Master of Public Health - Biostatistics

at Kent State University USA

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy gives students the opportunity to consider some of life's biggest questions, such as

• What is the nature of reality?"
• What (if anything) can I know with certainty?"
• What kind of life should I live?"

Philosophy students read, discuss and analyze texts from all of the traditional philosophical areas of study and historical periods. They become familiar with contemporary schools of thought and learn about the application of philosophy to other disciplines and professions. The program familiarizes students not only with the Western philosophical tradition, but also with schools of thought from a broad spectrum of non-Western cultures. The Philosophy major provides intensive training in argumentative writing, careful reading and critical and creative thinking, while also broadening students' intellectual, cultural and personal horizons.

The flexibility of the major's curriculum allows students to combine it with other majors or minors, depending on their career interests. In this way, students can tailor their educational experience to provide excellent preparation for a wide range of careers, including law, business, medicine, technology, public relations, government, journalism, education, writing, editing, communications and social work.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Read, write and think critically and analytically.
• Consider and analyze differing viewpoints and various sides of an issue.
• Construct strong arguments and express them verbally and in writing.
• Think creatively and see alternative solutions to problems.
• Communicate effectively in both personal and professional settings.
• Demonstrate meaningful global literacy.
• Continue on a path of lifelong learning and inquiry, whether in graduate school or independently.
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the history of philosophy and of important contemporary questions, as well as a deeper, more specialized understanding of selected philosophical figures, issues and/or areas of inquiry.

The Master of Education degree in Cultural Foundations, offered fully online or on campus, explores education through a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives: philosophy of education, history of education, sociology of education, comparative/international education, anthropology of education, gender studies, multicultural studies and religious studies. Students examine the social contexts of education, with particular emphasis on structural inequalities, issues of access and the distribution of educational opportunity, normative considerations about the purposes of education, and the transformative potential of education.

The degree program promotes students' responsibilities as change agents in a range of educational settings, including schools, cultural and religious institutions and civic associations. Graduates of the program have the knowledge and skills to interpret and critique educational policies and practices and to promote innovative practices in a variety of educational settings, domestically and worldwide.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics provides an education in aviation that produces professionals to operate the National Airspace System in the 21st century.

The Aeronautics major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Aeronautical Studies concentration prepares students for entry-level technological positions in aviation and related areas. Although focused on a broad foundation of aeronautically related subjects, the program also provides a significant number of electives that allow students to explore other areas of interest or earn a minor in a particular area of study. It is well suited for those entering the program with previous flight experience or transfer credits from an accredited university.
• The Air Traffic Control concentration prepares students for professional work in air traffic control and management. Originally, as part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic–Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI), the concentration provides practical simulation-based training in air traffic control that enables the CTI graduates to work as air traffic controllers and managers in the National Airspace System.
• The Aviation Management concentration prepares students for entry-level management supervisory and administrative positions in aviation and other aviation-related professional fields. This course of study combines technical and aeronautical courses with courses in management and information systems. Students entering this program should have a technical interest, mathematical proficiency and an ability to develop analytical and communicative capabilities.
• The Professional Pilot concentration is designed for students who aspire to become professional pilots. This concentration stresses subjects associated with flight systems, propulsion, structures and electronics. Students entering this program should have a strong desire for excellence in aviation as well as the flying skills required of a professional pilot.
• The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operations concentration is for students who aspire to become professional Unmanned aircraft pilots (drone pilot).  This concentration is focused on the safe operations of unmanned aircraft systems, regulations, the technology of autonomous systems and policy regarding the operations of unmanned aerial elements. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of math, science and the applied sciences to aviation-related disciplines.
• Analyze and interpret data.
• Understand and master the fundamental concepts and skills of airplane flight.
• Communicate effectively through written and oral means.
• Recognize the need and develop the cognitive abilities to engage in life-long learning by successfully contending with changing technologies, regulatory policies and procedures, market forces and the highly dynamic operational environment of commercial flight and professional aviation.
• Understand contemporary issues that affect aviation.
• Use the techniques, skills and modern technology necessary for professional practice.
• Understand the national and international aviation environment.
• Apply pertinent knowledge in identifying and solving problems.
• Know and understand the technical details involved in the effective management of employees and operational systems in professional aviation.

The Master of Arts degree in Human Development and Family Studies provides students with advanced knowledge in the fields of family sciences and human development and the opportunity to develop multidisciplinary research and community outreach skills.

Coursework enables students to apply to become Certified Family Life Educators. Courses focus on current research and practice in human development and family studies with an emphasis on family theories and processes; family life education; the reciprocal influences of family, school, work and community contexts; development across the lifespan; and the strengths and needs of diverse populations.

The program emphasizes both basic and applied research. Student participation in interdisciplinary research and community outreach projects is encouraged. Graduates are prepared for leadership and teaching positions in the social services, junior and community colleges and cooperative extension and/or for pursuing doctoral-level study.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Identify physical, intellectual, emotional and social dimensions of human life within their respective disciplines.
• Identify ways to contribute to quality of human life within their respective disciplines.
• Participate in quality developmental and family research and outreach within their respective disciplines.
• Identify practical implications of human development and family relationship concepts.
• Demonstrate an understanding of program development, delivery and evaluation pertaining to human development and family relationships.
• Access scholarly sources of information and critically evaluate the quality of empirical research pertaining to human development and family relationships.
• Demonstrate an understanding of theories, methods and principles of research pertaining to human development and family relationships.
• Effectively communicate their ideas in oral presentations and written papers.
• Demonstrate proficiency in developmental and family research methods and relevant statistical analyses.
• Independently complete a master's thesis or master's project that reflects an understanding of the interrelationship between theory, research, and practice.
• Recognize the unique strengths and needs of individuals and families.
• Apply knowledge of human development and family relationships through involvement with and study of diverse domestic and international populations.
• Identify opportunities to make a contribution in the field of human development and family studies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of professional organizations in the field of human development and family studies.
• Define a specific focus area of interest within the field of human development and family studies, and utilize course assignments and independent learning opportunities to develop and demonstrate expertise in this area.
• Demonstrate leadership skills through participation in classroom learning activities and taking initiative for expanding one's own learning.
• Identify opportunities for advanced training and certification in human development and family studies and related professions.
• Identify opportunities for employment in human development and family studies and related professions.

The Master of Arts degree in Visual Communication Design is recommended for students who already hold an undergraduate degree and are looking to enter the design industry or related fields and wish to advance their studio skills in print design, illustration, web design, 3-D design, motion graphics, interactive design, corporate identity, information architecture, interaction design or information graphics. The program offers individualized plans of study, experiential learning, design history and research. Interdisciplinary study is encouraged.

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

• Demonstrate an understanding of basic skills and knowledge of design processes, principles, vocabulary and history.
• Develop a body of creative work at a level appropriate for a graduate designer/illustrator/photographer.

The Master of Education degree in Research, Measurement, and Statistics develops educators and specialists in the areas of assessment, measurement, research design and program evaluation. The program serves teachers and administrators seeking applied measurement, research and evaluation skills for use in schools (pre-kindergarten to grade 12) and in higher education. The program also serves professionals seeking careers in the areas of evaluation, research and psychometrics.

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

• Demonstrate knowledge of descriptive and inferential statistics at a conceptual and application level.
• Demonstrate knowledge of research design and methods by selecting and executing the appropriate research design and methods for a variety of applications.
• Demonstrate knowledge of measurement, including the methods to develop valid and reliable measures of constructs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary and classic theories in program evaluation, the purposes and logic of program evaluation and the processes of different types of program evaluation.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science comprises four concentrations:

• The Exercise Physiology concentration prepares students for graduate school in exercise physiology or health care professions.
• The Exercise Specialist concentration enables students to prepare for work in the clinical setting, ranging from a career in wellness to cardiac rehabilitation.
• The Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy/Podiatric Medicine concentration prepares students for subsequent graduate school in these areas. The pre-podiatric medicine track is designed to be a combined program with Kent State University's College of Podiatric Medicine. Successful completion of this program, however does not guarantee acceptance into the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. Please see the Podiatric Medicine doctoral program in the catalog for more information about the application process and acceptance criteria.
• The Strength and Conditioning concentration is designed to assist those that wish to pursue a career in the field of strength and conditioning. This may include working with all levels of athletes in a strength and conditioning facility.

The goal of the program is to prepare competent entry-level Exercise Science professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (abilities) learning domains. Individual course content, objectives, and assessments are structured to achieve this larger goal.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Explain the physiology of human movement.
• Outline the anatomy and physiology of exercise.
• Identify the pathophysiology of chronic diseases and risk factors.
• Apply the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to assess, motivate and prescribe exercise for healthy individuals and those with chronic diseases.
• Demonstrate understanding of scientific and theoretical concepts of physiology critical to acting as an Exercise Scientist [Knowledge].
• Demonstrate practical skills including the ability to conduct a comprehensive fitness assessment [Assessment Skills].
• Pass a National Certification (either the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP) or the National Strength and Conditioning (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS))[Foundational Knowledge of the Field].

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 Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education prepares students for Ohio licensure to teach music in grades K-12 in choral general and instrumental music. The program includes studies in jazz, folk, musical theatre, world music and music technology, while providing a strong grounding in Western art music history, theory and performance.

The Music Education major comprises the following concentrations:

• Choral General
• Instrumental

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Successfully meet all requirements for state licensure.

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.