Mapping your success: Building your Ohio State online MS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences plan of study

Beginning a graduate degree is an exciting step toward advancing your career, but it can also come with plenty of questions. One of the most common questions prospective and newly admitted students ask is, “What will my classes look like?” or “How do I create my plan of study?”

The answer is refreshingly simple: your MS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences plan of study will be as unique as your career goals.

The Ohio State University’s online Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (MSHRS) program is intentionally designed to provide flexibility. Whether you’re pursuing the Research (Thesis) Track or the Advanced Practice (Non-Thesis) Track, you’ll work alongside faculty and academic advisors to develop a personalized plan that aligns with your interests, professional experience and long-term aspirations.

Once you are in the program you have the flexibility to move fluidly from taking a full course load in one semester to a part-time course load the next. The program allows you the flexibility you need to move through the program at the pace that works best for you. If the idea of creating a graduate plan of study feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. The good news is that you won’t be expected to navigate the process by yourself.

“One of the things I appreciate most about the MS in HRS program is that it allows students to build a graduate experience around their own professional goals. No two students arrive with the same background or aspirations, so we don’t expect their plans of study to look the same either.” – Randee Hunter, PhD | Associate Professor-Clinical | Director of HRS MS Program

Why every MS in HRS Plan of Study is different

Unlike programs with a fixed sequence of courses, the Ohio State online MSHRS program offers opportunities to customize your educational experience.

Students enter the program with a wide variety of backgrounds and career goals. Some are practicing healthcare professionals looking to expand their expertise, while others are preparing for leadership roles, research careers or future doctoral study. Because every student’s goals are different, no two plans of study look exactly alike.

Your individualized plan may be influenced by factors such as:

• Your professional background and clinical experience
• Your desire to also purse a graduate certificate
• Your area of specialty or interest
• Whether you choose the Research (Thesis) or Advanced Practice (Non-Thesis) Track
• The electives that best support your academic and professional goals
• Your preferred pace for completing the program

Rather than following a one-size-fits-all curriculum, you’ll build a roadmap that supports the future you envision. 

Start with your long-term goals

Before selecting courses, it’s helpful to think about where you want your graduate education to take you.

Consider questions like:

• What do I hope to accomplish after earning my master’s degree?
• Am I interested in conducting research?
• Do I see myself pursuing leadership opportunities within my profession?
• Would I like to continue into a doctoral program in the future?
• What knowledge or skills would help me make the greatest impact in my career?

There aren’t right or wrong answers. Your responses simply help shape the direction of your coursework and ensure your graduate education supports your personal and professional objectives.

“I encourage students to think beyond the courses they’ll take and focus on where they want to be after graduation. When you begin with your career goals, selecting courses and experiences becomes much more intentional.” – Randee Hunter, PhD | Associate Professor-Clinical | Director of HRS MS Program

Understanding the two MS in HRS tracks  

One of the first decisions you’ll make is selecting the track that best aligns with your goals.

Research (Thesis) Track

The Research Track is designed for students who want to gain experience conducting independent research while working closely with faculty mentors. Students complete a thesis and develop research skills that may prepare them for research-focused careers or future doctoral education.

Advanced Practice (Non-Thesis) Track

The Advanced Practice Track is ideal for professionals who want to deepen their expertise through advanced graduate coursework through advanced graduate coursework and the completion of a culminating project. This option allows students to focus on applying evidence-based knowledge to advance their careers in clinical practice, leadership, education or other specialized roles.

Both tracks are equal pathways towards an MS and achieving your individual career goals.

Choosing electives that support your interests  

One of the greatest advantages of the MSHRS program is the opportunity to personalize your education through elective coursework.

Depending on your area of interest, your electives may allow you to explore topics such as:

• Clinical research
• Rehabilitation science
• Health outcomes
• Research methodology
• Leadership
• Education
• Health policy
• Statistics and data analysis
• Evidence-based practice
• Interdisciplinary collaboration

Rather than trying to determine the “best” electives on your own, you’ll have opportunities to discuss your options with faculty and academic advisors who understand how different courses can support your long-term goals.  

You don’t have to build your plan alone

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is this: creating your plan of study is a collaborative process.

From the moment you’re admitted, you’ll have access to experienced faculty and academic advisors who are invested in your success.

Your advisor can help you:

• Understand degree requirements
• Select courses that align with your goals
• Build a realistic semester-by-semester schedule
• Balance graduate school with work and family responsibilities
• Stay on track for graduation
• Adjust your plan if your interests or circumstances change

Faculty mentors can also provide valuable insight into research opportunities, elective selection and professional development throughout your time in the program.

Think of your plan of study as a living document, not a final decision that can never change.

“Students are never expected to figure everything out on their own. Developing a plan of study is a collaborative process, and we’re here to help students explore their options, answer questions and adjust their plans as their interests evolve.” – Randee Hunter, PhD | Associate Professor-Clinical | Director of HRS MS Program.  

Your plan can evolve as you do

Many students begin graduate school with one career goal and discover new interests along the way.

You may develop a passion for a new area of research, discover an elective that opens unexpected opportunities or decide to adjust your graduation timeline to better fit your personal or professional commitments.

That’s perfectly normal.

Your plan of study is designed to provide structure while remaining flexible enough to adapt as your goals evolve.

Resources to support your success

The Ohio State online MSHRS program offers a variety of resources to help students confidently navigate their graduate journey including a dedicated Online Student Support Specialist that is always ready to help you find a way to persist through the program and help guide you term-over-term.

Throughout your program, you’ll also have access to support from:

• Academic advisors
• Faculty mentors
• Program leadership
• Student success resources
• University libraries
• Writing and academic support services
• Career development resources
• Technology support for online learning

Whether you have questions about course selection, registration, research opportunities or balancing graduate school with your professional responsibilities, there are people ready to help.

Build a plan that works for you

One of the greatest strengths of the Ohio State online MSHRS program is its flexibility. Instead of asking students to fit into a predetermined path, the program empowers you to create a graduate experience that reflects your unique interests, career aspirations and professional goals.

You don’t need to have every semester planned before you begin. By working closely with faculty mentors and academic advisors, you’ll develop an MSHRS plan of study that supports where you are today, and where you hope to go tomorrow.

“Our goal is to help every student graduate with an education that prepares them for what’s next in their career. Whether that’s advancing in clinical practice, pursuing research or continuing on to doctoral study, we’re committed to helping students create a plan that supports those goals.” Randee Hunter, PhD | Associate Professor-Clinical | Director of HRS MS Program

Whether you’re interested in research, advanced clinical practice, leadership or preparing for future educational opportunities, you’ll have guidance every step of the way as you build a personalized roadmap for success.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about the Ohio State online Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program or connect with an Enrollment Advisor to discuss your goals and begin creating a plan of study that’s designed specifically for you.