Graduate

The Master of Digital Sciences degree is a professional master’s degree for graduates from a variety of backgrounds. 

For graduates from computer science, computer information systems, technology, or other areas close to Digital Sciences, it can augment the students’ undergraduate coursework with additional breadth and some focused depth in one area outside their own discipline. For example, a computer science graduate could select the Digital Systems Management and Consulting concentration to study the management of information systems. A computer information systems graduate could select the Enterprise Architecture concentration to learn how to align the use of technology to business needs.

For graduates from the sciences, humanities or other areas less closely aligned with Digital Sciences, the Master of Digital Sciences gives a broad exposure to the field and a focused introduction to one area. For example, a physics graduate could select the Digital Systems Software Development concentration to study programming, algorithms, and software engineering. A psychology or education graduate could select the Digital Science Cognition and Communication concentration to learn about simulation games, virtual reality, and managing technological change.

COMBINED BACHELOR'S AND MASTER'S PROGRAM:

Students who are currently in a Bachelor's program at Kent State University and have a very good undergraduate record may want to consider the Combined Bachelor's and Master's program.  This program allows an undergraduate student to apply for early admission to the Master of Digital Sciences degree and double-count up to 12 hours of graduate coursework toward both degrees, saving up to an entire semester of tuition and time.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants for the Master of Digital Sciences degree are expected to have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 point scale. Applicants with a lower GPA will be considered for conditional admission.

Applicants must submit official transcript(s), current resume, three letters of recommendation, a statement of goals and objectives for pursuing this degree, and (optionally) a statement of plans for electives.

The (required) statement of goals and objectives should explain your goals and objectives for pursuing this advanced degree.  For example, are you trying to better prepare yourself for a specific career, update your knowledge in a specific area, add expertise that will be more valuable in your current career, or do you expect to gain something else from this degree?

The (optional) statement of plans for electives should explain how you plan to choose your Digital Sciences related electives to complement your selected concentration and undergraduate major.  For example, how do you see these electives helping you to meet the goals and objectives that you listed in the previous question?

The GRE is not required, but if taken will be considered in the admission process.  

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:

International applicants must submit evidence of proficiency in the English language, usually through the TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS.

Students on an F-1 visa, or with a scholarship from their government, may also be subject to restrictions on the number of online courses they can take, either on a semester basis or in total.  If this is the case, please note that the required courses for the Enterprise Architecture and Digital Science Cognition and Communication concentrations are generally delivered in an in-classroom format, so those concentrations may be less suitable for international students under these constraints who want to pursue the degree on the Kent State campus.

However, the required courses for the Digital Systems Management and Consulting, Digital Systems Software Development, and Digital Systems Telecommunication Networks concentrations are generally delivered in an in-classroom format, so those concentrations are well-suited for international students who want to pursue the degree on the Kent State campus.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE DIGITAL SCIENCES GRADUATE PROGRAM?

Click on the "Apply Now" link above, and on the next web page, click on "Submit an Application".  Unless you have applied to Kent State University before, you will be a First Time User, so you should select "Begin New Application".  Then apply for admission as a "Graduate Student", selecting the "School of Digital Sciences" as the academic unit, and the "Masters" degree as the degree type.  

After specifying the degree type, you will be asked to input your application term, email address, name, address, etc.  The email address is required for the online application system, and it becomes your Login ID for future use if you want to check on the status of your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to enter a statement of your goals and objectives, a statement of your plans for electives within the degree, and the names and contact information for three references.  If you prefer, you can also submit the two statements by email.

If you are admitted to the program, you will receive an admission letter by email.  That admission letter will contain your FlashLine login and password, which will allow you to access our university portal, FlashLine. This web site includes important information about class registration, housing, etc.  

To register for classes using FlashLine, click on  the "Student Tools & Courses" tab.  Under "Registration & Class Tools", the FlashFAST section contains links to view course descriptions, look up and register for classes, add or drop classes, and see your student schedule.