Author: Ben Haws

Welding engineering alumna Karen Gilgenbach discusses her journey within online learning

When Karen Gilgenbach decided to earn her master’s in welding engineering, The Ohio State University’s fully online program was at the top of her list.

Home to faculty who are experts in their field, the online Master of Science in Welding Engineering (MSWE) at Ohio State is among the top programs of its kind in the world.

With a full-time job in Wisconsin, Karen enrolled in the online program – which made it possible for her to gain the critical welding engineering expertise she needed to advance in her field.

Now a Zone Vice President at MATHESON, Karen shared with us some of her favorite memories from the MSWE program, advice she would give her past self, and insight into her experience as a woman in the engineering field.

What led you to pursue the MSWE program? 

I have a B.S. in Engineering Mechanics and a CWI (Certified Welding Inspector certification). I was working in a technical role related to welding, and I loved the welding aspect.

At that time, I was providing a lot of technical recommendations regarding welding, but, although I had great technician-level skills related to welding, the engineering aspects of welding were a gap in my knowledge.

Why was this online program the right choice for you? 

There was never any doubt for me that Ohio State was where I wanted to get my welding engineering master’s degree. To me, it’s the best program out there. I really admire the work of the professors in the program and the research that they’ve done.

However, I had a full-time job and a career, so I did not want to move to attend graduate school full time. The online program was perfect for me!

The instructors were incredibly dedicated, and it was extremely flexible in terms of scheduling around my work. I also really liked that the in-person classes were recorded – even though I was watching them at night, it really made me feel like I was part of the class.

I could never have done it without such great support from the professors. I was shocked at the amount of support they gave me – just one person.

What was the most valuable thing you gained from this program? 

It’s hard to know where to start on this! I learned so much. From a technical perspective, I was most interested in weld failures, and all the things, metallurgical and mechanical, that can cause them.

I learned about the Silver Bridge failure, and I found it so interesting that I took a road trip to visit the Point Pleasant River Museum to learn more about the historical and human elements of the tragedy. While the actual failures can be tragic to learn about, it is so important to learn from them to avoid having failures in the future.

Could you tell us about your experience as a woman in a mostly male field? 

I am a big believer that any time you take the road less traveled, your experience will be more rewarding for it, so I would describe my experience in a non-traditional field as very rewarding. I have had so many great dialogues with women who are starting similar careers or educational journeys, and I am so grateful for all the discussions I have been able to have with them.

In terms of the online program, it’s funny, because I did not really think about the fact that the other students in the online program were majority male! I always felt like it was almost one-on-one teaching from the instructors, who were incredibly involved.

Tell us about your current role, and how the program prepared you for the work you do today. 

While completing this program, I was a District Manager in the industry. The gas and welding industry was actually a huge part of my educational journey. The industry really values high-level technical skills in engineering and welding, so I knew my colleagues and contacts in the industry would be supportive of me participating in the program. My colleagues provided me with a ton of assistance in completing the MSWE. In fact, one of my HR representatives used to proctor my Ohio State exams when I was in the online program!

Because I work for a company that provides high-level technical information and advice to customers and business partners, this program really prepared me to have more meaningful discussions and add value.

Is there any advice you would give to students interested in pursuing the program? What do you wish you knew? 

My best advice would be that the timing will never be perfect, so even if it does not seem like the perfect time to start, don’t put it off. You can always take one class at a time if things get hectic, but if you never start you will never finish.

Connect with an enrollment advisor today when you request more information and see if the Master of Science in Welding Engineering program is right for you.

 

Go beyond the bachalor's.

Engineering excellence starts at Ohio State. Request more information to see how Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Welding Engineering program can elevate your skills and advance your engineering career.

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Caudill sets out to change the world through healthcare 

A passion for healthcare

Emily Caudill, a graduate of the online Master of Healthcare Innovation (MHI) program at The Ohio State University, always had one goal in life: to help people in whatever way she could through healthcare. This mission guided her towards serving in the Peace Corps in Lesotho, Africa where she educated many people on HIV and prevention methods. Eventually, Caudill made her way back to the United States and saw her need to help people was still as strong as ever.

“When I first got back, I started work in a couple retail companies but soon realized that I really missed having that greater purpose of helping people. My major was in health communications, I was a health volunteer and I wanted to get back into the healthcare field,” Caudill said.

Choosing the right master’s program

That is when Caudill chose to enroll in Ohio State’s online Master of Healthcare Innovation degree. With courses focused on healthcare design thinking, organizational operations, and healthcare leadership development, she knew the MHI program would help her live out her life-long mission of helping others through healthcare.

“I chose the Master of Healthcare Innovation program because of its partnership with the Wexner Medical Center. I really like that it is an academic medical center with a focus on research. It’s the best hospital in the state,” she said. “The United States has one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world. America as a whole has some of the sickest people in a developed country. We need to do better. We need to figure out how to change healthcare.”

Learning new perspectives within healthcare

Throughout the MHI program, Caudill met so many different people who have opened her eyes to the many professions in the medical field, from healthcare administration to clinical roles. As an interdisciplinary degree, the Master of Healthcare Innovation attracts students from many different areas within the healthcare industry.  From healthcare administration, health information, health insurance, direct care, and pharmaceutical professionals, students join this program with a wide variety of knowledge and experience. The broad range of healthcare backgrounds that her classmates come from has taught her so much about the career opportunities that are available to her once she completes the Master of Healthcare Innovation degree.

“The Master of Healthcare Innovation program is a journey, and I’m on it with about 40 other people whose mission in life is also to help people. We are learning how the healthcare system works and how it all connects. From clinical to administrative, I am learning how to change the healthcare industry for the benefit of the patient.”

Caudill is able to live out her life-long mission through the Master of Healthcare Innovation program at Ohio State online. Connect with an enrollment advisor today when you request information and see if the Master of Healthcare Innovation degree is the right fit for you.

 

Make a difference.

Are you ready to make a transformative impact in the world of healthcare?

Request more information about Ohio State’s online Master of Healthcare Innovation program.

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Moore Gains Engineering Expertise Through Two Online Programs 

Breaking the career advancement barrier

Mike Moore’s career has taken him around the world for some of the largest companies in the welding engineering industry. With over 30 years of experience under his belt, Mike has worked his way up from the research lab to the field, applying his technical expertise to help clients and distributors around the world as an applications engineer. However, despite his extensive background, Mike knew there was still room for growth and felt ready to take his technical skills to the next level.

With the marketplace constantly evolving and being impacted by the amount of knowledge and products offered online, Moore wanted to separate himself from the competition and become a welding engineering industry leader. He knew that growing his technical knowledge and skills in strategic innovation would be key to his success in his current role, where he solves problems for clients in the welding industry.

Choosing the right online engineering program

Moore began searching for graduate-level engineering programs and discovered The Ohio State University’s online Master of Science in Welding Engineering, which would allow him to grow his technical expertise, and the Master of Global Engineering Leadership (now the Master of Engineering Management degree), which would equip him with the leadership skills necessary to advance his career.

Ohio State touts the only master’s-level welding engineering degree in the United States. The online and asynchronous Master of Science in Welding Engineering degree is designed for professionals looking to hone their technical knowledge in the welding industry and emphasizes the specialized knowledge needed in welding engineering.

The Master of Engineering Management degree combines engineering leadership development with interdisciplinary courses from the Fisher College of Business and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. This 100% online engineering leadership program focuses on engineering management, business skills, understanding policy, and the business-government relationship. A capstone course in Operational Excellence for Engineers provides a culminating experience and an opportunity to solve real-world challenges.

As an experienced engineering professional, Mike knew he needed programs that would fit seamlessly into his busy schedule while still providing a rigorous, high-quality education. With these engineering degrees being offered fully online, they provide the needed flexibility for working engineers to balance their career, families, education, and other responsibilities.

Industry-leading engineering faculty

The online classes are also taught by the same faculty teaching on campus in Columbus, Ohio. Moore was also excited by the opportunity to work with some of the top names in the welding industry.

“If you look at the faculty in welding engineering, they’re leading experts in the field, with tons of industry connections,” Moore said. “These are names I’ve encountered throughout my career, and now I’m taking classes from them.”

Moore developed relationships with his new faculty mentors and peers that continued beyond graduation. Although he completed his programs online, Moore felt wholly integrated into both the programs and the College of Engineering.

“You are part of the class. You are wholly integrated into the class and into the program,” Moore said. “I had a study group that I worked with in the program that stayed together for three years. Those are friendships now that I’ve developed for the rest of my life.”

Ohio State beyond the classroom

While Moore was originally looking for a program that would help him stand out in his field, the ability to become a Buckeye sealed the deal. The benefits of an Ohio State education extend far beyond the classroom. As an Ohio native, he knew the benefits of joining Ohio State’s widespread alumni network.

“The alumni network is a big deal at Ohio State,” Mike said. “You not only have a very large university, but it’s also a very close-knit alumni network. So that’s always been a great benefit of the programs.”

How to become an engineering manager

By combining decades of hands-on experience with the rigorous academic training from Ohio State, Mike was able to advance his engineering career as well as his confidence. He now feels better equipped than ever to provide maximum value to his clients and colleagues around the world.

“I have developed so many skills that I have been able to take into my job. The knowledge base that you gain at Ohio State is second to none,” Moore said. “There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t utilize, in my job, the skills that I gained in these programs.”

For Mike, his decision to advance his engineering education at Ohio State enabled him to propel his career forward. The journey to career advancement can be challenging, especially for working professionals balancing job responsibilities, family, and other commitments. What can aspiring engineering leaders do? Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and invest in your own career growth and professional development.

“If you want to be the best in your field and you want to be able to add the most value to the job function that you’re doing, you have to be willing to differentiate yourself through technical knowledge,” Mike said.

By combining real-world experience with rigorous academic training, Mike was able to take his engineering career to new heights. With the support of Ohio State’s world-class faculty, flexible online programs, and expansive alumni network, you can do the same.

Connect with an enrollment advisor to see if one of Ohio State’s engineering master’s programs is the right fit for you.

 

Take your career to the next level.

Engineering excellence starts at Ohio State. Request more information to see how Ohio State’s online engineering programs can elevate your skills and advance your career.

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Why choose the Doctor of Nursing Education degree?

Hear from students: Why they chose the online Doctor of Nursing Education

The Ohio State University’s online Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) program has filled a unique gap in nursing education. This doctorate degree focuses on preparing our nurse education students to equip future nurses in both higher education and nursing professional development (NPD) in healthcare environments. DNE students across the country have experienced a transformative, supportive, and enriching academic experience. We recently asked our students what they loved about the Doctor of Nursing Education and here is what they shared.

A unique degree designed to fit the needs of nurse educators

Many students were drawn to Ohio State specifically for the Doctor of Nursing Education program because it was unlike anything they had encountered before. For Kelly M., the decision was simple. “I was immediately attracted to the Doctor of Nursing Education degree. I wanted to obtain a terminal degree in nursing, but I knew it wasn’t a PhD. The Doctor of Nursing Practice almost fit what I was looking for. However, once I saw the DNE and reviewed the curriculum, I applied immediately. It was a no-brainer; this is exactly what I was looking for in a terminal degree.”

Meanwhile, Marci M. shared that the program requirements were part of what attracted her. “It was exactly what I was looking for. A terminal degree that revolved around education and did not require a dissertation.”

Similarly, Megan A. highlighted the uniqueness of the DNE program as a key factor. “I was attracted to The Ohio State University because of their Doctor of Nursing Education. It was the degree I was searching for that I could not find anywhere else.”

The program’s ability to fill this educational gap between a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and a traditional education doctorate makes this online nursing program unique. This is the very first Doctor of Nursing Education degree in the nation for those working in nursing education and wanting to improve their classroom. This makes the DNE degree ideal for those seeking career advancement by becoming a nursing professor in higher education or becoming a workforce advancement educator in an active healthcare setting.

As the highest academic degree in the nursing education field, the online Doctor of Nursing Education program is designed to prepare you to be an expert nursing educator dedicated to teaching clinical skills to prepare the next generation of nurses. This online nurse education degree is distinct from DNP programs, which are professional nursing programs that focus on preparing nurses for the highest level of patient care or healthcare leadership but do not typically address how to become a nurse educator. Instead, this online DNE program focuses directly on the needs of nurse education. “Before the Doctor of Nursing Education program, there was no terminal degree for nurse educators.” Tracy K. observed.

Overcoming concerns about online synchronous learning

For many prospective nursing education students, the shift to online education raises concerns, but you can do nursing school online. Students consistently describe a surprising and uplifting reality. Victoria L. admitted to initial hesitation. “I was a little nervous about it being online, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out it is mostly synchronous.” Each course contains synchronous elements of live interaction that foster collaboration and engagement, creating a classroom experience that extends beyond screens. Marci M. had a similar experience. “The synchronous classes have allowed us to develop relationships with our peers and with our instructors. We would not have had that with all asynchronous classes.”

Kelly M. said, “I have never taken online courses and was concerned about technology being a barrier. I have not had any challenges at all. All my professors have been so supportive, and the university has support for anything you need. What I wasn’t expecting was to develop such great friends in an online format. I am in contact with my school peers almost daily, and I look forward to meeting them all at graduation and maintaining lifelong relationships.”

A supportive and cohesive online community

The theme of community and mutual support is a cornerstone of the Doctor of Nursing Education program experience. Marci M. remarked, “This is the most cohesive group of students I have ever experienced in all my time taking classes. The interaction with my classmates was amazing. The support I felt from all of them at one time or another was uplifting.”

Megan A. echoed this sentiment, saying, “Faculty in this program are immensely supportive during and outside of class time. Our cohort is very close and encouraging of each other.”

Kelly M. highlighted the personal connections formed despite geographic barriers, noting, “It is very personal even though we are states apart, literally from coast to coast. We worry about each other; if someone isn’t online in class, someone will text them and check in. Everyone is invested in each other’s successes!” Tracy K. shared how the program exceeded her expectations. “The online experience at Ohio State has genuinely made me feel like a Buckeye, a part of the community!”

Faculty dedicated to student success

The unwavering support of faculty is a recurring highlight from students. “The faculty are supportive, our cohort is close (even though we live all over the country), and the content we learn is applicable to every aspect of nursing education,” said Megan A. Meanwhile, Victoria L. expressed deep gratitude for the faculty’s role in her personal and professional growth: “They believe in us, and it makes it easier to believe in myself because of that. They helped me escape my shell and slowly shed my imposter syndrome.”

Our nursing faculty go above and beyond to ensure students feel equipped to thrive. As Kelly M. shared, “The faculty has been beyond supportive. They told us on day one that they expected everyone to succeed and have stood behind that 100%. No one is floating by; the program is hard work and rigorous, but the faculty are stretching us to grow with their full support.” Florence O. summarized her experience with the Ohio State faculty by saying, “They have not only guided us to survive, but they have even more guided us to thrive!”

A well-rounded educational experience

Beyond coursework, the Doctor of Nursing Education program integrates wellness and professional development as core components. Florence O. applauded the holistic approach, stating, “Wellness is not only preached but actually practiced. The fact that it is embedded into the program encourages us to take proactive measures to live well.”

From personalized faculty attention to a cohort that feels like family, Ohio State’s online Doctor of Nursing Education program is a testament to the power of purpose-driven education. For those seeking one of the best online nursing programs and a transformative path in nursing education, these students speak for themselves—Buckeyes aren’t just educated, they thrive.

Change the future of nursing education.

Whether you’re looking to become an expert nursing educator in academia or a healthcare setting, Ohio State’s Doctor of Nursing Education program will equip you to lead the future of nursing education.

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From Volume to Value: A Shift in Healthcare

Michael H. Ackerman, DNS, RN, FCCM, FNAP, FAANP has seen a lot of changes within the healthcare industry since beginning his career 37 years ago. Now he is teaching future leaders to disrupt the industry through innovation as the Director of The Ohio State University’s Master of HealthcareInnovation online program.

“The biggest change that I am seeing is the shift from volume to value. It used to be that healthcare organizations, such as hospitals, were rewarded for doing more. More surgeries and operations meant more money. Now, there is an emphasis on quality and cost which is forcing organizations to shift.”

In December 2017, Aetna was purchased by CVS. Meanwhile Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan Chase recently joined forces to create their own healthcare company for employees. These are examples of companies that are taking the healthcare industry by storm.

“Initiatives like these are wonderful; they’re disruptive to the current system” Ackerman said. “Companies like Amazon and CVS are creating a sense of urgency for healthcare organizations to make a change. These leaders are positive deviants and that is what the Master of Healthcare Innovation online program aims to produce.”

Positive deviant: a person who provides innovative insights that challenge the norms of traditional systems. Through this online degree program, positive deviants are challenging the hierarchical structure of decision making that is found in the healthcare system.

“The healthcare industry is complex and can be stubborn to change. I want our students to be well positioned to tackle the complexity and chaos. In this industry, failure is frowned upon. However, we teach that failure is essential for innovation, creativity and forward progress. It is acceptable to fail and make mistakes. Keeping in mind that it is intolerable to make the same mistake twice because that means you did not learn the first time.”

Traditional healthcare is based on a top down, vertical structure. In this digital age of knowledge abundance, there is a need for a more horizontal structure which means involvement from all levels. This online degree program prepares students to engage those at every level rather than just involving senior leaders to make the change.

Ackerman described a case study involving a hospital who recently saw a bump in post-operation infections:

“This hospital tried many solutions but couldn’t pin down the cause. Finally, someone thought to involve the staff who cleans the room. The assistant noted that the pressure to bring patients in quickly does not give the sanitizing spray enough time to dry and it is only effective when it dries. Now who would’ve thought to ask the cleaning staff??”

This case study provides an example of what Ackerman wants to instill in his students to help them evolve into positive deviants. He is empowering his students to become leaders who drive innovation through whatever methods they see fit.

“It’s been a blast. I’ve really enjoyed being the director of the Master of Healthcare Innovation program. It’s been my pleasure to guide these students from A to C. A is where they started, B is where they are after this program and C is the impact they will make on the healthcare industry through innovative leadership.”

Are you thinking about becoming a positive deviant?

Check out how the online Master of HealthcareInnovation program is empowering students to make changes in the healthcare industry that benefit the patient.

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What is an MEM Degree?

What is engineering management?

A Master of Engineering Management, also known as an MEM degree or an MSEM degree depending on the institution, is a graduate degree that combines the technical skills of engineering with the business knowledge needed to lead an organization successfully. This is a degree for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree, preferably in engineering or an engineering-related field of study and are ready to take their education and career to the next level. An MEM degree is often a requirement for individuals who are pursuing management or executive-level roles within engineering or manufacturing companies or public agencies.

The fully online Master of Engineering Management program at The Ohio State University, prepares you to advance to management roles or leadership positions within the engineering industry. In this 100% online master’s program, you will learn new engineering management and business skills while better understanding policy and the business-government relationship. This online MEM degree is designed for working professionals, so you can complete online coursework and access materials at a time that best fits your schedule. With core classes provided by The Ohio State University College of Engineering, the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and The Fisher College of Business, you will gain a holistic approach to management covering business leadership, engineering and project management, finance and accounting for engineers, technology strategy and innovation management, visual data analysis and design of engineering experiments, offering you interdisciplinary expertise throughout all online courses.

What are the benefits of pursuing a master’s in Engineering Management online?

    • Flexible Scheduling: Completing an engineering management master’s degree online means more flexibility and removes the need to travel to a campus and sit in a classroom. Depending on the engineering management program, classes may be offered asynchronously, allowing for coursework completion at convenient times.

    • Leadership Opportunities: MEM graduates are equipped with both engineering knowledge and essential managerial principles, making them ideal candidates for leadership positions.

    • Operational Excellence: MEM graduates are prepared to bridge the gap between technical teams and upper management, navigate the application of innovative technology, and integrate leadership and process improvement strategies to add greater value to their organizations.

    • Increased Earning Potential: Graduates are often able to increase their salary due to their enhanced engineering skills and greater knowledge of operational tactics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary in 2023 for a mid-level Industrial Production Manager was $116,970 a year and could reach $190,480 a year for senior level managers.

    • Global Perspective: An MEM degree can provide a global outlook on business, policy, trade, and public administration, preparing students for all aspects of interacting with a globally integrated economy.

How does a Master of Engineering Management degree differ from other engineering degrees?

The primary difference between an MEM degree and other engineering master’s degrees is the focus on business skills needed for engineering management and leadership roles rather than technical expertise. At Ohio State, there are two online master’s-level engineering programs in addition to the online Master of Engineering Management that provide different educational focuses for engineering professionals with different goals.

    • Master of Science in Welding Engineering: Ohio State touts the only welding master’s program in the United States. This online engineering master’s degree is designed for professionals looking to hone their technical knowledge in the welding industry. Since this program emphasizes more specialized knowledge in welding specifically, this program may not be the best fit for individuals looking to advance into leadership roles.
    • Master of Applied Aeronautics: This online engineering program combines foundational principles with emerging technologies and equips students with the skills to tackle complex challenges in aeronautics. With asynchronous courses focused on aircraft design, propulsion, fluid dynamics, and more, this program is focused on aerospace leadership and driving innovation in aerospace, defense, and government sectors.

Ready for a career leap?

Request more information or start a conversation with one of our Enrollment Advisors to see how Ohio State’s online Master of Engineering Management can fit your schedule and help you reach the next level of your career.

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