Full Description

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Nursing is the terminal degree for nurses who want to advance their knowledge of nursing practice, gain leadership and technology skills and become clinical scholars. Students develop leadership skills to affect health outcomes for individuals and populations by translating scientific evidence into clinical interventions, managing healthcare systems and collaborating with other health care providers.

The Nursing major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Executive Nurse concentration prepares nurse leaders for the role of nurse executive at the highest level of healthcare administration.
• The Nurse Administration and Executive Leadership concentration prepares B.S.N. nurses for entry-, mid- and executive-level leadership roles.
• The Practice Leadership concentration prepares advanced practice and clinical experts to lead interprofessional teams focused on evidence-based practice, quality improvement and translational research.

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

Admission Requirements

• Previous degree:
  • Executive Nurse concentration – master's degree in nursing or a related field
  • Nurse Administration and Executive Leadership concentration – bachelor's or master's pre-licensure degree in nursing
  • Practice Leadership concentration – bachelor's¹ or master's degree in nursing
• Minimum overall 3.000 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Completion of an undergraduate- or graduate-level statistics course with a minimum C grade
• Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which the student's practica will be completed
• Résumé or curriculum vitae that demonstrates professional experience in nursing
• Essay (300 words) describing professional goals and reasons for seeking the professional practice doctorate
• Three letters of reference from healthcare professionals or academic faculty who can speak to the applicant's professional and academic abilities
• Pre-admission interview
• 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 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

Students selected for admission to the nursing program must meet the College of Nursing's Clinical Compliance Policy. Priority admission to the Nurse Executive concentration will be given to candidates who hold American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification or American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Nurse Executive certification or who have experience in nursing management or administration.

¹

Post-baccalaureate students admitted to the Practice Leadership concentration also will be admitted to the M.S.N. degree in one of the advanced practice registered nurses concentrations. This dual admit will allow students to complete M.S.N. coursework and enroll in some D.N.P. coursework after successfully completing their first two full-time semesters of graduate study. Students must first complete M.S.N. coursework, earn the M.S.N. degree and obtain APRN national certification before they can continue with D.N.P. coursework and earn the D.N.P. degree.

²

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

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: March 1
• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: October  1

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

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Develop and implement systems-focused care and innovative strategies to promote positive, sustainable health and fiscal outcomes across the healthcare continuum.
2. Provide population-focused, advanced nursing care to diverse populations within a variety of settings based on evidence, ethics, theory and professional standards.
3. Provide leadership and interprofessional collaboration to plan, implement and evaluate programs of care delivery to improve outcomes for individuals, populations and aggregates.
4. Synthesize and translate evidence for implementation and dissemination for evidence-based quality healthcare outcomes to all populations.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

The D.N.P. degree in Nursing at Kent State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Full Description

The Knowledge Management graduate certificate prepares professionals to guide organizations to improved performance through better use of organizational knowledge. In the knowledge economy, the success of organizations depends on their ability to generate, adopt and diffuse knowledge. Knowledge management promotes a collaborative and integrative approach to the creation, capture, organization, access and use of information assets, including the tacit and knowledge of people.

Students in the Knowledge Management certificate learn from interaction with their instructors and student colleagues, many of whom are also professionals working in knowledge management. Through courses and other opportunities, students gain experience in developing and applying knowledge to improve organizational strategies, processes and technical skills.

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 Knowledge Management graduate certificate are not being accepted at this time.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on 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

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to develop and deliver strategies for organizations and communities that apply knowledge to create value.
2. Demonstrate the ability to design a knowledge management program to turn strategies into action through the integration of people, process and technology components.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Applications to the Knowledge Management graduate certificate are not being accepted at this time.

Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design integrates conceptual, technical and production design knowledge and skills, leading to a synthesis of the design process from concept to production. These processes include color, design and trend research; technical sketching and rendered illustration; pattern-making and garment construction; analysis of appropriate fit and fabric selection; best practices in sustainable methods and knowledge and the ability to communicate specifications for production using industry standards appropriate to specific markets.

The B.A. degree in Fashion Design promotes an emphasis on the diversity of studio practice and liberal art experiences with the most up to date technology applications. Students have the option to select coursework offerings to gain expertise in a variety of specialties that connect directly to fashion design, such as wearable technology applications, sustainable development and design, garment knitting, illustration and/or accessory design.

The degree program prepares students for professional careers by developing technical competency, creative/independent problem solving and conceptual understanding necessary for the challenges of a career in the creative industries. Students develop portfolios for presentation at industry interviews and are prepared to be strongly competitive for any entry-level design position in the industry.

Students participate in a study abroad/away experience, which includes opportunities to study for a semester in New York City; Florence, Italy; and Paris, France, as well as through collaborative partnership programs with universities in Hong Kong, South Korea and London.

While enrolled in junior-level fashion design studio courses, fashion design students may complete the application process to declare the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or choose to continue pursuing the B.A. degree. The decision of which degree is best for a particular student depends on the student's educational and career goals, academic standing, performance in studio coursework and an approved B.F.A. proposal.

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.

Admission to the Fashion Design major is selective.

First-Year Students: Prospective applicants must have a minimum 3.000 overall GPA (on a 4.000 scale)(starting with the fall 2026 admission term, a minimum 2.750 overall GPA is required).

Transfer Students: Prospective applicants must have a minimum 2.750 overall GPA based on minimum 24 credit hours of college-level coursework at an accredited institution. Those students meeting this GPA requirement but with fewer than 24 credit hours will be evaluated as new freshmen.

Students who do not meet the criteria for admission to the Fashion Design major may be eligible for admission to the Pre-Fashion Design and Merchandising non-degree major. Starting with the fall 2026 admission term, students who do not meet the criteria for admission to the Fashion Design major will be admitted to the Exploratory Program in University College.

In addition, students who do not meet the admission criteria may initiate the process for declaring the B.A. degree in Fashion Design after completing minimum 12 credit hours of non-developmental coursework at Kent State University and earning a minimum 2.750 overall GPA.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Describe the fashion industry, fashion markets, fashion products and services.
2. Integrate conceptual, technical and production design knowledge and skills, leading to a synthesis of the design process from concept to production.
3. Apply skills in the use of basic tools, techniques and processes sufficient to produce work from draft or specifications to finished product, including skills with portfolio preparation.
4. Use conceptual and critical thinking skills that are applicable to the fashion industry.
5. Employ research processes and practices used within the fashion industry.
6. Demonstrate professionalism and communication skills within the appropriate creative industry.

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:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this 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.

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 2.75 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale.
• 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: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: 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.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Full Description

The School Library Media Licensure non-degree program is intended for students who already hold a teaching license and are interested in working in school libraries. The curriculum comprises coursework in library science, educational technology, management, cataloging and literature. A required practicum provides students the opportunity to apply principles learned in graduate study to real-world experiences and to network with professionals in the field.

This program is one of the three pathways available at Kent State University for students who are interested in obtaining multi-age licensure in school library media through the Ohio Department of Education. The other two pathways are the M.L.I.S. degree in School Library Media K-12 and the dual M.L.I.S. degree with the M.Ed. degree in Educational Technology.

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 ¹
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vita
• Student profile form²
• Application essay, see guidelines below
• Statement of exception addressing circumstances and readiness for graduate education
• Two letters of recommendation³
• 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

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Completers 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 K-12 stakeholders (students, teachers, administrators) and communities with information that engages and empowers them.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

The School Library Media Licensure non-degree program is accredited by the American Library Association and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

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 related disciplines.

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
• 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

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this 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. Test and assess design ideas, prototypes and existing systems by employing data collection and analysis methods.
5. Communicate research findings and contribute design solutions in collaborative teams comprising designers, developers and stakeholders.
6. Create and evaluate digital systems that meet user needs in the context of stakeholder priorities.
7. Demonstrate professional competencies aligned with career goals.

Dual Degree with Master of Business Administration

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.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

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.

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
• Two letters of recommendation³
• 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

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.

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, synthesize and apply research in the school librarianship field to assess and address concerns in professional practice.
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. Select, utilize and 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 with M.Ed. 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 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.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

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)

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.

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
• Two letters of recommendation³
• 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

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.

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, synthesize and apply research in the field to assess and address concerns in professional practice.
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. Select, utilize and 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 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. 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.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

American Library Association (ABA)

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.

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

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this 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 with Master of Business Administration

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.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

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