Master of Science in Data Science (STEM)

at Kent State University USA

The Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education prepares critically reflective teachers with advanced knowledge in pre-school through primary multi-disciplinary curriculum. Students are prepared to be democratically accountable leaders, co-decision makers, pedagogical experts and committed professionals in various early childhood realms. The program emphasizes commitment to equitable and caring learning communities.

Ohio endorsements for pre-school and literacy endorsement or generalist (grades four and five) may be embedded in the program. In addition, students have the opportunity to receive an International Baccalaureate (IB) recognition award in the M.Ed. degree.

The Early Childhood Education major includes the following optional concentrations:

• The Early Childhood Leadership: Advocacy, Curriculum and Policy concentration commonly appeals to teachers who desire to further their own early childhood programs, become master teachers and/or enhance their own leadership on behalf of young children and professionals who work with them. Students delve into issues and trends in the field, reconceptualize practice, understand and deconstruct/reconstruct policy understandings and complete their own independent research as an inquiry exit project or thesis.
• The Globalization and Intercultural Competence concentration is designed for teachers who are searching for research-based solutions to the learning and teaching of international students and/or who want to build intercultural competence to meet the demands of growing or changing immigrant and refugee populations in the classroom.
• The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics concentration provides students the opportunity to engage children in interdisciplinary instruction; gain experience working with and integrating technology; and integrate STEM to break down traditional boundaries.

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.

The Master of Science degree in Geology provides qualified students the opportunity for advanced study in a wide variety of geologic fields. Focus areas include environmental research (water, surface and subsurface processes; geohazards; and natural resources), as well as evolution of earth's systems research (climate change, paleoecology and evolution, crustal processes).

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

• Show in-depth comprehension of several areas, including both basic and applied aspects of geology/earth sciences.
• Formulate testable scientific hypotheses and carry out independent research using appropriate field, experimental, analytical and/or computational methods.
• Describe, synthesize and interpret the results of a scientific investigation, and understand its broader applications.

The Master of Arts degree in History offers students the opportunity for advanced study in a variety of areas. Coursework emphasizes interpretation, methodology and original research. A student's program of study allows for the opportunity to conduct historical inquiry, research and analysis at the highest level. While students will be able to develop a core competence in their chosen field study, they will also study the histories of regions and times far removed from their central interests. Students may also pursue interdisciplinary work in cognate fields composed of courses in outside disciplines.

Students who anticipate continuing their graduate study beyond the M.A. should pursue one of the thesis tracks. Those who choose the thesis option, which is required of students on graduate assistantships, will produce a thesis based on original primary source research that engages a historiographically significant research question. Non-thesis options are available for those who do not expect to go on to doctoral work.

The program develops graduates who are educated scholar-citizens committed to historical empathy and in possession of critical thinking and communication skills honed by rigorous training.

The History major includes the following optional concentration:

• The History for Secondary School Teachers concentration is for educators interested in the advanced study of history. Coursework is focused on current scholarship and approaches to history. While the concentration's focus is not in history pedagogy, it is designed to encourage the application of current historical scholarship to the work responsibilities of the practicing teacher. The program provides school professionals with a structured but flexible approach to analyzing and teaching history while permitting interdisciplinary work in related fields or areas particularly relevant to students' professional objectives.

The Master of Arts in Economics degree provides prepares graduates for a career as an analyst in government or the private sector, as well as for doctoral study.

The Economics major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Economic Analysis concentration has a distinct advantage for students in its focus on the development of strong analytical and quantitative skills. Students are well-trained in the application of economic theory and methods of statistical analysis.

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

• Understand and apply fundamental economic concepts.
• Formulate and test hypotheses.
• Access and use appropriate information.
• Demonstrate analytic and quantitative skills.

The Master of Liberal Studies degree provides students with a unique opportunity to study at the graduate level in fields that are of interest and use to them. Under the guidance of the program's director, students select courses from across disciplines in the university to form their own individualized and integrated program of study.

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

• Bring together the different fields in which they have been working
• See the advantages of doing so.
• Continue to pursue the knowledge they entered the program to acquire.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communication Design prepares students for design and illustration professions. Students develop technical proficiency and design expertise in the organization of imagery and typography to communicate information in two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms using interactive media, environments and motion design. Students produce work for print, video, screen and interactive experiences, as well as package design, exhibition design and environmental wayfinding.

This major leads to a professional degree and focuses on intensive work in the visual arts. The B.F.A. degree consists of approximately two-thirds of the coursework in the creation and study of the visual arts, with the remainder in liberal/general studies. Because of the greater emphasis on upper-level studio courses, the B.F.A. degree allows students an opportunity to build greater expertise in a given area of the field. The B.F.A. degree program is for students planning to pursue a career in visual communication design and want to leave Kent State with a strong portfolio.

There are many study abroad/away opportunities. For more information contact the Office of Global Education or coordinator of the college's International Study Programs.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the ethics (and legal issues) closely associated with fields of visual communication.
• Demonstrate an understanding of traditional hands-on skills relative to craftsmanship. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic use of digital technologies as they relate to their areas of study.
• Demonstrate an ability to create visual response to communication problems, including understanding of hierarchy, typography, aesthetics, composition and construction of meaningful images.

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting is intended for the returning professional and mentors seasoned professional performers who wish to focus on refining and articulating their acting process, while gaining sound pedagogical practice in performance. The two-year terminal degree provides  candidates with a set of core classes centered around a variety of techniques and theories, within a flexible pedagogical laboratory model. Returning professional students are offered ample opportunity to hone performance and explore teaching skills as they earn a terminal M.F.A. degree in pursuit of employment.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science is designed for students who seek a liberal arts education combined with a solid foundation in computer science. Students may choose electives from any complementary liberal arts program beyond computer science.

Students have the option to have a double major to attain depth of knowledge across two related areas.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand the essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to computer science.
• Apply computer science concepts to solve computer-related problems.
• Analyze algorithms, computer science methods and techniques.
• Analyze and plan the development of a typical professional computer science problem.
• Make succinct oral presentations and written expositions about technical problems and their solutions.
• Work effectively as a member of a software development team.

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 optional concentrations:

• 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.
• The Cellular and Molecular Biology concentration provides a heavy focus on cell-to-cell interactions and signaling pathways to give students a deep understanding of the cellular and molecular processes that occur within cells and physiological systems.
• The Environmental Biology concentration provides students with a balance between better understanding the relationships between organisms and the environment and how this balance can be sustained through environmental management and conservation.
• The Medical Biology concentration provides students with a deep understanding of physiological systems and the mechanisms that underlie various disorders and disease pathologies.

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.