Bachelor of Science in Education - Integrated Social Studies

at Kent State University USA

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 Music degree in Music is a professional degree. The primary emphasis is on the development of the skills, concepts and sensitivity essential for those wishing to pursue music as a profession.

The Music major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Composition concentration provides preparation for graduate study in the field, a credential for private instruction and the ability to compose and use technology in a variety of musical styles.
• The Instrumental Performance concentration provides preparation for graduate study in the field, a credential for private instruction and the ability to perform as a soloist, in chamber music and in large ensembles. This program is available on the following instruments: violin, viola, violoncello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba and percussion.
• The Piano Performance concentration provides preparation for graduate study in the field, a credential for private instruction and the ability to perform as a soloist, as an accompanist, in chamber music and in large ensembles.
• The Voice Performance concentration provides preparation for graduate study in the field, a credential for private instruction and the ability to perform as a soloist, in opera, in chamber music and in large ensembles.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of music history and theory
• Demonstrate beginning professional skills in recitals

The Master of Arts degree in Chemistry is for students interested in gaining additional knowledge of chemistry and biochemistry beyond the bachelor’s degree. This non-thesis degree program is flexible and can be taken on a full-tine or part-time basis. Several course sequences have been designed for students interested in career advancement. The biochemistry interest area is recommended for students seeking to further develop their academic background in biochemistry and chemistry prior to applying to medical school or dental school. The industrial chemistry interest area is ideal for students seeking additional preparation for employment in the chemical industry. Current and future K-12 educators may pursue the chemical education interest area for advance chemical instruction including chemistry pedagogy.

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

• Demonstrate a core knowledge and understanding of chemical and/or biochemical concepts.
• Demonstrate a depth of knowledge of specific topics in chemistry and/or biochemistry and/or chemical education.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills in chemistry and/or biochemistry.
• Effectively and clearly communicate chemical and/or biochemical concepts and knowledge.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is for students who are interested in pursuing an in-depth specialization as a biologist or wish to pursue a medical or health care career.

The Biology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Molecular and Cellular Biology concentration is the study of biological processes within and between individual cells, allowing for a better understanding of biological principles in normal and diseased states. The focus of this program includes concepts related to the genetic basis of life, regulation of gene expression and cellular functions.
• The Organismal Biology concentration allows students to examine organisms in their natural environment and address fundamental principles of survival and adaptation in discrete micro-environments and entire ecosystems. While basic concepts of biological and chemical functions are covered, the focus of this concentration is comprehensive aspects of the whole organism.
• The Pre-Medicine/Pre-Podiatry/Pre-Dentistry concentration prepares students for careers in medicine and health care. The curriculum provides the courses necessary for admission to advanced degree programs in healthcare and biomedical science professions.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental biological principles.
• Acquire the 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 Arts degree in Sociology provides broad training in the theories and methods that sociologists use to understand contemporary social issues and problems. Students are encouraged to think critically as they examine issues ranging from small group behavior to global social movements. The core curriculum focuses on social inequalities, social psychology and health and illness. In addition, the program offers courses on a variety of topics that include urban living, deviant behavior, religion and family.

Sociology students are increasingly interested in courses that prepare them for meaningful careers that change the world (Seemiller and Grace 2016). One only needs to look at Black Lives Matter or the Sunrise Movement to see evidence of this generational disposition. Sociology, as a discipline, provides students with rigorous coursework on social inequality and social change, and helps students find careers in government, teaching, community organizing, non-governmental organizations and social work.

Sociology students may apply early to the M.A. degree and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program policy in the University Catalog for more information.

The Sociology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Family and Life Course Sociology concentration introduces students to the cultural, political and historical realities and changes in families across the lifespan. Courses examine issues such as gender socialization, dating and romance, cohabitation, marriage, divorce, parenthood, domestic violence, death and dying, family diversity and family policy. This concentration is relevant to students interested in careers in health care promotion, public health, family counseling, long-term care institutions, program planning, community education and policy analysis.
• The General concentration is for students who either choose not to pursue a specialization within the major or wish to pursue an individualized program of study (through sociology electives) that does not align with the substantive concentrations.
• The Medical Sociology concentration introduces students to the relationship between society and health. In this concentration, students study the impact of social, cultural, political and economic factors on health (and vice-versa). Courses in this area examine issues such as health behavior, physical and mental illnesses, doctor-patient interaction, medicalization, health care reform, health care delivery and health policy. This concentration is relevant for students interested in careers in administrative and program planning related to medicine, mental health, social services, patient advocacy, mental health facilities and nursing homes.
• The Social Change and Social Justice concentration trains students to recognize the conditions and contexts of social stasis and social upheaval; promote understanding of how and why social movements succeed or fail; and cultivate an interest in public sociology. Students in the concentration are encouraged to pair traditional course work with an internship or other experiential learning opportunity.
• The Social Inequalities concentration examines how social structural factors, such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, social class and sexuality relate to power, social status, wealth, income, health and morality. Courses in this area examine issues of poverty, race and ethnic inequality, sexism, age discrimination, neighborhood segregation, labor market processes and income disparity. This concentration is relevant for students interested in careers related to human or social services, nonprofit and community organizations, research and government agencies and human resources.
• The Social Problems, Deviance and Crime concentration examines a variety of social problems with special emphasis on types of behavior that are inconsistent with social norms, challenge to social order and are illegal. This concentration also examines the role of morality, public opinion, politics, government, law, and institutions of social control in the definition of, as well as the response to, social problems, deviance and crime. While containing some overlap with other concentrations in the Criminology and Justice Studies major, the sociological perspective here suggests important commonalities across the studies of crime, deviance and social problems, as well as the relevance of broad sociological themes, including critical inquiry, empirical research and increased awareness of social context. This concentration provides relevant preparation for students interested in further study in the areas of public safety, social policy, social services and civil service and graduate studies in law or social science. It can also be a convenient and constructive resource enabling a double major between Sociology and Criminology and Justice Studies.
• The Sociological Social Psychology concentration introduces students to the sociological approach to social psychology. Courses in this area examine theoretical perspectives that link structural factors such as gender, social class and race to individual factors and behaviors such as self-concept, identity, deviance and mental health. Courses typically include an overview of specific sociological topics such as socialization, emotions, social influence, group conflict and decision-making, prejudice and discrimination, status and power and interpersonal relationships. This concentration provides a foundation for students interested in careers or graduate work that focus on the many connections between individuals and the groups to which they belong.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management employs a professional-service approach that applies effective management techniques and oversight to the building and management of construction projects. Students learn the business of construction from inception to completion of a project—including emphasis on construction materials and methods—that will enable them to estimate costs, schedule work, oversee construction work-site activities and manage projects.

The Construction Management major includes the following optional concentrations:

• Civil Management concentration offers students an opportunity to further explore civil construction estimating functions, utility systems, soils, and subcontractor leadership. Focusing on the critical systems that are needed on all projects, this concertation will provide construction managers with the tools to navigate civil construction on any project.
• Mechanical and Electrical Management concentration offers students expertise in mechanical systems. By exposing students to sustainable building technologies, specific mechanical and electrical estimating, BIM, and leadership this concentration sets students apart in knowledge base and experience.  Construction Managers are more effective with an in-depth understanding of critical MEP systems.
• Safety Management concertation is for those wishing to pursue a career in safety and/or construction managers looking to expand their knowledge in safety-related to construction. Students will take advanced OSHA and safety course while exposing them to insurance and workman’s compensation laws and procedures. Safety is the #1 priority of project management teams, and this concentration looks to provide future leaders with the tools to lead a safe job site.

Cooperative education opportunities are available to students in construction companies and architect/engineering firms in the region. In addition, students have an opportunity to pursue a dual degree with the B.A. degree in Architectural Studies.

Twelve credit hours of electives (from a total of 15 credit hours of electives) must be taken from the CAED, with at least nine credit hours from the CM Program. Three credit hours of non-Construction Management electives, taken in the CAED must be with special approval. The three remaining credit hours of electives can be taken outside of the CAED, but if taken within the CAED, special approval will also apply.

The Master of Science degree in Chemistry provides opportunity in research in the areas of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, as well as biochemistry. Many of the research topics are built around interdisciplinary themes in biomedical research (bioanalytical, bioinorganic and biophysical chemistry) and materials science (nanomaterials, liquid crystals, photonic materials, spectroscopy, surface science).

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

• Demonstrate an improved knowledge of a specialization within chemistry.
• Plan and execute chemical experiments.

The Master of Arts degree in Sport Administration provides students a knowledge base in management theory and application in sport settings. The program culminates with an internship, research project or thesis.

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.B.A. degree in Business Administration and the M.A. degree in Sport Administration.

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

• Demonstrate the knowledge and experience necessary to become successful as a professional in the sport industry.
• Apply theoretical and practical knowledge of the industry in a professional career.
• Engage and expand the number of international promotional, scholarly and educational research/presentation opportunities in the profession.

The Master of Landscape Architecture I degree in Landscape Architecture is a professional program that prepares graduates for active, creative and leadership roles in landscape architecture profession through inclusive and interdisciplinary design methodologies that are focused on issues surrounding urban landscapes, ecologies and social concerns.

Students are engaged in issues — ranging from hydrology in the Great Lakes and Ohio River Basins watershed to the role of urban landscapes associated with industrial cities. In addition, they study matters of global significance relating to the role of landscape and design relative to reclamation of urban vacancies, infrastructural systems, natural resources, climate change, water quality for health and social justice and cultural landscapes.

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

• Pursue careers in landscape architecture
• Synthesize higher-level learning necessary to practice landscape architecture; and develop critical understanding through increased independent, collaborative, interdisciplinary and course-based research.
• Establish a design process that is firmly based upon research, technology and artistic expression.
• Appraise and understand geo-cultural differences and develop skills to engage local phenomena.

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.