Master of Fashion Industry Studies

at Kent State University USA

The Bachelor of Science degree in Long-Term Care Administration provides students the education and qualifications and eligibility for state and national licensure eligibility to work as administrators in long-term care settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, congregate living, adult care centers, hospice care and other long term services and supports.

Students may earn the certified dementia practitioner (CDP) credential prior to graduation. After graduation and passing of the state and national licensure exams for nursing home administration (NHA), graduates working in the long-term care field will qualify to apply for the health services executive (HSE) credential.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the provision of customer care and services
• Demonstrate an understanding of departmental operations and how each area interacts with other areas in the provision of care and services
• Demonstrate knowledge of management, leadership, legal and regulatory requirements and the administrator’s perspective on how to successfully oversee operations.
• Effectively communicate ideas in oral presentations and written papers.
• Identify opportunities for employment in long-term care services and supports.

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.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in History provides a well-rounded educational experience in which students have the independence and flexibility to explore and develop their individual interests while getting a solid grounding in different approaches to historical research, writing and analysis. The study of history offers insight into the complexity of the human experience by exploring the political, cultural, social, economic and environmental factors that have shaped the past and the present. The study of  history also offers training in a range of skills including how to find, evaluate, manage and synthesize multiple sources of information; how to think critically and analyze complex evidence; how to undertake independent research and manage time effectively; how to develop and present reasoned arguments supported by evidence; how to present information and arguments effectively in writing; and how to develop and deliver effective oral presentations. The skills and experiences gained through the study of history provide preparation for a variety of career tracks.

The History major is comprised of several elements. Lower-Division History Electives provide history majors with an overview of the major themes and developments in World history from human origins to the present and in the history of the United States from pre-colonization to the present. The required Historical Research Methods course introduces students to the main tools and techniques of doing history while providing them with the opportunity to develop and refine the skills of historical research, writing, and analysis to do well in their upper-division coursework. The History major also includes distribution requirements in two categories of upper-division courses. Area Studies Electives are a group of upper­ division history courses in which the history of a place (state, nation, or region) is the primary focus of the courses. Thematic Studies Electives are a group of upper-division history courses in which a specific topic or theme is the primary focus of the courses while the place and time period are secondary. The required Senior Seminar in History course is a capstone experience in which students develop, design, and execute their own original historical research project that utilizes primary sources and engages with current historical scholarship. Majors are also encouraged to do an internship in history for course credit to gain job experience and further strengthen their profile for their career after graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand and apply a variety of basic historical methods.
• Find, use, and analyze historical evidence and communicate their findings in an effective manner.
• Obtain historical content knowledge and understand the connectedness of historical events and the wide varieties of human experiences.
• Understand history as a discipline based on interpretation with historical questions constantly being reframed and investigated.

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 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 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 Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education prepares students for Ohio licensure to teach music in grades K-12 in choral general and instrumental music. The program includes studies in jazz, folk, musical theatre, world music and music technology, while providing a strong grounding in Western art music history, theory and performance.

The Music Education major comprises the following concentrations:

• Choral General
• Instrumental

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Successfully meet all requirements for state licensure.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Educational Studies is a completer program designed for those who wish to work in education, health and human services settings. The program reflects a consideration for the nature of the setting in which individuals will work (e.g., youth center, social agency, museum, park, business), the particular skills and competencies required in such career (e.g., program planning, technology utilization, interpersonal and multicultural facilitation) and the nature of the particular function which characterizes the option (e.g., program design, instruction, service delivery).

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of education that meets the requirements of the College of Education, Health, and Human Services.
• Apply skills and competencies required in desired career paths.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Mathematics prepares students for the actuarial profession. Actuaries are professionals who manage risk. They predict the likelihood of future events and model the financial impact of future scenarios. They find creative ways to mitigate the undesirable effects of future events. Although most actuaries are employed in the insurance and financial industries, many others work in the transportation, environmental, medical and manufacturing industries, as well as in government.

The Actuarial Mathematics major is highly interdisciplinary, integrating substantial coursework in business, computing and communications with a solid core of mathematics and statistics. Kent State University is one of only four institutions in Ohio to receive the Universities and Colleges with Actuarial Programs-Advanced Curriculum designation from the Society of Actuaries. The Kent State program prepares students for the first four of a series of examinations to receive professional certification as an actuary.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Reason mathematically by using precise definitions, articulating assumptions and reasoning logically to conclusions.
• Engage effectively in problem solving by exploring examples, assessing the correctness of solutions and interpreting solutions in an actuarial context.
• Define, interpret and apply standard actuarial notation, terminology and formulas.
• Analyze various streams of cash flows, both certain and contingent.
• Apply methods from probability, statistics and stochastic processes to the solution of problems in actuarial science, finance and economics.
• Communicate solutions of mathematical problems clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Employ commonly used computer programming languages and software packages to solve problems in actuarial science, finance and economics.
• Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of finance, economics and accounting.

The Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Life Science/Chemistry prepares students for teacher licensure in life science and chemistry, grades 7-12. Students take a broad range of science-content courses in geology and physics and specialize in biology and chemistry content. Students complete most content coursework during their first three years; methods coursework typically begins during the spring of their third year. During the final year of the program, students complete remaining content courses, science teaching methods courses and a year-long placement in a local school district, which concludes with 13 weeks of student teaching in the spring. Life Science/Chemistry students are encouraged to meet with their advisor early in their programs as many courses must be sequenced carefully.

Students are required to complete Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCII) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Plan multiple lessons using a variety of inquiry approaches that demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of how to engage all students in learning science.
• Plan a learning environment and learning experiences for all students that demonstrate chemical safety, safety procedures, and the ethical treatment of living organisms within their licensure area.
• Plan fair and equitable assessment strategies to analyze student learning and to evaluate if the science learning goals are met.