Knowledge Management
The Master of Science in Knowledge Management at Kent State University is an online program focused on the strategic organization and application of information within organizations. This program covers knowledge sharing, data analysis, and collaborative technology, helping professionals enhance innovation and decision-making. Graduates are prepared to lead initiatives in knowledge management, fostering a culture of learning and information efficiency.
Knowledge Management Master’s Degree Program Overview
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.
Dual Degree - MBA/MS Knowledge Management
Students can complete a dual degree program with the M.B.A. and M.S. degree in Knowledge Management. A separate application must be submitted for each program.
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 can 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, emphasizing regional, national, and global implications.
Program Learning 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, process 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.
Knowledge Management Master’s Degree Program Admissions Requirements
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
- 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 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
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.
2International 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.
Important Dates
Program Courses
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| KM 60301 | FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| KM 60302 | DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN THE WORKPLACE | 3 |
| KM 60306 | THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT IN KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT | 1 |
| LIS 60636 | KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATION STRUCTURES, SYSTEMS AND SERVICES | 3 |
| MGMT 64158 | LEADERSHIP | 2 |
| Major Electives, choose from the following: 1 | 12-15 | |
| Business Analytics (BA) Graduate Courses (50000 level and higher) | ||
| Computer Information Systems (CIS) Graduate Courses (50000 level and higher) | ||
| Emerging Media and Technology (EMAT) Graduate Courses (50000 level and higher) | ||
| Health Informatics (HI) Graduate Courses (50000 level and higher) | ||
| Human Resource Management (HRM) Graduate Courses (50000 level and higher) | ||
| Knowledge Management (KM) Graduate Courses (50000 level and higher)2 | ||
| Library and Information Science (LIS) Graduate Courses (50000 level and higher) | ||
| Management (MGMT) Graduate Courses (50000 level and higher) | ||
| User Experience (UX) Graduate Courses (50000 level and higher) | ||
| Culminating Requirement | ||
| Choose from the following: 1 | 3-6 | |
| KM 66092 | MASTER’S INTERNSHIP IN KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT | |
| KM 66099 | MASTER’S PROJECT IN KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT | |
| KM 66198 | MASTER’S RESEARCH PAPER IN KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT | |
| KM 66199 | THESIS I | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |
1Students who select thesis as their culminating requirement will complete 12 credit hours of electives. Students who select the internship, project or research paper will complete 15 credit hours of electives.
2A maximum of 4 credit hours of KM 60693 may be applied to the degree.
Graduation Requirements
| Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
|---|---|
| - | 3.000 |
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Knowledge Management Master’s Degree Program Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $829 | $2,487 | $24,900 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $839 | $2,517 | $25,200 |
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 Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center 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
