Understanding DegreeWorks

DegreeWorks is an advising tool utilized by students, advisors, and the Registrar at Kennesaw State University.

This application keeps track of a student's current degree progress, what courses they have left to complete, and allows them to see how their progress would be impacted by a catalog year or major/minor change.

Understanding how to use this application is critical for timely degree completion and preventing unnecessary coursework. Below, Owl Advising will walk you through three of the most commonly used functions in DegreeWorks:

• How to track your degree completion
• Understanding how your courses are counting
• How to process a "What-If" or catalog year change

• How to View DegreeWorks

  To access DegreeWorks you will first login to your Owl Express account.

  

  Click on the Student Records or Registration tab.

  DegreeWorks will then pull up your information.

  • The top menu will let you know what our current major is, what holds you may have on your account, and any active time tickets.
• Track Degree Completion

  DegreeWorks most importantly tracks what classes you have taken, what courses you have completed, and what courses you are currently registered for, and shows you how those courses have been applied to your degree requirements. 

  You will most likely notice a Degree Progress bar when your information pulls up. Please understand that this tracks your number of check boxes completed, NOT how far you are along in your degree. Do not use it when comparing degree programs in terms of completion.

• Understanding How Classes are Counting
  • Lines in RED are courses, or groups of courses, that still need to be completed. Some sections with multiple courses may only require you take a certain number from those listed to complete a section.
  • Lines in YELLOW are courses, or groups of courses, were your degree requirement has been met. Nothing else needs to be taken here.
  • Lines in BLUE are courses that you are currently enrolled in. If the course is successfully completed it will change to YELLOW at the end of the semester. If the course is not completed successfully, it will revert to RED at the end of the semester.
  • Courses that are not currently being used towards your degree completion will appear towards the bottom of DegreeWorks under Unused Courses.
  • Courses you are actively registered for will appear under Registered or Currently Enrolled at the very bottom of the page. The semester you are registered to take that course will also appear next to it.

  

• Process a "What-If" or Change Catalog Year

  To start, click on the What If tab in the left-hand menu.

  

  In this menu, you will be asked what type of scenario you would like to view. 

  • LEVEL: Leave this parameter as-is.
  • DEGREE: Each major is associated with a degree type. For example, business majors like Management, B.B.A. and Marketing, B.B.A. will have a degree of "Bachelor of Business Administration". Humanities majors like English, B.A. and History, B.A. will have a degree of "Bachelor of Arts", etc. To find what degree type your desired degree is, review the Academic Catalog.
  • CATALOG YEAR: Degree requirements may change by the Catalog Year. The default setting will show you degree requirements for the current Catalog Year.
  • MAJOR: This section will change depending on the degree you selected in the first category. From the drop down menu select which major you would like to see. Processing this What If does not change your current major, so experiment with as many majors as you would like!
  • MINOR: You can use this field to see what would happen if you optionally chose to declare a minor. Minors are anywhere from 15-18 credit hours and can sometimes be used to meet requirements for your degree. If you have any questions about how a minor would impact your academic progress consult with your advisor.
  • CONCENTRATION: Some degree programs may also contain additional "concentrations", meaning you will be asked to specialize the courses you are choosing to take as a part of your degree. For example, the Human Services, B.S. degree requires students choose between concentrations in Social Engagement and Advocacy or Nonprofit Management and Social Innovation in order to complete their graduation requirements. If your major does not contain concentrations, you may ignore this field.

  Once you have adjusted the What If to your desired parameters, click on Process What If. You can optionally choose to have your What If exported as a PDF by checking the Create PDF button. 

  Below is an example of an Undeclared student who has processed a What If for a Nursing B.S.N..

  

  

  

  If you have any questions on how to process a What If, please contact your advisor.

Disclaimer: DegreeWorks can be used on your own, but it is always recommended you also consult with your advisor to ensure you are taking courses in the best order for your progress, and that no substitutions or degree requirements can be changed.