College of Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences provide a variety of undergraduate degree programs with multidisciplinary and specialty foci, each of which can be completed in 4 years. We provide a collegial and open environment for learning and engagement. Part of our curriculum integrates lab and lecture courses, which allows students to learn technique, theory, and concept. Students are also provided opportunities to engage in independent study and laboratory research under the mentorship of our reputable faculty.
To learn more about this program, contact Joan Iacobacci or check out the program website below.
Joan Iacobacci, Senior Advisor I
Email: jiacobac@kent.edu
Chemistry
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry allows students greater flexibility in choosing electives than the B.S. degree. Although not intended for students planning to become practicing chemists, the B.A. degree program is well suited for those needing a strong chemistry background as preparation for other career opportunities. The program may be used to meet pre-medicine and pre-dentistry requirements when appropriate courses from the biological sciences are used to fulfill elective hours. However, the B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry concentration, is strongly recommended for students interested in medical or dental school.
Students in the program have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program with the University of Leicester in England.
To learn more about this program, contact Hao Shen or check out the program website below.
Hao Shen
Email: hshen7@kent.edu, Assistant Professor
Criminology and Justice Studies
The Criminology and Justice Studies Program seeks through its multidisciplinary curriculum to provide students with a broad foundation of knowledge grounded in the social sciences and humanities. Further, recognizing that a humane and equitable provision of justice is the foundation of a democratic society, the programs seek to sensitize students to the values and views of diverse segments of society. In pursuit of this goal, courses within the curriculum serve to further students' conceptual understanding of the values, ethics, and power relationships involved in the process of justice. Criminology and Justice Studies is offered as both a major and a minor at Kent State.
Qualified Kent State undergraduate students can apply for early admission into the Master of Arts in Criminology & Criminal Justice program. Students in the combined BA/MA program take up to nine credits of graduate-level coursework as undergraduate students, thus enabling courses to be applied toward both degree programs.
To learn more about this program, contact Rebecca Cash and Dr. Tiffany Taylor or check out the program website below.
Rebecca Cash, Academic Advisor
Email: rcash5@kent.edu
Dr. Tiffany Taylor, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator
Email: ttaylo36@kent.edu
Computer Science
For most students, the appropriate undergraduate degree is the Bachelor of Science, possibly combined with one four optional concentrations in Data Engineering, Game Programming, Information Security, and Robotic and Embedded Systems. We also have a large array of elective courses, which, together with a possible minor, provides a great way to customize the degree to meet your interests and needs.
To learn more about this program, contact Dr. Gus Samba or check out the program website below.
Dr. Gus Samba, Professor
Email: asamba@kent.edu
Creative Writing - Minor
The Creative Writing minor encourages the development of creative work in a variety of literary modes and genres. Students gain practice in editing, peer critique, and revision within small workshop classes and seminars. Career opportunities in creative writing can include social media manager, technical writer, public relations specialist, lawyer, grant writer, librarian, editor and content manager, human relations specialist, teching English as a second language, fundraiser, and teacher.
To learn more about this program, contact Professor Ryan Hediger or check out the program website below.
Professor Ryan Hediger, Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies
Email: rehediger@kent.edu
ECONOMICS
Students can major in Economics either through a BBA in College of Business or BA in Arts and Sciences. The Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Economics equips students with a variety of skills sought by employers, including conceptualizing and solving problems; locating, organizing and using relevant information; and analytical ability. Students take a series of electives that deal with vital current topics relevant to many careers in which these theories and skills are applied, such as the U.S. financial and banking system; the economic relations between the United States and foreign countries; government spending and taxation policies; and the U.S. health system and policy options.
To learn more about this program, contact Dr. Kathryn Wilson or check out the program website below.
Dr. Kathryn Wilson, Department Chair for Economics
Email: kwilson3@kent.edu
English as a Second Language Endorsement
The graduate non-degree program in Teaching English as Second Language Endorsement Preparation allows teachers with a current Ohio Teaching License to advance their knowledge of language and second language learning in the P-12 context toward Ohio Department of Education Endorsement.
To learn more about this program, contact the Department of English or check out the program website below.
Department of English
Email: english@kent.edu
English
Students are introduced to literary traditions and critical methods through core courses and encouraged to pursue personal interests in the selection of a concentration and elective courses. English classes challenge students to develop reading, research and writing skills that will equip them for a wide range of careers. English is offered as a major and minor at Kent State. Career opportunities in English can include social media manager, technical writer, public relations specialist, lawyer, grant writer, librarian, editor and content manager, human relations specialist, teching English as a second language, fundraiser, and teacher.
To learn more about this program, contact Professor Ryan Hediger or check out the program website below.
Professor Ryan Hediger, Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies
Email: rehediger@kent.edu
Environmental Studies
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies prepares students to integrate concepts and knowledge on environmental issues from across multiple disciplines and to communicate about these in important ways. Basic scientific knowledge about environmental processes is used to inform different social goals. Students will develop a set of key competencies in earth systems science, environmental social science, human-natural systems and sustainability science to be able to solve specific environmental problems.
To learn more about this program, contact Dr. Dave Kaplan or check out the program website below.
Dr. Dave Kaplan, Professor
Email: dkaplan@kent.edu
Geography
Geographers study both natural science (spatial patterns of rocks, soils, animals, plants, climate and weather) and social science (spatial patterns of sociology, culture, politics, conflict, demographics, economics, resources, waste), with an emphasis on the intersection of human activity and environmental processes. We use data (statistics, interviews, documents) to describe the natural and social patterns we see and then we use our knowledge of human and environmental processes to analyze why these patterns exist. Basically, we ask “Where?” and then we ask “Why?” For this reason, many of us are a “jack-of-all-trades,” and know a lot about a combination of topics including: economics, sociology, and environmental sciences and how these vary across space.
To learn more about this program, contact Dr. Jen Mapes or check out the program website below.
Dr. Emariana Widner, Associate Professor
Email: ewidner@kent.edu
Mathematical Science
Students interested in careers as mathematicians should pursue either the Mathematics Program, Actuarial Mathematics Program, or the Applied Mathematics Program. The Mathematics Program is strongly recommended for students considering graduate study in mathematics. The Actuarial Mathematics Program prepares students for a career as an actuary in insurance, financial services, and related industries. The Applied Mathematics Program is flexible and designed to suit the needs of students interested in a career in industry and government or in postgraduate study in applied mathematics or other scientific areas.
To learn more about this program, contact Laura Smithies or check out the program website below.
Laura Smithies, Associate Professor
Email: lsmithie@kent.edu
Modern and Classical Language Studies
Modern and Classical Language Studies (MCLS) provides a wide range of programs in foreign languages, literatures, cultures, and translation, as well as Classics and American Sign Language. In this program, you can:
- Gain vital skills in research, critical thinking, writing, and collaborative problem solving, which open doors to many career paths and are essential to success in today's job market.
- Become a global citizen through multilingual communication and gain understanding of other cultures.
- Stand out in the career market with multilingualism, important in both U.S. culture and the global economy.
- Study abroad and immerse yourself in another language and culture.
To learn more about this program, contact the Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies or check out the program website below.
Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies
Email: mcls@kent.edu
Neuroscience
The interdisciplinary B.S. Neuroscience at Kent State University offers students the opportunity to explore and learn about brain development, neural control of body physiology, neural basis of behavior and neurobiology of aging.
To learn more about this program, contact Dr. Wilson C.J. Chang or check out the program website below.
Dr. Wilson C.J. Chang, Associate Professor and Director of the Undergraduate Neuroscience Program
Email: wchung@kent.edu
Pan-African Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Pan-African Studies consists of four concentrations: Community Activism, Strategy and Development; Global and Government Systems; Race, Sex, and Gender; and Arts in Culture and Society. Pan-African Studies is offered as both a major and a minor at Kent State.
The Pan-African Studies minor introduces students to the experiences and accomplishments of people of African descent, wherever they may be in the world. The minor complements majors that prepare students to work in areas such as education, law, law enforcement, public service, social work, research, foreign service, business and community development.
To learn more about this program, contact Professor Mwatabu Okantah or check out the program website below.
Professor Mwatabu Okantah, Associate Professor and Assistant Chairperson
Email: mokantah@kent.edu
Professional and Technical Writing - Minor
The Professional and Technical Writing minor provides training in writing, editing, proofreading and publishing for students seeking to enter professional or technical fields that demand strong written communication.
To learn more about this program, contact Professor Ryan Hediger or check out the program website below.
Professor Ryan Hediger, Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies
Email: rehediger@kent.edu
Society, Health, and Medicine - Minor
This is a new minor offered by the College of Arts and Sciences and is available starting Fall 2021.
To learn more about this new program,
contact Rebecca Cash and Dr. Tiffany Taylor or check out the program website below.
Rebecca Cash, Academic Advisor
Email: rcash5@kent.edu
Dr. Tiffany Taylor, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator
Email: ttaylo36@kent.edu
Sociology
Students are encouraged to think critically as they examine issues ranging from small group behavior to global social movements. The core curriculum focuses on social inequalities, social psychology and health and illness. In addition, the program offers courses on a variety of topics, including urban living, deviant behavior, religion and family. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology provides broad training in the theories and methods that sociologists use to understand contemporary social issues and problems. Sociology is offered as both a major and a minor at Kent State.
To learn more about this program, contact Rebecca Cash and Dr. Tiffany Taylor or check out the program website below.
Rebecca Cash, Academic Advisor
Email: rcash5@kent.edu
Dr. Tiffany Taylor, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator
Email: ttaylo36@kent.edu
Teaching English as a Second Language
Major - Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching English as a Second Language provides students with a broad understanding of both theory and practice in language studies, pedagogy, and culture. Students gain master in implementing their skills in varied second-language teaching contexts; in addition, they can observe and participate with international learners in a state-of-the-art technology classroom.
Students who complete an optional practicum abroad receive a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Students can additionally work toward state teacher licensure by completing the Education minor.
Undergraduate Certificate
The Teaching English as a Foreign Language undergraduate certificate immerses students within another culture while at the same time giving them the structure and support that allows them to succeed as teachers of English. WIth the world’s growing need for individuals who speak English, the demand for people who can teach English as a foreign language has grown rapidly over the past few decades.
Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program
Teaching English as a Second Language students may apply early to the M.A. degree in Teaching English as a Second Language and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs.
To learn more about this program, contact Professor Ryan Hediger or check out the program website below.
Professor Ryan Hediger, Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies
Email: rehediger@kent.edu
Zoology
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.
To learn more about this program, contact Joan Iacobacci or check out the program website below.
Joan Iacobacci, Senior Advisor I
Email: jiacobac@kent.edu