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 will 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.

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Program Information for Biomedical Sciences - Neurosciences - Ph.D.

Program Description

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 Biomedical Sciences - Neurosciences - Ph.D.

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 (strong background in cell biology is recommended)
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • 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 to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

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

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Application deadline: November 15

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

Learning Outcomes

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

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
BMS 70120LABORATORY TECHNIQUES IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (taken twice)4
BMS 71000RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH 1
BMS 71001INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES 1
BMS 78637BIOANTHROPOLOGICAL DATA ANALYSIS I 4-5
or BSCI 70104 BIOLOGICAL STATISTICS
BMS 80110CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS FOR LIFE SCIENTISTS 2
Graduate Electives Approved by Guidance Committee6-40
Neuroscience Electives, choose one track from the following:8-11
Track One
BMS 70462
NEUROBIOLOGY: SYSTEMS AND BEHAVIOR
BMS 70729
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
Track Two
BMS 80200
FOUNDATIONS OF NEUROSCIENCE
Choose two from the following:
BMS 70462
NEUROBIOLOGY: SYSTEMS AND BEHAVIOR
BMS 70703
NEURAL MECHANISMS OF LEARNING AND MEMORY
BMS 70729
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
BSCI 70147
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY
BSCI 70152
MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF DISEASE: NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
BSCI 70157
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DRUG ADDICTION
BSCI 70385
CURRENT TOPICS IN NEUROSCIENCE
BSCI 70429
NEURAL CONTROL OF REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION
BSCI 70431
NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
BSCI 70519
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
Culminating Requirement
BMS 80199DISSERTATION I 130
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Baccalaureate Students:90
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Master's Students:60
1

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. After completion of the candidacy examination, the dissertation committee will be established, consisting of the guidance committee and an outside member. Students will submit their prospectus for the dissertation to this committee. The format of the prospectus will parallel that utilized for NIH grant proposals (without biographical, budget and facilities information). The dissertation committee makes recommendations for reformulation until the proposal is acceptable or may reject it with specific reasons.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Post-baccalaureate students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours prior to enrolling in BMS 80199. Minimum 15 of the 60 credit hours must be letter-graded courses.
  • Post-master's students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours prior to enrolling in BMS 80199.
Program Delivery

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.

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Program Information for Biomedical Sciences - Neurosciences - M.S.

Program Description

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 and professional skills development. 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 Biomedical Sciences - Neurosciences - M.S.

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
  • Strong academic background sufficient to take graduate-level coursework in the curriculum (strong background in cell biology is recommended)
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Goal statement indicating the applicant's interests in neuroscience, research experience and fit with the program
  • Three 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:1
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

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

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Application deadline: November 15

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

Learning Outcomes

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

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
ANTH 68637BIOANTHROPOLOGICAL DATA ANALYSIS I 4-5
or BSCI 60104 BIOLOGICAL STATISTICS
BMS 60110CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS FOR LIFE SCIENTISTS 2
BMS 60120LABORATORY TECHNIQUES IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES 2
BMS 61000RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH 1
BMS 61001INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES 1
Graduate Electives Approved by Thesis Committee4-8
Neuroscience Electives, choose one track from the following:8-11
Track One
BMS 60462
& BMS 60729
NEUROBIOLOGY: SYSTEMS AND BEHAVIOR
and CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
Track Two
BMS 60200
FOUNDATIONS OF NEUROSCIENCE
Choose two from the following:
BMS 50703
NEURAL MECHANISMS OF LEARNING AND MEMORY
BMS 60462
NEUROBIOLOGY: SYSTEMS AND BEHAVIOR
BMS 60729
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
BSCI 50147
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY
BSCI 50152
MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF DISEASE: NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
BSCI 50157
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DRUG ADDICTION
BSCI 50385
CURRENT TOPICS IN NEUROSCIENCE
BSCI 50429
NEURAL CONTROL OF REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION
BSCI 50431
NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
BSCI 50519
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
Culminating Requirement
BMS 60199THESIS I 6
Minimum Total Credit Hours:32

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Minimum 15 credit hours of overall credit hours must be letter graded (required and elective courses).
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

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

Visiting the Big Button

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.

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Program Information for Philosophy - M.A.

Program Description

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 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 Philosophy - M.A.

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 to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 102 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 73 PTE score
    • Minimum 130 DET score
1

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

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority and funding deadlines: February 1
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission and be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

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

On This Page

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
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • 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.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

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

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Philosophy - M.A.

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
  • Bioethicists
  • 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.

Philosophy - Minor

Deepen your understanding of the world with our Philosophy minor. Explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics and more, and gain critical thinking skills that are highly valued in any field.

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Program Information for Philosophy - Minor

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Philosophy minor helps students develop skills such as critical thinking, careful reading and analysis of texts, argumentative and analytical writing, creative problem solving, effective communication and global literacy, all of which are vital to success in a wide range of professions.

The minor provides excellent preparation for graduate school entrance exams (such as the GRE, LSAT and GMAT) and enhances the career preparation students obtain in their major field.

Philosophy minors develop these important skills while being introduced to a fascinating discipline which considers basic, timeless questions such as:

  • "What is the nature of reality?"
  • "What (if anything) can I know with certainty?"
  • "What kind of life should I live?"

Admissions for Philosophy - Minor

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Read, write and think critically and analytically.
  2. Consider and analyze differing viewpoints and various sides of an issue.
  3. Construct strong arguments and express them verbally and in writing.
  4. Think creatively and see alternative solutions to problems.
  5. Communicate effectively in both personal and professional settings.
  6. Demonstrate meaningful cultural literacy.
  7. Continue on a path of lifelong learning and inquiry, whether in graduate school or independently.
  8. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the history of philosophy and important contemporary questions, as well as a deeper, more specialized understanding of selected philosophical figures, issues and/or areas of inquiry.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements
PHIL 11001INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (DIVG) (KHUM) 3
or PHIL 21001 INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS (DIVG) (KHUM)
PHIL 11009CRITICAL THINKING (KADL) 3
or PHIL 21002 INTRODUCTION TO FORMAL LOGIC (KMCR)
PHIL 31011ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY 3
or PHIL 31012 EARLY MODERN PHILOSOPHY
or PHIL 31013 LATE MODERN PHILOSOPHY
PHIL 31091PHILOSOPHERS IN DEPTH (WIC) 3
Philosophy (PHIL) Upper-Division Elective (30000 or 40000 level) 1, 23
Philosophical Pluralism Elective, choose from the following: 13
PHIL 30025
ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY (ELR)
PHIL 31002
MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY
PHIL 31035
PHILOSOPHY AND JUSTICE (DIVD)
PHIL 31040
FEMINIST PHILOSOPHY (DIVD)
PHIL 31050
PHILOSOPHY THROUGH LITERATURE
PHIL 31060
PHILOSOPHY OF ART AND BEAUTY (ELR)
PHIL 41491
SEMINAR IN ASIAN PHILOSOPHY (DIVG)
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18
1

Minimum one elective must be at the 40000 level.

2

PHIL 40093, PHIL 49996 and PHIL 49999 may not be counted toward the minor.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

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

How to Declare

The Department of Philosophy is part of the College of Arts & Sciences, but a student in any college can minor (or double major) in philosophy. To declare a philosophy major or minor, students should visit the College of Arts & Sciences office in 105 Bowman Hall to fill out the necessary paperwork.

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