biology
Modern cell biology is a unifying subject that describes the structure and function of cells in genetic, biochemical, biophysical, developmental and pathophysiological contexts. Students will learn a contemporary view of cell structure and function, including the relationship between membranes, organelles, transporters, and signaling components during the life of a cell, with an emphasis on eukaryotic systems.
Prerequisites: ((
BIOL 3300 with a minimum grade of C and
BIOL 3300L with a minimum grade of C) or
BIOL 3300 with a minimum grade of C)((
BIOL 1108 with a minimum grade of C and
BIOL 1108L with a minimum grade of C) or
BIOL 2108 with a minimum grade of C)
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4
BIOL 3320K 4 Credits Plant Morphology
In this course students will explore the evolutionary trends and relationships of the phyla of non-vascular and vascular plants, as well as a number of groups of algae. Students will examine vegetative and reproductive morphology across varied life cycles and through paleobotany. Laboratory work is closely tied to lecture material and includes examination of microscope slides as well as dissections and observations of morphological features of specimens. Students will make drawings of many of their specimens. A trip to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is required.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1107 with a minimum grade of C and
BIOL 1107L with a minimum grade of C and
BIOL 1108 with a minimum grade of C and
BIOL 1108L with a minimum grade of C
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3
Total: 14
Notes/Milestones:
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CHEM 3361/3361L must be completed by this semester.
Year 3 (Hours: 31)
Term 7
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Requirement
Hours
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1
BIOL 4399 1 Credits Seminar
Students will learn selected topics of current interest announced during registration. May be taken only 1 time for credit.
Prerequisites: (
BIOL 3410 with a minimum grade of C)
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4
BIOL 4420K 4 Credits Plant Physiology
Plant physiology is the study of plant function. Students will learn how plants obtain, transport and utilize water, mineral nutrients, and organic molecules. Students will be introduced to mechanisms used in defense against pathogens and herbivores and learn how environment and hormones control plant growth and development. Students will examine each process at the biochemical, cellular and organismal level. Laboratory studies will introduce students to contemporary approaches used in the study of plant physiology.
Prerequisites: (
BIOL 2108 with a minimum grade of C or (
BIOL 1108 with a minimum grade of C or
BIOL 1108L with a minimum grade of C)) and (
CHEM 3361 with a minimum grade of C or
CHEM 2511K with a minimum grade of C)
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4
BIOL 4422K 4 Credits Plant Ecology
Students will learn aspects of physiological responses of plants to their environment, methods to determine plant population growth and plant distribution patterns, as well as interactions among plants and other organisms. They will use science as a process and learn to argue scientific points of view persuasively. Students will also learn to use classical and modern technologies to address questions in plant ecology.
Prerequisites: (
BIOL 2108 with a minimum grade of C or (
BIOL 1108 with a minimum grade of C and
BIOL 1108L with a minimum grade of C))
HIST 1100 or HIST 1100 3 Credits Introduction to World History
This course is an overview of world history that provides an introduction to the origin and development of the world's societies and their political, cultural, and economic traditions.
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
HIST 1111 or HIST 1111 3 Credits Pre-Modern World History
This course is a survey of world history to early modern times. The course examines the political, economic, social, and cultural history of the world with a focus on connections and interactions.
HIST 1112HIST 1112 3 Credits Modern World History
This course is a survey of world history from early modern times to the present. The course examines themes, events, trends, institutions, and ideas with a focus on global connections and interactions.
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
3
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3
Total: 15
Term 8
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Requirement
Hours
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3
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4
Free Elective. Any course in the university curriculum.
3
Free Elective. Any course in the university curriculum.
3
Free Elective. Any course in the university curriculum.
3
Total: 16
Year 4 (Hours: 31)
Program Total: 124 Hours
Milestones: All courses indicated as a Milestone with this icon (
) should be completed in the term suggested to prevent delays in program completion.
Disclaimer: An academic map is a suggested four-year schedule of courses based on degree requirements in the KSU undergraduate catalog. This sample schedule serves as a general guideline to help build a full schedule each term. Some departments allow students to use the three credit first-year seminar course as a free elective for a degree program, which may impact the program's total credit hours. Milestones, courses, and special requirements necessary for timely progress to complete a major are designated to keep you on track to graduate in four years. Missing milestones could delay your program. Enrolled Students should reference DegreeWorks and not this plan.
This map is not a substitute for academic advisement—contact your advisor if you have any questions about scheduling or about your degree requirements. Also
see the current undergraduate catalog (catalog.kennesaw.edu) for a complete list of requirements and electives. Note: Requirements are continually under revision, and
there is no guarantee they will not be changed or revoked; contact the department and/or program area for current information.
You may choose to attend a summer term to reduce your load during fall or spring terms but still stay on track to graduate in four years.