COURSE CURRICULUM

The Research in Architecture and Environmental Design graduate program at Kent State University is a STEM-accredited degree designed to equip students with advanced research skills and expertise at the intersection of architecture, design, and environmental science. The program requires a minimum of 35 credit hours and integrates rigorous coursework with practical research experience to prepare students for leadership and innovation in the built environment. Core courses develop both theoretical knowledge and applied research skills, including Methods of Inquiry in Architectural Studies, Empirical Research in Environmental Design, and Applied Research Methods in Architecture and Environmental Design. Students also engage in Topical Immersion and Advanced Proposal Writing to refine their ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute complex research projects. The curriculum includes Theories of Architecture, which provides a strong foundation in design thinking and historical context. In addition, students complete 15 credit hours of advisor-approved electives at the 50000 or 60000 level, allowing them to pursue specialized topics aligned with their research interests, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, bioclimatics, living architecture, or kinetics. The program culminates in the Thesis I course, in which students conduct original research under faculty supervision and produce a thesis demonstrating methodological rigor, technical competence, and innovative thinking. By combining structured coursework, elective exploration, and a culminating research project, graduates develop the skills necessary to contribute new knowledge, solve complex design problems, and advance their careers in architecture, environmental design, or interdisciplinary research. The program emphasizes both analytical and creative approaches, ensuring that students are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the future of sustainable, technologically informed, and socially responsive built environments.The Master of Arts in Art Education program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in both the theory and practice of art education. The curriculum consists of a combination of required courses, electives, and a culminating experience, totaling a minimum of thirty credit hours. Core courses focus on key aspects of teaching art from pre-kindergarten through grade twelve, research methods, and advanced seminars in art education. These courses help students develop pedagogical skills, critical thinking, and research competence in the context of the visual arts. In addition to the core curriculum, students select electives in art history, studio art, or further art education courses, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific interests and career goals. This elective component ensures that students gain both depth and breadth in their understanding of visual arts and educational practices. The program also emphasizes the importance of a culminating experience, where students must choose between completing a capstone project or a thesis. The capstone project involves applied research or a practical project in art education, often incorporating elements from guided electives, while the thesis option allows students to undertake an in-depth scholarly investigation of a topic within the field. Through this combination of structured coursework, elective study, and a culminating project or thesis, graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to contribute to art education in diverse contexts, including classroom teaching, curriculum development, and educational research. The program balances practical artistic training with scholarly inquiry, preparing students to engage thoughtfully with both contemporary challenges and historical perspectives in the field. By completing the thirty-credit program, students gain the knowledge, experience, and professional competencies required to pursue careers in art education, higher education, or further academic research.