Full Description

The Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology provides a core foundation in programming, operating systems and networking, web development, hardware, security fundamentals, project management and collaboration and introductory database concepts. Courses introduce appropriate uses of artificial intelligence (AI) for productivity and learning support, such as code and content assistance, documentation and basic analytics, with an emphasis on ethics and accuracy. The major offers concentrations in Application Development Technology, General Technology, Network Technology (with systems administration) and Web Development.

The degree program articulates to the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree and the certificate in Computer Forensics and Information Security.

The Information Technology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Application Development technology concentration prepares students to design and build software using industry-standard languages and tools; introduces responsible use of AI for code suggestions, tests and documentation.
• The General Technology concentration allows students to create a broad, multi-domain skill set in hardware, operating systems, networking, web fundamentals, teamwork and customer support, with selective use of AI for troubleshooting and documentation.
• The Network Technology concentration prepares students to install, configure, secure, and troubleshoot networked systems; practice systems administration and identity services; explore AI-assisted monitoring and ticket notes where appropriate.
• The Web Development concentration prepares students to build modern, user-friendly websites and basic web applications with attention to accessibility and data integration; responsibly use AI for wireframes, content drafts and test cases.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Kent State campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, and the Twinsburg Academic Center, have open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Apply core IT concepts and skills in areas such as networking, operating systems, databases and application development to analyze and solve real-world technical problems.
2. Communicate and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, interpreting and presenting technical information clearly to technical and nontechnical audiences using appropriate tools.
3. Display professional, ethical, legal, and business-aware practice by evaluating new technologies, using basic project management approaches and supporting organizational goals.
4. Exhibit career readiness by assembling a portfolio of representative IT artifacts and reflections that connect academic work to workplace expectations and future study.

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Full Description

The Master of Business Administration degree prepares students for responsible leadership positions in private, nonprofit and public organizations. Upon completion of the M.B.A. degree, graduates demonstrate a global mindset and competence in critical thinking, digital technology, communication, teamwork and ethical and sustainable management.

The program welcomes students from the full range of undergraduate degrees. Regardless of their undergraduate education, students will find a challenging program designed to prepare them for management positions in organizations.

The degree is structured for full-time/in-person and full-time or part-time online students:

• The full-time/in-person program is targeted to early career professionals, both nationally and internationally, who wish to jump-start their business career, and to those who wish to make a business-related career change. The program operates in cohorts so that students proceed through the sequence of required courses as a group. Students take six to seven courses each semester (offered in eight-week modules) and are expected to participate in experiential activities such as internships, mentoring and professional development activities. Delivery of the program is accelerated; students are able to earn the M.B.A. degree in 12 to 16 months.
• The online program is designed for those who want maximum flexibility in pursuing their M.B.A. degree. Students can take courses to suit their life: from one course at a time to a full-time course load. This is an ideal program for professionals who intend to keep working full-time while pursing the M.B.A., and for those students who want to pursue their M.B.A. without commuting to campus.

The Business Administration major includes the following optional concentrations:

• The Accounting concentration allows students to specialize their degree with courses in managerial and financial accounting, business valuation using financial statements and international accounting. Completion of this concentration is not sufficient to sit for the CPA exam in Ohio unless the student has an undergraduate accounting major.
• The Business Analytics concentration allows students to gain the technical, analytical, communication, decision-making and leadership skills needed to glean useful information from data to make strategic business decisions.
• The Digital Transformation concentration prepares students for a more dynamic, modular and tech-savvy world.
• The Finance concentration allows students to specialize their degree with advanced courses in investments, financial markets and institutions, real estate and other related areas.
• The Healthcare Administration concentration provides business students with knowledge of the healthcare setting that will support their capacity to work effectively in a variety of healthcare organizations.
• The Human Resource Management concentration allows students to specialize their degree with advanced topics in employee selection and appraisal, organizational analysis and the opportunity for real-world applications.
• The International Business concentration allows students to specialize their degree with courses in accounting, marketing, finance and strategy with an international focus. Study abroad options are possible, with no language skills required.
• The Leadership in Conflict Mediation concentration allows students to develop advanced skills that will support their capacity to lead in higher level positions.
• The Marketing concentration allows students to sharpen their skills in key marketing areas such as advertising, digital marketing, international marketing and research. Through specialized coursework, students develop skills in brand management and competitive market analysis. Graduates are prepared for high-level marketing roles that are desirable in today’s competitive environment.

Students may pursue an online stackable certificate pathway to the M.B.A. by completing the Leadership and Management graduate certificate, the Quantitative Business Management graduate certificate and a set of remaining courses to earn the M.B.A. degree. Students who choose the Business Analytics, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business or Leadership in Conflict Mediation concentration can take one additional course and stack an additional graduate certificate in Business Analytics, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, International Business or Leading Through Challenge.

The following dual degree programs with the M.B.A. are possible. A separate application must be submitted for each program.

• Dual degree with the Master of Architecture degree is designed for architects or undergraduate architectural students whose career goals include assuming middle or executive management positions in architectural practices, or who are interested in starting their own businesses.
• Dual degree with the Master of Engineering Technology degree is designed for students with the dual goal of pursuing the a highly technical degree while at the same time preparing for a career that will hold increasing levels of management positions.
• Dual degree with the Master of Library and Information Science degree is designed for managers of large libraries and information centers. Individuals in these positions need knowledge pertaining to planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. Advanced education to obtain knowledge and learn skills related to these management functions enables students to take advantage of career opportunities both in library settings and other information settings, both in the profit and nonprofit sectors.
• Dual degree with the Master of Science in Nursing degree is designed for experienced nurses whose career goals include assuming middle- or executive-management positions in health services agencies or in health-related companies, or who are interested in starting their own business. The program combines the strengths of advanced nursing preparation with the practical management knowledge needed to develop significant leadership capabilities.
• Dual degree with the M.A. degree in Communication Studies is designed for students and professionals whose career goals focus on communication, particularly global communication. The program provides direction and leadership in economic and business development processes.
• Dual degree with the M.A. degree in Peace and Conflict Studies converges the field of conflict management and the field of business. Students learn how business works alongside understanding the dynamics of conflict and how to successfully transform it to succeed in business and to transform organizational cultures.
• Dual degree with the M.A. degree in Sport Administration is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and experiences to enable them to become successful professionals in the field of sports and recreation management. The program integrates management theory and application in sports settings with a broad business curriculum to give graduates a competitive advantage.
• Dual degree with the M.A. degree in Translation is designed for linguists. By combining the practices and language of business, students can pursue language-based careers in the private, public and governmental sectors.
• Dual degree with the M.Ed. degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs is designed for professionals who aspire to responsible leadership positions in higher education. The program provides an integrated curriculum grounded in theory and focused on practice to support diverse student populations. Students are equipped with necessary skills to make the business decisions required of leaders in higher education.
• Dual degree with the M.P.H. degree in Health Policy and Management prepares students for responsible leadership positions and offers an integrated business and public health curriculum designed to help students develop real-world knowledge and skills needed to pursue success and management opportunities in the public health industry.
• Dual degree with the M.S. degree in Aviation Management and Logistics prepares students for responsible leadership positions and provides an integrated business and aviation management and logistics education with an emphasis on regional, national and global implications in the field of aviation. Applications to this dual degree are not being accepted at this time.
• Dual degree with the M.S. degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management prepares students for responsible leadership positions and provides an integrated hospitality and tourism education with an emphasis on regional, national and global implications of the field. Applications to this dual degree are not being accepted at this time.
• Dual degree with the M.S. degree in Knowledge Management is designed for students who seek the capacity to develop and apply knowledge to improve organizational strategies. Graduates will be able to design, deliver, support and lead knowledge-management programs at project and enterprise levels. Applications to this dual degree are not being accepted at this time.
• Dual degree with the M.S. degree in User Experience prepares students for responsible leadership positions in an integrated business and user experience curriculum. Graduates are prepared for roles in the design, development and delivery of products and services that meet the expectations and needs of users, customers, investors and other stakeholder communities.
• Dual degree with the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree prepares students to run their own Podiatric Medicine practice. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.

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
• Completion of two quantitative undergraduate courses (e.g., advanced algebra, statistics) with minimum B grade¹ (starting with spring 2027 admission term, completion of these courses is no longer required)
• Official transcripts
• 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:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

In some circumstances, the academic program admissions committee may consider other compelling evidence in their determination.

²

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

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester (in-person program only)
  • Funding deadline: March 15 (domestic student)
    All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
  • Application deadline: March 15 (international student) and June 1 (domestic student)
    All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) received after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.
• Fall Semester (online program only)
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester (online program only)
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term (online program only)
  • Rolling admissions

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Critical Thinking: analyze the elements of a business problem and construct well-reasoned solutions.
2. Digital Technology: employ appropriate tools in order to analyze business problems.
3. Written Communication: write effective business communications.
4. Oral Communication: make effective business presentations using appropriate technologies.
5. Teamwork: collaborate effectively with others to achieve a common business purpose.
6. Business Ethics: recognize ethical business dilemmas and use ethical decision-making to resolve the dilemma.
7. Triple Bottom-Line Management: analyze the complex issues confronting organizations and craft solutions for a broad array of stakeholders.
8. Global Mindset: distinguish and analyze the key global factors when making business decisions.

Dual Degree with M.A. in Communication Studies

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

The dual M.A./M.B.A. degree program is designed for students and professionals whose career goals focus on communication, particularly global communication, and provides direction and leadership in economic and business development processes.

Dual Degree Requirements

¹

Students who do not select the thesis option must complete 15 credit hours of electives to earn minimum 60 credit hours for the degree.

Dual Degree with M.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.A. degree in Peace and Conflict Studies and the Master of Business Administration degree. 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.A. dual degree converges the field of conflict management and the field of business. Students learn how business works alongside understanding the dynamics of conflict and how to successfully transform it to succeed in business and to transform organizational cultures.

Dual Degree Requirements

¹

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

Dual Degree with M.A. in Sport Administration

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

The dual M.B.A./M.A. in Sports Administration provides students with an integrated business and sports management education and prepares students for responsible leadership positions in sports settings.  The program culminates with an internship, research project or thesis.

Dual Degree Requirements

¹

Students who select SPAD 63098 or SPAD 65092 as the culminating requirement must select 9 credit hours of Sport Administration electives. Students may apply a non-SPAD course toward electives with advisor approval. Students choosing SPAD 65092 may be required to complete state or Federal background checks for their practicum or internship experience.

Dual Degree with M.A. in Translation

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

The Dual Degree with the M.B.A. degree in Business Administration and the M.A. degree in Translation is for students with a sufficient level of proficiency in a foreign language who wish to integrate a graduate business education with advanced translation training. This program is suitable for those whose career goals include assuming middle or executive management positions in international business or language industry enterprises or those interested in starting their own business in the language services industry.

Dual Degree Requirements

¹

Students may take another course or study abroad with approval. Students may complete this requirement with 3 credit hours if a culture or appropriate language course is used for one of the international electives below.

²

A minimum 3 credit hours must be taken from the Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies.

Graduation Requirements

• Students in the M.A. Translation and M.B.A dual degree program must earn a minimum 60 total credit hours. There is a minimum requirement of 26 credit hours from the M.B.A. program and 28 credit hours from the M.A. in Translation, with the remaining 6 credit hours to be from either program.
• A minimum 3.000 GPA must be maintained.
• The M.B.A. program should be initiated before 12 credit hours in the M.A. Translation program have been completed. The M.A. in Translation is awarded upon completion of the requirements of that degree. The M.B.A. is awarded upon completion of the joint M.B.A./M.A. Translation degree program.
• Actual offerings and schedules vary from year to year, and the two colleges jointly provide a pre-approved recommended course of study. Students who wish to take a different course of study need to obtain separate approvals from the college graduate coordinators.

Dual Degree with M.Arch. in Architecture

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

The dual degree combining the M.Arch. and the M.B.A. is designed for architects or undergraduate architectural students who aspire to middle or executive management positions in architectural practices, or who are interested in starting their own business along with the preparation to enter the profession of architecture by stimulating the growth of technical knowledge and design creativity. It fosters the refinement of design skills acquired in undergraduate programs, also by offering a broad exposure to professional issues and knowledge.

Dual Degree Requirements

¹

Topics in professional practice.

• Actual offerings and schedules vary from year to year and the college will jointly provide a pre-approved recommended course of study. Students who wish to take a different course of study need to obtain separate approvals from both college graduate coordinators. Contact the College of Architecture and Environmental Design graduate secretary for details about coursework registration.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum of 64 credit hours: 35 credit hours from the M.Arch. degree and 29 credit hours from the M.B.A. degree.

Dual Degree with M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.Ed. degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs and the M.B.A. degree in Business Administration. 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. If waived, students may graduate with fewer than 65 credit hours but no fewer than 64 credit hours.

Dual Degree with M.E.T. in Engineering Technology

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the Master of Engineering Technology degree and the Master of Business Administration degree. 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.E.T. dual degree is designed for students with the dual goal of pursuing the a highly technical degree while at the same time preparing for a career that will hold increasing levels of management positions.

Dual Degree Requirements

¹

MGMT 68051 may be waived for students with at least two years of full-time work experience. Students waived the course may graduate with 55 credit hours.

Dual Degree with M.L.I.S. in Library and Information Science

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. Students waived the course may graduate with fewer than 59 credit hours but no fewer than 58 credit hours.

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.

Dual Degree with M.P.H. in Health Policy and Management

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.B.A. degree in Business Administration and the M.P.H. degree in Health Policy and 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.P.H. Health Policy and Management dual degree program prepares students for responsible leadership positions and offers an integrated business and public health curriculum designed to help students develop real-world knowledge and skills needed to pursue success and management opportunities in the public health industry.

Dual Degree Requirements

¹

MGMT 68051 may be waived for students with at least two years of full-time work experience. Students waived the course may graduate with fewer than 58 credit hours, but no fewer than 57 credit hours.

Graduation Requirements

• Practicum placement at an approved public health agency under the guidance of a qualified preceptor (150 or 300 contact hours)
• Final portfolio/report and a seminar presentation integrating theory and practice
• Participation in at least one approved interprofessional education event (IPE); IPE requires students to participate at a specific time/date to be determined in consultation with the student's advisor.

Dual Degree with M.S. in Aviation Management and Logistics

Applications to the Dual Degree - M.B.A./M.S. Aviation Management and Logistics are not being accepted at this time.

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

The dual M.S./M.B.A. degree program prepares students for responsible leadership positions and provides an integrated business and aviation management and logistics education with an emphasis on regional, national and global implications in the field of aviation.

Dual Degree Requirements

¹

MGMT 68051 is required for students who have not worked a minimum of two years, full time, since obtaining their bachelor's degree. Students waived the course may graduate with 52 credit hours.

²

Students with no previous aviation weather experience are required to take AERN 65400 as an elective.

³

A maximum 6 credit hours of AERN 65092 and AERN 65496 combined may be applied toward the dual degree.

Dual Degree with M.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management

Applications to the Dual Degree M.B.A./M.S. Hospitality and Tourism Management are not being accepted at this time.

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

The dual M.B.A./M.S. degree prepares students for responsible leadership positions and provides an integrated hospitality and tourism education with an emphasis on regional, national and global implications of the field.

Dual Degree Requirements

Dual Degree with M.S. in Knowledge Management

Applications to the Dual Degree M.B.A./M.S. Knowledge Management are not being accepted at this time.

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. Students waived the course may graduate with fewer than 59 total credit hours but no fewer than 58 total credit hours.

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.

Dual Degree with M.S. in User Experience

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

The fully online dual degree prepares students for responsible leadership positions in an integrated business and user experience curriculum. Graduates are prepared for roles in the design, development and delivery of products and services that meet the expectations and needs of users, customers, investors and other stakeholder communities.

Dual Degree with M.S.N. in Nursing

Student have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.B.A. degree in Business Administration and the M.S.N degree in Nursing. 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.N. dual degree is for experienced nurses whose career goals include assuming middle or executive management positions in health services agencies or in health-related companies, or who are interested in starting their own businesses. It combines the strengths of advanced nursing preparation with the practical management knowledge needed to develop significant leadership capabilities.

Dual Degree Requirements

¹

MGMT 68051 is required for students who have not worked a minimum of two years, full time, since obtaining their bachelor's degree. Students waived the course may graduate with 57 credit hours.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online (full-time and part-time program with optional concentrations in Accounting, Business Analytics, Digital Transformation, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management, International Business and Marketing)
  • In person (optional concentrations in Business Analytics, Digital Transformation, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Leadership in Conflict Mediation and Marketing)
• Location:
  • Kent Campus (full-time only for general degree and all in-person concentrations)

AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Full Description

The Teaching English as Second Language Endorsement Preparation non-degree program allows teachers with a current Ohio teaching license to advance their knowledge of language and second language learning in the P-12 context. Completion of the coursework is a prerequisite to being recommended by Kent State University for supplemental license in multi-age teaching English to speakers of other language; and licenses are granted by the Ohio Department of Education.

The non-degree program is not a master's degree. Students interested in obtaining a teaching license and a master's degree from Kent State University must also be fully admitted into the M.A. degree in Teaching English as a Second Language, TESL Education concentration.

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.

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
• Documentation of current Ohio license in any P-12 area of expertise
• Official transcript(s)
• 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:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

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

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions

Program Learning Outcomes

Completers of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of different associated fields within teaching English as a second language, including linguistics, language acquisition, pedagogy and practice.
2. Demonstrate skills in all aspects of teaching language, literacy and content to English language learners.
3. Demonstrate understanding of diverse cultural norms and practices within educational contexts.

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

Approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE)

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Design instruction for learners of English as a second or foreign language.
2. Align instruction with current theories in second language acquisition.
3. Explain and teach various aspects of the English language, including English grammar.

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
• 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 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

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

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions

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

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in English offers students extensive learning in the areas of literature, rhetoric and composition, writing studies and beyond, with a distinctive focus on narrative. The program provides a deep and nuanced understanding of the ways narratives not only represent the world but also make it and change it, for both good and ill.

Narrative is defined very broadly as a fundamental and ubiquitous mode of thought that guides perception, constructs feelings and directs actions, operating at varying scales, in all domains and through multiple media and modes of perception. Students acquire advanced skills in critiquing, revising and creating narratives in the service of more effective and socially responsible problem solving, decision making, innovation and action planning. These skills are useful in a range of professions both in and outside the university, including law, teaching and library and information science. Graduates are well prepared to engage with a changing world.

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 in English or related discipline from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement (1-2 pages)¹
• Writing sample (12-25 pages) relevant to the field of study
• Three letters of recommendation²
• Starting with the spring 2027 admission term: Interview with faculty (virtual) for applicants being considered for assistantships
• 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:³
  • Minimum 102 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 73 PTE score
  • Minimum 130 DET score

¹

Goal statement should describe relevant preparation, research interests and long-range academic and career goals.

²

Recommendation letters should be from current or recent professors/advisors who can speak to the applicant's intellectual abilities and scholarly potential.

³

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

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Funding deadline: December 1 (international student) and January 15 (domestic student)
    All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
    Applicants for the spring semester will not be considered for funded assistantships.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Analyze and interpret literary and non-literary texts and narratives.
2. Interpret and explain research in and connections between the fields of narrative theory, literary studies, rhetoric and writing studies.
3. Design and implement an original long-form research project and apply appropriate research methods.
4. Communicate research clearly and effectively in written, ora, and/or multi-modal formats.
5. Demonstrate effective teaching skills and knowledge of appropriate teaching theories, if on appointment.

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