Master of Arts in Chemistry (STEM)

at Kent State University USA

The Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Economics equips students with a variety of skills sought by employers, including conceptualizing and solving problems; locating, organizing and using relevant information; and analytical ability.

In their junior year, students learn microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and take an econometrics class to learn basic analytical skills. Students then take a series of electives that deal with vital current topics relevant to many careers in which these theories and skills are applied, such as U.S. financial and banking system; the economic relations between the United States and foreign countries; government spending and taxation policies; and the U.S. health system and policy options.

During their senior year, students take a capstone course that utilizes and applies the theory, skills and institutional knowledge learned in the program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Conceptualize and analyze problems using economic concepts and reasoning.
• Critically analyze alternative economic policy proposals.
• Use analytic and quantitative techniques that are use extensively in economic to formulate and test hypotheses.

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 Arts degree in Mathematics is a flexible program, grounded in the liberal arts and suited for students' individual interests and needs. The program combines well with a second major and/or minors.

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 in Interior Design degree seeks to exemplify design excellence, make interior spaces for human well-being and to continually expand the reputation and rigor of the program. The program educates highly skilled and empathetic interior designers through a diverse curriculum that emphasizes research, creativity, professionalism and leadership in an era of social and technological change. Competencies achieved in the program include fundamental design skills tempered with the application of research and creative inquiry; knowledge of materials, methods and systems; space planning and programming; professional practice knowledge and critical thinking; gaining experiences through a guided internship; inquiry into human factors in design; and the comprehensive designing of interior spaces with vigilance toward the health, safety and welfare of the public.

The college offers a semester abroad for qualified third-year students in the Interior Design major. The study abroad program is housed in the heart of historic Florence, Italy. The program is open to all students who have made satisfactory progress toward completion of their undergraduate program.

Interior Design students may apply early to the Master of Healthcare Design 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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand the foundations of the interior design discipline: history, theories of design, technical knowledge, human factors, human sciences, design thinking and professional practices.
• Understand the complex relationships between design practice, materials, technology, sustainability and social issues in the built environment.
• Conduct and apply technical, historical, material and cultural research, using quantitative and qualitative methods to design projects.
• Understand how a variety of building materials, finishes and systems are used, assembled and interconnected in construction.
• Skillfully manipulate two- and three-dimensional representational techniques using a wide range of media.
• Demonstrate effective visual, verbal and written communication skills.
• Contribute effectively to multidisciplinary, diverse teams prepared to practice in complex, multicultural global contexts.
• Create interior spaces at varying scales, in various contexts and for varying purposes, using research, critical thinking, analysis and problem solving, which respond to user needs and promote human well-being.
• Create interior spaces that conform with required codes, standards and regulations to protect the life, safety, health and wellness of the building occupants.
• Develop an ethical bearing that addresses sustainability, social justice, leadership, responsibility to clients and society and respect for difference and equity.

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 Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration focuses on students with moderate to intensive educational needs who most often require modifications to the general academic curriculum and/or other extensive special education supports.

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communication Design is recommended for students who already hold an undergraduate degree and are looking to enter the design industry or related fields and wish to advance their studio skills in print design, illustration, web design, 3-D design, motion graphics, interactive design, corporate identity, information architecture, interaction design or information graphics. The program offers individualized plans of study, experiential learning, design history and research. Interdisciplinary study is encouraged.

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

• Develop a body of creative work at a level appropriate for a graduate designer/illustrator/photographer.

The Master of Science degree in Mechatronics Engineering provides an advanced theoretical and/or research-oriented curriculum with significant depth in mechatronics-related discipline, beyond the general fundamentals of the engineering bachelor's degree.

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

• Conduct literature searches, comprehend advanced research materials and uncover connections between related work.
• Perform research, discovery and integration by applying advanced knowledge of mechatronics engineering.
• Communicate problems and solutions in mechatronics engineering clearly, both verbally and in writing.

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technology is a terminal degree designed for those who are interested in achieving the artistry and skills necessary to qualify as practicing professionals in the entertainment industry and/or professional theatre educators. The program is a three-year course of study with a flexible curriculum for students to explore areas of special interest.

The Theatre Design and Technology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Costume Design and Technology concentration prepares students for careers in the entertainment industry, professional theatre or theatre education. Students study both design and technology, including related areas such as dye techniques, costume crafts and wigs and makeup. Students also design costumes for main-stage departmental productions. The curriculum includes core classes in theatre history, dramatic theory and historical periods.
• The Lighting Design concentration balances instruction and experience in lighting design with instruction and experience in lighting technology. Studies include digital rendering, CAD, lighting technology and automated lighting. Students research and study all of aspects of theatrical lighting, including the design process from concept to execution, communication skills, integration of technology into design, documentation of the work and critical evaluation of the work.
• The Scene Design concentration balances focused classroom instruction with practical design and production experience. Students also study related artisan areas such as digital and traditional rendering techniques, 3D CAD, props, fabrication, scene painting and presentation techniques with particular emphasis on integrating contemporary digital techniques into the design process. The curriculum contains courses in construction theory, rigging, costume crafts and projection/media design.
• The Technical Direction concentration provides students with training and practical experiences in planning main stage productions for the School of Theatre and Dance. Studies focus on safety and all logistics of production assembly, including touring and dance. Technical directors have the opportunity work in four very different theatre spaces: black box, large proscenium, thrust and open outdoor.

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

• Acquire creative and technical ability to develop the design of a production from concept to finished product.
• Acquire advanced abilities in the unification of all design elements used in professional production.
• Understand analytical or academically oriented theatre studies in areas related to and supportive of the work in the major field such as history, theory, dramatic literature and performance studies.
• Understand information resources associated with theatrical design and production.
• Produce full working drawings for mounted productions.
• Analyze text, music and dance and the ways that historical, critical and theoretical content inform playwriting, acting, directing and design.
• Communicate ideas clearly and effectively to the theatre community, production teams and the public.
• Know the history of their area of specialization and have the ability to integrate that history into production design.
• Know current technology, tools and methods in their area of specialization and have the ability to integrate technology into production design.
• Know health and safety practices associated with theatre production.
• Communicate and navigate effectively within the field of professional theatrical production design.
• Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics and practice.

The Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences–Cellular and Molecular Biology prepares creative research scientists for careers in teaching, research and biotechnology. Graduates possess an in-depth comprehension of experimental design at the cellular and molecular levels of biological organization, as well as competency in current techniques in the discipline. Major research emphases include signal transduction, biochemistry and pathobiology, gene regulation, cell systems biology, cell and tissue ultrastructure, membrane structure and function, molecular aspects of neurobiology and endocrinology, genetics and metabolism of microorganisms, virology and immunology and enzymology with an emphasis on protein dynamics and folding, as well as cytochrome P-450s.

Program faculty are drawn from several departments at Kent State University, University of Akron, Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). Additional participant faculty are located at area clinical facilities and hospitals. This multi-departmental and inter-institutional structure gives master's student access to the talents of a broadly diverse research faculty, as well as significant research facilities and resources.

The Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences–Cellular and Molecular Biology is offered in consortium with Cleveland Clinic, Northeast Ohio Medical University and the University of Akron

The Biomedical Sciences–Cellular and Molecular Biology major comprises the following concentrations:

• Cellular Biology and Structure
• Molecular Biology and Genetics

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

• Publish their research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrate the ability to teach undergraduate students.
• Seek employment after graduation in fields that reflect their area of training.

The Master of Science degree in Computer Science provides students with an educational and research environment to develop career paths through necessary training with emerging technologies. Graduates have the technical knowledge and skills necessary for success within the information and high technology industries.

The M.S. degree in Computer Science has two culminating options: thesis or non-thesis. Students planning to pursue a Ph.D. degree an/or academic research should select the thesis option. Students planning to pursue applied research and development in industry may select the non-thesis option. The thesis option requires original research and a written thesis. The non-thesis option requires a capstone project and an optional industrial internship.

The Computer Science major includes the following concentration:

• The Computer Engineering concentration prepares students to meet the need of computer engineering professionals in the industry for designing and managing emerging smart devices and computer-integrated physical systems with programmable intelligence. Students learn the hardware-software co-design principles and theory, architecture of the associated software and hardware, devices and sensors communication protocols and the interfaces to effectively design, build and evolve such smart devices and computer-driven intelligent physical systems.

Students opting to not pursue a concentration will create a 12-credit hour individualized plan of study with their advisor.

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

• Demonstrate breadth-of-knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to advanced topics in computer science.
• Conduct literature searches, comprehend advanced research materials and uncover connections between related work and critical evaluation and synthesis.
• Perform research, discovery and integration by applying advanced knowledge of computer science.