Kent State University Philosophy Graduate Student Conference

The M.A. program introduces students to the practices of philosophy beyond reading texts and writing papers. The Department of Philosophy at Kent State University hosts the annual Kent State University Philosophy Graduate Student Conference in Remembrance of May 4th. The graduate student conference is conceived, planned, and organized by philosophy graduate students.

Assistantships

A limited number of graduate assistantships, which include competitive stipends and tuition/fee waivers, are available for graduate students. Applicants must complete and submit their application by February 1 to be ensured of consideration for a graduate assistantship. All applicants to the MA program who submit their applications by February 1 are automatically considered for funding. There is no separate application for an assistantship.

Proseminar

The Proseminar is a three-hour course that meets weekly to provide professional training to our graduate students. Topics covered include preparing strong applications to doctoral programs, applying to and presenting at academic conferences, professional norms and etiquette, and non-academic careers for philosophers. Pedagogical training is also provided.

Thesis

Graduate students ordinarily complete the requirements for the MA in philosophy by writing a thesis. The thesis offers an opportunity for graduate students to work closely with a faculty member and a thesis committee in order to explore a topic of the student's choice. In some cases, students choose instead to pursue one of our non-thesis capstone options. 

Biomedical Sciences - Neurosciences - Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences-Neurosciences program is designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to make groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience research. With a focus on hands-on experience and collaboration, you'll have opportunities to work with experienced researchers in state-of-the-art facilities, advancing your understanding of the human brain and preparing you for a fulfilling career in academia or industry. Read more...

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Program Information

Program Description

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Biomedical Sciences–Neurosciences is offered in consortium with the Cleveland Clinic and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). The program allows students to complete research projects under the guidance of a neuroscience faculty member at Kent State and faculty at the other two institutions.

Students complete a common set of core courses that cover fundamental principles in neuroscience, from the cellular/molecular to the systems level. Students also complete elective courses tailored to their chosen subdiscipline. Areas of research focus on the neurosciences include behavioral neuroscience, sensory neuroscience, developmental neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Sufficient academic background to complete graduate coursework in neuroscience (recommended courses in cell biology, genetics, biopsychology and/or neuroscience)
  • Curriculum vitae/résumé is required starting with the fall 2024 admission term
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement indicating the applicant's interests in neuroscience, their research experience and career aspirations
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
    • Minimum 600 TOEFL PBT score
    • Minimum 100 TOEFL IBT score
    • Minimum 85 MELAB score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 68 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 Duolingo English score

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Application deadline: December 1

Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Publish their research in peer-reviewed journals.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to teach undergraduate students.
  3. Seek employment in fields that reflect their area of training.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
BMS 70120LABORATORY TECHNIQUES IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (taken twice)4
BMS 70462NEUROBIOLOGY: SYSTEMS AND BEHAVIOR 4
BMS 70729CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE 4
BMS 71000RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH 1
BMS 71001INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES 1
BMS 78637BIOANTHROPOLOGICAL DATA ANALYSIS I 3-5
or BSCI 70104 BIOLOGICAL STATISTICS
or PSYC 71651 QUANTITATIVE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS I
Electives 111-13
Culminating Requirement
BMS 80199DISSERTATION I 230
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Baccalaureate Students:90
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Master's Students:60
1

Elective courses and research must be approved by the student's guidance committee.

2

Upon completion of course requirements and candidacy exam, doctoral students must register for BMS 80199 for two semesters for a total of 30 credit hours. Thereafter, it is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for BMS 80299 each semester until all requirements for the degree have been met. As soon after completion of candidacy examination as possible, the dissertation committee will be established, consisting of the guidance committee and an outside discipline member – a graduate faculty member from another department at Kent State University or another program of the School of Biomedical Sciences. Students will submit to this committee their prospectus for the dissertation. The format of the prospectus will parallel that utilized for NIH grant proposals (without biographical, budget and facilities information). The dissertation committee may elect to examine the candidate on the proposal and may accept it as submitted or reject it with specific reasons and recommendations for reformulation.

Graduation Requirements

Post-baccalaureate students must complete a minimum 60 credit hours, and post-master's students a minimum 30 credit hours, of coursework prior to dissertation.

Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Elective Coursework

Students in our MA program have a unique opportunity to design an individualized concentration consisting of five of our graduate PHIL courses. This allows them to take full advantage of the extremely wide range of specializations represented by our faculty, many of which are interdisciplinary or cross traditional methodological boundaries within the discipline of philosophy.

Biomedical Sciences - Neurosciences - M.S.

The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences-Neurosciences offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines classroom instruction with research opportunities, preparing you for a rewarding career in neuroscience research or academia. With state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and a commitment to excellence, Kent State's program is the perfect launchpad for your career in this exciting field. Read more...

Contact Us

Apply Now
Request Information
Schedule a visit

Program Information

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences–Neurosciences is offered in consortium with the Cleveland Clinic and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). The program allows students to complete research projects under the guidance of a neuroscience faculty member at Kent State University and faculty from the other two institutions.

Students complete a common set of core courses that cover fundamental principles in neuroscience, from the cellular/molecular to the systems level. Students also complete elective courses tailored to their chosen subdiscipline. Areas of research focus on the neurosciences include behavioral neuroscience, sensory neuroscience, developmental neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Curriculum vitae/résumé is required starting with the fall 2024 admission term
  • Strong academic background sufficient to take graduate level coursework in the curriculum (recommended courses in cell biology, genetics and biopsychology or neuroscience)
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Goal statement indicating the applicant's interests in neuroscience, research experience and career aspirations
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
    • Minimum 600 TOEFL PBT score
    • Minimum 100 TOEFL IBT score
    • Minimum 85 MELAB score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 68 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 Duolingo English score

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Application deadline: December 1

Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Publish their research in peer-reviewed journals.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to teach undergraduate students.
  3. Seek employment in fields that reflect their area of training.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
ANTH 68637BIOANTHROPOLOGICAL DATA ANALYSIS I 3-5
or BSCI 60104 BIOLOGICAL STATISTICS
or PSYC 61651 QUANTITATIVE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS I
BMS 60462NEUROBIOLOGY: SYSTEMS AND BEHAVIOR 4
BMS 60729CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE 4
BMS 61000RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH 1
BMS 61001INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES 1
Electives 111-13
Culminating Requirement
BMS 60199THESIS I 6
Minimum Total Credit Hours:32
1

Elective courses and research must be approved by the student's thesis committee.

Graduation Requirements

  • Minimum 17 credit hours of overall credit hours must be letter graded (required and elective courses).
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Kent State NYC Fashion students visiting The Big Button

Near the intersection of Seventh Avenue and 39th Street in New York City’s garment district, a sculpture of a large, golden button stands suspended on a needle by silvery thread. Photo, and header photo, by Rami Daud, senior photographer, University Communications and Marketing The Big Button is a popular destination for Kent State University fashion students studying at Kent State University New York City Fashion, which is located nearby. An Immersive Academic Experience Kent State's New York City Fashion is located in the city’s garment district. Living in the city and visiti...

Philosophy - M.A.

The Master of Arts degree in Philosophy offers intensive, in-depth study of philosophy, with particular attention to the diversity of philosophical methods, perspectives and traditions, as well as their relation to other disciplines. Read More...

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Program Information

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Philosophy offers intensive, in-depth study of philosophy, with particular attention to the diversity and plurality of philosophical methods, perspectives and traditions, and their relation to other disciplines.

Most of our graduates go on to pursue doctoral degrees in philosophy, while others are seeking a terminal master's degree in philosophy to supplement and enhance their careers or their work in other disciplines.

The graduate program stresses both breadth and depth and offers students the option of a thesis or a non-thesis research project as a culminating experience.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Writing sample
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
    • Minimum 610 TOEFL PBT score
    • Minimum 102 TOEFL IBT score
    • Minimum 86 MELAB score
    • Minimum 7.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 73 PTE score
    • Minimum 130 Duolingo English score

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: February 1
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of philosophy from the classical period to the present day, of the various fields of philosophical inquiry and of central philosophical questions, both historical and contemporary.
  2. Articulate and defend their positions through philosophical argumentation in both written and oral form.
  3. Successfully navigate the professional academic world and prepare strong applications to doctoral programs, if they choose to continue their studies after completion of the master's degree.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
PHIL 51038INTERMEDIATE LOGIC 3
PHIL 60191GRADUATE SEMINAR 16
PHIL 69101PROSEMINAR: PROFESSIONAL AND PEDAGOGICAL TRAINING 26
Philosophy (PHIL) Elective Coursework 315
Culminating Experience
Thesis or Research, choose from the following: 46
PHIL 69199
THESIS I
PHIL 69998
RESEARCH
Additional Philosophy (PHIL) coursework and a paper
Minimum Total Credit Hours:36
1

Students take PHIL 60191 in their second and third semesters in the program.

2

Beyond required and elective coursework, students are required to participate in PHIL 69101 for each semester in residence. Maximum 6 credit hours of the course may be counted toward the degree requirements. The graduate coordinator, in consultation with the graduate faculty, will consider various options for satisfying the graduate proseminar requirement where circumstances dictate.

3

One graduate course in a discipline outside of philosophy may be taken with departmental approval.

4

Proposals for a culminating experience can be made only after a student has met the following requirements: completion of (or present good standing in) one section each of PHIL 51038 and PHIL 60191, as well as 6 credit hours of elective course work.

Graduation Requirements

Students who lack background preparation in a specific area will be required to take an undergraduate course and earn a minimum B grade in that course as a prerequisite to further graduate study. The student's advisory group, in consultation with the graduate coordinator, will determine which course prerequisites are needed.

Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries

Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary

6.7%

faster than the average

30,900

number of jobs

$76,160

potential earnings

Lawyers

4.0%

about as fast as the average

813,900

number of jobs

$126,930

potential earnings

Social workers, all other

5.1%

faster than the average

62,500

number of jobs

$64,210

potential earnings

Public relations and fundraising managers

9.2%

much faster than the average

88,000

number of jobs

$118,430

potential earnings

Social and community service managers

17.0%

much faster than the average

175,500

number of jobs

$69,600

potential earnings

Media and communication workers, all other

8.1%

much faster than the average

35,200

number of jobs

$49,730

potential earnings

News analysts, reporters, and journalists

-11.2%

decline

52,000

number of jobs

$49,300

potential earnings

Writers and authors

-2.3%

decline

131,200

number of jobs

$67,120

potential earnings

Additional Careers
  • Bioethicist
  • Business/management positions
  • Communication specialists
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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