Author: Darrell Simmons

Graduate’s Project on Homeless Housing Stability Wins Award

“In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, my career has embodied the hope of being the change I wish to see in the world,” said Joshua Raines, a recent graduate of the online Master of Social Work program.

He took inspiration from his work with National Church Residences, the largest non-profit provider of senior low-income housing in the United States, to do a capstone project on how a peer-support staff may impact housing stability for the homeless.

Raines was selected by his professor, Dr. Jerry Bean, to present his research project in a poster presentation event during the College of Social Work’s Annual Field Education Awards Breakfast. During that event, agency participants, guests, faculty and staff had an opportunity to engage with nominees about their research and vote on the most compelling one—Raines took the award home with his project.

His study looked at whether permanent supportive housing with certified peer specialists had an effect on housing stability. These specialists are individuals who have personal experience in recovery from mental health or substance abuse and are trained to support their peers in moving forward in their own recovery. He found this model had fewer emergency medical runs, in-patient hospitalizations, 10-day eviction notices and police visits than traditional models.

This impact was personally felt by one of Raines’ anonymous subjects, a formerly incarcerated individual who was homeless for over four years.

“I suffer from high anxiety and the peer specialists brought my stress level way down,” he said. “If I needed someone to talk to, they were here for me and gave me some good insight on things that actually help.”

Since receiving this award and graduating, Raines continues his mission to help others through the Permanent Supportive Housing division of National Church Residences.

“As social workers, we have the unique ability to walk alongside those we serve, providing them with access to services and supports that can enable them to live greater, more fulfilling lives. I can’t think of a higher privilege than to serve those who our society has set aside and I’ll continue to do so for decades to come.”

Learn how you can make a difference with the online Master of Social Work program.

What Can You Do with a Bioethics Master’s Degree?

The Master of Arts in Bioethics at Ohio State is an interdisciplinary and fully online master’s degree designed for healthcare professionals, researchers, legal professionals, social scientists, or anyone with an interest in engaging with questions in bioethics, whether they be biomedical, social, technological, ecological, religious, or philosophical. Students who pursue a bioethics degree will find a wide range of areas of inquiry and applications.

In what fields do graduates of the online bioethics master’s program work? Because bioethics is interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary, our graduates go on to work in a variety of professions and fields, including:

  • Medicine
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Social work
  • Health law
  • Policymaking
  • Public health
  • Biomedical research
  • Chaplaincy
  • Dentistry

What can you do with an online bioethics master’s degree?

Because bioethics is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary field, you can use a bioethics degree in many career paths. While some choose to pursue a primary career in ethics most of our students pursue an education in bioethics to enhance another professional field. Individuals who choose bioethics as a primary career often work as clinical ethicists within a healthcare institution or system. Others use their bioethics degree to complement their primary career-for example, in law or health care-by providing specialized expertise and skills. Many of our graduates also use their bioethics degree to gain leadership positions within their organizations, including serving as chairs of ethics committees or directors of mission and ethics. As you can see, the career outcomes for the program are as diverse and varied as the program itself.
Discover a few job titles held by graduates of the online Master of Arts in Bioethics:

  • Neonatologist
  • Clinical Research Ethicist
  • Assistant Professor and Palliative Care Physician

We spoke with a few of our graduates to learn more about their educational journeys and how the online bioethics master’s degree has helped them grow their unique careers. Explore their stories below, or reach out to us directly, to learn what you can do with a bioethics master’s degree from Ohio State.

Neonatologist

A neonatology fellowship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital inspired Dr. Hevil Shah to explore the bioethics master’s program at Ohio State. With improvements in technology pushing the limits of viability for future generations, Dr. Shah started thinking about the ethical implications of such medical decisions and what they would ultimately mean for families.

“When I started wanting that background knowledge, that’s what got me interested in the program – because this is the future,” Dr. Shah said. “Every NICU and neonatal practice is going toward offering the possibility of life and hope to children where even a few years ago that wasn’t possible. And there’s a lot of outcomes where we’re going to have to figure out what this all means from a biomedical ethics standpoint.”

Dr. Shah valued the opportunity his courses provided to have conversations with peers located around the country from a variety of backgrounds and professions and hear their experiences firsthand – while sharing his own.

“In my classes, I might be talking to someone who has never been inside a NICU, who has no idea what it means to have a child with cerebral palsy or developmental difficulties. It can really change your perspective to hear about those things from a person who has seen or experienced them rather than just read about them,” Dr. Shah said.

Now a neonatologist in Fort Worth, Texas, Dr. Shah credits Ohio State’s bioethics master’s program with opening his mind and providing the tools to have difficult conversations.

“The Master of Bioethics program made me a better physician. When you hear about that ’22-week miracle baby,’ you don’t consider what ethical questions were running through the minds of the doctors, the nursing staff or the families. There’s so much we don’t see when we’re hearing that story on social media,” Dr. Shah said. “Now that I have the training, I can have those difficult conversations with my staff and the families when the outcome is different and try to provide closure.”

“The Master of Bioethics program made me a better physician…Now that I have the training, I can have those difficult conversations with my staff and the families and try to provide closure.”
-Dr. Hevil Shah

Clinical Research Ethicist

Alumna Alana Monzon is a clinical research ethicist, specializing in human subject protections for the National Institute of Health’s Division of AIDS research. Each day, she reviews informed consent documents, ensures adherence to federal and international regulations, and translates the ethical basis of those regulations to researchers. Monzon enrolled in the Master of Arts in Bioethics program hoping to advance her career in health research, and along the way, discovered a passion for health research equity.

“The online bioethics master’s program provided knowledge in the background of my profession and an understanding of why my job exists in the first place – as a measure to protect participants in research from harm, coercion, and unethical treatment,” Monzon said. “From climate change to humanitarian crises to social injustice, bioethics serves a vital role as we think about how life can flourish. Studying in this program will give you new ways of thinking about old problems and help you to always approach new challenges with a critical and open mind.”

“From climate change to humanitarian crises to social injustice, bioethics serves a vital role as we think about how life can flourish. Studying in this program will give you new ways of thinking about old problems and help you to always approach new challenges with a critical and open mind.”
-Alana Monzon

Assistant Professor and Palliative Care Physician

Bioethics graduate-turned-professor Dr. Nicole Shirilla first became interested in bioethics through her work as palliative care physician. Caring for extremely ill patients, often toward the end of their lives, brought up many ethical considerations, and she wanted training to ensure she was serving both her patients and her colleagues well. Ohio State’s online bioethics master’s program was the perfect fit. With the help of her advisors, Dr. Shirilla was able to map out a plan of study that allowed her to graduate in two years, while working full time.

A fellowship in clinical ethics helped Dr. Shirilla obtain the hands-on experience she was looking for, but the bioethics master’s program provided the formal education she needed to achieve her goal of becoming an educator.

“As someone who wants to teach and lead others, completing this degree was really important to me,” she said. “Since completing the degree, I have been given more opportunities to teach at the medical school. I am now starting to have a teaching role within the master’s program, as well, co-teaching classes that I took when I was a student: Clinical Ethics and End-of-Life Ethics.”

With the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Shirilla’s work as a clinical ethicist and medical educator has become even more challenging – and rewarding.

“As graduates of this program, we’ve been trained to engage in biomedical ethics conversations, recognizing that it’s almost certain that people in a diverse, pluralistic society will have differing perspectives,” Dr. Shirilla said.

“Being able to dialogue in a respectful and professional way is incredibly important – all while striving toward the best ethic possible in any given situation. That’s the tension and the excitement and the value of the role of clinical ethics. Undoubtedly, it can be incredibly challenging at times. But if we don’t do it, who would? And what would be the consequence if people weren’t willing to engage on matters that can be challenging?”

“The work can be incredibly challenging at times. But if we don’t do it, who would? And what would be the consequence if people weren’t willing to engage on matters that can be challenging?”
-Dr. Nicole Shirilla

Ohio State’s online Master of Arts in Bioethics is applicable to a wide range of professions, allowing students the opportunity to explore and discover answers to the ethical questions they’re most passionate about.

Want to learn more about this interdisciplinary online master’s degree? Contact us or visit our website for more information, and we can help you on your journey.

What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Art Education?

The  online Master of Arts in Art Education  is designed for passionate educators who want to take their teaching and artmaking to the next level. The program is made up of a diverse cohort of artists with experience in the classroom, in the museum, on the stage, and in the community. If you are passionate about sharing your love of art with others and interested in a creative job, you might consider a graduate program in art education. But you may be wondering: What types of careers does this degree lead to? What can you do with a master’s in art education? Here are just a few examples of possible art education careers:

  • Art Teacher
  • Dance Instructor
  • Museum Educator

Primary and secondary school art teachers make up a portion of the nation’s art educators, and these educators can certainly benefit from a graduate degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for elementary school teachers is $59,670, while secondary school teachers, including middle school and high school art teachers, can earn $61,660 a year.

However, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), teachers with a master’s degree can earn an additional $2,760 a year on average in their first year of teaching compared to those with a bachelor’s degree – and this advantage increases with teaching experience. No matter what state you teach in, a master’s degree is a valuable credential, as the NCTQ reports that 88 percent of the largest school districts in the country offer an increase in pay to teachers with master’s degrees.

We spoke with current students in Ohio State’s online master’s program to learn what you can do with a master’s degree in art education and how the program impacted each of their careers – beyond just a salary increase.

Explore the stories below to learn more about real student experiences in the online art education master’s program, and reach out to us directly for more information on how this dynamic program can grow your career.

Elementary School Art Teacher

Brittany Schwarck has been an Elementary Art Teacher for six years and felt ready to further her education, using her real-world experiences as a lens with which to view her graduate course work. She says that a big benefit of the online format of the master’s in art education program is the ability to immediately  implement  and experiment with new ideas in her own classroom.

“I felt that through my own artmaking within this program, I walked away feeling empowered and inspired by my own work. I strive to help my students feel the same way,” Schwarck said.

Performing Artist and Studio Dance Instructor

Tatiana Piche is a Professional Ballet Dancer and Studio Dance Instructor. She found the art education master’s degree after searching for a program that would push her creatively, both as an artist and art educator.

“Over the years teaching in various schools and studios, I have fallen in love with the process of sharing my art and my passion for the performing arts – notably, because I have seen how the arts can empower, encourage, and give students a voice,” Piche said.

Museum Educator

Lynnette Torres is the Education Outreach Coordinator at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia. In her role, she helps museum guests connect with art on a personal level and facilitates artmaking with students as part of the museum’s programming. She often incorporates new concepts she learned in her graduate program at Ohio State into her day-to-day work in the museum.

“This program has allowed me to explore my own identity as an educator, a creator, a Latinx woman and an ally which has grown my desire to help others find their own connections with self through the exploration and making of art,” Torres said.

As you can see, earning your master’s in art education online can lead to diverse career opportunities. Although becoming an art teacher may be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “art education,” this flexible online degree can be customized to prepare you for whatever creative career you choose.

What Does State Authorization Mean for Online Programs?

You may have seen the term “state authorization” floating around Ohio State’s websites, especially if you’re in a licensed field, like nursing or teaching. But what is state authorization and how does it impact you as a prospective or current student?

In this article, we’ll answer the following questions related to state authorization to help you determine what the best online degree program is for you. Head to our state authorization page to learn more about how we protect our students through state authorization, and to make sure that your degree will be recognized outside of Ohio.

  • What is state authorization?
  • Why does state authorization matter?
  • What do I need to do as a student to ensure my degree is authorized in my state?
  • What if I have more state authorization questions?

What is state authorization?

State authorization refers to state, federal, and professional licensing board regulations that impact where institutions of higher education can operate. Requirements to offer postsecondary education are different in every state. These requirements affect online programs, on-ground experiences, and programs that are designed to lead to licensure or certification in a professional field. Ohio State’s compliance with these requirements ensures that your degree will be recognized and that you would be eligible to sit for licensure in states other than Ohio.

Because each state has unique education requirements, Ohio State reviews each state’s laws to ensure that the university is in compliance. An institution can only offer education in a state if the program meets the minimum requirements for that state. Participation in this rigorous process is one of the ways Ohio State ensures its online degrees are respected by prospective employers across the country.

For example, let’s say you’re researching an online nursing program to advance into a leadership role, or you’re seeking additional certification to become a health coach. It’s important to know that your degree or certificate will be recognized in your home state – or wherever you plan to practice after graduation.

A map of the United States with Ohio highlighted in red

Why does state authorization matter?

State authorization regulations were put in place to protect students from investing time and money in a program that could not be recognized in a student’s state.

Requiring authorization of distance education, field experiences, and licensure programs ensures that students are protected as consumers. In addition, disclosure requirements ensure that a prospective student knows whether a program meets educational requirements for licensure in each state before enrolling.

What responsibilities do students have around state authorization?

As a student, it is your responsibility to notify program staff if you are planning to move to another state. Program staff will work with you to determine if the university is authorized to offer your program in your new state and whether the program meets state educational requirements for licensure, if applicable.

If you decide to move to a different state while enrolled in an Ohio State Online program, all online classes, or a field experience, you must update your physical location address in My BuckeyeLink. BuckeyeLink routinely prompts you to review and update your contact information, and you should do so whenever you are asked to.

However, you can update your physical address (also called student location or “Stu Loc”) any time by following these steps.

What else should I do about state authorization?

  • Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state where you intend to work to verify the most up-to-date licensure requirements before beginning your program.
  • Online program students should visit the Ohio State Online state authorization disclosures webpage to review detailed information on all Ohio State online program and licensure requirements. In addition, the Ohio State Online FAQ page has information on authorization, learning online, admissions, and more.
  • Check with your program’s internship or clinical coordinator prior to beginning an internship or field experience in a state other than Ohio to ensure Ohio State is authorized to operate in that state.
  • Students in on-ground programs that traditionally lead to licensure should consult the Ohio State state authorization student webpage to determine whether the program will lead to licensure in the state where they intend to seek a license.

Still have questions? You can contact our state authorization team at otdi-stateauth@osu.edu for help. Ohio State’s state authorization team is dedicated to researching regulations, seeking and maintaining compliance, and communicating changes in authorization status.

Meet Your Future Instructor: Dr. Ryan Nash

Part of what distinguishes our online programs at The Ohio State University is our focus on faculty. The exceptional instructors who teach our online courses are also teaching in classrooms across campus. These educators are passionate about students and invested in your educational experience.

Dr. Ryan Nash, Director of the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, teaches in our online Master of Arts in Bioethics program.

Meet your future instructor:

What do you enjoy most about teaching online at The Ohio State University?

One of the main reasons I teach at the university is to interact with students. The kind of graduate seminar-style class that I like to teach is still very appealing, but is very difficult to achieve, especially in a program that is trying to be available to a diversity of students.

How do we make a program available for a diversity of Ohioans that is rigorous and meets The Ohio State University standards? I found that Ohio State has an emphasis on forming web-based online programs that meet their standards. It’s not an online degree; it is an Ohio State University degree.

What are some advantages of teaching an online course?

The flexibility actually has advantages from the educator standpoint. I could have a program dealing with clinical care or research, and we can meet the students where they are. The students also have the ability to work through their work week and do the modules as they have time, and there are fewer problems with missed lectures.

We tried to develop all of our courses for the web-based students so that they can watch and learn according to their busy schedule, but we’re still able to use the traditional teaching techniques like my chalk talks. I shoot my chalk talks in front of a screen, but the way the student observes it is I’m writing on the computer screen. I’m in the room talking to them, and I’m giving the same lecture I would give if they were in the classroom.

What are some of the challenges of teaching online, and how do you solve them?

One of the challenges, is how do we further that relationship beyond me just talking on a computer screen? We try to achieve that through meaningful interaction during the course work, that are not just recorded lectures. It’s ongoing discussion, sometimes video conferencing, sometimes other discussions, that are also time flexible. Instead of having a conversation over one hour, we may have a conversation over one week, where everyone can participate and give and take. In some ways, it’s even easier to form the web-based relationship.

If a student was hesitant about learning online, what kind of things would you tell them to encourage them to try it?

From the professor who was very hesitant to get into web-based education, I think that hesitance from students pursuing web-based or online education is natural and healthy. But, if you see that it provides meaningful interactions with faculty and offers good guidance that furthers goals and careers, then I don’t think that the online delivery mode should get in the way of that. Just because it is a web-based online program doesn’t mean there’s necessarily a hindrance to the real face-to-face communication.

What is some advice that you would share with a student on how they can be successful while learning online?

The advice I can give to potential students as they engage and pursue online learning is to find your motivation, to find your mission and take advantage of the opportunities before you. Why are you interested? Why are you doing what you’re doing? Don’t just take passively take what’s given, pursue more. This is really about grappling with content and gaining experience from peers and from faculty that will help you wrestle with dilemmas that you face in careers, whether that be a member of a hospital ethics committee or an institutional review board for research or conducting research clinical care. We want our students to really be motivated and to dive deep into the content so that when they’re at the bedside or in the board room, they can really deal with the dilemmas at hand. So, if they find that mission as they’re struggling with whether they should turn that TV on or read that reading, they can find the motivation to keep going through the program.

Are you ready to engage the ethical questions and puzzles prominent in the diverse realms of medicine, healthcare, biomedical research and life sciences? Visit our Master of Arts in Bioethics webpage for more information.

How to ask your employer for tuition reimbursement

As you consider enrolling in an online degree or certificate to pursue your educational goals, you may have questions about tuition reimbursement. You may be asking yourself, “What is tuition reimbursement?” and “How does tuition reimbursement work?” or, more importantly, “Will my employer assist with tuition costs?” and “How do I ask my employer about company tuition reimbursement?”

Many companies today offer tuition reimbursement, even to part-time employees who meet specific requirements. A recent study shows that 92% of companies offer educational benefit programs. Tuition reimbursement is a great benefit to take advantage of, and it starts with a conversation.

Although it might be a tough conversation, we have established some tips and talking points for asking your employer for employee tuition reimbursement. The key is to emphasize the benefits of your education to your employer and address some common concerns.

What is tuition reimbursement?

Before we begin, let’s define tuition reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement, also known as education assistance or tuition assistance, is an employee benefit program through which an employer pays for some or all the costs of an employee’s continuing education toward a certificate or degree. 

Employers usually set a predetermined amount of money they will reimburse and may have specific requirements for what kind of continuing education you qualify for. Though many employers offer educational reimbursement benefits, it is often under-utilized by employees.

What are the benefits of tuition reimbursement for you and your employer?

Kick off the conversation with how your continued education will benefit the company and allow you to grow and succeed as an employee. Here are four examples.

1. You will become a leader in the workplace.

Employers want their employees to succeed. With the help of employer tuition reimbursement, your new education will take your position to the next level and help you lead the way for others. The latest knowledge and skills you’ll learn by pursuing an online certificate or degree will set you up for more success within the company.  

Emily Caudill, a graduate of the Master of Healthcare Innovation (MHI) program online at The Ohio State University, has gained newfound leadership skills to benefit patients in the healthcare system. “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.” Caudill is using what she has learned to significantly grow in her role and work to change the world of healthcare.

2. You will be able to tackle more projects and assignments.

Upon completing a new degree or certificate program, especially one tied closely to your current role, you will gain innumerable skills in your field. You will be excited, ready, and qualified to take on more projects and tasks with your team. These projects will likely bring in more company revenue. Investing in an education assistance program pays off in the long run for your employer.

3. You will be happier, more productive, and more loyal.

Studies show that if your employer invests in you through tuition reimbursement, you will invest back into the company. Feeling valued and supported in your career advancement only helps to inspire more loyalty within you as an employee. As your new degree guides your continued growth within the company, you will also be more interested in the company’s success.

4. You will meet a new network of people who can help you succeed.

Enrolling in an online program does not mean you’ll be on your own. In fact, it’s usually the opposite. At Ohio State, our online programs build opportunities for you to form meaningful relationships with your professors, get to know your classmates, and join half a million alums around the globe. These connections will further propel your success within your company and industry.

“While going into the program, I was concerned that by Ohio State being one of the largest institutions, I would feel like one in a thousand students. Instead, I felt a sense of close-knit, connected support from both classmates and faculty,” Ohio State online student Stephanie Moore shared.

Moore is a graduate of our online Master of Global Engineering Leadership (MGEL) program, paving the way for women of color – and all women – in STEM through her leadership, career, and advocacy. She appreciated that her professors currently work in the industry, which she considered a “bonus” to applying knowledge to real situations.

Two people discussing tuition reimbursement at a table.

What are some common concerns your employer may have about tuition reimbursement?

It is common for some employers to feel hesitant about education assistance programs when it comes to cost and balancing priorities of continuing education. Below are some ways to address these common concerns.

1. Balancing both your work and school will be difficult.

Most online degree programs are designed to meet the needs of working professionals, who make up the majority of students. Ohio State’s online programs are exceptionally flexible, with most offered in an asynchronous format.

In an asynchronous course, work is completed on your own time, which can easily be before or after regular work hours. Students can access and complete lectures, readings, homework and other learning materials anytime during a one or two-week period.

Demi MacLennan, a graduate of Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology program, greatly appreciated the support from her professors to work through the program at her own pace.

“I took the program a little slower than others, based on what I could handle. The flexibility in the program was nice,” MacLennan said.

2. Paying for education through employer tuition reimbursement is expensive.

Continued education can be costly, but you can approach this conversation with a simple, estimated ROI calculation. Outline how your new skills learned will help you be more effective in your role and how that will save the company money or bring in new revenue in the long run.

Next, estimate your tuition costs for the online program you want to apply for. Here at Ohio State, you can start with our Cost of College Calculator. Consider how much it would cost both financially and in time training to hire someone to replace you.

Now it’s time to schedule a meeting with your employer! Before discussing tuition reimbursement and education assistance, be prepared to address the benefits and concerns. Pursuing an online degree or certificate ultimately is a valuable investment for you and your employer.

How to be a sustainable online student

On campus, students are supported with recycling services, composting initiatives and a university-wide goal to produce zero waste by 2025. However, the Ohio State community has shifted to virtual instruction, prompting many students to become virtual learners in their own homes for the very first time.

Despite not being on campus, students can all still contribute to Ohio State’s sustainability initiatives at home. Now is the perfect time to assess our daily habits in our own homes and become more mindful towards our individual environmental impact. With practice and patience, you can be sure to emerge from social distancing with new eco-friendly habits.

Conserve energy.

For students learning at a distance, technology is your classroom. It may make sense to keep your tech gadgets plugged into the wall to charge at all times. They aren’t going anywhere, right?

Unfortunately, keeping devices constantly plugged into outlets wastes energy, even when the items are not being used. Conserve energy and save on your next electricity bill by unplugging your chargers from outlets when they are not in use.

Ohio State’s Green Home Technology Center has additional resources to offer when it comes to auditing your home energy efficiency in order to make practical changes.

Be your own cafeteria.

Spending an increased time at home has had an unintended side effect: everyone is learning to cook. Whether you are a master chef or have never used the oven, social distancing has encouraged increased creativity in the kitchen. Cooking for yourself can be an empowering hobby. When preparing your meals mindfully, home-cooked meals are oftentimes a bonus for the earth.

When preparing a large meal, store leftovers in the fridge or freezer to enjoy later. If you are not one for leftovers, try your best to prepare only what you or your family will eat in one sitting. By portioning recipes and properly storing leftovers, food waste can be minimized.

At Ohio State’s dining services, food waste is composted. Learn how to compost at home through Ohio State’s guide to indoor or outdoor composting. Ohio State researchers have also found that beginning to compost yourself creates a spillover effect for other positive behaviors such as conserving more water and energy.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has compiled healthy recipes that are easy to make at home. Take your sustainability up a notch by opting for a plant-based recipe, which places less stress on the environment compared to consuming animal livestock. Check out Ohio State’s Plant-Based for Beginners resource if you are interested in learning more about the lifestyle.

Replace mindfully.

As a virtual student, your home can become your campus. In light of the current pandemic, many students are faced with this very reality. As you spend more time at home, lights may burn out and appliances may need to be replaced. Before clicking the “order now” button, pause and see if you are opting for the most energy efficient option that is available to you.

Just as you would search for a used textbook, popular technology websites often have certified refurbished options available for purchase. If you find yourself needing to invest in a new tech accessory, try searching for a pre-owned option first.

By replacing mindfully and reusing items wherever possible, fewer resources are required and waste can be diverted from landfills leaving the earth (and your wallet) in a better place.

Explore your neighborhood.

When are you ever going to have the time to appreciate the outdoors this much again? Explore your neighborhood by taking a walk to appreciate the local landscape while adhering to all CDC guidelines for social distancing. You can even turn the outdoors into your RPAC by participating in a virtual 5K hosted by Ohio State on April 18th-19th.

One of the best ways to appreciate the earth is by getting to know it. Become involved in local efforts by supporting your neighborhood Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). CSAs are a partnership between local farms and the community. Comparable to a subscription service for fresh produce, households invest in the farmer’s crop-yield before the season begins in exchange for weekly in-season produce.

Get educated.

Now is the time to dive into new interests and read up on your lingering questions. Utilize the flexibility that comes with online coursework and schedule a time to research an environmental topic that you have always be curious about.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Check out a TedxOhioStateUniversity talk by faculty member Bartow J. Elmore, an environmental historian. In just 15 minutes, Elmore, an associate professor of history and core faculty member of the Sustainability Institute at Ohio State, outlines the history of Coca-Cola and its impact on the environment.
  • Enroll in a self-paced class through Ohio State’s Open Learning initiative. Open Learning classes are free and open to everyone, not just Ohio State students. Consider selecting from a variety of courses including: Environmental Public Health, Biology and Management of Weeds and Invasive Plants, or Earth’s Environment: Soil, Water, and Air
  • Read an eBook through Ohio State’s expanded online library services offered in response to COVID-19.

Lead by example.

Learning new ways to lessen your environmental impact can be exciting. You might even find yourself wondering why everyone doesn’t adopt the habits you have discovered. However, it is especially important to approach environmental awareness humbly and without judgment.

Stacey Fineran, an assistant professor of professional practice who teaches environmental assessment in the School of Environment and Natural Resources and an affiliated faculty member of the Sustainability Institute at Ohio State, has a compassionate approach to learning about the environment.

“It is a personal journey,” Fineran says, regarding individual environmental responsibility. “You are caught up in a complex system, and there needs to be systemic changes allowing you to be empowered to make better choices.”

Large-scale systemic change is needed to create a sustainable future. However, by seeking answers and approaching environmental awareness with an open mind, we can all become active members of the conversation.

Find positive ways to be a part of environmentally conscious activities that bring you joy. Share your favorite vegan recipe or sell that used keyboard you haven’t touched in years.

With these tools in mind, being a virtual student can maximize your knowledge of your relationship with the earth.

“Have a humility that we don’t know everything yet, but we have this goal, passion and good reason for why we are trying to pursue this goal,” says Fineran. “That is what makes you a learner.”

Compare the best online degrees

Choosing the best online degree for you can be a tough decision. You may be at a career crossroads, asking yourself questions like “Do I need a graduate degree?” or even “What should I do with my life?” The right degree can help you change careers, or it may help you finally get that promotion you’ve been eyeing.  Check out our tips below for making the right decision for you, or reach out to us for advice! Ohio State Online’s expert faculty and dedicated staff can help you find the best online degree for you.

What is the best online degree for me?

The degree you choose can have a big impact on your life. Before making the leap into an online program, it can be helpful to consider three things: what skills you currently have, what experience you have and what you are looking to gain from the degree. 

What skills do you currently have?

Do you have strong communication skills? Are you great at solving problems? Is your patience level exceptionally high? You may think that these details are just part of who you are. But your unique skillset and individual passions can help guide you toward a career path where you’ll be successful and fulfilled.  

If you are a great problem solver, you may consider selecting a degree within engineering or research. If you are detail-oriented and compassionate, you may consider a career as an educator or nurse.  

What experience do you have?

Do you have a background in clinical research and have always wanted more formal training?  Have you worked on the family farm since you were young and now that you are taking it over, you want more specific knowledge in plant health management?  Your personal experiences are a big part of who you are, and they can guide you toward a career path.    

Why do you want this degree?

How will earning this degree help you excel in your nursing, engineering or business career? At  Ohio State, we offer various online programs that can help you advance your career. For example, Emily Caudill is changing the future of healthcare for patients through Ohio State’s online Master of Healthcare Innovation program. And, veteran Jesse Glass earned his BSN  while working full time, in order to advance his career.   

What is the best online college for me?

Next, you need to choose the best online school for you. Once you’ve chosen the right degree, do some research to see what schools offer your program. Quality and cost are both important, so pay attention to how each school is ranked. U.S. News & World Report ranks the  best colleges online each year. In 2022, Ohio State was ranked among the top 10 in the nation for its online bachelor’s programs.    

Keep the ABCs of online education in mind to determine the best online college for you:  

Accreditation

Make sure whatever online school or program you choose is accredited. What does “accreditation” mean? Accredited schools have been audited by accrediting agencies to ensure that the education provided by the institution and program meets acceptable levels of quality. There are different types of accreditation at the national, regional and the state level. The ultimate goal of accreditation is to protect students and ensure their academic success.  

Through the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, you’ll be able to search for online program and institution accreditation.  

If you are considering an online program that leads to a professional license in a state other than Ohio, it is also important you verify that your program is authorized in your state before enrolling.  

Balance

Will you be able to balance your schoolwork with other work and family responsibilities? Look closely at the time commitment and pacing of the program. Are you able to commit to the program full time, or would a part-time option be more realistic? Does your schedule allow you to log in to live class sessions each week? Or, do you need a program with asynchronous courses, where you can complete work at your own pace within a certain time frame?  Remember that an online degree program is time-consuming, and there is a lot of self-discipline involved no matter what program you choose.  

Cost

The total cost is an important consideration when choosing a degree program, as well as calculating any financial aid or assistance you are eligible for. There are lots of different options to cover the cost of tuition like grants, scholarships and federal aid. Your workplace may even offer tuition reimbursement.

Ready to give online classes a try? Chat with an enrollment advisor.

Where can Fisher’s online MBA take you?

Experiential learning, both at home and abroad, is the foundation of Fisher’s online MBA.

The Online MBA for Working Professionals from the Fisher College of Business differs from most online MBA’s because, as the acronym implies, the students are already part of the workforce – meaning the WPMBA has different goals than other MBA programs.

“We would like the MBA students to tell us what we can offer them and what is valuable to them. There are about 400 students that all fall into different buckets and are trying to get something different out of the program. Experiential learning is part of how they can differentiate their MBA experience,” Academic Director Steve DeNunzio explains.

Inside the virtual classroom, the Online WPMBA curriculum is application-focused and offers hands-on components like case studies and debates. But Fisher’s experiential learning opportunities extend the content of the online MBA outside of the classroom.

“MBA students want to come to class on Monday night and Tuesday morning they want to apply what they have learned, because they are trying to mix work and school at the same time. It’s our responsibility to teach them practical things,” said DeNunzio.

Even in a virtual format, students get to work on real-life projects through collaborations with peers and industry partnerships. For example, the Online WPMBA program hosts case competitions for their students where top companies like DHL or P&G will present a real-life business problem. The WPMBA also puts an emphasis on bringing in guest speakers who can provide special insight into specific industries students may be interested in.

In addition to providing valuable industry exposure and opportunities to build experience stateside, the online MBA program offers critical global MBA experiences to students.

Can online students participate in global MBA experiences?
While Fisher’s top-ranked curriculum is a major strength of the online MBA program, the opportunities provided to the students outside the classroom is a major differentiator compared to other online MBA programs. The Online WPMBA offers several unique experiential opportunities for students to apply what they have learned and gain hands-on business experience. Fisher’s WPMBA offers Global Applied Projects, Global Business Expeditions, and the Washington Campus.

  • Global Applied Projects (GAP) are projects offered by multinational companies where students will team up and work together in another country, similar to global internships.
    • Rubia Usmani worked on a clean water initiative Tanzania as part of GAP.
  • Global Business Expeditions (GBE) are shorter “study abroad” MBA experiences where students can gain important competencies and learn to integrate industry expertise in a global context.
    • Adrienne Williams did a GBE in Singapore and loved it so much she returned the next year on the trip to Prague and Vienna.
  • The Washington Campus is an opportunity for those interested in the political side of business to participate in a week-long immersion in Washington, D.C.

What is a global internship like for an online MBA student?
WPMBA student Suganth Baskaran decided to pursue an experiential learning program to “connect with others in a more frequent and intimate setting and break up the monotony of day-to-day coursework.” Baskaran ended up pursuing the GAP program, that was put in a virtual mode due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even in an online format, Suganth recalls “there was flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to really dive into a company’s business problem.” His favorite part of the GAP program was the challenge. The problem was difficult and ambiguous, however he never felt alone throughout the project since his teammates were feeling the same challenges.

“The ability to persevere through the problem with my team was my favorite takeaway from the project,” Baskaran said.

Baskaran also noted the support from his advisor and faculty was vital through the GAP project, as their reassurance guided him and the team throughout the way.

What else can students gain from Fisher’s online MBA?
As faculty members from Fisher College of Business set out to create the best online MBA program they could, they knew preserving the feeling of community was essential. Students can form lasting professional connections through online coursework, global internships and their study abroad MBA experiences.

DeNunzio emphasizes “Even though students are participating in the program online, and may never physically come to campus, we want to offer them events, activities, and still have great student life experiences that help them to enjoy being Buckeyes.” With all the opportunities available inside and outside the classroom, Fisher’s online WPMBA is the best online MBA for students who are looking for a program that is personalized, interactive and meaningful.

Where MPH-PEP graduates work: three student stories

Online Master of Public Health students Akua Amponsah, Heather Thobe and Julia Applegate
Dr. Akua Amponsah, Heather Thobe and Julia Applegate

The fully online Master of Public Health Program for Experienced Professionals (MPH-PEP) was created for individuals in the workforce who are ready to expand their knowledge and grow their promise in public health, community health and health care. With a curriculum focused on population health leadership and management, organizational operations, decision-making and real-world public health practice, MPH-PEP students learn to work across sectors to drive meaningful change in the populations they serve.

But you may be wondering: Who pursues an MPH degree in the MPH-PEP program? Where do MPH-PEP students and graduates work?

Career outcomes for Master of Public Health graduates can vary greatly. We referred to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for more insight into the projected growth of careers in community health, health education and health services management.

According to the BLS, the employment of community health workers and health education specialists is expected to grow 13 percent between 2019 and 2029, due to an increasing desire to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs nationwide. The employment of medical and health services managers is also expected to grow by 32 percent, while demand for occupational health and safety specialists will increase by 4 percent.

Explore the stories below to learn more about student and alumni experiences in the online Master of Public Health Program for Experienced Professionals, and reach out to us directly for more information on what you can do with a Master of Public Health.

Director of a Community Health Institute

Julia Applegate spent her career fighting for reproductive justice and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. A bachelor’s in political science and a master’s in women’s studies led Applegate to roles in academia and government, and it was while working for a local health department that she realized she would benefit from a degree in public health.

“Being closer to the communities served on the local level helped me see what a big and real impact public health work can have on the lives of individuals and communities, and the social justice aspect of public health combined perfectly with my interests in gender, sexuality and the politics of health,” Applegate said.

Applegate served as the director of a nonprofit health institute focused on LGBTQ+ health education, research and community engagement to improve health and wellness among sexual minority communities in Ohio.

“I really enjoyed that the MPH-PEP classes had practical application to my work, specifically the courses that focused on health care administration and program planning,” Applegate said.

Pediatrician

Dr. Akua Amponsah keeps busy between her roles as a professor of pediatrics and lead pediatrician at the Linden Primary Care Center, where she mostly cares for underserved patients. Amponsah had always considered getting a Master of Public Health to advance her work and interests in health equity but wasn’t sure how she’d fit courses into her jam-packed schedule. Then, she discovered Ohio State’s 100% online MPH-PEP.

“The online format is invaluable, as it gives great flexibility for someone like me,” Amponsah said. “The courses have already helped me look at my professional interactions and work I do through a different lens … This degree will give me more tools to do the work I’m doing with more impact and enable me to better respond to the health needs of the population I serve.”

Behavioral Health Clinical Coordinator

When mental health counselor Heather Thobe began working for a children’s hospital, she noticed an increasing number of transgender and gender-diverse youth seeking therapy. Around the same time, the hospital announced it would be launching a new mental health program surrounding gender development. Thobe applied and secured a job as the program’s behavioral health clinical coordinator, where she focuses on serving this population. For Thobe, deciding to pursue the online MPH-PEP was as much about furthering her education as it was about furthering her ability to help and understand children in need.

“I wanted a degree that complemented what I was doing in my clinic and would help me fine-tune my leadership skills, as well as identify gaps in care,” Thobe said. “I find myself using articles, techniques and strategies I’ve learned in class in my daily work practice. And the best thing is that it happened right away — the first chapter I read, I was taking notes for work, not just for class. It’s practical information that can be added on top of so many different careers.”

Earning your Master of Public Health online through Ohio State’s MPH-PEP is flexible and relevant to a wide range of professions in diverse fields — better positioning you to advance the well-being of your community and your career. 

Ready to give online classes a try? Chat with an enrollment advisor.