College of Arts and Sciences
-
Actuarial Mathematics
Description
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.
-
Applied Mathematics
Description
The Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics emphasizes the tools most useful in science, engineering and technology applications: mathematical modeling, scientific computing and probability and statistics.
Students may apply early to the M.S. in Applied Mathematics and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program policy in the University Catalog for more information.
The Applied Mathematics major comprises the following concentrations:
- The Applied Mathematics concentration emphasizes the classical aspects of the discipline, which are rooted in mathematical modeling and applications in the sciences. It couples well with the Physics minor or major.
- The Computational Mathematics concentration is designed for students with interests in numerical modeling and scientific computing. It pairs well with the Computer Science minor or major.
- The Financial Mathematics concentration prepares students for graduate programs in mathematical or computational finance or financial engineering.
- The Probability and Statistics concentration emphasizes the mathematics underlying processes that involve randomness and the mathematical tools used in the analysis of data.
-
Biochemistry
Description
Our Biochemistry program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the molecular basis of life. With hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art labs and guidance from our experienced faculty, you'll develop the strong foundation in biochemistry needed for careers in research, medicine and pharmaceutical fields.
-
Biology
Description
Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is for students who are interested in pursuing an in-depth specialization as a biologist or wish to pursue a medical or health care career.
The Biology major comprises the following concentrations:
- The Molecular and Cellular Biology concentration is the study of biological processes within and between individual cells, allowing for a better understanding of biological principles in normal and diseased states. The focus of this program includes concepts related to the genetic basis of life, regulation of gene expression and cellular functions.
- The Organismal Biology concentration allows students to examine organisms in their natural environment and address fundamental principles of survival and adaptation in discrete micro-environments and entire ecosystems. While basic concepts of biological and chemical functions are covered, the focus of this concentration is comprehensive aspects of the whole organism.
- The Pre-Medicine/Pre-Podiatry/Pre-Dentistry concentration prepares students for careers in medicine and health care. The curriculum provides the courses necessary for admission to advanced degree programs in healthcare and biomedical science professions.
Bachelor of ARTS
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology is for students who are interested in the biological sciences, but who also want a degree with a strong liberal arts component. This program provides a basic background in biology while offering the opportunity to take a wide range of classes in other disciplines.
Biologists work in a variety of settings, and career opportunities are available in government agencies, privately owned companies and non-profit groups. Graduates may also choose to further their education beyond a bachelor's degree by attending graduate or professional school. The Department of Biological Sciences has several mechanisms to help students prepare for their future careers.
-
Biotechnology
Description
The Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary program that provides a strong academic foundation in biological sciences and chemistry, practical training in the various biotechnologies and a solid understanding of their application in industry and biomedicine. The science of biotechnology extends across many areas of biology and chemistry and provides cutting-edge technology tools for modern biology and biomedical research. The curriculum includes a research experience at Kent State and/or an internship at a biotechnology company.
Biotechnology graduates have employment opportunities in biomedical research and in the rapidly growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
-
Chemistry
Description
Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry is designed to provide a thorough foundation in the various fields of chemistry and the related sciences. The program is for students planning careers in the chemical industries or governmental laboratories, or who intend to do graduate work in chemistry. Students in the program have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program with the University of Leicester in England.
Chemistry students in specific concentrations may apply early to the M.S. degree in Chemistry and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program policy in the University Catalog for more information.
Bachelor of ARTS
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.
-
Computer Science
Description
Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science seeks to prepare students to have successful careers as computing professionals, with a solid understanding of software development and computer systems and the foundation for life-long learning in the field; to have an academic foundation suitable for graduate study in computer science or related areas; to be able to function effectively on software development teams, with oral and written communication skills. and with an understanding of professional ethics and responsibility.
Graduates of the B.S. degree in Computer Science have careers in developing, managing and building software in a variety of industries, including finance, health care, entertainment, telecommunications and manufacturing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the following as top occupation choices for Computer Science majors: computer network architect; software developer; information security analyst; database administrator; computer systems analyst; computer programmer; and network and computer systems administrator.
Computer Science students may apply early to the M.S. degree in Computer Science and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program policy in the University Catalog for more information.
Bachelor of ARTS
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.
-
Environmental Studies
Description
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 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.
Environmental Studies students may apply early to the M.S. degree in Geography and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program policy in the University Catalog for more information.
-
Environmental and Conservation Biology
Description
The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Conservation Biology is designed for students interested in a career in the environmental sciences. This program provides an interdisciplinary education in biology and the supporting fields of geology, geography and chemistry. Environmental and conservation biologists work to sustainably manage or restore ecosystems, develop and implement environmental policies, or conduct research on how ecological processes affect biological diversity.
Potential careers for graduates include wildlife ecologists, environmental educators, forest managers, environmental consultants and personnel at public environmental regulatory or land use planning agencies. The Department of Biological Sciences has several mechanisms to help students prepare for their future careers.
-
Mathematics
Description
Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics comprises core areas in algebra (number systems, equations, discrete structures), analysis (functions, limits, continuous processes), geometry (space, shape, form) and associated generalizations and abstractions.
The B.S. degree program is recommended for students interested in a flexible option of careers or graduate study in mathematics. Coupled with the Education minor, the program can lead to Ohio teacher licensure.
Students may apply early to the M.S.in Pure Mathematics program and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program policy in the University Catalog for more information.
Bachelor of ARTS
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics is a flexible program, grounded in the liberal arts and suited for students' individual interests and needs. The program combines well with a second major and/or minors.
-
Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers
Description
Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers- M.A.
The Master of Arts degree in Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers is a three-year program offered in the evenings and summer. Designed collaboratively by faculty in mathematical sciences and teacher education, the program is for in-service teachers and features both mathematics and education classes. The program does not lead to Ohio teacher licensure.
-
Medical Laboratory Science
Description
The Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science allows students to combine three years of study at Kent State with 12 months of professional training at an approved hospital. Medical laboratory scientists are trained to perform complex chemical, microscopic and microbiological procedures. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Exam.
-
Neuroscience
Description
The Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience offers a broad-based and hands-on study of the mechanisms of brain function from the cell and molecular level through cognition and behavior. This major is for students interested in medicine, other health professions, research and graduate studies in biology, neuroscience and psychology. The major also prepares students for careers in industries, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, research administration and policy, science communication, teaching and other science-related businesses.
The Neuroscience major includes the following optional concentration:
- The Pre-Medicine/Pre-Podiatry optional concentration prepares students for a graduate medical or podiatry program.
-
Physics
Description
Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science degree in Physics is a professionally oriented program that serves as preparation either for graduate work in physics or for entrance into positions in a variety of industries or government service.
Bachelor of ARTS
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics prepares students for such varied fields as secondary education, patent law, science journalism or interdisciplinary science careers. The core requirements permit a large number of elective courses, which allow students to complete a minor or second major in preparation for an interdisciplinary career. This program is well suited for those with a strong interest not only in science but also in a non-science field. Students completing the program may choose to continue their physics studies on a graduate level.
-
Zoology
Description
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. Students may seek employment immediately after graduation or continue their education in graduate or professional programs. Those entering the workforce may go on to work for national or local parks, zoos/aquaria, museums, animal research facilities, wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinarian offices or humane societies. The Department of Biological Sciences has several mechanisms to help students prepare for their future careers.