Bachelor of Science in Public Relations

at Kent State University USA

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy gives students the opportunity to consider some of life's biggest questions, such as

• What is the nature of reality?"
• What (if anything) can I know with certainty?"
• What kind of life should I live?"

Philosophy students read, discuss and analyze texts from all of the traditional philosophical areas of study and historical periods. They become familiar with contemporary schools of thought and learn about the application of philosophy to other disciplines and professions. The program familiarizes students not only with the Western philosophical tradition, but also with schools of thought from a broad spectrum of non-Western cultures. The Philosophy major provides intensive training in argumentative writing, careful reading and critical and creative thinking, while also broadening students' intellectual, cultural and personal horizons.

The flexibility of the major's curriculum allows students to combine it with other majors or minors, depending on their career interests. In this way, students can tailor their educational experience to provide excellent preparation for a wide range of careers, including law, business, medicine, technology, public relations, government, journalism, education, writing, editing, communications and social work.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Read, write and think critically and analytically.
• Consider and analyze differing viewpoints and various sides of an issue.
• Construct strong arguments and express them verbally and in writing.
• Think creatively and see alternative solutions to problems.
• Communicate effectively in both personal and professional settings.
• Demonstrate meaningful global literacy.
• Continue on a path of lifelong learning and inquiry, whether in graduate school or independently.
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the history of philosophy and of important contemporary questions, as well as a deeper, more specialized understanding of selected philosophical figures, issues and/or areas of inquiry.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in American Sign Language presents American sign language as a culture- and community-based language that interacts with other world languages. Through techniques—including immersion and bilingual-bicultural comparison classes, community interaction, research, lab activities and use of digital video technology—students gain documented proficiency in American sign language, validity within the deaf community and networking within the professional community.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Justice Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of crime, law and justice. Faculty members view crime, deviance and society’s response from the fields of sociology, political science, psychology and traditional criminal justice viewpoints. The curriculum provides a firm understanding of the basic institutions of the criminal justice system. Students are also exposed to criminological theory and diversity courses, which help them understand the complex relationship between the individual, society and the criminal justice system. The program stresses effective writing and analytical skills. Students are afforded the opportunity to earn credit through internship placements.

Students select at least one concentration in consultation with a faculty advisor or the undergraduate coordinator. Consultations with faculty enable students to make informed choices about which combination of courses will maximize their preparation for future careers and graduate education.

The Criminology and Justice Studies major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Corrections concentration is for students interested in pursuing careers in institutional corrections for adults or juveniles, or in such community corrections fields as probation and parole.
• The Criminology and Deviance concentration is for students interested in understanding the origins and nature of deviance and crime, their patterns and societal responses; this concentration is appropriate for students preparing for graduate study in sociology, criminology, criminal justice, public policy or social work.
• The General–Criminology and Justice Studies concentration is for students who either choose not to pursue specializations within the major or wish to pursue an individualized program of study (through general electives), which does not align with the other concentrations.
• The Justice and Human Relations concentration is for students interested in such fields as social work, counseling, clinical psychology, victimology, victim advocacy, juvenile justice, public/community relations in criminal justice, community organizing, diversity or social justice. (Interdisciplinary training and/or specialized graduate training are necessary for careers in many of those fields.)
• The Law and Society concentration is for students interested in the social relevance of law and social influences on law; this concentration is appropriate preparation for law school or graduate study in the social sciences.
• The Policing concentration is for students intending careers in law enforcement and other occupations related to security and public safety.
• The Victimology concentration is relevant for students interested in the scholarly study of crime victims, their treatment in the justice systems and programs that serve victims. It is useful for those interested in victim advocacy.

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 Neuroscience offers a broad-based study of the mechanisms of brain function from the cell and molecular level through cognition and behavior. This major is for students interested in medicine, other health professions, research and graduate studies in biology, neuroscience and psychology. The major will also prepare students for careers in industries, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, research administration and policy, science communication, teaching and other science-related businesses.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental principles of neuroscience.
• Acquire fundamental skills necessary for laboratory investigations into central nervous system function.
• Demonstrate an understanding of proper experimental design, data analysis and communication of research results.
• Demonstrate a greater knowledge and appreciation of the role neuroscience plays in societal issues, such as those related to neurological disorders, mental health, medicine and human and animal behavior.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish provides students with opportunities to explore the rich diversity of Spanish cultures, develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in the Spanish language. Students will also acquire an in-depth knowledge and critical perspective on history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world through the analysis of literary and non literary texts.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Perform 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. They will for the most part be understood by native speakers unaccustomed to dealing with non-native speakers.
• Vary the register (formality level) of their speech.
• Talk about personal interests, topics of general interest, literature and culture, and so forth in the target language.
• Listen to extended discourse on a variety of topics and understand main ideas and most details.
• Read texts written for native speakers and not edited or adapted for students. They will read a wide variety of text types such as poems, plays, novels, magazine articles, newspaper articles, brochures, pamphlets, menus, letters written for native speakers of Spanish.
• Compose routine social correspondence, take notes, write cohesive summaries and resumes, as well as narratives and descriptions of a factual nature in the target language. Additionally, they will be able to complete course-related writing tasks such as essays and term papers in the target language. They will be able to defend a thesis statement and make stylistic decisions based on the needs of specific audiences and on specific writing purposes.
• Demonstrate a historical knowledge of Spanish history and culture and understand the diverse nature of culture throughout the ages.
• Discuss cultural differences, distinguishing between fact, opinion and stereotypes.
• Learn to recognize and esteem diversity as they gain the skills necessary for sensitive, effective interpersonal and intercultural interaction.
• Learn to view concepts, issues, events, and themes from the perspectives of diverse ethnic and cultural groups and to esteem diversity as they gain the skills necessary for sensitive, effective interpersonal and intercultural communication. Additionally, in learning to recognize and accept cultural differences, graduates will be able to maintain an ongoing assessment of their own cultural values and behaviors. Successful completion of the program will foster in our students a lifetime commitment and desire to continue learning about languages, literatures and cultures different from their own.

The Bachelor of Fine 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 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.

The B.F.A. degree in Fashion Design engages students in a focused-study thesis project (collection development) as a capstone experience that results in submitting their collection for formal review by faculty and industry designer-critics, followed by public presentation in a fashion venue and completion of a thesis "magazine" (print collateral).

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 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 Master of Arts degree in Biology is for students wishing to gain additional knowledge in any area of the biological sciences. This is a non-thesis master's degree designed for secondary school science teachers, individuals looking for additional background or preparation for professional school (e.g. medicine, dentistry or Ph.D. programs) and those seeking employment in life science industries in a non-research capacity.

The Biology major includes the following concentration:

• The Biological Data Analytics concentration combines required courses in data analytics and elective options in biology to provide students with the understanding of the type of data collected while conducting biological research and how to analyze it.

Students who declare the Biology major with no concentration will select their area of specialization in consultation with an academic faculty advisor.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand advanced biological concepts beyond the scope of the typical undergraduate degree and to increase the depth of their knowledge through coursework and hands-on experiences.
• Apply scientific principles and appreciate work outside of their particular field.
• Effectively communicate about science with colleagues as well as those outside of the student's area of expertise.
• Develop the necessary laboratory skills that will allow testing of hypotheses.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering Technology provides students with the opportunity to study computer systems and software-hardware interface so that they are capable of analyzing the problems in the computer and networking industry and producing computer engineering, networking and software solutions. The major's curriculum includes materials necessary for students to be eligible for industry certifications (e.g., Cisco, Microsoft, CompTIA) for career advancement.

Computer engineering technologists focus on hardware or software issues. When companies need custom applications and network systems designed, they call the computer engineering technologist. In this age of heavy computer usage, with companies using computers for a large variety of functions, the computer engineering technologist is invaluable in keeping equipment running, updating software, maintaining connectivity and interfacing with users.

Computer engineering technologists typically work for large companies, installing, testing, operating and maintaining the computer network ins. They may also find employment with companies that sell computers, at computer repair stores or at independent emergency repair facilities. Other common work locations include computer and peripheral manufacturing facilities, computer distribution facilities, computer research facilities and educational institutions.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• A general understanding, and a depth of knowledge in core computer engineering concepts, principles and applications.
• An understanding of recent, current, and upcoming trends and related applications in computer engineering.
• An acknowledgement of necessary design steps involved in making complex computer systems; and a practical understanding of the skills necessary to analyze existing systems.
• A practical knowledge of tools and techniques to design innovative solutions from requirements specifications.
• An understanding of the ethical issues involved with the use of computer engineering related technologies; and a clear desire to strive for the best practices.