Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between credit and noncredit courses?
Credit courses can be accumulated toward a Clark State degree or certificate, or, depending upon the course, transferred to a four-year college or university. You will need to complete an admissions application before you can take credit courses at Clark State.

Noncredit courses are usually shorter courses taken to achieve a particular skill for career enhancement, personal development or just for fun. There's more information about noncredit courses under the Academics heading.

What if I can't afford college?
Going to Clark State may cost less than you think. We'll work to find the best payment arrangements for your financial situation: grants, loans, delayed payment plan or credit card. Maybe you'll qualify for one of our scholarships. Call the Financial Aid Office at 937/328-6034.

What if I want to get a four-year degree?
We can help! We have agreements with many four-year colleges and universities that will allow you to take up to two years at Clark State and transfer all your credits, so that you could enter Wright State, Ohio State, Wittenberg or many other universities as a junior.

Are Clark State's courses as good as I'd get at a four-year college?
Yes. In fact, our students who transfer to a four-year college after completing two years at Clark State tend to get better grades than the students who started out at the four-year college. In addition, many of our students appreciate the personal attention they get here. Clark State boasts an average class size of 15. You won't find that at many larger schools.

Our faculty are highly qualified. Nearly 20 percent of our full-time faculty have a doctorate degree, and the average faculty member has a master's degree with 12 years of teaching experience. Our classes are not taught by students assistants, which is the case in some larger institutions.

I'm nervous about going back to school. Does anyone else feel this way?
We hear that a lot. That's why we have placement tests to make sure you're in classes where you can be successful. Our college preparatory education courses can help you brush up on some skills that you haven't used in a while, and we also provide free tutorial services both day and night for individual tutoring sessions. For more information about these services, call our Success Center at 937/328-3847. Now that's personal attention.

How do I decide what classes to take and when?
An academic advisor will help you schedule your first quarter of classes at Clark State. Beginning your second quarter, a faculty advisor will assist you with your class schedule. It is important to take any developmental classes first. This will help you follow the sequence of classes required for your major without interruption.

What if I can't decide on a major?
It's important that you decide your major as soon as possible. Our Career Services staff will help you research different career opportunities through Discover. Discover is a computerized career assessment tool that provides information to help individuals make important educational and career decisions. Discover assesses one's career related interests, abilities and work-related values. Based on one's answers, Discover offers occupations for exploration. The Discover guidance process provides comprehensive information on over 500 different occupations, including job descriptions, work environment, education and training requirements, physical demands, salary and job outlook and links to related organizations.

What if I want to change my major?
If you decide to change majors, you should consult your faculty advisor for advice. When changing majors, classes that were counted toward graduation may not be with the new major. Other factors to consider are financial aid and scholarship money received. Scholarships are sometimes awarded based on the program of study. Your advisor will help you through the process.

How long is the waiting list for the Registered Nursing program?
The waiting list for Registered Nursing varies from year to year. You should add your name as soon as possible. You should plan on enough time to take your non-nursing and general elective courses before you are accepted into the program. That way when you start your nursing courses, you don't have to take other courses as well.

What are humanities and social science electives?
Humanities and social science elective are courses required for most degree programs at Clark State. They encourage development in communication/ interpersonal skills, methods of inquiry, culture and human awareness and personal development skills.

What are technical electives?
Technical electives are required in some degrees at Clark State. They are courses that directly relate to your major.

What is the transfer degree program?
If you want to get a four-year degree and save some money at the same time, this program is for you. Enroll at Clark State for the first two years of a bachelor's degree--then transfer to a four-year institution as a junior. Most credits transfer, but you should confirm this with the receiving education institution.

Where can I go to get help with my classes?
We encourage students to visit the Success Center if they need help with their classes. The Success Center staff will arrange a tutor, provide reference material or let you use one of the many computerized instructional programs.

What kinds of student activities are there?
You will find a variety of student activities at Clark State. Athletics include men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, women's softball and men's baseball. Intramurals sports are also offered throughout the year.

Two of our most popular student organizations include Student Senate and Phi Theta Kappa. Student Senate is an elected group of students that represent our student body. They sponsor several events throughout the year.

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges. Clark State's chapter, Alpha Nu Lambda, was established in 1987. Members of Phi Theta Kappa must have at least a 3.5 grade point average and 18 credit hours toward an associate's degree.

The Clark State Performing Arts Center offers all types of entertainment, from children's events and student productions to the Signature Series that includes national and international performers.

What is the Work-study Program?
Students interested in part-time work can apply for the Work-study Program at Clark State. Students work a maximum of 18 hours at the College. Many students are able to work in their fields of study helping them gain valuable experience.

Can I use the Health Clinic?
The Health Clinic is available free of charge to all Clark State students. The Health Clinic nurse is on duty throughout the week and a doctor visits once a week. Visit our Health Clinic online to learn more.

Can I use the gym and tennis courts?
The gym and tennis courts are provided to our students for their recreational use. There are specific times when the gym is not available due to practice sessions or games. Open hours for the gym are posted in the Wellness Center.