Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering Technology

at Kent State University USA

The Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology is a pre-professional program focusing on the basic sciences of human communication, as well as the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders. This program provides a firm foundation for continuing to the master's degree in speech-language pathology or the doctorate in audiology. The curriculum integrates a sequence of coursework designed to provide a strong liberal arts background and an understanding of normal and disordered aspects of the human communication process. Specific coursework includes anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms, hearing and speech science, neurology, phonetics, normal speech and language development, speech and language disorders, audiometry, and aural rehabilitation. Speech-language pathologists are required to hold a master’s degree, while audiologists hold a doctorate in audiology. Both are employed in a variety of settings, including rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, community clinics, private practice, research laboratories and colleges and universities.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of speech, language and hearing processes and disorders in children and adults.
• Demonstrate the skills necessary to be successful speech-language pathologists, audiologists, or other health and human service professionals.
• Utilize the knowledge and skills acquired during their undergraduate SPA program of study to gain entry into graduate programs in Speech Pathology, Audiology, and/or related fields, or obtain positions in health and human services related professions.

The Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in accounting theory and practice necessary for entry-level accounting positions and career advancement. It encompasses a common body of concepts, conventions, principles and theories essential to the professional competency of the certified public accountant, controller, industrial accountant, institutional accountant and governmental accountant.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Given a defined financial accounting transaction, identify and analyze the issue, record the transaction in the books of original entry, and prepare the financial statement disclosure.
• Demonstrate an understanding of managerial and cost accounting with the ability to identify and analyze information useful in decision making.
• Gain a functional understanding of taxation of individuals.
• Understand financial statement auditing.
• Assemble, cleanse and analyze the information provided by information systems, and prepare summary reports useful for business decision-making.

Graduates of all Bachelor of Business Administration programs will be able to:

• Recall strategic frameworks that are used to make business decisions.
• Perform basic calculations using quantitative tools that are used to support business decisions.
• Articulate and deliberate their ideas in writing.
• Articulate and deliberate their ideas orally.
• Identify ethical dilemmas and stakeholders.
• Recommend alternatives and consequences and choose a reasoned conclusion from the alternatives given.
• Identify global factors in making a business decision.
• Analyze global factors in making a business decision.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology teaches design, operation, installation, maintenance and analysis of machinery. The program prepares students to become highly technical professionals in current and emerging fields using mechanical and computer-aided engineering. Students learn to develop innovative solutions to problems encountered in manufacturing.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Use the techniques, skill and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
• Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering.
• Design a system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints, such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability.

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 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 degree in Music Technology prepares students as musicians within a broad field of constantly changing technology. Students study in courses that will develop expertise in music computer technology for application in the recording industry, audio-engineering and music production.

The development of music technology has had an enormous impact on the music industry. There are many career opportunities for talented musicians in music technology. Skilled musicians can apply formal training to recording careers, studio performance, arranging or producing and live performances. Opportunities are also available in non-traditional, contemporary popular music venues, the movie industry, television, multi-media events, and music for advertising as well as traditional performing arts venues. The growth of music technology has made knowledge and experience in this area a necessity for all students preparing for a career in any area of the music industry. To compete effectively in the contemporary music world, one must possess a strong traditional music background, plus the technical expertise required to make the most of a rapidly changing and developing technology.

The Music Technology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Audio Recording concentration provides students the opportunity t learn advanced audio recording techniques.
• The Music Production concentration provides students the opportunity to learn how to use technology to realize creative work such as original music, arranging and production.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Function as competent and versatile professional studio musicians who perform in diverse commercial music venues
• Compose and arrange music
• Create appropriate sound for visual media
• Create music productions of professional quality
• Produce professional audio recordings, both live and in studio, from start to finish

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 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 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 Master of Education degree in Reading Specialization develops practical and professional knowledge that is essential for educators concerned with the improvement of literacy at all instructional levels. Students study the nature of the reading and writing processes; the interrelationships between language, literature and literacy; literacy learning and teaching; the nature and needs of students who find reading and writing difficult; reading and writing as vehicles for learning and enjoyment; and the role of research in literacy instruction.

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

• Demonstrate outstanding or satisfactory knowledge of the foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction.
• Use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods and curriculum materials to support reading and writing instruction.
• Use of a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective reading instruction.
• Create and engage their students in literacy practices that develop awareness, understanding, respect and valuing of differences in society.
• Create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing by integrating foundational knowledge, use of instructional practices, approaches and methods, curriculum materials and the appropriate use of assessments.
• View professional development as a career long effort and responsibility.