Bachelor of Science in Biology (STEM)

at Kent State University USA

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 Master of Arts degree in Music Composition is designed to advance the music composition creative skills of advanced students and to prepare them for admission to doctoral study. The program emphasizes mastery of composition of large-scale works for media, including orchestra, choir, band and/or chamber music ensembles.

Based on a solid undergraduate music degree, the M.A. degree further develops abilities in music theory, including analytical, aural, written, keyboard and pedagogical skills. The program further develops breadth and depth in the area of Western music history and literature.

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

• Compile a body of completed compositions.
• Demonstrate and apply compositional techniques for creation of new works, including musical style and structure.
• Analyze music from a wide range of styles and style periods and communicate results in written and oral formats.
• Recognize, identify and analyze representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
• Communicate knowledge of composition, theory and other aspects of music as would be done in classroom and private teaching.

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 Arts degree in Chemistry allows students greater flexibility in choosing electives than the B.S. degree. Although not intended for students planning to become practicing chemists, the B.A. degree program is well suited for those needing a strong chemistry background as preparation for other career opportunities.

The program may be used to meet pre-medicine and pre-dentistry requirements when appropriate courses from the biological sciences are used to fulfill elective hours. However, the B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry concentration, is strongly recommended for students interested in medical or dental school.

Students in the program have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program with the University of Leicester in England.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Apply fundamental chemical knowledge as demonstrated by achieving passing grades in general chemistry courses.
• Comprehend the chemistry that underlies several fields, such as materials, industrial and biological chemistry
• Demonstrate skills in basic scientific report writing through laboratory courses.

The Bachelor of Science in Education degree in School Health Education prepares individuals to teach health education in the schools. Graduates are eligible to pursue the state's multi-age licensure. Students complete a variety of field experiences and a culminating student teaching experience.

The Health and Physical Education optional concentration allows students to seek Ohio teacher licensure in both health education and physical education. The program is designed to be completed in five years, and can allow students to satisfy up to 12 credit hours of program requirements with graduate courses.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Analyze factors affecting the successful implementation of health education and Coordinated School Health (CSH); select media and resources best suited to implement plans for diverse learners; exhibit competence in carrying out planned programs; and monitor educational programs, adjusting objectives and instructional strategies as necessary.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of CSH; develop plans to assess student achievement of program objectives; carry out evaluation plans; interpret results of program evaluation; and infer implications of evaluation findings for future programs.
• Coordinate provision of health education programs and services and develop a plan for comprehensive school health education with other components of a school health program; demonstrate the dispositions and skills to facilitate cooperation among health educators, other teachers, and appropriate school staff; formulate practical modes of collaboration among health educators in all settings and other school and community health professionals; and organize professional development programs for teachers, other school personnel, community members, and other interested individuals.
• Utilize computerized health information retrieval systems effectively; establish effective consultative relationships with those requesting assistance in solving health-related problems; interpret and respond to requests for health information; and select effective educational resource materials for dissemination.
• Communicate health information needs, concerns, and resources; interpret concepts, purposes, and theories of health education; predict the impact of social value systems on health education programs; select a variety of communication methods and techniques in providing health information; and foster communication between health care providers and consumers.
• Obtain health-related data about social and cultural environments, growth and development factors, and needs and interests of students; distinguish between the behaviors that foster and those that hinder well-being; and determine health education needs based on observed and obtained data.
• Recruit school and community representatives to support and assist in program planning; develop a logical scope and sequence plan for a health education program; formulate appropriate and measurable learner objectives; and design educational strategies consistent with specified learner objectives.
• Communicate and advocate for health and school health education by analyzing and responding to factors that impact current and future needs in comprehensive school health education, applying a variety of communication methods and techniques, advocating for school health education, and demonstrating professionalism.

The Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Integrated Social Studies prepares prospective teachers to be purposeful, deliberative and reflective practitioners, who teach students to contribute to the deepening of democracy, and promote the common good. The program is designed to develop pre-service teachers who learn from practice; engage in collaborative inquiry and partnerships to promote student learning and continued professional growth, create equitable classrooms, plan/organize meaningful lessons and assessments; and view themselves as curriculum developers who recognize that social studies content and curriculum are more than information in textbooks and standardized curriculum guides.

The Integrated Social Studies major comprises the following concentrations which prepares students to build on and integrate their content knowledge as part of developing participatory, democratic citizens:

• Economics
• Geography
• History
• Political Science
• Sociology

Graduates are prepared to teach social studies in grades 7-12 and are recommended for Ohio licensure upon completion of all state requirements.

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:

• Plan and teach lessons rooted in inquiry-based questions as outlined by the College, Career and Civic (C3) Framework as endorsed by the National Council for the Social Studies.
• Plan for and teach in ways that promote active student engagement, value multiple perspectives and encourage listening across difference.
• Develop equitable classrooms steeped in social justice that promote freedom and democracy for all learners.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising gives students the chance to connect with people through different media forms, by selecting the right audience, uncovering consumer insights and developing strategic and creative messaging, all with a digital-first mindset. Curriculum focuses on the advertising industry and the social responsibilities associated with this exciting form of persuasive media.

Coursework is supplemented with an internship. Other opportunities for experience include news, production, management, sales, performance and advertising positions with Kent State’s award-winning student media. Positions may also be available with IdeaBase, a student-run, full-service integrated marketing communications firm just down the hall from classrooms. Students teams also have the chance to participate in national competitions and make professional connections in the Franklin Advertising student group.

Students graduate ready for a career planning, buying and creating materials for digital and traditional outlets.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate critical thinking, grounded in a legal and ethical framework.
• Gather information, analyze it, and make informed judgments using methods and tools appropriate to their professions.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply theory and research appropriate to their professions, including quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply basic ethical principles to their professional work.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply laws and regulations applicable to their professional work.
• Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve.
• Demonstrate understanding of how media and their professions evolved historically, their role in societal development and their global interaction today with institutions and individuals.
• Demonstrate appreciation for diverse cultures and individual differences, and reflect that appreciation in their work.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology provide students, athletes and those preparing for careers as coaches and sport practitioners with the knowledge of psychological theory and skills to enhance human behavior in the sport and exercise settings and the performing arts. The major differs from existing sport-related bachelor's degree programs due to its focus on psychological processes related to sport performance, as opposed to existing programs that focus on pedagogical, physiological or the business aspects of sport performance.

The Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology major explores social-psychological concepts such as motivation, self-confidence, anxiety or burnout, and how these concepts interact with the sport environment to influence athletes (e.g., losing focus under pressure or having self-doubts during a game) and performance. The program prepares students with essential knowledge of psychological aspects of sport performance and ethical practice to work in wide-ranging sport-related fields or to further their education in their chosen careers via graduate programs and mental performance certification by the Association of Applied Sport Psychology.

The Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing provides a general approach that can be applied in a wide range of areas of business (e.g., for profit, nonprofit, service and manufacturing).  The program addresses the breadth within the marketing field through courses (e.g., consumer behavior, marketing research, international marketing, personal selling, advertising and promotion management) that provide the student with an appreciation of all central topic areas in the field.

The program gives students a generalist’s perspective and working knowledge of the theory and practice of marketing. Students learn the tasks involved in the analysis, planning, implementation and control of marketing programs that result in strategies and tactics used by businesses to sell products to consumers and other businesses. Typically, a traditional lecture format is used by instructors in this program.

Marketing students may apply early to the M.B.A. degree and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program policy in the University Catalog for more information.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of segmentation, target marketing, and positioning.
• Demonstrate an ability to collect and analyze market research data.
• Demonstrate an understanding of effective personal selling tactics.
• Demonstrate an ability to conduct financial analyses for the purposes of making strategic marketing decisions.

Graduates of all Bachelor of Business Administration programs will be able to:

• Recall strategic frameworks that are used to make business decisions.
• Perform basic calculations using quantitative tools that are used to support business decisions.
• Articulate and deliberate their ideas in writing.
• Articulate and deliberate their ideas orally.
• Identify ethical dilemmas and stakeholders.
• Recommend alternatives and consequences and choose a reasoned conclusion from the alternatives given.
• Identify global factors in making a business decision.
• Analyze global factors in making a business decision.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in History provides a well-rounded educational experience in which students have the independence and flexibility to explore and develop their individual interests while getting a solid grounding in different approaches to historical research, writing and analysis. The study of history offers insight into the complexity of the human experience by exploring the political, cultural, social, economic and environmental factors that have shaped the past and the present. The study of  history also offers training in a range of skills including how to find, evaluate, manage and synthesize multiple sources of information; how to think critically and analyze complex evidence; how to undertake independent research and manage time effectively; how to develop and present reasoned arguments supported by evidence; how to present information and arguments effectively in writing; and how to develop and deliver effective oral presentations. The skills and experiences gained through the study of history provide preparation for a variety of career tracks.

The History major is comprised of several elements. Lower-Division History Electives provide history majors with an overview of the major themes and developments in World history from human origins to the present and in the history of the United States from pre-colonization to the present. The required Historical Research Methods course introduces students to the main tools and techniques of doing history while providing them with the opportunity to develop and refine the skills of historical research, writing, and analysis to do well in their upper-division coursework. The History major also includes distribution requirements in two categories of upper-division courses. Area Studies Electives are a group of upper­ division history courses in which the history of a place (state, nation, or region) is the primary focus of the courses. Thematic Studies Electives are a group of upper-division history courses in which a specific topic or theme is the primary focus of the courses while the place and time period are secondary. The required Senior Seminar in History course is a capstone experience in which students develop, design, and execute their own original historical research project that utilizes primary sources and engages with current historical scholarship. Majors are also encouraged to do an internship in history for course credit to gain job experience and further strengthen their profile for their career after graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand and apply a variety of basic historical methods.
• Find, use, and analyze historical evidence and communicate their findings in an effective manner.
• Obtain historical content knowledge and understand the connectedness of historical events and the wide varieties of human experiences.
• Understand history as a discipline based on interpretation with historical questions constantly being reframed and investigated.