Master of Science in Computer Science (STEM)

at Kent State University USA

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design, Technology and Production fosters the artistic development of theatre designers, technicians and artisans. Students study both traditional theatre practices and new methods, materials and technologies. Students must demonstrate continued progress through annual portfolio reviews, course work and production responsibilities. In addition, students are expected to complete a significant production assignment each semester.

Students will be able to apply design and technology concepts for the school’s theatrical and dance productions. Kent State’s Center for the Performing Arts houses three theatres, performance and rehearsal space, a scene shop, a costume shop and laboratories for costumes, drafting, lighting and scenery. In addition, the School of Theatre and Dance oversees the outdoor venue Porthouse Theatre.

The B.F.A. degree program prepares students for M.F.A. degree study, as well as such occupations as scenic designer, costume designer, lighting designer, sound/projection designer, prop master, scenic artist, stage manager, production manager, wardrobe supervisor, technical director and stage technicians.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate ability to conceptualize and realize a design aesthetic consistent with the overall artistic concepts of a production.
• Demonstrate ability to understand and articulate basic elements and principles of design theory.
• Demonstrate ability to understand and articulate basic elements and principles of composition related to line, shape, color, texture and sound.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetic use of color.
• Demonstrate understanding of aesthetic use of sound.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate design ideas and realities to other personnel involved in the production, including directors, other designers, stage managers and actors.
• Demonstrate ability to produce and communicate design ideas with freehand drawings.
• Demonstrate ability to provide formalized, accurate production models and drawings by hand and/or through the use of current industry standard software programs.
• Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the total design process, including the progression of raw materials through multiple design "shops" and the roles that various craftspeople play in the creation of a finished product.
• Acquire knowledge of federal, state and local health and safety codes, best practices and industry standards as they relate to theatrical venues and production elements.
• Prepare and present a professional resume and a portfolio of design- and technology-related work that demonstrate one's abilities, strengths, processes and experiences.
• Acquire experiences in the design/technology aspects of theatre in a variety of formal and informal settings.

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 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 optional concentrations:

• 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.
• The Cellular and Molecular Biology concentration provides a heavy focus on cell-to-cell interactions and signaling pathways to give students a deep understanding of the cellular and molecular processes that occur within cells and physiological systems.
• The Environmental Biology concentration provides students with a balance between better understanding the relationships between organisms and the environment and how this balance can be sustained through environmental management and conservation.
• The Medical Biology concentration provides students with a deep understanding of physiological systems and the mechanisms that underlie various disorders and disease pathologies.

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.

The B.S. degree in Sports Medicine will focus on the knowledge and skills that are required for sports medicine and athletic training professionals with specific coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, chemistry, physics, basics of sports medicine, strength and conditioning, first aid, pathologies of injury and illness, pathologies of general medical conditions, pharmacology, therapeutic intervention in health care (including modality application and rehabilitation), healthcare organization and management, emergency medical skills, documentation and record keeping in health care and psychology.

Students completing this program will gain experience in direct patient care and patient care skills, preparing them for their specific career path. Direct patient care skills taught and evaluated include, but are not limited to, first aid and CPR, assessment of biomechanics, gait analysis, goniometry, manual muscle testing, postural assessment, palpation, auscultation, emergency management, and obtaining medical and family histories through patient encounters.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Develop foundational knowledge for admission to advanced studies in graduate athletic training programs or employment in associated sports medicine fields
• Demonstrate sound decision-making through analysis and application in the prevention, management, and resolution of health-related issues associated with sports medicine issues
• Engage in comprehensive sports medicine care while integrating disciplined-specific, synthesized, creative, respectful and ethical elements
• Develop confidence and competence to successfully transition into practice and/or higher education programs in sports medicine

The Master of Arts degree in French provides an advanced education in French, which integrates the language, linguistics, literature and culture of France and the latest methodologies in the teaching of French.

The French major comprises the following concentration:

• The Applied Linguistics and Pedagogy concentration is intended primarily for students who wish to teach in elementary and secondary schools or beginning and intermediate levels of post secondary study, and to increase their effectiveness as teachers.

The Master of Arts degree in Cultural Foundations 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.

Students in the M.A. degree write a thesis on an educational topic of their own choosing. Thesis students work closely with their academic supervisor to generate a thesis topic and design a research study or undertake a scholarly analysis of an issue of interest to the student.

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

• Demonstrate an understanding of the social, cultural, economic and political assumptions shaping educational policies and reforms in the United States and other societies.
• Understand the nature of the democratic challenge for schooling in answering such foundational questions as: "What should be taught?" "Who should be taught?" and "Who should teach?"
• Demonstrate an understanding of the convergence of social class, race, gender, sexual orientation and disability as barriers to and opportunities for educational change, domestically and internationally.

Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology apply the science of understanding and explaining thoughts, emotions and behavior to solving real-world problems. Topics include stress, biological influences on behavior, growth and development of children and diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. Elective courses may be used to specialize in a number of areas of psychology and to gain hands-on experience in research labs. The degree prepares students for graduate school and employment in a range of fields, including clinical, applied and experimental areas of psychology and related fields such as education, law, human resources and health care.

The Psychology major includes the following optional concentrations:

• The Child Psychology concentration is designed for students who are interested specifically in children and adolescents. Topics include child development, psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence, children's cognitive processes, personality development and child-related research experience. The concentration prepares students for graduate study and employment in a range of fields, including clinical psychology, school psychology, school counseling and employment in settings such as child development centers and related agencies.
• The Counseling Careers concentration is designed to prepare students for employment in a range of fields and for master's-level study in all fields of counseling. Topics include human adjustment, stress and coping, human development, personality, psychological disorders, treatment and intervention techniques, psychometrics, psychopharmacology and clinical or counseling-related research experience.

Students interested in other career paths within psychology may pursue the major without a concentration.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Describe the basic theoretical perspectives, principles, concepts, empirical findings and historical trends in psychology.
• Understand and use fundamental data analysis techniques.
• Understand and apply basic research methods/tools in psychology and evaluate the adequacy of research designs.
• Write effectively in the discipline.
• Recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.

The Master of Education degree in Special Education provides students with advanced understanding of contemporary research and practice issues in special education. Students in the program are typically interested in pursuing enhanced professional competence, career advancement, leadership roles, advocacy and systems change; or they may be wanting to prepare for doctoral-level study. Students do not need to have an undergraduate degree in special education (or in education) to be successful in the master's degree; however, should be motivated to develop a deeper understanding of the field of special education.

The M.Ed. degree program does not prepare students for teacher licensure; however, some of the coursework required for the degree may count toward licensure. Students interested in both licensure and a M.Ed. degree will need to apply and be fully admitted into both the master's degree and the non-degree graduate licensure preparation program.

The Special Education major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Deaf Education concentration focuses on needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education prepares students to effectively teach visual art by applying a learner-centered pedagogy to embrace the many dimensions of human intelligence and aesthetic education.

Art educators understand child development to successfully engage learners in the complete artistic process of thinking—perceptual, imaginative, formative, expressive and communicative—by combining a range of subject matter, symbols and ideas. They organize and evaluate teaching activities for creating and analyzing works of art and design from contemporary and past cultures. This involves using a variety of media, technology and community resources, making connections between visual art and other disciplines, as well as assessing the learning outcomes of their students.

In addition, art educators are prepared to meet the needs of all students with an understanding of the value of diversity. They create safe and equitable learning environments in which to nurture life-long skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and constructing meaning.

Graduates of the degree program will be eligible to be certified for pre-K-12 visual art teacher licensure

Study Abroad/Away Opportunities:

• Travel opportunities to New York, London, Paris and China
• Study abroad through Kent State's Florence program in Florence, Italy (full semester or summer art and design experience)
• Ohio Art Education Association and National Art Education Association Travel Studies

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

• Articulate their beliefs about art education and defend their position, as well as demonstrate in-depth engagement in issues of the field
• Research, plan, conduct and assess art experiences for preK-12 grade students, grounded in the National and Ohio Visual Art standards
• Examine and learn from observed student and teacher behaviors to understand effective teaching practices
• Comprehend the visual stages of development as they relate to mental, social, emotional and physical development of children in order to plan appropriate lesson instruction
• Develop and articulate knowledge of various theories related to teaching artmaking, art criticism, art history and aesthetics, as well as theories related to instructional and interdisciplinary practices
• Apply principles of classroom management, safety practices and motivational techniques in teaching
• Organize and manage the time, space and resources of an instructional setting for teaching art
• Learn to use community resources, such as museums and community artists, and make connections between communal needs, the learner and the art education curriculum
• Effectively plan and install art exhibits
• Competently use materials and media to communicate visually
• Effectively communicate verbally and through writing their ideas of art education in relation to contemporary art education theory and the application of those ideas in art classrooms
• Become advocates for the field of art education
• Develop an understanding of their communal, national and global identities, in the context of the personal as well as professional as educators
• Create and teach appropriate art curricula that meet the cultural, emotional, academic, physical, sensory and behavioral needs of students
• Understand the significance of and apply curricula that promote appreciation and critical understanding of diversity, inclusivity and interdisciplinarity
• Learn about career planning and related professional issues, such as national assessments, unions, professional development possibilities, graduate studies and life-long learning
• Continue to reflect critically on their teaching practices
• Be prepared in professional responsibilities as a member of the art education community
• Adapt their curriculum accordingly
• Use technology in an ethical, critical and creative manner as a means to acquire, provide, organize and communicate knowledge

The Master of Education degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling features an interdisciplinary approach that focuses on the inclusion of persons with disabilities into the life of the community. Graduates are employed in vocational rehabilitation settings, mental health and developmental disabilities agencies, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, public and private hospitals, comprehensive rehabilitation centers, correctional facilities, community-based programs, private industry, proprietary rehabilitation and student disability services in higher education.

The program requires two years of study, culminating in a semester-long internship under the field supervision of a certified clinical rehabilitation counselor. Faculty  advise students in the development of a curriculum plan that includes required core, foundational and elective courses. Early and continued exposure to rehabilitation practice is provided as students progress through the program.