Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems (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 Long-Term Care Administration provides students the education and qualifications and eligibility for state and national licensure eligibility to work as administrators in long-term care settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, congregate living, adult care centers, hospice care and other long term services and supports.

Students may earn the certified dementia practitioner (CDP) credential prior to graduation. After graduation and passing of the state and national licensure exams for nursing home administration (NHA), graduates working in the long-term care field will qualify to apply for the health services executive (HSE) credential.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the provision of customer care and services
• Demonstrate an understanding of departmental operations and how each area interacts with other areas in the provision of care and services
• Demonstrate knowledge of management, leadership, legal and regulatory requirements and the administrator’s perspective on how to successfully oversee operations.
• Effectively communicate ideas in oral presentations and written papers.
• Identify opportunities for employment in long-term care services and supports.

The Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies is intended to provide a broad spectrum of knowledge about human communication in various social contexts, and the ways in which information is produced and processed. Curriculum focus is on the social and behavioral study of communication theory and research. The program prepares individuals to pursue a doctorate degree, as well as for non-academic careers in which a broad understanding of communication theory and research is desirable.

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

• Read, critique and engage in theory-based research involving a broad spectrum of topics in human communication.
• Understand and master appropriate methodological skills for the study of human communication and apply them to relevant and shifting real-world contexts that often include newer communication technologies.
• Utilize theory-based and state-of-the-art knowledge to stimulate and improve communication processes in educational, business and nonprofit environments.

The Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems provides students with a focus on the creation and supervision of the information systems that are commonly used in organizations of all types and sizes. There is a primary emphasis on problem-solving involving cloud computing systems and infrastructure, creating intuitive systems, business modeling and agile design, data management and business intelligence, cloud systems integration and project management and business experience.

Examples of information systems include airline reservation systems, mobile apps, bank automated teller systems, trading systems for stock exchanges, social media platforms and accounting/auditing systems.

Students can select electives to complement their knowledge base and interests such as in application design and development and other computing infrastructure that focus on the creation and maintenance of application used in smart phones and similar technologies and prepares students for careers as development engineers and system analysts. Students learn to use and manage cloud-based platforms to support and manage business processes and operations in organizations. Some material taught in courses correlate with the knowledge needed to pass professional certification exams.

Students participate in an internship, which involves a summer or a semester of paid professional experience in industry. Internship experience helps show the relevance of on-campus courses to professional work, helps students focus their career plans and often enables students to secure better jobs upon graduation.

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 Transition to Work concentration focuses on needs of students with disabilities transitioning to adulthood.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Earth Science is ideal for students interested in broad interdisciplinary study of the key natural and physical processes that shape the planet, leading to potential careers in environmental or earth system fields. The program requires courses in physical geology, minerals and rocks and geographic information science. Most geology courses have extensive (one-to-three-day ) excursions that allow students to obtain valuable field experience.

Graduates have opportunities for employment in a wide variety of careers where an understanding of natural science is useful or critical in success. Geology can be a strong background for advanced study or career development in areas such as business, city management, regional development, planning, law, journalism and science writing.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand and communicate to others: a. the nature of scientific investigation and evidence, b. the complex interrelationships of the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and the lithosphere through geologic time.
• Understand Earth materials and interpret geologic and environmental processes.
• Synthesize geologic information to understand and solve geologic and environmental problems.
• Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills and be able to work as a geologist in the field and in the laboratory.

The Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education prepares critically reflective teachers with advanced knowledge in pre-school through primary multi-disciplinary curriculum. Students are prepared to be democratically accountable leaders, co-decision makers, pedagogical experts and committed professionals in various early childhood realms. The program emphasizes commitment to equitable and caring learning communities.

Ohio endorsements for pre-school and literacy endorsement or generalist (grades four and five) may be embedded in the program. In addition, students have the opportunity to receive an International Baccalaureate (IB) recognition award in the M.Ed. degree.

The Early Childhood Education major includes the following optional concentrations:

• The Early Childhood Leadership: Advocacy, Curriculum and Policy concentration commonly appeals to teachers who desire to further their own early childhood programs, become master teachers and/or enhance their own leadership on behalf of young children and professionals who work with them. Students delve into issues and trends in the field, reconceptualize practice, understand and deconstruct/reconstruct policy understandings and complete their own independent research as an inquiry exit project or thesis.
• The Globalization and Intercultural Competence concentration is designed for teachers who are searching for research-based solutions to the learning and teaching of international students and/or who want to build intercultural competence to meet the demands of growing or changing immigrant and refugee populations in the classroom.
• The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics concentration provides students the opportunity to engage children in interdisciplinary instruction; gain experience working with and integrating technology; and integrate STEM to break down traditional boundaries.

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 Technical Direction concentration provides students with training and practical experiences in planning main stage productions for the School of Theatre and Dance. Studies focus on safety and all logistics of production assembly, including touring and dance. Technical directors have the opportunity work in four very different theatre spaces: black box, large proscenium, thrust and open outdoor.

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 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.

The Master of Engineering Technology degree offers a curriculum that provides students with advanced technical and management knowledge and skills that meet the needs of the technical workforce in industry and business.