Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (STEM)

at Kent State University USA

The Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology educates competent speech-language pathologists to critically evaluate communication disorders and the methods used in the habilitation and rehabilitation of those disorders.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience offers a broad-based study of the mechanisms of brain function from the cell and molecular level through cognition and behavior. This major is for students interested in medicine, other health professions, research and graduate studies in biology, neuroscience and psychology. The major will also prepare students for careers in industries, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, research administration and policy, science communication, teaching and other science-related businesses.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental principles of neuroscience.
• Acquire fundamental skills necessary for laboratory investigations into central nervous system function.
• Demonstrate an understanding of proper experimental design, data analysis and communication of research results.
• Demonstrate a greater knowledge and appreciation of the role neuroscience plays in societal issues, such as those related to neurological disorders, mental health, medicine and human and animal behavior.

The Master of Urban Design degree expands on traditional architectural, landscape architecture and planning education with an understanding of the processes of urban development, and with the skills required to the physical shaping of urban places. The degree seeks to develop knowledgeable specialists who possess significant ability to identify opportunities in the urban environment an the sensibility to provide for design solutions to the most complex problems encountered.

Faculty work in close collaboration with students through rigorous curricula focused on the application of research in the design of layered and mutually reinforcing systems and public spaces.

Projects range from neighborhood plans to large scale urban and regional initiatives engaging cultural and environmental concerns. Project locations are often in Cleveland and similar regional cities, but they address far-reaching global concerns. Students can engage in applied research in the re-design of “Cities Growing Smaller,” systemic approaches to the development of urban environments, considerations of place and identity and the place-making potential of infrastructure. Further directions include the design of cities and neighborhoods that promote physical and mental health, studies of sustainable infrastructures that support sustainable ecological systems, the adaptation of traditional models of urbanism to changing conditions, and the future of urban economies as it relates to physical place-making.

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

• Demonstrate the ability to build abstract relationships and understand the impact of ideas based on research and analysis of multiple theoretical, social, political, economic, cultural and environmental contexts. This includes the wider range of media used to think about urban and regional design, including writing, investigative skills, speaking, drawing and model making.
• Develop an ability to utilize the technical instruments of the urban design field including: legal instruments, urban systems and their organization, the role of these varied elements in the implementation of design and their impact on the environment. This is inclusive of understanding and abilities at a range of scales from local to regional design and the implications of policy and design decision making at these ranges of scale.
• Manage, advocate and act legally, ethically and critically for the good of society and the public. This includes collaborative, professional and leadership skills, especially in the public arena.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering Technology provides students with the opportunity to study computer systems and software-hardware interface so that they are capable of analyzing the problems in the computer and networking industry and producing computer engineering, networking and software solutions. The major's curriculum includes materials necessary for students to be eligible for industry certifications (e.g., Cisco, Microsoft, CompTIA) for career advancement.

Computer engineering technologists focus on hardware or software issues. When companies need custom applications and network systems designed, they call the computer engineering technologist. In this age of heavy computer usage, with companies using computers for a large variety of functions, the computer engineering technologist is invaluable in keeping equipment running, updating software, maintaining connectivity and interfacing with users.

Computer engineering technologists typically work for large companies, installing, testing, operating and maintaining the computer network ins. They may also find employment with companies that sell computers, at computer repair stores or at independent emergency repair facilities. Other common work locations include computer and peripheral manufacturing facilities, computer distribution facilities, computer research facilities and educational institutions.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• A general understanding, and a depth of knowledge in core computer engineering concepts, principles and applications.
• An understanding of recent, current, and upcoming trends and related applications in computer engineering.
• An acknowledgement of necessary design steps involved in making complex computer systems; and a practical understanding of the skills necessary to analyze existing systems.
• A practical knowledge of tools and techniques to design innovative solutions from requirements specifications.
• An understanding of the ethical issues involved with the use of computer engineering related technologies; and a clear desire to strive for the best practices.

The Master of Music degree in Performance is designed to prepare the student for professional music activities, including solo performance, orchestral playing, ensemble playing, collaborative performance, studio teaching; as well as doctoral study. The program emphasizes development of skills, knowledge and background in the following areas: literature and repertoire, performance skills, practice skills, interpretation and expression, performance pedagogy, historical performance practices, music history and music theory.

The Performance major includes the following optional concentrations:

• The Chamber Music concentration is for intensive coaching and performance of string quartet literature.

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

• Recognize, identify, interpret and perform representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
• Apply advanced performing skills in solo and ensemble settings, including tone production, accuracy, intonation, instrumental/vocal technique, musicality/expression, vocal language and diction and stage presence/presentation.
• Discuss, utilize and achieve high-quality results from efficient and effective practice techniques, including time management, achievable goals and use of appropriate technical skills, musical expression skills and focused work ethic.
• Have an enhanced understanding of interpretation and expression in music.
• Identify, explain and utilize performance pedagogy appropriate to the specific area of study.
• Identify, associate, differentiate and utilize performances practices appropriate to the literature of the various stylistic periods.
• Utilize and discuss score study of literature performed and also representative literature from various historical periods and composers.

The Master of Arts degree in English offers students broad learning in English studies while providing concentrated study in one area. The English major comprises the following concentrations:

The Concentration for Teachers is for educators interested in advanced study of literature and writing. Coursework focuses on current scholarship and approaches to literature and writing. While not a degree in literary and composition pedagogy, the concentration is designed to encourage the application of current literary and writing research to the work responsibilities of the practicing teacher.

The Literature and Writing concentration prepares students for further graduate study in English and related fields, for professional training in such fields as library and information science, and for careers in teaching. The program achieves this goal with distribution requirements, electives and a required focus in either literary traditions, critical theory or rhetoric and composition.

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

• Demonstrate the ability to think critically about the literary texts they read and interpret.
• Demonstrate how to write coherently and clearly about research topics and other topics.
• Demonstrate an understanding on how disciplines are interconnected.
• Apply appropriate research methods to objects of study.
• Demonstrate effective teaching skills and knowledge of appropriate teaching theories, if on appointment.

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technology is a terminal degree designed for those who are interested in achieving the artistry and skills necessary to qualify as practicing professionals in the entertainment industry and/or professional theatre educators. The program is a three-year course of study with a flexible curriculum for students to explore areas of special interest.

The Theatre Design and Technology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Lighting Design concentration balances instruction and experience in lighting design with instruction and experience in lighting technology. Studies include digital rendering, CAD, lighting technology and automated lighting. Students research and study all of aspects of theatrical lighting, including the design process from concept to execution, communication skills, integration of technology into design, documentation of the work and critical evaluation of the work.

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

• Acquire creative and technical ability to develop the design of a production from concept to finished product.
• Acquire advanced abilities in the unification of all design elements used in professional production.
• Understand analytical or academically oriented theatre studies in areas related to and supportive of the work in the major field such as history, theory, dramatic literature and performance studies.
• Understand information resources associated with theatrical design and production.
• Produce full working drawings for mounted productions.
• Analyze text, music and dance and the ways that historical, critical and theoretical content inform playwriting, acting, directing and design.
• Communicate ideas clearly and effectively to the theatre community, production teams and the public.
• Know the history of their area of specialization and have the ability to integrate that history into production design.
• Know current technology, tools and methods in their area of specialization and have the ability to integrate technology into production design.
• Know health and safety practices associated with theatre production.
• Communicate and navigate effectively within the field of professional theatrical production design.
• Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics and practice.

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 Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration focuses on students with moderate to intensive educational needs who most often require modifications to the general academic curriculum and/or other extensive special education supports.

The Bachelor of 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 B.A. degree in Fashion Design promotes an emphasis on the diversity of studio practice and liberal art experiences. Students have the option to select coursework offerings to gain expertise in a variety of specialties that connect directly to fashion design, such as wearable technology applications, garment knitting, illustration and/or accessory design.

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.

When enrolled in junior-level fashion design studio courses, fashion design students may complete the application process to declare the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or chose to continue pursing the B.A. degree. The decision as to which degree is best for a particular student depends on the student's educational and career goals, academic standing, performance in studio coursework and an approved "B.F.A. Proposal."

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 in Information Technology degree in Information Technology provides students with an applied approach that focuses on supporting end-users in a variety of workplace settings by utilizing a range of computing technologies. The degree program gives students the tools to support computing and network infrastructures and the needs of individuals and organizations, write programs necessary to help them render their tasks more efficiently on their desktop or mobile devices, utilize databases and write the web-based interfaces to pull the data, and code and deploy applications across the cloud.

Graduates are qualified to work in a wide range of computer and network infrastructures in small to large-sized enterprises in such positions as: web or software developer; hardware, network, cloud, virtualization technician or engineer; IT support specialist or consultant; help desk, network, or IT project manager; security or forensic analyst; and systems, network or database administrator in all sectors of business, education, manufacturing, healthcare, non-profit, and government.

The Information Technology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Application Development concentration provides students with the ability to program in languages typically utilized in contemporary business environments. Students will code in applications such as Visual Basic, C++, Java, C# and other industry-standard applications to develop programs employing event-driven and object-oriented techniques.
• The Cybersecurity and Forensics concentration places an emphasis on security of computer and network systems, including forensic work to prevent and/or determine and correct security issues utilizing cybersecurity devices, procedures, tools, and solutions.
• The Database Design and Administration concentration focuses on skills needed to become a database manager. Topics include relational database design; working with database servers, users, and permissions; SQL statements used for queries and reports; and incorporating databases into programming used in web-based and desktop forms.
• The Health Information Technology concentration provides students with the tools to install, manage, troubleshoot and secure hardware and software systems in healthcare environments. The course of study includes health IT privacy, security, EHR Implementation and support, mobile device management, technology and application life-cycle management, organizational behavior, medical business operations and regulatory requirements.
• The Integrated Information Technology concentration is ideal for students who want a flexible course of study for positions that require IT staff to perform a wide range of technical duties.
• The Internet/Multimedia concentration focuses on scripting, server-side form handling, web database integration, and interactive and dynamic multimedia Internet development.
• The Networking concentration focuses on configuring and maintaining network information systems and components in various network operating system and cloud computing environments that are prevalent in today's businesses. The emphasis is on network administration (i.e. managing Active Directory and network services), servers, workstations, virtualization, security, troubleshooting, installation, and maintenance.