Master of Arts in Visual Communication Design

at Kent State University USA

The Master of Science degree in Construction Management offers students a deep understanding of leading dynamic construction projects and organizations in the built environment. The program also offers a thesis or project option for those interested in a research and/or a future higher education role. Graduates of the program are prepared to lead at both the project and corporate level.

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

• Exhibit the planning, organization, execution and contract skills of a construction manager.
• Apply ethical and sustainability perspectives to construction management knowledge.
• Demonstrate the financial, managerial and risk management of a leader in the construction industry.
• Analyze how issues of cost, safety, quality, schedule and design impact project development and implementation.
• Evaluate the procurement and logistics processes of underlying construction systems and devise strategies to mitigate these complexities.
• Compare construction management technologies, innovations and processes, and how they relate to cross-disciplinary teams.

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.

Computer engineers design and test new computer technologies and develop innovations for modern-day life, from medical equipment and automobiles, to hand-held devices and video games, to power grids and communication systems.

To prepare for a career in this field, you will build skills in both electrical engineering and computer science. You will learn not only about the software side of computing technology, but also about the design of computer chips, circuit boards, control systems, and other electronic hardware.

You will learn to apply your broad-based knowledge and technical skills to develop computing technology for instrumentation, control, communication and power-conversion systems.

The Master of Music degree in Performance is designed to prepare the student for professional music activities, including solo performance, orchestral playing, ensemble playing, collaborative performance, studio teaching; as well as doctoral study. The program emphasizes development of skills, knowledge and background in the following areas: literature and repertoire, performance skills, practice skills, interpretation and expression, performance pedagogy, historical performance practices, music history and music theory.

The Performance major includes the following optional concentrations:

• The Chamber Music concentration is for intensive coaching and performance of string quartet literature.

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

• Recognize, identify, interpret and perform representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
• Apply advanced performing skills in solo and ensemble settings, including tone production, accuracy, intonation, instrumental/vocal technique, musicality/expression, vocal language and diction and stage presence/presentation.
• Discuss, utilize and achieve high-quality results from efficient and effective practice techniques, including time management, achievable goals and use of appropriate technical skills, musical expression skills and focused work ethic.
• Have an enhanced understanding of interpretation and expression in music.
• Identify, explain and utilize performance pedagogy appropriate to the specific area of study.
• Identify, associate, differentiate and utilize performances practices appropriate to the literature of the various stylistic periods.
• Utilize and discuss score study of literature performed and also representative literature from various historical periods and composers.

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 Bachelor of Arts degree in Architectural Studies is a liberal arts program that exposes students to the theory and processes of design and prepares them for directed graduate study and careers in a variety of design-related disciplines.

As the only liberal arts degree in Kent State's College of Architecture and Environmental Design, the Architectural Studies major allows students to pursue dual degrees, double majors and/or multiple minors in related fields such as art history, business, construction management, fashion, geography, history, marketing, music, physical/life sciences, studio arts, urban studies, visual communications design and others. The program includes required design studios; lecture/studio hybrid courses; and seminars on architectural history, theory/criticism, urban issues and theories of sustainability. Additionally, students take architecture electives, which allow them to explore digital design processes, landscape architecture and urban design, or to pursue a minor in architectural history or historic preservation.

Students have the option of graduating with a streamlined dual degree, the B.A. degree in Architectural Studies and the B.S. degree in Construction Management.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the language, logic and rhetoric of design, and ability to deploy this understanding in design projects, research, analysis and critique.
• Demonstrate abilities in design thinking, visual thinking, critical thinking and design discourse.
• Demonstrate skills in research and apply these skills to the design of the built environment.
• Recognize the value of cultural diversity and a broad range of historical traditions.
• Demonstrate understanding of the interconnectedness of the allied design disciplines, and the ability to articulate relationships between these professions and other areas of study
• Appreciate a wide range of contrasting perspectives on sustainability, recognize the relationship between these perspectives and the design of the built environment, and advocate for specific positions
• Utilize and interpret literature and data related to environments and their design.
• Demonstrate leadership skills in cross-disciplinary settings

The Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics provides an education in aviation that produces professionals to operate the National Airspace System in the 21st century.

The Aeronautics major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Aeronautical Studies concentration prepares students for entry-level technological positions in aviation and related areas. Although focused on a broad foundation of aeronautically related subjects, the program also provides a significant number of electives that allow students to explore other areas of interest or earn a minor in a particular area of study. It is well suited for those entering the program with previous flight experience or transfer credits from an accredited university.
• The Air Traffic Control concentration prepares students for professional work in air traffic control and management. Originally, as part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic–Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI), the concentration provides practical simulation-based training in air traffic control that enables the CTI graduates to work as air traffic controllers and managers in the National Airspace System.
• The Aviation Management concentration prepares students for entry-level management supervisory and administrative positions in aviation and other aviation-related professional fields. This course of study combines technical and aeronautical courses with courses in management and information systems. Students entering this program should have a technical interest, mathematical proficiency and an ability to develop analytical and communicative capabilities.
• The Professional Pilot concentration is designed for students who aspire to become professional pilots. This concentration stresses subjects associated with flight systems, propulsion, structures and electronics. Students entering this program should have a strong desire for excellence in aviation as well as the flying skills required of a professional pilot.
• The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operations concentration is for students who aspire to become professional Unmanned aircraft pilots (drone pilot).  This concentration is focused on the safe operations of unmanned aircraft systems, regulations, the technology of autonomous systems and policy regarding the operations of unmanned aerial elements. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of math, science and the applied sciences to aviation-related disciplines.
• Analyze and interpret data.
• Understand and master the fundamental concepts and skills of airplane flight.
• Communicate effectively through written and oral means.
• Recognize the need and develop the cognitive abilities to engage in life-long learning by successfully contending with changing technologies, regulatory policies and procedures, market forces and the highly dynamic operational environment of commercial flight and professional aviation.
• Understand contemporary issues that affect aviation.
• Use the techniques, skills and modern technology necessary for professional practice.
• Understand the national and international aviation environment.
• Apply pertinent knowledge in identifying and solving problems.
• Know and understand the technical details involved in the effective management of employees and operational systems in professional aviation.

The Master of Science degree in Materials Science provides students with extensive scientific training, cutting-edge research opportunities and engineering skills necessary for a variety of careers in academy and industry. Program faculty and students conduct research through Kent State's participating departments and the Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute. Such research includes liquid crystal synthesis and molecular design; properties of liquid crystals and related advanced materials; lyotropic liquid crystals and bio-related materials; opto-electronics; and nanoscience and nanotechnologies. These important research foci are inherently interdisciplinary.

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

• Develop an advanced understanding of the fundamental science of soft materials and ability to apply acquired knowledge of physical and chemical properties of advanced soft materials and devices such as liquid crystals, polymers, colloids and active matter.
• Gain experience in presenting scientific data in research publications, articles, posters and oral presentations.
• Apply acquired knowledge to the development of new soft materials, new theories and effects and advanced materials such as liquid crystal-based devices.

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 Zoology offers a modern and integrative study of animals. Students learn about individual animals, as well as populations of animals across all levels of biological organization, from genes to ecosystems. The program also focuses on animal behavior and physiology, as well as how animals evolve, contribute to biodiversity and interact with each other and their environment.

Students may seek employment immediately after graduation or continue their education in graduate or professional programs. Those entering the workforce may go on to work for national or local parks, zoos/aquaria, museums, animal research facilities, wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinarian offices or humane societies. The Department of Biological Sciences has several mechanisms to help students prepare for their future careers.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental biological principles as outlined in specific courses.
• 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.