Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics (STEM)

at Kent State University USA

The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Conservation Biology is designed for students interested in a career in the environmental sciences. This program provides an interdisciplinary education in biology and the supporting fields of geology, geography and chemistry. Environmental and conservation biologists work to sustainably manage or restore ecosystems, develop and implement environmental policies, or conduct research on how ecological processes affect biological diversity.

Potential careers for graduates include wildlife ecologists, environmental educators, forest managers, environmental consultants and personnel at public environmental regulatory or land use planning agencies. The Department of Biological Sciences has several mechanisms to help students prepare for their future careers.

The Environmental and Conservation Biology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Conservation Biology concentration provides a strong background in applied ecology, restoration ecology and habitat management strategies used to sustain biological diversity.
• The Environmental Policy and Management concentration provides opportunities to learn about the development and implementation of habitat management methods and public policies that promote the sustainable use of natural resources and address environmental problems.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental biological principles.
• Acquire fundamental skills necessary for laboratory and field investigations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of proper experimental design, analysis of biological data and communication of research results.
• Demonstrate a greater knowledge and appreciation of the role that biology plays in societal issues, such as those related to the environment, biodiversity, ethics, human health and disease.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Systems Engineering Technology prepares graduates to enter careers in the design, installation, manufacturing, testing, evaluation, technical sales and maintenance of aeronautical/aerospace systems. Students gain technical expertise in engineering materials, statics, strength of materials, applied aerodynamics, applied propulsion and electronics. Graduates  have strengths in the analysis, applied design, development, implementation and oversight of more advanced aeronautical/aerospace systems and processes.

Information on the program’s education objectives and student enrollment and graduation data can be found on the college website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.
• Design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.
• Apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature.
• Conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes.
• Function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art is a pre-professional program that develops students' conceptual prowess, technical competency and independent problem-solving to meet the challenges of a career or advanced study in the visual arts. Through studio critiques, the study of sophisticated art and design concepts, mastery of skills and technologies and critical analysis of historical and contemporary issues, students learn to analyze and evaluate visual art and to apply this knowledge to their own creative practice. Graduating students demonstrate their competence by producing a cohesive body of work presented in their senior thesis exhibition to a panel of faculty reviewers.

The Studio Art major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Ceramics concentration offers students the opportunity to hone their command of ceramic material to create both artistic and functional forms. Students find new ways of practicing an ancient craft, drawing on both traditional and contemporary thought and practice. In addition, they investigate practices from around the world for a global context in understanding the medium.
• The Drawing concentration cultivates foundational through advanced observational, conceptual and experimental processes to enable students to explore ideas across media and disciplines. All majors in the School of Art are able to complete a sequence of drawing courses to strengthen their drawing as a tool for visual thinking and recording. The concentration encourages advanced students to work with a wide range of approaches and to pursue drawing in diverse contexts.
• The Glass concentration challenges students to explore glass as a creative medium, both technically and conceptually, within the broader context of contemporary art. In addition to the fundamentals of glassblowing, students learn glass casting, slumping, fusing, flameworking, enameling, cold-working and assembly. Both interdisciplinary and mixed media approaches are actively encouraged.
• The Jewelry, Metals and Enameling concentration guides students in developing their own artistic signatures by exploring historical and contemporary concepts. Students are able to absorb a range of techniques and technological processes, using such specialized equipment as 3-D printers and large-scale Ferro enameling kilns.
• The Painting concentration is rooted in observation and technique while stimulating abstract, conceptual or material-driven ideas about painting and contemporary art practices. The curriculum supports a variety of specific approaches to painting — including collage, figural, landscape and abstraction — while simultaneously promoting an interdisciplinary approach and emphasizing engagement with contemporary practices. Advanced painting students work in consultation with faculty advisors to pursue individual directions and interests.
• The Print Media and Photography concentration introduces students to all traditional print forms as a foundation for conceptual approaches. Students are able to learn print techniques such as intaglio, lithography, relief, silkscreen and large-format digital printing. In addition, students can explore traditional and experimental photography and develop print matrices. Students learn how to develop printed and photographic works of art through layering, problem solving and thoughtful material applications.
• The Sculpture and Expanded Media concentration encourages proficiency in foundational methods of making-modeling, carving and assembly. The concentration is a springboard for students to learn how to communicate ideas through sculptural works. Although sculpture classes are rooted in the history of object-making, new forms of sculptural practice (installation, time-based practice, sound and kinetic works) are all part of a comprehensive three-dimensional program.
• The Textiles concentration fosters creative thinking, critical inquiry and development of technical facility. Students study the artistic and cultural legacy of textiles in conjunction with historic and contemporary practices. Components of the program are the traditions of textile making (built on repetition, geometry and order) linked with digital design and technology. Students learn felt-making, surface design, screen-printing and weaving (hand-manipulated, loom-controlled and digital).

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.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies combines a liberal arts  background with law-related specialty courses to provide students with communication, critical reasoning and analytical skills; knowledge of the legal system; and practical hands-on experience.

The program prepares students for the Certified Paralegal exam from the National Association of Legal Assistants. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Analyze a legal problem as well as identify and evaluate alternative solutions.
• Formulate logical solutions to problems and construct logical arguments in support of specific positions as well as evaluate solutions and arguments.
• Determine which areas of law are relevant to a particular situation.
• Apply principles of professional ethics to specific factual situations.
• Identify interrelationships among cases, statutes, regulations, and other legal authorities.
• Apply recognized legal authority to a specific factual situation.
• Analyze factual situations to determine when it is appropriate to apply exceptions to general legal rules.
• Apply exceptions to general legal rules.
• Distinguish evidentiary facts from other material and/or controlling facts.
• Identify factual omissions and inconsistencies.

The Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Integrated Mathematics prepares students for teacher licensure in grades 7-12. Students complete most of their content coursework during their first three years; methods coursework typically begins during the spring of their third year. During the final year of the program, candidates complete remaining content courses, mathematics teaching methods courses and a year-long placement in a local school district, which concludes with 13 weeks of student teaching in the spring.

Students are required to complete Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCII) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Successfully pass the Ohio Assessment Exam.
• Demonstrate understanding of the content and pedagogy of required IMTH courses.
• Successfully plan three types of lesson plans: conceptual, procedural, and relevance to teaching mathematics.
• Successfully complete student teaching.
• Create a unit plan in secondary mathematics.
• Model 5 problems of antiquity in Desmos or Geogebra.
• Fulfill the requirements of edTPA

The Master of Science degree in Architecture and Environmental Design is a research-intensive program with one-year full residency requirement. The curriculum includes research methods, theories of architecture, thesis research, thesis and directed and free electives. The program is best suites for individuals interested in pursuing a specialization in the built environment.

The Master of Science degree in Geology provides qualified students the opportunity for advanced study in a wide variety of geologic fields. Focus areas include environmental research (water, surface and subsurface processes; geohazards; and natural resources), as well as evolution of earth's systems research (climate change, paleoecology and evolution, crustal processes).

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

• Show in-depth comprehension of several areas, including both basic and applied aspects of geology/earth sciences.
• Formulate testable scientific hypotheses and carry out independent research using appropriate field, experimental, analytical and/or computational methods.
• Describe, synthesize and interpret the results of a scientific investigation, and understand its broader applications.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace and Conflict Studies prepares students for careers or graduate study in the field of conflict management, peace studies and dispute resolution. This major gives students a solid background in managing conflicts in constructive, not destructive, ways. Students learn skills that are not only useful in a variety of workplace settings, but in everyday life and relationships as well.

Program areas of focus include mediation, negotiation, environmental conflict resolution, international conflict resolution, workplace conflict management, nonviolent action and community organizing. As this is an applied program, students learn skills and build professional networks through the internship, which can be completed in a wide variety of contexts.

The Master of Arts degree in Biology is for students wishing to gain additional knowledge in any area of the biological sciences. This is a non-thesis master's degree designed for secondary school science teachers, individuals looking for additional background or preparation for professional school (e.g. medicine, dentistry or Ph.D. programs) and those seeking employment in life science industries in a non-research capacity.

The Biology major includes the following concentration:

• The Biological Data Analytics concentration combines required courses in data analytics and elective options in biology to provide students with the understanding of the type of data collected while conducting biological research and how to analyze it.

Students who declare the Biology major with no concentration will select their area of specialization in consultation with an academic faculty advisor.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand advanced biological concepts beyond the scope of the typical undergraduate degree and to increase the depth of their knowledge through coursework and hands-on experiences.
• Apply scientific principles and appreciate work outside of their particular field.
• Effectively communicate about science with colleagues as well as those outside of the student's area of expertise.
• Develop the necessary laboratory skills that will allow testing of hypotheses.