College of Sciences and Humanities
School of Information
www.kent.edu/iSchool

About This Program

Unlock the power of knowledge with the M.S. in Knowledge Management. Our program prepares graduates to create, share and manage knowledge within organizations, helping to drive innovation and improve performance. With a fully online curriculum that blends theory and practice, our graduates are well-equipped for careers in a variety of industries. Declare a dual degree with the M.B.A. for even more opportunities. Reach more...

Contact Information

• Meghan Harper | iSchool@kent.edu |
  330-672-2782

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Applications to the M.S. in Knowledge Management are not being accepted at this time.

Examples of Possible Careers

• Chief knowledge officers (CKOs)
• Information architects
• Knowledge analysts
• Knowledge engineers
• Knowledge management directors
• Knowledge management project managers
• Knowledge management specialists
• Knowledge management systems administrators
• Knowledge managers

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

Applications to the M.S. in Knowledge Management are not being accepted at this time. 

• 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
• Two 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

¹

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.

²

International 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.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: April 15
• Spring Semester
  • Application deadline: November 15
• Summer Term
  • Application deadline: March 15

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students 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.

²

A maximum of 4 credit hours of KM 60693 may be applied to the degree.

Graduation Requirements

• 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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Develop and deliver strategies for organizations and communities that apply knowledge to create value.
2. Demonstrate leadership in the design and implementation of strategies that align with and enable an organization’s culture, strategic intent and operational objectives
3. Design, build, operate and lead a comprehensive program that turns strategies into action through the integration of people, process and technology components.
4. Become a thought leader in advancing knowledge management ideas and practices.
5. Prepared to engage and collaborate with the global knowledge management community to grow the demand, practice and value of knowledge management.

Dual Degree with Master of Business Administration

Applications to the Dual Degree M.B.A./M.S. Knowledge Management are not being accepted at this time.

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.B.A. degree and the M.S. degree in Knowledge Management. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.

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 will be able to 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 with an emphasis on regional, national and global implications.

Dual Degree Requirements

¹

MGMT 68051 may be waived for students with at least two years of full-time work experience. Students waived the course may graduate with fewer than 59 total credit hours but no fewer than 58 total credit hours.

²

Students who select thesis as their culminating requirement will complete 3 credit hours of College of Communication and Information electives; all others will complete 6 credit hours.

Full Description

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.