Over the years, the demand for specific education has changed and is continuously changing. The companies and organizations that are offering jobs are now seeking candidates with both theoretical as well as practical knowledge. With such dynamic and industry-specific demand of the candidates, the need for a specific program which is not only focused on providing knowledge but also involves students in different projects is increasing. The reason why such live projects are important for a student is because of its pre and post effect on the students’ mindset and implication of knowledge into such a project. The growing popularity of STEM programs and the need for its implication in the entire world points towards a new way of learning and developing skills amongst the students.
There are thousands of factors affecting education at large. Change in the economy, growth of population, the rise of the internet and many more such factors that are directly or indirectly molding the approach of students towards education. The demand for STEM qualified students is very high in the market and is predicted that it will continue to rise in the coming future. STEM motivates students to develop skills such as problem-solving, creativity, critical analysis, teamwork, independent thinking, initiative, communication, and digital literacy. These are just a few focus areas of the STEM program.
Engaging Student from All around the World
Understanding the relevance and importance of the STEM program in the present global economy, Kennesaw State University provides innovative STEM majors to its students. The university allows students to explore different opportunities in the various fields, motivates students to engage with peers and industry connection and empowers them with the ability to make an impact on the world. A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the US. KSU offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its nearly 38,000 students. With 13 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the third-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, entrepreneurial spirit, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Ranked a top choice for students by U.S. News, Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status.
Program Addressing the Global Requirement
With 90 plus STEM-related academic programs in 13 Colleges, students can experience exciting hands-on research with highly skilled faculty. Events throughout each year, such as Scientista Women in Stem, C-Day (Computing Showcase), SAS Day (Statistics Analysis Software), R Day (“R” refers to the popular open-source statistical software used by many organizations around the world), Physics Day; discipline-specific clubs; and lectures provide numerous ways to explore the interests and apply the skills and knowledge of the students.
Global economic and political systems are more interdependent than ever before creating both synergies and vulnerabilities. Higher Education systems throughout the world recognize the interconnections and create programs where students not only learn how to address global issues but where they do so in a way that allows students to learn about the social and cultural impacts of decisions.
Offering Strong STEM Program
- Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology: provides educational opportunities for engineering students and graduates so that they may gain the requisite knowledge needed to serve and improve an ever-changing society as a member of the engineering profession.
- Kennesaw State University’s College of Computing and Software Engineering: is one of the best in the country, with each of its degree programs being recognized nationally. It is accredited by the CAC Accreditation Commission of ABET in Computer Science, Information Technology and Software Engineering and Game Development.
- The College of Science and Mathematics(CSM): provides students a high quality and innovative academic experience through the seven minor programs, seven undergraduate degrees, and three master’s programs. Students can create their own learning experience through provided tracks, research, and specialized courses.
- The College of Architecture and Construction Management: brings together two distinct disciplines and pedagogical cultures that are intertwined in practice and have much to share in learning and research. Kennesaw State University is classified as a Comprehensive University by the Georgia Board of Regents and the College of Architecture and Construction Management supports both teaching and research as defined by the Board.
Leading the University’s Mission
As provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, Kathy Schwaig serves as the University’s chief academic officer and reports to the president. She is responsible for all aspects of the University’s academic mission, including the intellectual environment for faculty, students and staff, and planning, budgeting, supervising and reviewing programs in instruction, research, and continuing education. Schwaig oversees the deans of KSU’s 13 colleges and leads the faculty in their efforts to strengthen academic programs and fosters a culture of academic excellence.
Prepping the Students to Address the Future Issues
STEM areas are both challenging and rewarding for students. These areas are tightly integrated with advancing technologies which means they are dynamic and ever-changing. Students in STEM fields learn how to innovate and apply their knowledge and talents to solve problems today while preparing to address future issues and challenges that have yet to emerge. Career opportunities abound in the STEM fields and will for decades to come. The students at KSU enjoy a hands-on, collaborative research experience that promotes deep learning and a high level of engagement with students and faculty. Most departments have research “directed study” that can be used for credit toward research participation. The Office of Undergraduate Research website provides a lot of information, including how to get started in research, research projects opportunities as well as funding information. Students can join the Undergraduate Research Club where they can find a mentor, learn how to publish and present the results and get funding for the project.
Exploring the Goals Along With Benefit of Internships
KSU is highly engaged in global education and has been for decades. Through study abroad programs, faculty, and student exchange programs, international class projects, campus cultural programs, and international and global research, the students understand that they live, work and play in an international context. Students use the passion for mathematics and science to prepare the next generation of students for rewarding STEM careers. The semi-annual STEM Career Fair and networking events bring employers, large and small, local and global, to campus seeking to hire Kennesaw State’s talented graduates. It offers a STEM Strong program for the students where they are allowed to explore various goals such as design award-winning race cars, innovative architecture projects, or video games, to complete innovative research, or start your own business. With two campuses only minutes from Atlanta, a major city that is home to Fortune 500 companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines and The Home Depot, students can benefit from internships, co-ops, professional mentors and job opportunities.
A Program for the Future
Under this section, we have covered the unique program of the University which is not only futuristic but also meeting the current demands of the students.
Athletics
The phrase, “A healthy body inspires a healthy mind” is as serious as the environment issue, though it is incomparable. But an unhealthy body invites a lot of negative thoughts whereas for a student it is equally important to stay positive thought out the program. Finding the right balance between studies and sports should be one of the key areas of the colleges and universities. Sports play a vital role in developing an overall personality; it also helps in shaping the thoughts and keeps the students healthy. The Kennesaw State Department of Athletics sponsors 16 NCAA Division I programs, with 15 of those competing in the ASUN Conference and football taking the field as a member of the Big South Conference.
KSU won the most championships in school history in 2017-18, capturing six ASUN Championships and winning two more tournament titles to earn the ASUN Bill Bibb Trophy as all-sport champions of the league. To go along with eight total trophies in ASUN action, the football program also made a huge splash in just its third season of competition. The Owls won the Big South Conference championship with a 12-2 overall record, reached the quarterfinals in the FCS Playoffs and had a No. 8 final ranking.
