Kansas State University

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Research Universities (very high research activity)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Doctoral degree
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification

Kansas State University History

Kansas State was founded in 1863 on the grounds of Bluemont Central College. The University was relocated to its present-day location in 1875. Today Manhattan, Kansas is the University’s home, where the campus rests on 665 acres in the scenic Flint Hills. In 1991 the Kansas College of Technology merged with K-State along with its campus 70 miles from Manhattan.

Although Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, Kansas, there is one branch campus located in Salina, and there are agriculture experiment stations located in Hays, Garden City, Colby, and Parsons. The University awards bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kansas State University defines its mission in part as one of “developing human potential, expanding knowledge, enriching cultural expression, and extending its expertise to individual, business, education, and government.” The University emphasizes quality teaching, research, and life-long learning through extension courses. It is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research-Extensive institution.

Kansas State University Academics

K-State’s eight academic department offer its array of degrees and supporting concentrations, including the College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Technology and Aviation, and the College of Human Ecology.

In addition to the course requirements of every student’s major, Kansas State requires some general university education coursework be completed. These courses are intended to link students’ class work, broaden their acquisition of knowledge, and develop critical thinking skills. These courses are spread over the course of a student’s career at K-State, rather than being taken in bulk or at the beginning of the student’s career.

The University is composed of a number of different colleges: the Colleges of Agriculture, Architecture, Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Human Ecology, Technology and Aviation, and Veterinary Medicine.

Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in a number of different disciplines, including different fields of agriculture and horticulture, interior architecture, liberal arts and sciences, fisheries and wildlife biology, sociology, business, education, aviation, engineering, and technology. The College of Technology and Aviation offers associate degrees in aviation-related fields. A few certificate programs exist within each college except veterinary medicine. While no undergraduate degree is awarded in veterinary medicine, student may take courses with a pre-veterinary concentration through the College of Arts & Sciences. The College also offers other pre-professional programs on a non-degree basis.

Master’s degrees are awarded largely in the sciences, with an emphasis in agriculture and agriculture related sciences, and in engineering and technology. A few Master of Arts are offered in economics, English, environmental planning and management, geography, history, modern languages, political science, sociology, and speech.

The school awards 43 doctoral degrees, in fields such as education, the sciences, economics, and engineering. No doctoral degrees are awarded in English or other languages, philosophy, art, or related fields. Ph.D.’s are offered in history, mathematics, sociology, and geography, but the University’s focus is on the sciences, especially as related to agriculture and nutrition.

Kansas State University Unique Programs

The Department of Grain Science and Industry grants the country’s only Bachelor of Science degrees in baking science, feed science, or milling science. Minors are offered in these fields, as well as in cereal science. The Department’s facilities include mills, storage facilities, and bakeries. All classes are taught by faculty and the Department enjoys a low student-to-teacher ratio.

The Department of Foundations and Adult Education develops educators in the field of adult education. Philosophy, scope, and nature of adult education are emphasized, and students receive experience via self-instruction and distance learning opportunities.

Graduate certificate programs are offered in approximately 20 fields, although six of them are available only through distance education. Certificate programs available on the main campus include air-quality, entomology, women’s studies, and community planning and development.

Kansas State University Financial Aid

K-State is home to hundreds of student organizations such as the African Student Union, College Republicans, Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol, Habitat for Humanity, MIS Club, Sailing Club, and the Ultimate Frisbee Club.

Kansas State is also home to 11 nationally recognized sororities and 24 nationally recognized fraternities.

The K-State Student Union describes itself as the “living room” for the campus community. The Union is home to events, food, shopping, and a number of recreational outlets including pinball, pool tables, and a full-service bowling alley.

K-State’s financial aid application process begins with submission of the FAFSA. Award letters are issued that detail any institutional, state, or federal aid that an applicant is entitled to. The University’s online KATS system allows applicants to submit and review their financial aid applications electronically. K-State is currently transitioning out of the Federal Direct Loan Program and into the Federal Stafford Loan Program.

In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students were $4110 per academic year in 2004-2005. Students applying from out of state and graduate students will have different costs.

Financial aid is available with a combination of grants, scholarships, and loans.

Kansas State University Students

In addition to the numerous classroom, dormitory, and administration buildings, Kansas State University has an art museum, which focuses on Kansas but includes art from other areas and has exhibit shows, and a series of gardens. There is also a small butterfly conservatory and insect zoo.

The Kansas State University Library offers electronic catalogs and on-line databases, in additional to physical volumes stored on site. There are special libraries for architecture, engineering, math & physics, and veterinary medicine. The University main library has a special collection of rare books and the University archives and manuscripts, and also houses a bindery.

K-State is home to hundreds of student organizations such as the African Student Union, College Republicans, Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol, Habitat for Humanity, MIS Club, Sailing Club, and the Ultimate Frisbee Club.

<pKansas State is also home to 11 nationally recognized sororities and 24 nationally recognized fraternities. The K-State Student Union describes itself as the “living room” for the campus community. The Union is home to events, food, shopping, and a number of recreational outlets including pinball, pool tables, and a full-service bowling alley.

Kansas State University Traditions

Willie the Wildcat is selected every year by a panel appointed by K-State’s cheerleading coach. While the Wildcat has been K-State’s mascot for years, originally they were simply known as the Aggies, and even at one time known as the Farmers. A real, live wildcat known as “Touchdown” used to attend every K-State football game, but has sense been restricted to the local zoo.

Kansas State University Local Community

Manhattan, in addition to being home to Kansas State, is also home to many beautiful parks, the Sunset Zoo, and very friendly people. The city recently celebrated its 150th anniversary with a festival, bike tour, poetry contest, and many other festive events. The historic downtown, like many in the country, is going through some impressive renovations to bring it into the twenty first century. For many who like “small town living,” Manhattan is an ideal setting.

Manhattan is a small city with a population of approximately 45,000, located in central Kansas.