Master of Science in Computer Science - Computer Security (STEM)

at Kent State University USA

The Master of Music degree in Conducting is designed for current teachers of middle, junior and senior high school music ensemble programs; for professional church musicians; and for pre-professionals, including students continuing after completing undergraduate degrees. The program prepares post-undergraduate students for such paths as high school or college teaching, conducting positions and doctorates in conducting.

The M.M. degree in Conducting emphasizes development of skills, knowledge and background in the following areas: literature and repertoire; conducting technique; rehearsal technique; score study; choral and/or instrumental performance pedagogy; historical performance practices; interpretation and expression.

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

• Recognize, identify, interpret and conduct representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
• Demonstrate and apply advanced conducting techniques, including baton technique, use of hands/arms, facial expressions and body language.
• Plan and execute an efficient and productive rehearsal, including managing time, setting achievable goals, detecting and correcting errors and providing motivation and inspiration for expressive performance and focused work ethic.
• Utilize and discuss score study techniques such as keyboard score reading, transposition of instruments, instrumental/vocal score order, compositional structure, analysis of chord and melodic structures and audiation skills.
• Identify, explain and utilize performance pedagogy appropriate to the specific vocal or instrumental area of study.
• Identify, associate, differentiate and utilize performance practices appropriate to the literature of the various stylistic periods.
• Display interpretation and expression in music through discussion in conducting lessons, explanation in rehearsals and demonstration in rehearsal and performance settings through conducting gestures and the resulting musical product.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology is for students who wish to acquire in-depth training in archaeology and biological anthropology. The program is more structured in terms of course requirements than the B.A. degree in Anthropology and provides students with methods and theory that will prepare them for graduate school and future careers in the discipline.

The Anthropology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Archaeology concentration provides students with in-depth training in analysis and field opportunities, as well as coursework in archeological theory and cultural ecology. The program emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of archaeology. Students take courses in geography (GIS mapping and satellite imagery), geology and mathematics; and have the option of  chemistry or physics courses, depending on interests and aspirations. The program features hands-on training using the latest technologies, including morphometric analysis, material properties testing, artifact replication, digital recording and mapping equipment. Areas of specialization include experimental archaeology, Old World Paleolithic archaeology and North American archaeology.
• The Biological Anthropology concentration trains students in aspects of evolutionary theory, human evolution and human variation. Coursework includes studies of living primates, their anatomy, behavior, ecology and conservation. Laboratory work for genetics, endocrinology, bone biology and neurobiology are available for undergraduate training. Additionally, the freshmen human evolution laboratory enhances the learning process in the biological aspects of human nature.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Acquire a foundational view of human cultures and an extensive knowledge base of diverse human behavior
• Demonstrate broad skills in social, physical and biological sciences.
• Understand how social scientists think and apply their findings.

Graduates of the Archaeology concentration will be able to:

• Learn how anthropologists investigate the past combining the methods of social and natural scientists.
• Demonstrate comprehension of anthropology’s special role in making archaeology (particularly the study of the ancient Americas) come to life and become relevant for them.
• Gain a special appreciation of archaeology’s other mandate—the need to conserve the precious heritage of the archaeological record, both in the New World and the Old World.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of general chemistry and/or physics,  fundamental mathematics, as well as specific areas of geology and geography.

Graduates of the Biological Anthropology concentration will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of biological anthropology as the most relevant evolution science, the one which gives them an appreciation of their place in nature.
• See the two dimensions of human evolution and adaptation: a global one (modern human variation) and a deep temporal one (human origins). Both dimensions require an appreciation of the neo-Darwinian theory of evolution, which includes both the process of natural selection and the roles which genetics and developmental biology play.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of general chemistry and fundamental mathematics, as well as specific areas in the biological sciences.

The Master of Arts degree in Applied Mathematics is emphasizes areas relevant to mathematical applications in the sciences, including engineering, biological, financial and physical sciences. There is no thesis requirement or option. Students in the Ph.D. degree in Applied Mathematics can apply for this M.A. degree after completing the requisite number of credit hours.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Engage effectively in problem solving, including exploring examples, devising and testing conjectures and assessing the correctness of solutions.
• Reason in mathematical arguments at a level appropriate to the discipline, including posing problems precisely, articulating assumptions and reasoning logically to conclusions.
• Approach mathematical problems creatively, including trying multiple approaches and modifying problems when necessary to make them more tractable.
• Communicate mathematics clearly both orally and in writing.
• Teach university-level mathematics effectively.
• Obtain depth in some subdiscipline of applied mathematics.

The Master of Education degree in School Counseling prepares students for employment as professional school counselors in K-12 schools. This program is designed to fulfill the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed School Counselor in the state of Ohio. The program may be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis, although some full-time study is urged.

The Master of Arts degree in Philosophy offers intensive, in-depth study of philosophy, with particular attention to the diversity of philosophical methods, perspectives and traditions, as well as their relation to other disciplines.

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

• Demonstrate knowledge of the history of philosophy from the classical period to the present day, of the various fields of philosophical inquiry, and of central philosophical questions, both historical and contemporary.
• Articulate and defend their positions through philosophical argumentation in both written and oral form.
• Successfully navigate the professional academic world and prepare strong applications to doctoral programs, if they choose to continue their studies after completion of the master's degree.

The Master of Arts degree in Sociology is designed to prepare students for doctoral study in sociology and for careers in a variety of professions and industries, including, but not limited to, government, research companies and non-profit organizations.

The Master of Arts degree in Media and Journalism is designed to give students a solid background in preparation for a professional career. Students are able to take a mix of online and face-to-face courses that allow them to craft a graduate degree that reflects their career interest. Courses are dynamic, challenging and professionally relevant. With small class sizes, students are able to learn from their professors and from the experiences of their fellow classmates, many of whom are working media professionals or nationally recognized journalism educators.

The Media and Journalism major offers the following optional concentration:

• The Journalism Education concentration is intended for those seeking to teach or advise student journalists. The program is affiliated with Kent State's Center for Scholastic Journalism, and faculty include some of the most-recognized high school journalism educators in the country. The coursework focuses on concepts and lessons that can be used in a teacher's classroom right away, with a professional project as the culminating requirement.

Students not selecting the concentration work with their advisor to plan a course of study that meets their professional needs, with the culminating requirement of either a thesis or professional project.

The School of Media and Journalism provides its students with a strong foundation to achieve their goals in the rapidly changing media industry. All students take a series of core courses that provide the foundation for a career in media and journalism and develop a specialization through the selection of elective courses that can be within or outside of the school. One student may choose to hone skills as a multimedia journalist focusing on public affairs, while another may seek to develop expertise as a public relations professional for not-for-profit organizations.

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

• Communicate effectively across multiple platforms.
• Demonstrate an understanding of relevant ethical and legal frameworks in their disciplines.
• Ground their professional work in relevant theories.
• Represent high levels of professionalism.

The Master of Music degree in Conducting is designed for current teachers of middle, junior and senior high school music ensemble programs; for professional church musicians; and for pre-professionals, including students continuing after completing undergraduate degrees. The program prepares post-undergraduate students for such paths as high school or college teaching, conducting positions and doctorates in conducting.

The M.M. degree in Conducting emphasizes development of skills, knowledge and background in the following areas: literature and repertoire; conducting technique; rehearsal technique; score study; choral and/or instrumental performance pedagogy; historical performance practices; interpretation and expression.

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

• Recognize, identify, interpret and conduct representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
• Demonstrate and apply advanced conducting techniques, including baton technique, use of hands/arms, facial expressions and body language.
• Plan and execute an efficient and productive rehearsal, including managing time, setting achievable goals, detecting and correcting errors and providing motivation and inspiration for expressive performance and focused work ethic.
• Utilize and discuss score study techniques such as keyboard score reading, transposition of instruments, instrumental/vocal score order, compositional structure, analysis of chord and melodic structures and audiation skills.
• Identify, explain and utilize performance pedagogy appropriate to the specific vocal or instrumental area of study.
• Identify, associate, differentiate and utilize performance practices appropriate to the literature of the various stylistic periods.
• Display interpretation and expression in music through discussion in conducting lessons, explanation in rehearsals and demonstration in rehearsal and performance settings through conducting gestures and the resulting musical product.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in a technological, multicultural and global environment. Our mission is to teach students to think analytically, reason critically, communicate effectively, and lead responsibly. We strive to develop communicators who are adaptive and ethical citizens who will thrive in the workplace, in the community, and in careers in government, business, non-profit, and education. We strive to understand how communication affects identities, communities, and cultures. We offer hands-on skill development opportunities to prepare students for meaningful and fulfilling careers.

The Communication Studies major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Applied Communication concentration offers an interdisciplinary program of study in which students gain expertise in organizational communication, advanced presentational speaking, professional writing and visual design. Students are trained to integrate theoretical knowledge and technical skills in order to perform professional tasks such as conducting training sessions and seminars, creating web content, designing promotional materials, managing communication campaigns and writing press releases.   
• The Communication Studies–General concentration features flexibility and choice. Students create a personalized plan of study tailored to their specific academic interests and career goals. This concentration is appropriate for those who have diverse academic interests.

Programs in the College of Communication and Information are, by nature, innovative, interdisciplinary and collaborative, which is critical to both professional and scholarly disciplines. Students are educated to work at the intersections of communication, information and technology. Through a core of diverse theory- and practice-based courses, students learn basic concepts that apply across the range of college programs and develop a sense of professional expectations and build toward interdisciplinary thinking and application.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Display competence in verbal, nonverbal, and written communication.
• Advocate courses of action to stimulate improved decision-making.
• Influence others through demonstrated presentational speaking skills.
• Communicate ethically.
• Foster inclusive dialogues and tailor messages that respect diversity, empower others, and bring about social change.
• Articulate creative, effective, and evidenced-based solutions to communication problems.
• Coordinate action, solve problems, foster well-being, engage in critical thinking, and participate in civic life.
• Communicate effectively in a technological, multicultural, and global society to bring about meaningful social change.  
• Apply information and media literacy in an effective and ethical manner.

The program learning outcomes reflect the University's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, creativity, and community outreach and engagement.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics equips students with a variety of skills sought by employers, including conceptualizing and solving problems and locating, organizing and analyzing relevant data.

In their junior year, students learn microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and take an econometrics class to learn data analysis skills. Students then take a series of electives that deal with vital current topics relevant to many careers in which these theories and skills are applied, such as the U.S. financial and banking system, economic relations between the United States and foreign countries; government spending and taxation policies; and the U.S. health system and policy options.

In their senior year, students take a capstone course that utilizes and applies the theory, skills and institutional knowledge learned in the program.

In addition to the B.A. degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, a B.B.A. degree in Economics is offered in the College of Business Administration.