Bachelor of Science in Geology (STEM)

at Kent State University USA

The Bachelor of Science degree in Geology is designed for those interested in a professional career in the field. The curriculum focuses on minerals, rocks, landforms, fossils, structural geology, geochemistry and field mapping, among others. Supplemental courses include introductory chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics. Students are also encouraged to specialize in a applied or theoretical area of the science.

The Geology major includes the following optional concentration:

• The Environmental Geology optional concentration provides students with specialized training for careers in the well-established and growing field of environmental geology, including water resources, resource management and energy resources. The concentration's curriculum focuses on hydrology, hydrogeology, engineering geology and environmental monitoring techniques.

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 Science degree in Digital Media Production educates students to create exciting fiction and non-fiction content for delivery in today’s most in-demand formats. Whether they want to produce the next award-winning podcast, write a hit streaming series, or influence millions with social media content, students learn from seasoned professionals using industry standard technology to tell their stories on screens big or small.

Many opportunities exist to collaborate with students from theatre and dance, game design, science, music, art, fashion and technology during the production of live TV, short films, audio series, documentaries and animated works.

Students also have the chance to work with Kent State’s TeleProductions operations, the nationally recognized Student Media outlets at the School, and even NPR affiliate WKSU.

With the added professional experience students earn from the required internship, they graduate ready to play a leading role in the entertainment industry of tomorrow.

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 Biology is for students who are interested in pursuing an in-depth specialization as a biologist or wish to pursue a medical or health care career.

The Biology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Molecular and Cellular Biology concentration is the study of biological processes within and between individual cells, allowing for a better understanding of biological principles in normal and diseased states. The focus of this program includes concepts related to the genetic basis of life, regulation of gene expression and cellular functions.
• The Organismal Biology concentration allows students to examine organisms in their natural environment and address fundamental principles of survival and adaptation in discrete micro-environments and entire ecosystems. While basic concepts of biological and chemical functions are covered, the focus of this concentration is comprehensive aspects of the whole organism.
• The Pre-Medicine/Pre-Podiatry/Pre-Dentistry concentration prepares students for careers in medicine and health care. The curriculum provides the courses necessary for admission to advanced degree programs in healthcare and biomedical science professions.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental biological principles.
• Acquire the fundamental skills necessary for laboratory and field investigations.
• Conduct proper experimental design, analyze biological data and communicate research results.
• Know and appreciate the role that biology plays in societal issues, such as those related to the environment, biodiversity, ethics, human health and disease.

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 Master of Education degree in School Psychology provides a focus on the core principles and foundations of the practice of school psychology. The M.Ed. degree is not considered a terminal degree and is not sufficient for earning the Ohio state license in school psychology.

Additional training beyond the M.Ed. (e.g., an Ed.S. or Ph.D.) is required in order to gain the credential of 'school psychologist' at the state (i.e., Ohio Department of Education) and national (i.e., through the National Association of School Psychologists national certification program) levels as well as for licensure and practice in most states.

The Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Managerial Marketing prepares students to be marketing practitioners by helping them to fully develop the analytical, decision-making and communications (written and oral) skills used and valued by individuals working in this field. Faculty engage each student in active learning through hands-on assignments, case studies, projects with real businesses, and dynamic interactions with the faculty member and other students in the classroom. Each course aims to strengthen writing skills by emphasizing logical flow, persuasiveness and succinctness. Because coursework is sequential and integrated, each course builds upon prior classes to give students a comprehensive body of knowledge, skills and abilities.

The objective of this program is to educate students to function effectively in business environments where they will have to make autonomous decisions and be required to take action on their own initiative.

Managerial 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 ability to conduct financial analyses for the purposes of making strategic marketing decisions.
• Demonstrate an understanding of segmentation and target marketing.
• Demonstrate an ability to analyze market research data.
• Demonstrate an ability to analyze markets and competitors within markets.

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 Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design integrates conceptual, technical and production design knowledge and skills, leading to a synthesis of the design process from concept to production. These processes include color, design and trend research; technical sketching and rendered illustration; pattern-making and garment construction; analysis of appropriate fit and fabric selection; and the ability to communicate specifications for production using industry standards appropriate to specific markets.

The degree program prepares students for professional careers by developing technical competency, creative/independent problem solving and conceptual understanding necessary for the challenges of a career in the creative industries. Students develop portfolios for presentation at industry interviews and are prepared to be strongly competitive for any entry-level design position in the industry. In addition, students participate in a study abroad/away experience, which includes opportunities to study for a semester in New York City and Florence, Italy, as well as through collaborative partnership programs with the Paris American Academy, Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Regent's University in London.

The B.F.A. degree in Fashion Design engages students in a focused-study thesis project (collection development) as a capstone experience that results in submitting their collection for formal review by faculty and industry designer-critics, followed by public presentation in a fashion venue and completion of a thesis "magazine" (print collateral).

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand the fashion industry, fashion markets, fashion products, and services
• Demonstrate understanding of integrating conceptual, technical and production design knowledge and skills, leading to a synthesis of the design process from concept to production.
• Apply knowledge and skills in the use of basic tools, techniques, and processes sufficient to produce work from draft or specifications to finished product, including skills in portfolio preparation.
• Articulate conceptual and critical thinking applicable to the fashion industry.
• Employ research processes and practices employed in the fashion industry.
• Articulate professionalism and communication skills in the appropriate creative industry.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Mechatronics Engineering integrates mechanical, electrical, computer and controls engineering to understand automated machinery, specifically, how to design it and how to make it work. Mechatronics engineering revolves around the design, construction and operation of automated systems, robots and intelligent products, which result from the integration of software and hardware.

Using automated systems is becoming more popular for operating equipment or machinery on manufacturing lines, boilers and aircraft to reduce labor costs, increase precision and accuracy and provide quality and safety for workers. Mechatronic devices can be found in agriculture, hospitals, buildings, homes, automobiles, manufacturing plants, the toy and entertainment industry and in aids for the elderly and disabled.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• 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, manufacturing and sustainability
• Use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management provides students with an academic foundation and field experiences in preparation for the recreation, park and tourism professions. The program is comprised of three concentrations:

• The Park Management concentration focuses on providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and protecting the natural, cultural and historic resources on which those opportunities depend. Complementary minors include Disability Studies and Community Inclusion, Biology for Environmental Management and Conservation.
• The Recreation Management concentration focuses on providing opportunities for individuals and community health and wellbeing through recreation and parks in public, nonprofit and commercial settings. Complementary minors include: Disability Studies and Community Inclusion, Nonprofit Studies, Event Planning,
• The Tourism Management concentration focuses on providing entrepreneurial services for tourism industries as well as sustainable tourism destination management. Complementary minors include: Disability Studies and Community Inclusion, Event Planning, Business Management.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Articulate the impact of inclusive policies and practices targeted toward underrepresented individuals and groups including, but not limited to disability, race and/or ethnicity, age, social class, gender, and sexual orientation.
• Identify principles of inclusion, modification, and laws related to equal opportunity, and select strategies to mitigate barriers influencing recreation participation for people with disabilities.  
• Outline the historical, scientific, and philosophical foundations of the field.
• Differentiate the nature and scope of the industry; including critical aspects of program development, service development, management, and the components of leisure service delivery systems and various providers and levels of recreation.
• Analyze and apply common management roles, responsibilities, and approaches applicable to the field and the leadership styles and practices related to personnel management.
• Investigate public relations and marketing strategies, planning and development issues, and fiscal/budgetary management.
• Illustrate site specific attributes in relation to the RPTM field and the components of professional practice for successful engagement with the site.
• Model ethical, professional, appropriate behavior, and the ability to communicate effectively in oral, visual, and written forms.
• Apply basic principles of the program development cycle for recreation services and modifications for inclusivity.
• Engage in academic research, writing, and evaluation of literature and data for evidence-based improvement of services in leisure science.