Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies

at Kent State University USA

The Master of Arts degree in English offers students broad learning in English studies while providing concentrated study in one area. The English major comprises the following concentration:

The Literature and Writing concentration prepares students for further graduate study in English and related fields, for professional training in such fields as library and information science and for careers in teaching. The program achieves this goal with distribution requirements, electives and a required focus in either literary traditions, critical theory or rhetoric and composition.

Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to think critically about the literary texts they read and interpret.
• Demonstrate how to write coherently and clearly about research topics and other topics.
• Demonstrate an understanding on how disciplines are interconnected.
• Apply appropriate research methods to objects of study.
• Demonstrate effective teaching skills and knowledge of appropriate teaching theories, if on appointment.

The Master of Arts in Economics degree provides prepares graduates for a career as an analyst in government or the private sector, as well as for doctoral study.

The Economics major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Financial Economics concentration is primarily designed for students who wish to pursue careers in the financial services industry, including commercial banking, investment banking, insurance, real estate and financial advising.

Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand and apply fundamental economic concepts.
• Formulate and test hypotheses.
• Access and use appropriate information.
• Demonstrate analytic and quantitative skills.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology teaches design, operation, installation, maintenance and analysis of machinery. The program prepares students to become highly technical professionals in current and emerging fields using mechanical and computer-aided engineering. Students learn to develop innovative solutions to problems encountered in manufacturing.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Use the techniques, skill and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
• Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering.
• Design a system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints, such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education gives students the necessary tools to plan, implement and evaluate health education programs for individuals, communities and groups. The major features a capstone internship experience during which the student works with a health educator in a community setting. The program qualifies students to take the Certified Health Education Specialist Exam administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.

State/Federal background checks may be required for practicum/internship experiences.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Conduct strategic planning, analyze the organization`s culture in relationship to program goals, facilitate cooperation between and among levels of program personnel, formulate practical modes of collaboration among health agencies and organizations and develop volunteer opportunities.
• Exhibit competence in carrying out planned educational programs; employ a wide range of educational methods and techniques, apply individual and group process methods as appropriate to given learning situations and select methods that best facilitate the practice of program objectives; infer enabling objectives as needed to implement instructional programs in specified settings, select methods and media best suited to implement program plans for specific learners and determine the availability of information, personnel, time and equipment needed to implement the program for a given audience; monitor educational programs, adjusting objectives and activities as necessary; and use the code of ethics in professional practice.
• Analyze factors the influence decision-makers, assess the appropriateness of language in health education messages and select a variety of communication methods and techniques in providing health information; demonstrate proficiency in communicating health information and health education needs and respond to public input regarding health education information; identify the significance and implications of health care providers` messages to consumers; and develop a personal plan for professional growth.
• Utilize computerized health information retrieval system effectively and match an information need with the appropriate retrieval system; access online and other health information resources and interpret and select effective educational resource materials for dissemination; assemble educational material of value to the health of individuals and community groups, evaluate the worth and applicability of resource materials for given audiences and refer requesters to valid sources of information; and apply various processes in the acquisition of resource materials, compare different methods for distributing educational materials and analyze parameters of effective consultative relationships.
• Obtain health-related data about social and cultural environments, growth and development factors, needs and interests, select valid sources of information about health needs and interests and utilize computerized sources of health-related information; employ or develop appropriate data-gathering instruments; distinguish between behaviors that foster and those that hinder well-being and investigate physical, social, emotional and intellectual factors that influence health behaviors; and analyze needs assessments.
• Synthesize information presented in the literature, develop plans to assess achievement of program objectives, determine standards of performance to be applied as criteria of effectiveness and select appropriate methods for evaluating program effectiveness; carry out evaluation plans, utilize data collecting methods appropriate to the objectives and analyze resulting evaluation data; and interpret results of program evaluation and infer implications from findings for future program planning.
• Communicate need for the program to those who will be involved; develop a logical scope and sequence plan for a health education program; organize the subject areas comprising the scope of a program in logical sequence; formulate appropriate and measurable program objectives, design educational programs consistent with specified program objectives; match proposed learning activities with those implicit in the stated objectives; select strategies best suited to implementation of educational objectives in a given setting; and plan a sequence of learning opportunities building upon and reinforcing mastery of preceding objectives.

The Master of Science degree in Physics consists of graduate coursework and a research project taking one or two semesters. The research project should result in a written report. Students may choose to complete a thesis, to be defended orally. This degree provides entry-level qualifications for team research employment or a high school teaching career.

Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate cognitive skills important to a physicist, including the following:
  • Think critically and analytically;
  • Define and solve problems in physics; and
  • Conduct quantitative research in a contemporary area of physics.
• Demonstrate a core knowledge and understanding of the foundations of physics.
• Communicate results of their work to peers, to various target groups within the physics community, and to people outside the discipline. Teaching skills also come under this heading.

The Master of Science degree in Data Science provides a focus on developing scientists who will understand the theories, methods and tools of data science and apply data science to solving research and workplace questions in the natural, health and social sciences for businesses and industries.

Data science is an emerging STEM discipline founded on the principles of mathematics and the sciences and developed through a synthesis of mathematics and computer science. One may think of data science as a blending together of methods and ideas from analysis, statistics, databases, big data, artificial intelligence, numerical analysis, graph theory and visualization for the purposes of finding information in data and applying that information to solving real-world problems.

Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Ask the questions so that problems in a particular business or industrial situation become clear.
• Determine if the problem may be addressed with data science methods and tools, and if yes, propose potential methods for solving the problems.
• Make suggestions for how data science may be used to enhance the quality and value of currently existing products (whether the products are physical or methods) and how data science may be used in the development of new products.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design, Technology and Production fosters the artistic development of theatre designers, technicians and artisans. Students study both traditional theatre practices and new methods, materials and technologies. Students must demonstrate continued progress through annual portfolio reviews, course work and production responsibilities. In addition, students are expected to complete a significant production assignment each semester.

Students will be able to apply design and technology concepts for the school’s theatrical and dance productions. Kent State’s Center for the Performing Arts houses three theatres, performance and rehearsal space, a scene shop, a costume shop and laboratories for costumes, drafting, lighting and scenery. In addition, the School of Theatre and Dance oversees the outdoor venue Porthouse Theatre.

The B.F.A. degree program prepares students for M.F.A. degree study, as well as such occupations as scenic designer, costume designer, lighting designer, sound/projection designer, prop master, scenic artist, stage manager, production manager, wardrobe supervisor, technical director and stage technicians.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate ability to conceptualize and realize a design aesthetic consistent with the overall artistic concepts of a production.
• Demonstrate ability to understand and articulate basic elements and principles of design theory.
• Demonstrate ability to understand and articulate basic elements and principles of composition related to line, shape, color, texture and sound.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetic use of color.
• Demonstrate understanding of aesthetic use of sound.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate design ideas and realities to other personnel involved in the production, including directors, other designers, stage managers and actors.
• Demonstrate ability to produce and communicate design ideas with freehand drawings.
• Demonstrate ability to provide formalized, accurate production models and drawings by hand and/or through the use of current industry standard software programs.
• Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the total design process, including the progression of raw materials through multiple design "shops" and the roles that various craftspeople play in the creation of a finished product.
• Acquire knowledge of federal, state and local health and safety codes, best practices and industry standards as they relate to theatrical venues and production elements.
• Prepare and present a professional resume and a portfolio of design- and technology-related work that demonstrate one's abilities, strengths, processes and experiences.
• Acquire experiences in the design/technology aspects of theatre in a variety of formal and informal settings.

The Master of Education degree in Special Education provides students with advanced understanding of contemporary research and practice issues in special education. Students in the program are typically interested in pursuing enhanced professional competence, career advancement, leadership roles, advocacy and systems change; or they may be wanting to prepare for doctoral-level study. Students do not need to have an undergraduate degree in special education (or in education) to be successful in the master's degree; however, should be motivated to develop a deeper understanding of the field of special education.

The M.Ed. degree program does not prepare students for teacher licensure; however, some of the coursework required for the degree may count toward licensure. Students interested in both licensure and a M.Ed. degree will need to apply and be fully admitted into both the master's degree and the non-degree graduate licensure preparation program.

The Special Education major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration focuses on students with moderate to intensive educational needs who most often require modifications to the general academic curriculum and/or other extensive special education supports.

The Bachelor of Music degree in Music is a professional degree. The primary emphasis is on the development of the skills, concepts and sensitivity essential for those wishing to pursue music as a profession.

The Music major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Composition concentration provides preparation for graduate study in the field, a credential for private instruction and the ability to compose and use technology in a variety of musical styles.
• The Instrumental Performance concentration provides preparation for graduate study in the field, a credential for private instruction and the ability to perform as a soloist, in chamber music and in large ensembles. This program is available on the following instruments: violin, viola, violoncello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba and percussion.
• The Piano Performance concentration provides preparation for graduate study in the field, a credential for private instruction and the ability to perform as a soloist, as an accompanist, in chamber music and in large ensembles.
• The Voice Performance concentration provides preparation for graduate study in the field, a credential for private instruction and the ability to perform as a soloist, in opera, in chamber music and in large ensembles.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of music history and theory
• Demonstrate beginning professional skills in recitals

The Master of Engineering Technology degree offers a curriculum that provides students with advanced technical and management knowledge and skills that meet the needs of the technical workforce in industry and business.