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Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering

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As an Engineer, you will face evolving, complex problems that require interdisciplinary approaches. Industries today are particularly interested in interdisciplinary engineering Ph.D. programs that emphasize both the full knowledge of engineering and specialized skillsets in a particular field. The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering at KSU is a unique doctoral program designed to meet these growing needs. 

By becoming one of our doctoral students, you will take part in an exciting interdisciplinary graduate program that encourages intellectual depth within your area of study. We also provide flexibility to allow for a range of learning across traditional engineering disciplines. Compared with traditional doctoral engineering programs which keep you focused on one engineering discipline, Kennesaw State’s Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program will extend your knowledge base outside your core undergraduate degree expertise to provide the training you need for a successful career in industry, academia, government, and entrepreneurship. When you graduate from this doctoral program, you will have a well-defined research proficiency in a subject area and a broad-based knowledge in technological innovation.

In the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program, you will work in laboratories with state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities from all six departments in the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology: Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering. With these disciplines, doctoral students will conduct cutting-edge research and receive exceptional technical training and mentorship from our experienced world-class faculty. This doctoral engineering program will provide you with opportunities to pursue coursework and interdisciplinary research in focus areas such as Intelligent Robotic Systems and Smart Infrastructure. As a Doctor of Interdisciplinary Engineering, you will contribute to groundbreaking research, new technologies, and innovative solutions that can transform lives. 

• Collaborate with researchers and lead research teams from diverse backgrounds 
• Enroll in courses like Research Design and Professional Practice to develop new ideas and establish innovative enterprises 
• Accept a broad range of academically qualified students who previously pursued either further education out of state or other career opportunities to meet the growing market needs for the engineering workforce in Georgia
• Interdisciplinary thematic degree: The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the six departments within the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. Students will conduct dissertation research in one of three research focus and seed areas, which rely on faculty resources throughout the college. Our coursework also uniquely transcends the boundaries of traditional engineering disciplines, creating an educational experience that serves as a strong foundation for exciting, rewarding research and development careers in industry, government, and academia.
• Industry-focused program: The innovative curriculum offered under the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering includes two courses that equip the doctoral students with the personal and professional skills needed to launch a successful career path in industry or entrepreneurship, while still having value in academia. The courses also include topics for relevant career paths including engineering education, grant writing, self-awareness and personal SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) analysis.
• Defined timeline for graduation: The structure and course sequence of the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering were designed to provide a specific timeline for completion. This Ph.D. degree clearly manages pathways to graduation from either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a maximum of four (4) or three (3) years, respectively, pending satisfactory progress on the dissertation research.
• Externally funded through grants and contracts: Students enrolled in the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program conduct meaningful research with societal impact in engineering innovation and technology. Most projects are externally funded through federal grants and contracts and provide most admitted eligible students with a Graduate Research Assistantship consisting of a stipend and a tuition waiver. 

Selecting the right engineering Ph.D. program is pivotal to your success as an engineer. Here’s why you should choose the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering at Kennesaw State University. With our program, you’ll learn to: 

• Synthesize and develop advanced engineering knowledge from multiple disciplines 
• Conduct independent research in unexplored engineering fields
• Become an engineering entrepreneur who can commercialize new ideas and establish innovation-driven enterprises 
• Focus on research themes, including intelligent robotics and smart infrastructure, in your engineering program
• Become uniquely equipped as an industry leader and technology innovator who can lead interdisciplinary engineering research projects 
• Explore topics essential for all engineering career paths, including engineering education, grant writing, self-awareness, personal SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) analysis, and entrepreneurship 
• Develop professional competencies in ethics, pedagogy, proposal writing, patenting, research team organization, and entrepreneurship 
• Collaborate with teams of engineers, experienced faculty, and work independently to produce solutions to trending topics in technological research innovation 
• Construct leading research with relevance that creates and refines skills with real-world applications amongst other engineering programs   

Applicants must have the following qualifications to be eligible for the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program: 

• An undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, or a related degree (e.g., physics, mathematics, computer science) from an accredited college or university 
• A minimum undergraduate degree grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent. The average undergraduate and graduate GPAs of students accepted into the program are 3.3 and 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, respectively.
• Successful completion of Calculus I and Calculus II and at least one higher-level mathematics course (e.g., Calculus III, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Discrete Mathematics)   

Preference in admission will be given to applicants having relevant engineering or project management experience after earning a Bachelor of Science degree or a Professional Engineering license. 

Admission is based on several factors, including academic performance at prior institutions (GPA(s)), a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required but are considered when submitted. Applicants' undergraduate and graduate records and recommendation letters will be given more consideration. Preference for admission will be given to applicants having relevant engineering or project management experience after earning a B.S. degree or a Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Students must apply through the Online Graduate Application portal. Transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope or electronically directly to [email protected]  

• Official transcripts from each college and/or university attended. Must be in a sealed envelope from the institution or sent electronically from the institution directly to [email protected]  
• A one-to-two-page Statement of Purpose describing career and educational goals, recent accomplishments and activities, research interest, and the targeted program focus area.
• English proficiency test requirements (International students only): Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (exemption of the TOEFL or IELTS test is determined by the College of Graduate and Professional Education . In addition, please visit GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL for more information. 
• relevant engineering or project management experience (preferably research-focused) and  
• a Bachelor of Science degree or Professional Engineering license will help with acceptance. 
• Three (3) letters of recommendation from academic or professional contacts; at least two (2) recommendation letters must be from an academic contact. 
• The GRE is optional and not required for admission into this engineering program, however applicants can supplement their application with an official copy of their GRE general test results. High quantitative scores will strengthen the application. 
• There is a non-refundable $60 application fee. 
• Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering Program Handbook Download Program Handbook

Application Deadlines 

• Term  Date
• Spring Nov 1

**Note that the completed application, application fee and all required credentials must be submitted by the deadline date** 

Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) is the term used at KSU to refer to graduate assistantships that work on campus in research-related positions. GRAs are generally funded through competitive faculty grants and contracts. GRAs gain the experience of working alongside faculty members on cutting edge, relevant research. GRA responsibilities vary greatly and may include, but are not limited to:

• Collecting, coding, and/or analyzing data
• Conducting literature reviews or library research
• Preparing materials for submission to funding agencies and foundations
• Writing reports
• Preparing materials for IRB review

Research assistants should not be engaged in work unrelated to their academic program or that does not further their educational experience and objectives. 

For More Information: 

• Dr. Philippe Sucosky
• Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering Program Director 
• 470-578-3158  
• [email protected]  

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Bagwell College of Education

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Bagwell College of Education

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TUITION & FEES

Doctoral Degrees

Educational leadership, ed.d..

The EdD program is designed to build candidates’ critical understanding and expert use of transformational leadership skills. Our goal is to develop school leaders who integrate thoughtful, globally-minded leadership practices with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of effective educational leaders. Our graduates are prepared to actively and knowledgeably engage within institutional contexts of constant challenge and innovation. 

Teacher Leadership, Ed.D.

The Teacher Leadership Program prepares educators to lead their colleagues as teachers. Graduates of the program will be able to earn a Service (S) certificate in Teacher Leadership. Coursework includes graduate semester hours in advanced topics such as assessment, professional development, coaching, curriculum, leadership, and data-driven instruction.

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Home > Coles College of Business > PhD B.A.

PhD in Business Administration Dissertations

A leader in non-traditional doctoral education, the Doctor of Philosophy with a major in Business Administration (PhD) Program at Kennesaw State University (KSU) is an innovative program from an AACSB accredited business school. Established in 2008, as a Doctor of Business Administration Program (DBA), the Program became a PhD Program in 2018. The PhD Program is one of the first non-traditional research-focused doctoral programs in the country. With over 100 current students and alumni, the impact of the Program on academe and the business community is far-reaching. Alumni of the Program hold tenured/tenure-track, clinical, and leadership positions at AACSB accredited universities across the United States. Our alumni also have an established record of publishing in high quality peer-reviewed academic journals.

Program Structure Overview

The structure of the Program is designed for students to finish in as little as three years (completion times vary). The first two years (36-credit hours) include cohort-based and discipline-specific courses. After coursework is complete, students are enrolled in dissertation credit hours until they defend their final dissertations.

Students can pursue one of four academic concentrations:

• Information Systems

The PhD Program in Business Administration’s Mission Statement

The mission of the PhD Program in Business Administration is to provide our graduates with the skills and credentials needed to conduct theoretically grounded and scientifically based research in specific business disciplines, which will serve to prepare them for teaching and research positions in academe or industry.

Need to Submit Your Dissertation? Submit Here!

Dissertations from 2023 2023.

Demystifying the Link Between Loneliness and Materialism: Mediating Roles of Emotion Regulation, Self-Enhancement, and Escapism , Christine Billen

BUYER-SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS: A CASE INVESTIGATION IN THE RUG AND TEXTILE INDUSTRY , OBIE BYRUM

Lean Six Sigma: Impacts on Audit Quality Indicators , Tiffany DeRoy

Time is Money: An Examination of Audit Time Budgets and Profitability , Sydney (Tori) Hoffman

FAMILY FIRM INNOVATION: THE ROLE OF LEADER DARK TRIAD PERSONALITY AND SOCIOEMOTIONAL WEALTH IMPORTANCE , Marek Kolinski

THE BEAUTY OF AUDITOR SELECTION: THE EFFECTS OF AUDITOR ATTRACTIVENESS AND AUDITEE GOALS ON PROCURING GOVERNMENTAL AUDIT SERVICES , Marena M. Messina

UNPACKING VALUE CO-CREATION USING THE DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES FRAMEWORK , Perry Parke

THE MISUNDERSTOOD LINK BETWEEN TRAINING AND REAL-WORLD INFORMATION SECURITY OUTCOMES: SENSEMAKING , Henry Torres

Does a gift in a captive service make me feel better? Examining gift giving in uncertain conditions that influence emotions and firm performance. , Martha Troncoza

Dissertations from 2022 2022

Auditing Outside the "GAAP": The Association Between Non-GAAP Reporting and Audit Quality , Casey Colson

Human-AI Hybrids in Virtual Teams: The Effects of IT Identity and Trust on Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Application , Denise McWilliams

I'M PART OF THE INGROUP, DOES IT MATTER? IMPACT OF SOCIAL IDENTITY ON MULTI-CHANNEL INFORMATION SYSTEMS EFFECTIVENESS , Michele Minetola

"Alexa? What Keeps Consumers From Engaging With You?" , Kate Nicewicz

WILLINGNESS TO DISCLOSE PERSONAL INFORMATION: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THEORY PERSPECTIVE , DeJarvis Oliver

KNOCK! KNOCK! IS THE DOCTOR IN? IMPACT OF CONSUMER-FACING HEALTH IT ON HEALTH OUTCOMES , Arpit Sharma

Influences on Controllers' Non-GAAP Reporting Decisions , Valerie Simmons

Dissertations from 2021 2021

Impact of Regulatory Interventions and Transitions on Broker-Dealer Audit Quality , Darlene Adkins

THE EVOLUTION OF SALES: ASSESSING THE INTEGRATION OF SOCIAL SELLING INTO PROFESSIONAL SALES AND THE SALES CYCLE , Jen Riley, Brian N. Rutherford, Adriane Randolph, and Stefan Sleep

WHEN LEADERS OSTRACIZE: BOTTOM-LINE MENTALITY CLIMATE AND EMOTIONAL LABOR AS PREDICTORS OF WORKPLACE OSTRACISM , Darrin Theriault

Dissertations from 2020 2020

SHEDDING LIGHT ON SALES RELATIONSHIPS: WHAT EFFECT DOES THE SUNSHINE ACT HAVE ON SALESPERSON ETHICAL BEHAVIOR AND CUSTOMER RESPONSE? , Rebecca Burcham

INDIVIDUAL IT USES AND THEIR ANTECEDENTS: A SOCIAL THEORY PERSPECTIVE , Jason Williams

Dissertations from 2019 2019

THREAT RECOGNITION IN INCUMBENT FIRMS: A CASE FOR ORGANIZATIONAL VELOCITY , Alan Amling

The Examiniation of Entrepreneurial Investment Tax Credits: Angel vs. Crowdfunding Investing , Laura Barthel

The Impact of Audit Engagement Partner Disclosure on Audit Outcomes in the United States , J. Alan Bell

THE IMPACT OF INTERNAL AUDITORS' PROFESSIONAL AND SOCIAL AFFILIATIONS ON FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY , Reanna Berry

Role Reversal: Exploring the M&A Process When the Family Firm is the Acquirer , Darin Dredge

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Psychological Ownership of Simple Jobs: The Effect of Job Crafting , John S. Furrh III

Big 4 Office Personnel and Audit Quality , Jacob Gatlin

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Cognitive Psychology

Welcome to the Department of Psychological Science at Kennesaw State University! Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It is a wide-ranging discipline that includes many sub-fields of study, including, but not limited to health, forensics, clinical/counseling, social behavior, neuroscience, human development, and sports psychology. We offer a B. S. degree in Psychology, which may be completed in-person, online, or as a hybrid format. We also offer a minor program in Psychology, Psychology Honors, and Double Owl Pathways. During their time in our program, Psychology majors have the opportunity to conduct independent research or collaborate with a faculty member. Psychology majors at KSU develop strong research, communication, and critical thinking skills. The B.S. degree in Psychology can also provide students with the strong foundational knowledge needed to prepare for graduate study in a variety of disciplines. Please explore our website to learn more about us. 

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Master of Science in Nursing

Program Snapshot  

MSN-Administration Track Format:   Online

MSN-Education Track and Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate Format: Hybrid (online and once-a- month face-to-face)

• Family Nurse Practitioner: Online or hybird with up to one weekend a month in on-campus classes/labs

Number of Credit Hours: Varies per program

Entry Term: Fall 

Time to Complete: Varies per program

Application Deadline: Priority Jan. 15; Final April 28

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After submitting your information, you can download an program flyer and access additional specifics.

Or call   (470) 578-6862

Career and Salary

Program Benefits

Graduate – Master of Science in Leadership in Nursing (MSN) Degree and Post-Graduate Certificate

The Wellstar School of Nursing is a well-respected, long-time provider of advanced nursing education, all of which are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, CCNE. 

Housed in the Wellstar College of Health & Human Services on KSU's Kennesaw campus, these graduate nursing programs reflect KSU’s close community ties with first-class healthcare agencies. The MSN learning environment is welcoming and supportive, with small, online and hybrid classes which promote collaboration. Each program includes clinical or practicum experiences, which advance your skills and expand your professional network. The courses are taught by expert doctoral faculty who are experienced educators with relevant real-world experience, including senior leadership positions. 

MSN- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track is a 44-credit program that will prepare you to be a primary healthcare provider. You can enjoy more career autonomy and have increased earning potential. You’ll also be prepared to sit for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The full-time option is one of the shortest FNP programs in Georgia, only five semesters; a part-time option is also available. You’ll study diagnostic reasoning, pharmacology, physiology and pathophysiology, research and evidence-based practice, and clinical management of acute, chronic, and complex disorders in individuals across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on caring for diverse populations and developing strategies to minimize health disparities.

MSN – Nursing Administration and Transformational Leadership 

MSN – Nursing Administration and Transformational Leadership track prepares you to be a successful healthcare leader at all levels, from front line to C-suite. The 40-hour, fully online program is grounded in practice and guided by healthcare theory and research. Emphasis is on developing leadership competencies identified by the American Organization of Nursing Leadership: healthcare finance; change management; understanding data and evidence; creation of a healthy work environment; and organizing high quality care delivery systems. The full-time option takes four semesters to complete; the part-time option can be completed in seven semesters.

The MSN- Nursing Education Leadership in a Digital World 

The MSN – Nursing Education Leadership in a Digital World will prepare you for the ever-changing world of nursing education. Grounded in best practice and guided by healthcare theory and research, you will learn the knowledge and skills necessary to provide leadership and information as a nursing instructor or a clinical nurse educator nurse educator in an academic or clinical setting. Courses address nursing education leadership, ethics, health policy, curriculum design/evaluation, information technology, conflict management, learning and learning strategies, resource allocation and best practices. Classes are online/hybrid options with many classes meeting on campus only once a month. The full-time option takes four semesters to complete; the part-time option can be completed in seven semesters.

Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate 

Added in January 2024, the Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate is a 12-credit program that can be completed in two to four semesters, depending upon the number of courses taken during each semester. Applicants should be registered nurses and possess a master’s degree in another advanced nursing specialty, a DNP, or a PhD.

MS in Nursing Salary and Career Information

You Can Take Advantage of Job Growth and Enhanced Earning Potential

The need for nurse educators, administrators and practitioners is of critical concern in the healthcare field. From 2020 to 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 24 percent growth rate in Georgia for nurse educators and medical and health services managers and 79 percent job growth for nurse practitioners.

In 2020 in Georgia, Nurse Practitioners earn, on average, $112,090; Medical and Health Service Managers $104,830; and Post-secondary Nursing Instructors and Teachers $78.580. Salaries vary widely based on credentials, experience, employer and job role/responsibilities. 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*Net  

Advanced Nursing Program Benefits at Kennesaw State

• Well-Respected in the Marketplace – KSU nursing graduates have been sought after by Georgia’s top-tier healthcare employers for the past 45+ years
• Affordability – KSU programs are offered at a far l ower cost than private universities and for-profit programs
• Valuable Hands-on Components – The Education track and certificate includes s imulation labs and innovative activities that mimic practice, hone patient interaction skills, and perfect the use of relevant technology. The Administration track includes 18 credit hours of practicum experience with a nursing leader at an established Georgia site or the state in which you practice.
• Tuition Reimbursement - Many local healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement for graduate study. Check with your employer’s human resources personnel to find out if you qualify. Professional organizations may also offer scholarship opportunities. The MSN-Education track and Education Certificate take part in the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP), which provides loans which can be partially canceled by service as an educator in an academic or clinical setting. Also check with KSU’s Office of Financial Aid about scholarship support.

Department Contact Information

Wellstar School of Nursing Kennesaw State University 520 Parliament Garden Way NW., MD# 4102 Kennesaw, GA 30144-5591

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Program Description

The vision for the Department of Social Work and Human Services is to be a world leader in educating, training, and empowering clinical social work practitioners to support human potential and promote social justice, diversity, and inclusion 

The Master of Social Work program at Kennesaw State University is a clinical program and is designed to prepare students for entry-level professional practice in social work. Upon graduation, students are eligible for taking the Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) exam and they may also pursue further clinical supervision requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).. The KSU Master of Social Work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 

The Master of Social Work program offers two program options:

• Traditional MSW Program - The Traditional MSW is a 60-hour, full-time program that accepts students with a baccalaureate degree that reflects a broad liberal arts base in the social, behavioral or psychological sciences, human biology, the humanities or statistics.
• Advanced Standing Program - The Advanced Standing MSW is a 36-hour, full-time program that accepts students with a baccalaureate degree in Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE accredited baccalaureate program. There are no equivalent degrees for this program. 

Accreditation Information 

The Master of Social Work Program at Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE): https://www.cswe.org/Accreditation/Directory-of-Accredited-Programs.aspx  

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Admission, Enrollment, and Graduation Policies

Admissions requirements.

The following are requirements beyond the Admissions    requirements.

• A GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale over the last 60 hours of undergraduate study, as indicated on official college or university transcript received directly from the degree-granting institution. Course work from all two- and four-year institutions should be submitted directly by the institutions. . 

Traditional MSW : Hold a baccalaureate degree that reflects a broad liberal arts base in the social, behavioral or psychological sciences, human biology, the humanities or statistics. The baccalaureate degree should be from an institution accredited in a manner accepted by Kennesaw State University. 

Advanced Standing MSW : Hold a baccalaureate degree in Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE accredited program. The BSW degree must be conferred within the last 5 years. Applicants holding the BSW degree that was awarded more than 5 years ago must apply for the Traditional MSW program.

• At least one from a faculty member familiar with the applicant’s academic work (Note: if you are unable to locate an academic reference, you may add a professional supervisor-related reference from a current or former employer or field supervisor. 
• A professional reference from a current or former employer or field supervisor.  
• Your experience in social work, including volunteer experience. 
• Life experiences that impacted your interest in social work. 
• Your personal qualities that will be useful in serving others as a social work professional. 
• Your values that will be useful in serving others as a social worker. 
• Your career goals and how social work education will help you realize these goals. 

Admissions Criteria for Unique Cases

Students classified as non-degree students are not permitted to enroll in the Master of Social Work program. They may however, register for individual courses with approved overrides. 

Transfer Credit

Students enrolled in the Master of Social Work program may be given credit for up to 6 semester hours taken at other CSWE-accredited programs. All requests for transfer are made to the Social Work Program Director and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The courses requested for transfer must match the courses offered within the foundation year curriculum at KSU. 

Enrollment Requirements

The full-time MSW program is completed in two years (4 semesters)-foundation year and concentration year. There is no part-time study plan for the MSW degree. The Master of Social Work program consists of three areas - foundation courses; advanced clinical courses; and the fieldwork courses. The following is a brief description of each area:

• Foundation Course Sequence - designed to introduce the student to the field of social work and provide a firm foundation to professional training.
• Elective courses - advanced clinical elective courses are offered to enrich the student’s understanding of the clinical specialization.
• Fieldwork Courses - internship site placements are an integral aspect of the MSW program. Under the supervision of experienced master’s level social workers, fieldwork/internships offer students direct practice experiences in agency setting during the foundation year, and it focuses on clinical work in the second clinical specialization year.
• A student must receive an overall grade of “B” or above to successfully pass the MSW field seminar courses.
• Students who receive an overall grade of “C” in a field seminar course will be placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP) for the following semester to stay enrolled in the MSW Program.
• Students who receive an overall grade of “C” in two field seminar courses will automatically be terminated from the MSW Program.
• Students who receive an overall grade of “D” or below in any field seminar course will automatically be terminated from the MSW Program.
• Performance improvement plan (PIP) does NOT APPLY when a student receives two “Cs” a “D” or an “F” in field seminar courses.
• For appeal and reinstatement policies, see the Graduate Catalog and/or contact the Graduate College.

Graduation Requirements

MSW candidates must petition to graduate at least one semester prior to completion of their degree requirements. Petition to graduate forms are available in the program director’s office. For more information, please view the corresponding section of Academic Policies:  5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION   . 

Program Course Requirements

Foundational courses (30 credit hours or 6 credit hours for advanced standing), foundational msw course sequence - 30 credit hours.

• SW 7700:Social Work Foundations
• SW 7701:Social Work Practice I
• SW 7702:Social Welfare Policy and Services
• SW 7703:Social Work Practice II
• SW 7704:Human Behavior in a Social Environment I
• SW 7705:Human Behavior in a Social Environment II
• SW 7706:Introduction to Social Work Research
• SW 7707:Practice Focused Research Methods
• SW 7708:Generalist Internship/Integrative Seminar I
• SW 7709:Generalist Internship/Integrative Seminar II

Advanced Standing Course Sequence (BS in Social Work required) - 6 credit hours

• SW 7910:Community Mental Health Practice

Clinical Specialization Courses (21 Credit Hours)

• SW 7802:Advanced Clinical Practice I: Working With Individuals
• SW 7806:Addiction Theory and Policy
• SW 7811:Advanced Clinical Practice II: Working With Groups
• SW 7812:Specialized Internship III/Integrative Seminar III
• SW 7813:Specialized Internship IV/Integrative Seminar IV
• SW 7830:Psychopathology and Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Service Planning I
• SW 7831:Psychopathology and Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Service Planning II

Advanced Clinical Electives (9 Credit Hours)

• SW 7900:Special Topics
• SW 7925:Social Work Practice with Domestic Violence
• SW 7929:Crisis Intervention
• SW 7940:Clinical Practice with Individual and Families with Addictions
• SW 7901:Seminar on Clinical Practice in Child Welfare
• SW 7910:Community Mental Health Practice *Advanced Standing students may not take SW 7910 for a second time.
• SW 7912:Clinical Practice with Abused and Neglected Children and Their Families: Child Protective Services
• SW 7913:Family Therapy
• SW 7914:Seminar in Substance Abuse
• SW 7920:Social Work Forensics
• SW 7921:Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Child Advocacy
• SW 7922:Professional and System Responses to Child Maltreatment
• SW 7924:Clinical Practice with Children and Adolescents
• SW 7931:Social Entrepreneurship
• SW 7980:Social Work International Study

Program Total (60 credit hours or 36 credit hours for Advanced Standing)

Electives are selected in consultation with a faculty mentor. The clinical electives will reflect the training interest of the student. A student may enroll in a Study Abroad (SW 8900) course offered by the MSW program and use this course as a clinical elective.

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Kennesaw State partnership equips local entrepreneurs with tools for success

KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 17, 2024

Iletha Dodds has always wanted to establish her own nail salon, but making the leap of faith felt too risky and daunting.

The Marietta resident said taking care of her son and working full time as a court clerk made her dream seem improbable, so for years, she has settled on decorating the nails of family and friends as her creative outlet. That is, until she received an email detailing the Aspiring Community Entrepreneurs (ACE) program at Kennesaw State University.

“I have a passion for creating, helping people look and feel amazing and providing excellent customer service,” Dodds said. “I’ve always wanted to combine those characteristics into something I could call my own. So when I got the email, I thought, ‘This could be my chance. I’m all in.’”

The ACE program launched in September 2023 through a partnership between Kennesaw State and Marietta-based MUST Ministries , a nonprofit fighting poverty, hunger and homelessness in the metro Atlanta area.

ACE is based on the University of Notre Dame’s Urban Poverty and Business Initiative , which promotes programs across the country that help those who do not have the financial means to start and grow businesses of their own. MUST was approached by Notre Dame to develop the ACE program with KSU, as Notre Dame UPBI leaders felt KSU and MUST could create a partnership that identified participants who would like to start their own businesses for a stable means of employment and provide those entrepreneurs the best mentors and teachers possible.

The ACE program combines the expertise of faculty and students in the Michael J. Coles College of Business with the helping hands and resources of MUST Ministries to provide a “beacon of opportunity for disadvantaged metro Atlanta residents,” said Ike Reighard, CEO of MUST Ministries.

“People in this program have hope again, and they’re realizing that there are people who are very successful who are willing to pour back into their lives,” Reighard said. “To just watch the confidence they gain as they’re putting together a dream they’ve had for a very long time, that’s been one of the best parts of this program.”

KSU’s program was born from a conversation between the University and Judy Boyce, the widow of former Cobb County Commission Chairman Mike Boyce. Mike Boyce was attending a University of Notre Dame fellowship at the time of his death, and he learned of a professor’s work in pulling people out of poverty by teaching them entrepreneurial skills.

Shortly after Mike Boyce’s passing, leaders of Notre Dame’s South Bend Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program named an award in his honor and approached Reighard about the joint community entrepreneurship effort between MUST, Notre Dame and Coles College. On April 27, MUST Ministries will host a graduation ceremony for the first cohort of 18 students from the program.

“We jumped at the chance to help local community members incubate new local businesses and create new partnerships. It’s a win for everyone involved,” said Robin Cheramie, dean of the Coles College. “If we can leverage the expertise we have here at KSU to make a difference, that's what we want to do."

The ACE program is unique in that it focuses on people who are facing various disadvantaged conditions - social, physical, economic and vocational - and offers them the opportunity to start a business for themselves, said Mark Hiatt, the program’s director and associate professor of entrepreneurship at KSU. MUST Ministries identifies applicants through the services it offers.

“The program incorporates classroom education, business mentorship and active consulting to provide the participants with the start-up resources that they need to take their business ideas and develop them into a viable plan of action,” Hiatt said. “It’s inspiring and highly motivating to direct a program like this. KSU and Coles College have a standing mission to engage with and help the local community, and this is a perfect example of how we can do that.”

The program began with a six-week bootcamp. Every Saturday, participants heard from Hiatt and experts in law, finance and business development. Through 10 months of coursework, participants were assigned a peer mentor, and business students guided the aspiring entrepreneurs in their work.

Master of Business Administration student Tracey Graves is one of those students. When she arrived at KSU, she immediately began searching for ways to get involved with a service project and was quickly referred to the ACE program. She has an affinity for working with the budding entrepreneurs, who embody hard work and determination.

“It has been an honor to watch their passions come to fruition,” Graves said. “What's more inspiring are the students who want to start nonprofits but have very little themselves. They exemplify that we don't need to have much to give of ourselves when we recognize a need in others.”

For Dodds, the program, the sacrifices she has made, and her upcoming graduation represent a chance to realize a dream decades in the making. Dodds has been a licensed nail technician for 29 years, and with the newly acquired skills from her 10 months of work with ACE, she also plans to open a nail school for high school students and adults interested in becoming licensed nail technicians.

“On top of launching this business, I want to help the next generation of nail technicians like me,” she said. “I’ve met many people who have a nail license and still have trouble getting employed because they have no work experience. The plan is to bridge the gap with students who go through our program by offering hands-on apprenticeships. We seek to empower those with practical, vocational training and meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the beauty industry.”

Dodds considers the present one of the most exciting times of her life, and gratitude for the ACE program overflows when she looks back on the last year.

“I have to thank all of them for the time, patience, encouragement, leadership, and professionalism ¾ the program is amazing,” she said. “After years of getting to know myself and building my skills, I have a newfound understanding and respect for entrepreneurs. This business is where I can finally do all that I’ve dreamt of in one location. It represents the spirit of, ‘I’ve made it.’”

– By Thomas Hartwell

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu .

Contact Info

Kennesaw Campus 1000 Chastain Road Kennesaw, GA 30144

Marietta Campus 1100 South Marietta Pkwy Marietta, GA 30060

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Phone 470-KSU-INFO (470-578-4636)

kennesaw.edu/info

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Spring 2024 Symposium of Student Scholars Live Blog

Explore the possibilities.

KENNESAW, Ga. (April 16, 2024) — The Office of Undergraduate Research is hosting its Spring Symposium of Student Scholars this week, where undergraduate and graduate students will present their research projects through poster sessions, oral presentations, and virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Check back here as the Office of Undergraduate Research highlights select projects throughout the week!

Generating Empathy in Artists Through Creation

College of the Arts

Undergraduate Student: Caroline Kok

Research Mentors: Margaret Baldwin Pendergrass & Chuck Meacham

Caroline Kok explores the art of making audiences feel something and how the making of the art helps the artists themselves feel, change, or grow. Kok’s project, “Generating Empathy in Artists Through Creation,” took place throughout her writing and putting on a staged reading of her original play “Girl After Doomsday.”

“In this presentation, I outline different ways I made my play effective in fostering internal change instead of shame,” said Kok. “I am hoping others take note and allow themselves a chance to do the same in making their own art in a healthy capacity.

Kok has been involved in theater since the age of 13 and was always aware of how performance can affect people. 

“When I wrote a play purely for myself, I was inspired to look more at how it affected me personally – regardless of how the audience received it.”

Kok is a senior undergraduate student majoring in theatre and performance study with a concentration in acting.

Cardiovascular Disease Hospitalization Outcomes in Atlanta 2022

Coles College of Business

Undergraduate Student: Sarah McCubbins & Caleb Wright

Research Mentor: Weiwei Chen

Sarah McCubbins and Caleb Wright are investigating cardiovascular disease outcomes in private and public hospitals in Atlanta by creating a clear comprehensive analysis of the outcomes of each type of facility. 

The leading cause of death in the United States and Georgia is cardiovascular disease, and McCubbins and her team are working to help providers implement the best care practices to save lives. 

“My team and I have clinical experience, therefore, I felt that our interdisciplinary knowledge from work and school would provide a unique perspective,” said McCubbins. “As an Atlanta native I feel privileged to have the opportunity to bring this type of knowledge to my community.”

McCubbins is a senior undergraduate student with a major in Integrated Health Science, Entrepreneurship, and Healthcare Innovation. 

Contact Info

Kennesaw Campus 1000 Chastain Road Kennesaw, GA 30144

Marietta Campus 1100 South Marietta Pkwy Marietta, GA 30060

Campus Maps

Phone 470-KSU-INFO (470-578-4636)

kennesaw.edu/info

Media Resources

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• Financial Aid
• Degrees, Majors & Programs
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470-KSU-INFO (470-578-4636)

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