With over 300 academic programs across eight campuses, Kent State offers a versatile selection of classes.

Since spring 2025 registration dates are about to begin running from September through November, class schedules are being built and requirements from past semesters are being checked off.

From Seven Ideas That Shook the Universe to Baking and Pastry Fundamentals, there are plenty of opportunities for students to take classes inside and outside of their major.

Current students, alumni, professors and advisors shared their recommendations for classes that they felt all students should take at some point in their Kent State career.

Student recommendations

• Baking and Pastry Fundamentals (HEM 33145) — Nuried Hurtado, a recent KSU graduate and current student pursuing a master’s dual degree in business administration and communication studies: “It was really enjoyable and you get free dinner and treats after every class.”
• Intercultural Communication (COMM 35852) — Hurtado said this was an interesting class that taught her how different cultures affect people’s interpretation of messages.
• P.E.E.R. Success Academy (UC 20201) — Anthony Furiga, a senior digital media production major: “I thought it helped me grow as a leader in my role with Black Squirrel Entertainment, as well as generally being a fun class to go to during the week.”

  

Alumni recommendations

• Geography of Wine (GEOG 31080) — Lyndsay Petruny, a sports anchor, reporter, producer and television host, said Tony Carlucci taught her class: “He’s an extremely passionate and well-educated enologist…He truly cares about his students and even took the time to send me encouraging messages after I graduated as I pursued a career in sports broadcasting.”
• A political science course (POL) — Shawn Riley, a member of KSU’s Board of Trustees and lawyer for McDonald Hopkins LLC., on a political science course he took during his time at KSU: “The course was intended to introduce students to various schools of thought as well as to cause us to think hard about other people’s views. Approached with an open mind, a course such as this would benefit any and all students.”

Professor recommendations

• Psychology of Everyday Life (PSYC 21211) — Christie Lee Bartholomew, an assistant professor of psychology, said this course can benefit all students, regardless of their major.
• Africana Women’s Literature (AFS 37100) — Elizabeth Wagoner, an assistant professor of English, said multicultural literature classes are beneficial to everyone: “That is one of the most fascinating things you can study, and after you have learned about it, the world and every other field will look different to you…This course will be a feast of great reading, and knowing the professor, professor Piccirillo-Smith, this will be a course you look forward to each week.”
• Introduction to Conflict Management (PACS 11001) — Sarah Schmidt, an assistant professor of political science: “We will face conflict throughout our lives, and learning strategies for conflict resolution is an essential part of both professional and personal development. We have experts in the School of Peace and Conflict Studies who are top in their field — our students truly learn from the best in that intro course.”
• Seven Ideas That Shook the Universe (PHY 11030) — Joseph Vanfossen Jr., an associate professor of physics: “The course has a long history of being taught by award-winning faculty…Seven Ideas is one of my favorite courses to teach because it strips off the mathematical rigor of physics and allows the student to conceptually explore advanced topics such as special and general relativity, quantum mechanics and the standard model of particle physics.”
• History of Modern France (HIST 31052) — Molly Sergi, a professor of history: “It was an outstanding graduate course. I find myself relying on the sources used and read in the course over the years…In addition, I spend the better part of each summer in France so the background history is enormously helpful.”
• Recent America: The United States, 1945-Present (HIST 31108) — Sergi said she still uses the knowledge she learned from classes like this one: “My graduate classes and instructors had, and still do, have a powerful influence on my own pedagogy and experiences.”
• Clinical Trials Management (PH 40014) — Kelly Dragomir, program director at the Salem campus, said she took this class with Melissa Zullo: “I would recommend this course to any KSU student as it will benefit them personally to understand how clinical trials are designed, approved and conducted should they or a family member ever participate in one.”

Advisor recommendations

• Introduction to World Religions (REL 11020) — Hannah Jones, a CCI academic advisor, said she took this class with Professor Lauren Odell-Scott: “The historical, cultural, and spiritual material of the course is fascinating in its own right. However, the most enlightening part of the course was the novel opportunity to visit various places of worship…It was like studying abroad in my own backyard.”
• Black Hollywood (AFS 30310) — Pyrce Taylor, a CCI academic advisor: “This course covers a variety of African American films and filmmakers. I truly enjoyed this class and seeing directors such as Spike Lee, Ryan Coogler and Jordan Peele.”
• Introduction to Entrepreneurship (ENTR 27065) — Alexander Moore, director of the Undergraduate Programs Office at the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship: “The course isn’t just for students who want to start their own businesses. Understanding the entrepreneurial mindset and having the tools to recognize opportunities can help students in any career.”
• General Psychology (PSYC 11762) — Michelle Peacock, a College of Nursing academic advisor, said the class is easy to sign up for and does not require any prior knowledge to complete: “It opens the mind to understanding oneself and the people around them just a little bit more…While it won’t answer every question under the sun about all things ‘people,’ it can bring a new light to anyone pursuing any profession that involves public contact, not just the mental health and wellness sector.”

Connecting with professors

Dr. Jennifer King, a College of Public Health assistant professor and alumnae, said she recommends all students find a professor they connect with in their journey at KSU.

“For me, that was Dr. Natalie Caine-Bish, who was my first introduction to the abundant support that KSU provides to students,” King said. “With the spectrum of challenges that today’s students endure, that type of love that she still gives me is so important and makes for better academic and personal growth.”

Carissa Neff, a College of Aeronautics and Engineering lecturer and alum, said her College Writing I professor, Elizabeth Howard, left an impact on her. Howard passed away in 2021.

“She told me something that still sticks with me today and is something I tell all of my classes that I now teach,” Neff said. “‘You never really learn something until you can teach it’… I now pass this same advice down to all my students. Professor Howard was a really great teacher. She was incredibly knowledgeable, tough on her students, which pushed us to do better and really challenged us in a good way.”

Lauren Cohen is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].