Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of sociological theory by using it to better understand social phenomena and human behavior, develop new theoretical arguments and pose and attempt to answer research questions.
2. Demonstrate a an advanced understanding of research methods in sociology, including both quantitative methods (e.g., survey, experimental) and qualitative methods (e.g., participant observation, content analysis).
3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of statistics in application to social research, including advanced techniques (e.g., structural equation modeling, hierarchical linear modeling).
4. Demonstrate the ability to synthesize complex scientific literatures and execute sophisticated original research through the successful completion of a dissertation project.

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

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university¹
• Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcripts(s)
• Goal statement (1-2 pages), describing current academic interests, research interests, long-range career goals and how admission will facilitate the achievement of these goals
• Three letters of recommendation from current/former professors who can adequately evaluate the applicant's past work and potential
• 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

Applications for admission are accepted from those who will have a completed a master's degree upon starting the program. It is limited to students whose records clearly indicate both scholarly and research potential to do doctoral-level work.

²

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

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: December 1

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

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

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of professional and ethical issues and duties in the discipline of sociology.
2. Demonstrate a practical understanding of early/classical sociological theory by using it to better understand social phenomena and human behavior; and develop new theoretical arguments and pose and attempt to answer research questions.
3. Demonstrate a practical understanding of research methods in sociology.
4. Demonstrate a practical understanding of multivariate statistics in application to social research.
5. Demonstrate the ability to carry out original research through the successful completion of a thesis project.

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 university¹
• Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcripts
• Goal statement (1-2 pages), describing current academic interests, research interests, long-range career goals and how admission will facilitate the achievement of these goals
• Three letters of recommendation from current/former professors who can adequately evaluate the applicant's past work and potential
• 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

Applications for admission are accepted from those who will have a completed bachelor's degree upon starting the program.

²

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

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: December 1

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

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

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice is designed to challenge experienced and aspiring professionals who want to expand their scope of knowledge and move into career and leadership positions. The program prepares graduates as next-generation leaders in this complex, global and interconnected field. The flexible online program is structured to fit the lives of full-time working professionals.

Courses in the major span a wide range of topics central to criminology and criminal justice, allowing students to build a diverse foundation of skills and knowledge for use in their careers.

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
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation (preferably academic)
• 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
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a practical understanding of criminological theory by using it to better understand crime, criminal behavior and criminal justice policy.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the significant empirical findings in the major areas of criminology and criminal justice.
3. Demonstrate an appreciation of the use of the scientific method in the study of crime and criminal justice practices.
4. Develop a practical understanding of research methods and statistics used in the field, including with respect to crime control and policy evaluation.
5. Develop basic skills in evaluating empirical research in criminology and criminal justice, and use these skills to inform and evaluate policy.
6. Effectively communicate knowledge of criminology and criminal justice and produce clear and concise analyses of research, issues and policies in the field.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Full Description

The Society, Health and Medicine minor exposes students to the sociocultural, political and organizational dimensions of health and medicine while also promoting an understanding of the social determinants of health.

Students combine core courses from medical sociology with a series of electives of their choosing. Electives cut across many disciplines and content areas, allowing students to design a minor that aligns with their academic and career goals. The minor is well suited to students with an academic interest in health, medicine or health disparities, as well as those pursuing careers in the health professions.

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.

To declare the Society, Health and Medicine minor, students must have a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State University GPA. No Kent State University GPA is required if the student is a first-semester freshman or transfer student admitted in good standing.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Understand how health and wellness are shaped by factors such as race, gender and socioeconomic status.
2. Understand how medical care is organized in the United States and other countries.
3. Understand who receives health care and who does not.
4. Understand how medical providers are socialized into their roles.
5. Understand how patients navigate illness and treatment.

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

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Describe how sociology is similar to and different from other social sciences.
2. Show how one’s personal life is shaped by the time and place in which one lives.
3. Demonstrate how institutions of family, education, religion, medicine and the economy are interrelated.
4. Understand the interrelationships between social structures and individuals in society.
5. Distinguish between individualistic, cultural and structural explanations of social events.

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.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online
  • Mostly online
  • In person
• Location:
  • Ashtabula Campus
  • East Liverpool Campus
  • Geauga Campus
  • Kent Campus
  • Stark Campus