Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

at Kent State University USA

The Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations can take students from corporate boardrooms and creative agencies to sports arenas, the halls of Congress, global nonprofits, hospitals, fashion runways, and beyond. Students graduate with a grounding in the practice of responsible advocacy and a firm grasp of the inclusive communication practices.

Kent State boasts the only public relations program in Ohio that is both certified by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC).

This degree is rooted in professionalism, with a focus on developing writing, critical thinking, digital and visual communication skills, as well as analytics and strategic multimedia storytelling. Students learn to deliver messages through social media, websites, podcasts, videos, press releases and other media tools, events, public policy and more.

Classes routinely involve researching, creating and presenting a public relations plan for real clients. Students will build a strong portfolio through hands-on learning opportunities, including two student agencies, a required professional internship, and public relations campus jobs. Kent State’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and its members consistently win awards at national conferences, placing the chapter in the top tier nationwide.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate critical thinking, grounded in a legal and ethical framework.
• Gather information, analyze it and make informed judgments using methods and tools appropriate to their professions.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply theory and research appropriate to their professions, including quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply basic ethical principles to their professional work.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply laws and regulations applicable to their professional work.
• Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve.
• Demonstrate understanding of how media and their professions evolved historically, their role in societal development and their global interaction today with institutions and individuals.
• Demonstrate appreciation for diverse cultures and individual differences, and reflect that appreciation in their work.

The Master of Science degree in Physics consists of graduate coursework and a research project taking one or two semesters. The research project should result in a written report. Students may choose to complete a thesis, to be defended orally. This degree provides entry-level qualifications for team research employment or a high school teaching career.

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

• Demonstrate cognitive skills important to a physicist, including the following:
  • Think critically and analytically;
  • Define and solve problems in physics; and
  • Conduct quantitative research in a contemporary area of physics.
• Demonstrate a core knowledge and understanding of the foundations of physics.
• Communicate results of their work to peers, to various target groups within the physics community, and to people outside the discipline. Teaching skills also come under this heading.

The Master of Science degree in Geography prepares graduate students for careers in both the academic field and non-academic jobs in various private and governmental agencies, in areas such as urban/economic geography, social geography, physical/environmental geography, and geographic information technology. Students learn geographic thought, research techniques and topical specialties while preparing to conduct original research.

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 Arts degree in German provides instruction designed to develop competence in oral and written communication; insights into language form, usage and meaning; and knowledge of German literature, cultural history and contemporary issues. Additionally, students will be introduced to basic skills in German-to-English translation.

The flexibility of the major makes it easy to combine with a second major, such as the History, International Relations or Political Science major or another foreign language major.

Students wishing to teach may combine the German major with the Education minor to prepare for multi-age (K–12) teacher licensure in Ohio.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Perform language tasks at intermediate high and advanced low levels of proficiency as described by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines. Proficiency, in ACTFL terms, is understood to describe a range of qualities rather than an absolute norm and will vary according to task type, language function, topic, skill (listening, speaking, reading, writing) and so forth.
• Contribute to most informal and some formal conversations with sufficient accuracy, clarity and precision to convey their intended message without misrepresentation or confusion.
• Read a wide variety of texts written for native speakers of German and not edited or adapted for non-native speakers.
• Compose routine social correspondence and write cohesive summaries, narratives and descriptions of a factual nature in German.
• Demonstrate an historical knowledge of German history and culture and understand the diverse nature of culture throughout the ages.
• Discuss cultural differences, distinguishing between fact, opinion and stereotypes.
• Communicate effectively and sensitively to diverse ethnic and cultural groups.
• View concepts, issues, events and themes from the perspectives of diverse ethnic and cultural groups.
• Esteem diversity.
• Maintain an ongoing assessment of their own cultural values and behaviors.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education gives students the necessary tools to plan, implement and evaluate health education programs for individuals, communities and groups. The major features a capstone internship experience during which the student works with a health educator in a community setting. The program qualifies students to take the Certified Health Education Specialist Exam administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.

State/Federal background checks may be required for practicum/internship experiences.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Conduct strategic planning, analyze the organization`s culture in relationship to program goals, facilitate cooperation between and among levels of program personnel, formulate practical modes of collaboration among health agencies and organizations and develop volunteer opportunities.
• Exhibit competence in carrying out planned educational programs; employ a wide range of educational methods and techniques, apply individual and group process methods as appropriate to given learning situations and select methods that best facilitate the practice of program objectives; infer enabling objectives as needed to implement instructional programs in specified settings, select methods and media best suited to implement program plans for specific learners and determine the availability of information, personnel, time and equipment needed to implement the program for a given audience; monitor educational programs, adjusting objectives and activities as necessary; and use the code of ethics in professional practice.
• Analyze factors the influence decision-makers, assess the appropriateness of language in health education messages and select a variety of communication methods and techniques in providing health information; demonstrate proficiency in communicating health information and health education needs and respond to public input regarding health education information; identify the significance and implications of health care providers` messages to consumers; and develop a personal plan for professional growth.
• Utilize computerized health information retrieval system effectively and match an information need with the appropriate retrieval system; access online and other health information resources and interpret and select effective educational resource materials for dissemination; assemble educational material of value to the health of individuals and community groups, evaluate the worth and applicability of resource materials for given audiences and refer requesters to valid sources of information; and apply various processes in the acquisition of resource materials, compare different methods for distributing educational materials and analyze parameters of effective consultative relationships.
• Obtain health-related data about social and cultural environments, growth and development factors, needs and interests, select valid sources of information about health needs and interests and utilize computerized sources of health-related information; employ or develop appropriate data-gathering instruments; distinguish between behaviors that foster and those that hinder well-being and investigate physical, social, emotional and intellectual factors that influence health behaviors; and analyze needs assessments.
• Synthesize information presented in the literature, develop plans to assess achievement of program objectives, determine standards of performance to be applied as criteria of effectiveness and select appropriate methods for evaluating program effectiveness; carry out evaluation plans, utilize data collecting methods appropriate to the objectives and analyze resulting evaluation data; and interpret results of program evaluation and infer implications from findings for future program planning.
• Communicate need for the program to those who will be involved; develop a logical scope and sequence plan for a health education program; organize the subject areas comprising the scope of a program in logical sequence; formulate appropriate and measurable program objectives, design educational programs consistent with specified program objectives; match proposed learning activities with those implicit in the stated objectives; select strategies best suited to implementation of educational objectives in a given setting; and plan a sequence of learning opportunities building upon and reinforcing mastery of preceding objectives.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Conservation Biology is designed for students interested in a career in the environmental sciences. This program provides an interdisciplinary education in biology and the supporting fields of geology, geography and chemistry. Environmental and conservation biologists work to sustainably manage or restore ecosystems, develop and implement environmental policies, or conduct research on how ecological processes affect biological diversity.

Potential careers for graduates include wildlife ecologists, environmental educators, forest managers, environmental consultants and personnel at public environmental regulatory or land use planning agencies. The Department of Biological Sciences has several mechanisms to help students prepare for their future careers.

The Environmental and Conservation Biology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Conservation Biology concentration provides a strong background in applied ecology, restoration ecology and habitat management strategies used to sustain biological diversity.
• The Environmental Policy and Management concentration provides opportunities to learn about the development and implementation of habitat management methods and public policies that promote the sustainable use of natural resources and address environmental problems.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental biological principles.
• Acquire fundamental skills necessary for laboratory and field investigations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of proper experimental design, analysis of biological data and communication of research results.
• Demonstrate a greater knowledge and appreciation of 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 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.

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 Early Childhood Intervention Specialist concentration focuses on needs of young children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities, birth to grade 5 (birth to age 10) and their families.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design, Technology and Production fosters the artistic development of theatre designers, technicians and artisans. Students study both traditional theatre practices and new methods, materials and technologies. Students must demonstrate continued progress through annual portfolio reviews, course work and production responsibilities. In addition, students are expected to complete a significant production assignment each semester.

Students will be able to apply design and technology concepts for the school’s theatrical and dance productions. Kent State’s Center for the Performing Arts houses three theatres, performance and rehearsal space, a scene shop, a costume shop and laboratories for costumes, drafting, lighting and scenery. In addition, the School of Theatre and Dance oversees the outdoor venue Porthouse Theatre.

The B.F.A. degree program prepares students for M.F.A. degree study, as well as such occupations as scenic designer, costume designer, lighting designer, sound/projection designer, prop master, scenic artist, stage manager, production manager, wardrobe supervisor, technical director and stage technicians.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate ability to conceptualize and realize a design aesthetic consistent with the overall artistic concepts of a production.
• Demonstrate ability to understand and articulate basic elements and principles of design theory.
• Demonstrate ability to understand and articulate basic elements and principles of composition related to line, shape, color, texture and sound.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetic use of color.
• Demonstrate understanding of aesthetic use of sound.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate design ideas and realities to other personnel involved in the production, including directors, other designers, stage managers and actors.
• Demonstrate ability to produce and communicate design ideas with freehand drawings.
• Demonstrate ability to provide formalized, accurate production models and drawings by hand and/or through the use of current industry standard software programs.
• Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the total design process, including the progression of raw materials through multiple design "shops" and the roles that various craftspeople play in the creation of a finished product.
• Acquire knowledge of federal, state and local health and safety codes, best practices and industry standards as they relate to theatrical venues and production elements.
• Prepare and present a professional resume and a portfolio of design- and technology-related work that demonstrate one's abilities, strengths, processes and experiences.
• Acquire experiences in the design/technology aspects of theatre in a variety of formal and informal settings.