Knowledge Management
Knowledge Management Program Overview
Knowledge management (KM) is the art of transforming information and intellectual assets into enduring value for an organization’s clients and its people.
The purpose of knowledge management is to foster the reuse of intellectual capital, enable better decision-making and create the conditions for innovation. Knowledge Management provides people, processes, and technology to help knowledge flow to the right people at the right time, so they can act more efficiently, effectively, and creatively.
Knowledge management enables sharing, innovating, reusing, collaborating, and learning. (Stan Garfield and Ellen Knapp, Knowledge & Knowledge Management Defined).
The online Master of Science in Knowledge Management program brings together courses from business, finance, library and information science, information technology, and knowledge management. Insights gained through this approach provide a dynamic and in-depth understanding of knowledge management, its organizational importance, and practical applications.
The online Master of Science in Knowledge Management program attracts professionals from leading organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions not only as faculty members and lecturers but includes an extensive network of professionals.
Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Develop and deliver strategies for organizations and communities that apply knowledge to create value.
- Demonstrate leadership in the design and implementation of strategies that align with and enable an organization’s culture, strategic intent, and operational objectives
- Design, build, operate, and lead a comprehensive program that turns strategies into action through the integration of people, processes, and technology components.
- Become a thought leader in advancing knowledge management ideas and practices.
- Prepared to engage and collaborate with the global knowledge management community to grow the demand, practice, and value of knowledge management.
Program Structure
- 30 minimum credit hours
- Graduate in as few as 18 months
Knowledge Management Admissions 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
- Three letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT (paper-based version)
- Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
- Minimum 82 MELAB score
- Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 65 PTE score
- Minimum 120 Duolingo English Test score
1In calculating total GPA, all grades from all courses taken at relevant level (bachelor’s or master’s) from all institutions are counted. 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.
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.
For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website.
Knowledge Management Courses
Courses for the online MS in Knowledge Management prepare students to effectively build and maintain knowledge management strategy in all organizations. Core course subjects include foundations of knowledge management; knowledge assessment and evaluation; the information economy; organizational learning; and knowledge organization structures, systems and services. Students select 15 credit hours of electives in pertinent topics, 6 credits of which may be drawn from the disciplines of health informatics, library and information science, or user experience design. They must also complete an internship, master’s project, master’s research paper or thesis as a 3-6 credit culminating requirement.
Knowledge Management Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $725 | $2,175 | $21,800 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $735 | $2,205 | $22,100 |
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs please contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000, or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
*Out-of-state/International tuition includes a surcharge of $10 per credit hour for all students enrolled in an online program.
Related Reading from the Kent State Online Blog
