Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Production (STEM)

at Kent State University USA

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 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 Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs concentration focuses on the needs of preschool children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities

The Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Early Childhood Education focuses on professional preparation and application of current theory, methods and practices for future teachers of preschool to grade five classrooms. Students form a cohort and complete the five-block sequence of courses while gaining teaching experiences linked to coursework. All students complete field and practicum experiences in diverse settings, including urban and inclusive programs, and accumulate approximately 1,200 clock hours of field experience in preschool and elementary classrooms.

Graduates of the program who pass the State of Ohio Assessment Tests are eligible for Ohio licensure in Early Childhood, which is valid for teaching children, age three through grade five, who are typically developing, at-risk, gifted or who have mild/moderate educational needs.

Graduates also have the opportunity to receive an International Baccalaureate recognition certificate concurrent with the completion of the B.S.E. degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

• Co-construct curriculum as a co-worker with learners and others (parents, families, colleagues and community members) to make sound decisions for learning and teaching experiences, as opposed to being passive receivers of prescribed curriculum.
• Synthesize conceptual understandings of children, theory, content, technology and sociocultural contexts into meaningful activities and opportunities for learning with all preschool-to-grade five students.
• Engage in the habit of self-assessment in order to continually uncover unknown possibilities in children’s learning, classroom practice, educational theory and one’s own teaching identity in the local and global context.
• Become committed to the children and their learning, the families and the local community while having an awareness of the global context; engage in continuous self-improvement and lifelong learning.
• Apply skills, knowledge and dispositions to challenge “questionable” policies that limit opportunities for all children.
• Utilize research and theory to develop varied and effective pedagogies and assessments that will positively impact all students’ learning (learning and teaching is a transdisciplinary practice).
• Advocate as ethical leaders and moral agents striving for social justice,
• Acknowledges and practices multiple, multi-ethnic, multicultural, multiracial, multi- social and -economic and multilingual perspectives in a global society.

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 Arts degree in Visual Communication Design prepares students for the graphic design and illustration professions. Students develop technical understanding and design skills in the organization of imagery and typography to communicate information in two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms. Students produce work for print, motion, video, screen displays, and interactive experiences, as well as package design, exhibition design, and environmental wayfinding.

This program focuses on design and illustration in the context of a broad liberal arts program, giving students the flexibility to choose 20 percent of their coursework (with guidance). This provides the opportunity for students to take a variety of courses to complement their design degree. Students learn at the intersections of communication, information, and technology. The B.A. degree program is for students planning to attend a graduate program or plan to pair their visual communication design degree with another field of study.

For students looking to work as a design professional, the B.F.A. program is recommended.

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.

There are many study abroad/away opportunities. For more information contact the Office of Global Education or coordinator of the college's International Study Programs.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the ethics (and legal issues) closely associated with fields of visual communication.
• Demonstrate an understanding of traditional hands-on skills relative to craftsmanship. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic use of digital technologies as they relate to their areas of study.
• Demonstrate an ability to create visual response to communication problems, including understanding of hierarchy, typography, aesthetics, composition and construction of meaningful images.

The Master of Arts degree in Music Theory is designed to enhance music theory abilities of advanced students and to prepare them for admission to doctoral study. Based on a solid undergraduate music degree, the master's degree further develops abilities in music theory, including analytical, aural, written, keyboard and pedagogical skills. The program further develops breadth and depth in the area of Western music history and literature

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

• Analyze music from a wide range of styles and style periods, and communicate results in written and oral formats.
• Demonstrate and apply functional aural, written and keyboard skills.
• Recognize, identify and analyze representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
• Communicate knowledge of music theory and other aspects of music as would be done in classroom and private teaching.

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 Applied Mathematics emphasizes the tools most useful in science, engineering and technology applications: mathematical modeling, scientific computing and probability and statistics.

The Applied Mathematics major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Financial Mathematics concentration prepares students for graduate programs in mathematical or computational finance or financial engineering.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Botany focuses on the scientific study of plants, and the understanding of how plants provide aesthetic beauty, as well as materials for the basic needs, including food, shelter and oxygen. Botanical research has diverse applications in modern horticulture, agriculture, soil science and forestry, in addition to pharmacology and biotechnology.

Many students continue their education in graduate or professional programs. Those opting to enter directly into the workforce find jobs in fields related to the economic importance of plants, including agriculturally-based and related professions, environmental consulting or in federal, state or local agencies. The Department of Biological Sciences offers several mechanisms to help students prepare for their future careers.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand fundamental biological principles.
• Acquire 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 Fine Arts in Dance develops technically sound, intellectually diverse, and creatively expressive dance artists who can contribute significantly to the art form and society. The curriculum provides students with opportunities for strong and varied technical preparation in contemporary dance forms including modern, ballet, jazz and improvisation. Opportunities for performance and choreography along with dance theory courses, complete a degree focused on the artist/scholar. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from this program will be able to

• Perform a wide range of dance works.
• Articulate and communicate an understanding of diverse dance forms, their histories, and their relationship and representation in the contemporary era of Dance.
• Articulate and communicate an understanding of dance theory, aesthetics, and choreography.
• Devise and present choreography.