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Effective Date: Fall 2026
Last Reviewed: Fall 2026
Last Revised: Not Applicable
Next Review: Fall 2036

Policy Statement

All students seeking a bachelor’s degree at Kent State University must complete a course in American civic literacy that includes comprehensive study of the American economic system and capitalism. This requirement applies to students graduating in spring 2030 and thereafter.

Requirements

1. As part of the requirements to earn at bachelor's degree at Kent State, students must satisfy the American civic literacy requirement.
2. The requirement must be fulfilled by a 3-credit hour, undergraduate course designated by Kent State University and approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
3. As part of the course, students must read and demonstrate proficiency in all of the following foundational documents:
   1. The entire Constitution of the United States
   2. The entire Declaration of Independence
   3. Five or more essays in their entirety from the Federalist Papers
   4. The entire Emancipation Proclamation
   5. The entire Gettysburg Address
   6. The entire Letter from Birmingham Jail by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
   7. The writings of Adam Smith, including a study of the principles written in The Wealth of Nations
4. Students must pass a comprehensive final exam that assesses their proficiency with all required documents and course content. Failure to pass the exam will result in a failing grade for the course.

Approved American Civic Literacy Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
HIST 12061	AMERICAN FOUNDATIONS: FROM PRE-COLONIZATION TO CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION (CIV) (KHUM)	3
POL 10101	AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (CIV) (KSS)	3

Exemptions

An exemption to the requirement may be granted by the Kent State University president (or designee) if the student has completed one of the following:

1. A College Credit Plus course satisfying the content requirements and approved by the chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education
2. An Advanced Placement (AP) course and examination (minimum 3 score) that satisfy the content requirements as approved by the chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education
3. A 3-credit hour (or equivalent) course in American history or American government that includes the required readings listed above (this exemption does not apply after the 2030-2031 academic year)

The American civic literacy requirement does not apply to students pursuing an associate degree.

Reason for Policy

This policy implements Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.382, which mandates that all state institutions of higher education develop and require an American civic literacy course for bachelor's degree recipients. The fundamental purpose of this statutory requirement is to foster a comprehensive understanding of the foundational documents, civic principles and economic system of the United States among graduates.

Procedures

There are no procedures associated with this policy.

Forms/Instructions

There are no forms/instructions associated with this policy.

Additional Resources

• Academic Advising
• Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center
• Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.382 American Civic Literacy Course Requirement

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who must complete this requirement?
   Students seeking a bachelor’s degree with a 2026 catalog and/or planning graduate in spring 2030 or later must complete this requirement, unless they qualify for an approved exemption.
2. I passed all the assignments for the American civic literacy class but did not pass the comprehensive exam. Can I still pass the course?
   No. Regardless of the grades earned in the other portions of the course, if you did not pass the comprehensive American civic literacy exam you will fail the course.
3. I passed the American civic literacy comprehensive exam. Can I still pass the course?
   Passing the American civic literacy exam does not mean you will automatically pass the course. It will be determined by your instructor based on the requirements and grading scale listed in the syllabus.

Additional FAQ: American Civic Literacy Requirement

Definitions

Academic Advising: Advising helps students clarify their career goals, reach their maximum educational potential and achieve academic success. Academic advisors address student needs related to learning, personal development and career aspirations; recognize and respond to diverse individual needs and differences among students; and help students plan and implement academic programs of study in a manner that will ensure timely progress toward graduation.

Catalog Year: A term identifying the catalog that contains the requirements defining a student's academic program. Initially, it is the Catalog in effect during the student's first semester at Kent State University.

Catalog in Effect: The University Catalog for the current academic year. For example, the 2025-2026 University Catalog is in effect for the fall 2025 semester, spring 2026 semester and summer 2026 term.

Requirement: Course or condition that must be fulfilled as part of a particular program.

Undergraduate Student: A term applied to students who have been admitted to an associate or bachelor's degree or to an undergraduate certificate or other non-degree programs. Typically, they are classified as as freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Related Information

• Kent Core (General Education Requirement)

Revision History

Effective Fall 2026: Establishes policy to comply with Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.382.