Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Science degree in User Experience prepares students for careers in discovery research, information architecture, interaction design, prototyping, usability testing and user experience strategy and assessment. As essential members of multidisciplinary design teams, user experience professionals engage in a variety of activities to produce usable products that delight users and help organizations meet the needs of their clients, patrons, users and stakeholders. User experience analysis addresses the structural, informational, psychological and emotional dimensions that make interactive communication and information technologies useful and successful.

Kent State's program provides a broad introduction to all phases of the multidisciplinary design process, with the opportunity to build deeper knowledge and skills in a focus area. The program includes electives from aligned master's programs in the College of Communication and Information and related disciplines.

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 scale¹
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation (starting with spring 2026 admission term, two letters of recommendation will be required)
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:²
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

¹

Applicants who do not meet the minimum 2.750 GPA requirement must submit a statement that addresses the circumstances that contributed to the GPA and preparation for success in graduate study. Applicants should include recent professional achievements that indicate an ability to perform at a higher academic level to be considered for conditional admission to the program.

²

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: April 15
• Spring Semester
  • Application deadline: November 15
• Summer Term
  • Application deadline: March 15

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Articulate the values of a user experience professional in the context of agile, multidisciplinary design teams.
2. Design and conduct research to understand user needs.
3. Apply interaction design fundamentals to address user needs.
4. Create and evaluate information structures to support usability and content strategy.
5. Test and assess design ideas, prototypes and existing systems by employing data collection and analysis methods.
6. Communicate research findings and contribute design solutions to designers, developers and stakeholders.
7. Demonstrate professional competencies aligned with career goals.

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Library and Information Science degree in School Library Media K-12 prepares students to apply for multi-age licensure in school library media. The program curriculum is based in both practice and theory and includes library science and educational technology courses. The theoretical content is aligned with the American Library Association, the American Association of School Librarians national standards and the Ohio state standards for school libraries.

Students are given opportunities to apply their learning in practical environments through a culminating experience and other options. Graduates are prepared to work in all types of libraries.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

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 scale¹
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vita
• Student profile form²
• Starting with spring 2026 admission term, a statement of exception addressing circumstances and readiness for graduate education will be required
• Application essay, see guidelines below
• Three letters of recommendation³ (starting with spring 2026 admission term, two letters of recommendation will be required)
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:⁴
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

¹

In calculating the total GPA, all grades from all courses taken at relevant level (baccalaureate or master's) from all institutions are required. Applicants who do not meet the minimum 2.750 GPA requirement must submit a statement that addresses the circumstances that contributed to the GPA and preparation for success in graduate study. Applicants should include recent professional achievements that indicate an ability to perform at a higher academic level to be considered for conditional admission to the program.

²

The student profile form is embedded in the online application.

³

References should be able to attest that the applicant possesses the ability and skills needed to succeed in graduate study. Generally the best references are professors, but senior-level managers from the workplace can also serve well. Letters should include a signature and be submitted on the sender's company or organization letterhead.

⁴

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Guidelines for the Essay

The application essay showcases an applicant's readiness for graduate-level writing. Applicants should discuss the following questions based on their exploration of the Kent State iSchool website, as well as their own reflection on their academic abilities, experiences and personal qualities. Applicants are welcome to add comments from supplemental research and readings (cite in American Psychological Association [APA] style), observations and experience.

The essay should be fewer than 1,000 words and formatted in APA style. Any content that is not the applicant's own original thoughts must be properly attributed.

The School of Information values highly interdisciplinary synergy with regard to faculty research and teaching, its students and its contributions to the library and information science profession. Applicants should answer the following questions in their essay:

• What are the critical issues in the field of library and information science?
• What are your aspirations in the field of library and information science?
• What will you contribute to the Kent State iSchool community and to the field as a whole?

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: April 15
• Spring Semester
  • Application deadline: November 15
• Summer Term
  • Application deadline: March 15

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Apply the field's foundational theories, principles, values, ethics and skills to everyday practice in a school library context.
2. Critique and synthesize research and identify appropriate research methodologies to solve problems in the school librarianship field.
3. Analyze and engage in the changing cultural, educational and social roles and responsibilities of librarians and the educational environments they work in within the global society.
4. Evaluate systems and technologies relevant to a school librarianship context
5. Identify needs and connect kindergarten-to-grade-12 stakeholders (students, teachers, administrators) and communities with information that engages and empowers them.

Dual Degree

Dual Degree with M.Ed. degree in Educational Technology

Student have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.Ed. degree in Educational Technology and the M.L.I.S. degree in School Library Media K-12. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.

The M.Ed./M.L.I.S. dual degree program leads to a multi-age initial licensure in school library media. This program prepares students to work in all types of libraries, including school libraries. The program of study includes professional educational requirements, along with library science and educational technology courses.

Dual Degree Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Students in M.Ed. degree have six years from the term of first enrollment to complete the degree.
• Students are responsible for completing licensure paperwork requirements through the College of Education, Health and Human Services near the end of or at the conclusion of their M.L.I.S. degree program. Exam administered by the Evaluation Systems Group of Pearson is required for licensure.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website. for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Accreditation

The M.L.I.S. degree in School Library Media K-12 is approved by the American Library Association and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Library and Information Science degree prepares students for professional positions in public, academic, special and school libraries; archives; museums; and other types of information agencies, organizations and companies. Many M.L.I.S. graduates go on to positions in other areas of the information field besides libraries — in research, for example, or publishing, information management, competitive business intelligence and more. An accredited M.L.I.S. degree is the basic requirement for professional employment in most libraries and information centers.

Students can concurrently pursue a dual program with the Master of Business Administration degree. Each program makes an independent admission decision. For further information about the dual degree program, see the specific program section in this catalog.

The Library and Information Science major includes the following optional concentrations:

• The Archival Studies optional concentration prepares students to work with records and other materials of historical value in a variety of settings, including special collections in libraries, government and corporate archives, as well as archival collections found in museums, historical societies and other heritage institutions. Students are encouraged to pursue internship opportunities to enhance their understanding of archival principles and gain valuable practical experience. This concentration follows the recommendations of the Society of American Archivists for graduate archival education programs.
• The Medical Librarianship optional concentration prepares students to work in medical and health sciences libraries; in the community; and as part of a health system, hospital, clinician office, academic center, government research agency or medical specialty organization. Students in the concentration intern at a medical library, which will allow them to apply their skills and knowledge, as well as to observe the typical daily activities and requirements of medical librarians.

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 scale¹
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vita
• Student profile form²
• Statement of exception addressing circumstances and readiness for graduate education
• Application essay, see guidelines below
• Three letters of recommendation³ (starting with spring 2026 admission term, two letters of recommendation will be required)
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:⁴
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

¹

In calculating the total GPA, all grades from all courses taken at relevant level (baccalaureate or master's) from all institutions are required. Applicants who do not meet the minimum 2.750 GPA requirement must submit a statement that addresses the circumstances that contributed to the GPA and preparation for success in graduate study. Applicants should include recent professional achievements that indicate an ability to perform at a higher academic level to be considered for conditional admission to the program.

²

The student profile form is embedded in the online application.

³

References should be able to attest that the applicant possesses the ability and skills needed to succeed in graduate study. Generally the best references are professors, but senior-level managers from the workplace can also serve well. Letters should include a signature and be submitted on the sender's company or organization letterhead.

⁴

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Guidelines for the Essay

The application essay showcases an applicant's readiness for graduate-level writing. Applicants should discuss the following questions based on their exploration of the Kent State iSchool website, as well as their own reflection on their academic abilities, experiences and personal qualities. Applicants are welcome to add comments from supplemental research and readings (cite in American Psychological Association [APA] style), observations and experience.

The essay should be fewer than 1,000 words and formatted in APA style. Any content that is not the applicant's own original thoughts must be properly attributed.

The School of Information values highly interdisciplinary synergy with regard to faculty research and teaching, its students and its contributions to the library and information science profession. Applicants should answer the following questions in their essay:

• What are the critical issues in the field of library and information science?
• What are your aspirations in the field of library and information science?
• What will you contribute to the Kent State iSchool community and to the field as a whole?

Technology Requirements

Appropriate technology and computer literacy skills are essential for each School of Information course. In order to be successful in the program, all incoming students must meet the School of Information computer competencies, as well as its minimum computer hardware, software and internet access requirements before the first day of class. For details, students should consult the school's website.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: April 15
• Spring Semester
  • Application deadline: November 15
• Summer Term
  • Application deadline: March 15

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Apply the field's foundational theories, principles, values, ethics and skills to everyday practice.
2. Critique and synthesize research and identify appropriate research methodologies to solve problems in the field.
3. Analyze and engage in the changing cultural, educational and social roles and responsibilities of librarians/information professionals and the environments they work in within the global society.
4. Evaluate systems and technologies relevant to a particular information context.
5. Identify needs and connect individuals and communities with information that engages and empowers them.

Dual Degree

Dual Degree with Master of Business Administration

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.B.A. degree in Business Administration and the M.L.I.S. degree in Library and Information Science. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.

Dual Degree Requirements

¹

MGMT 68051 may be waived for students with at least two years of full-time work experience.

²

Any LIS graduate courses in accord to student's career goals may count as an elective in consultation with academic advisors. Students interested in working in a corporate or nonprofit environment will find topics such as record keeping, records management, information policy, knowledge management, library management and database fundamentals to be important in their future work.

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Accreditation

American Library Association

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Science degree in Knowledge Management prepares professionals to serve as leaders who guide organizations into improved performance through better use of organizational knowledge. Graduates of the program will be able to design, deliver and support knowledge management programs at the enterprise and project levels.

Organizations of all types, across all sectors of the economy, face a growing need for increased efficiencies. Gaining these efficiencies means organizations must mature into knowledge organizations by developing and applying knowledge to serve their markets better. This requires professionals with new skills and tools found in the emerging domain of knowledge management.

Students in the Knowledge Management major learn principles, values and best practices that will prepare them for leadership roles in their future careers. They learn from interaction with their instructors and student colleagues, many of whom are also professionals working in knowledge management. Through courses, internships and other opportunities, students gain real-world, practical experience in developing and applying knowledge to improve organizational strategies, processes and technical skills.

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

Applications to the M.S. in Knowledge Management are not being accepted at this time. 

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale¹
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:²
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

¹

In calculating total GPA, all grades from all courses taken at relevant level (bachelor's or master's) from all institutions are counted. Applicants who do not meet the minimum 2.750 GPA requirement must submit a statement that addresses the circumstances that contributed to the GPA and preparation for success in graduate study. Applicants should include recent professional achievements that indicate an ability to perform at a higher academic level to be considered for conditional admission to the program.

²

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Technology Requirements

Appropriate technology and computer literacy skills are essential for each School of Information course. In order to be successful in the program, all incoming students must meet the School of Information computer competencies, as well as its minimum computer hardware, software and internet access requirements before the first day of class. For details, students should consult the school's website.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: April 15
• Spring Semester
  • Application deadline: November 15
• Summer Term
  • Application deadline: March 15

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Develop and deliver strategies for organizations and communities that apply knowledge to create value.
2. Demonstrate leadership in the design and implementation of strategies that align with and enable an organization’s culture, strategic intent and operational objectives
3. Design, build, operate and lead a comprehensive program that turns strategies into action through the integration of people, process and technology components.
4. Become a thought leader in advancing knowledge management ideas and practices.
5. Prepared to engage and collaborate with the global knowledge management community to grow the demand, practice and value of knowledge management.

Dual Degree

Dual Degree with Master of Business Administration

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.B.A. degree and the M.S. degree in Knowledge Management. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.

The M.B.A./M.S. dual degree program prepares students for responsible leadership positions and offers an integrated business and knowledge management curriculum. Dual degree graduates will be able to design, deliver, support and lead knowledge management programs at the enterprise and project levels. Through courses, internships and other opportunities, students gain real-world, practical experience in developing and applying knowledge to improve organizational strategies, processes and technical skills with an emphasis on regional, national and global implications.

Dual Degree Requirements

¹

MGMT 68051 may be waived for students with at least two years of full-time work experience.

²

Students who select thesis as their culminating requirement will complete 3 credit hours of College of Communication and Information electives; all others will complete 6 credit hours.

Graduation Requirements

• Students may graduate with fewer than 59 total credit hours but no fewer than 58 total credit hours.

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Applications to the M.S. in Knowledge Management are not being accepted at this time.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Science degree in Health Informatics prepares graduates for careers in managerial, analytical, consultative and executive roles working with healthcare systems and clinicians. Health informatics is the science of evaluating, implementing and utilizing technology to manage all information related to the patient care delivery process: clinical, financial, technological and enterprise-wide.

Three major components comprise the health informatics discipline:

1. Information Systems: focuses on such issues as information systems analysis, design, implementation, management and leadership.
2. Informatics: concerned with the study of structure, function and transfer of information, socio-technical aspects of health computing and human-computer interaction.
3. Information Technology: focuses on computer networks, database and systems administration, security and programming.

The informatics field also draws contributions from computer science, the clinical sciences, social and organizational influences and business practices.

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 GPA¹ on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation (starting with spring 2026 admission term, two letters of recommendation will be required)
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:²
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

¹

In calculating total GPA, all grades from all courses taken at relevant level (bachelor's or master's) from all institutions are counted. Applicants who do not meet the minimum 2.750 GPA requirement must submit a statement that addresses the circumstances that contributed to the GPA and preparation for success in graduate study. Applicants should include recent professional achievements that indicate an ability to perform at a higher academic level to be considered for conditional admission to the program.

²

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: April 15
• Spring Semester
  • Application deadline: November 15
• Summer Term
  • Application deadline: March 15

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Reconcile the needs of clinical and non-clinical users of health information systems utilizing workflow analysis, systems analysis and project management principles.
2. Analyze collected data of health information systems, utilizing principles of data mining, statistics and clinical analytics.
3. Manage the implementation of health information systems in multiple health care venues using principles of organizational dynamics and change management.
4. Facilitate communication between clinical and non-clinical users of health information systems.
5. Successfully obtain the credential of Certified Associate in Health Information Systems.

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Accreditation

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)