Darrell Simmons, Author at Ohio State Online

MBA alternatives: How to choose the best online master’s degree to advance your career

If you’re considering earning a master’s degree to further your career, you have a lot of options. How do you choose the right educational path to get where you want to go in your career? How can you choose the best online degree for you?

Many working professionals choose an online MBA to gain in-demand skills and management training that lead to career advancement. The Master of Business Administration degree can be a great way to grow your career, and the outcomes speak for themselves. The Max M. Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University reports an average annual salary outcome of over $100,000 for graduates of their MBA for Working Professionals Program.

Career outcomes of MBA students from the Fisher College of Business. — Source: Fisher College of Business

But an MBA may not be the right choice for everyone. If you want to train in a very specific skillset or benefit from a curriculum adapted for your industry, you might want to consider other MBA alternatives.

Ohio State offers a wide variety of online master’s degrees to explore. Whether you want to try out a certificate before jumping into a full online master’s degree or are hoping to apply your education within a specific industry context, we may have the best MBA alternative for you.

Many of our 100% online master’s degrees are designed with working professionals in mind and offer flexible classes or requirements that can be completed on your own schedule.

Discover Ohio State’s online MBA alternatives by exploring the programs below, and reach out to us if you’d like to chat through your decision with an advisor.

MBA Alternatives from Fisher College of Business

If you’re not sure about an MBA but are still interested in a graduate-level business administration curriculum, Fisher College of Business has a few options.

Graduate Certificate in IT Business Strategy: Are you an IT professional interested in gaining leadership skills and business administration expertise within the context of your field? The Graduate Certificate in IT Business Strategy is a great first step for IT professionals who aspire to lead their organization in a new strategic direction – and who may later want to embark on their journey toward an MBA. Students can apply credits earned in the certificate program toward the Online Working Professional MBA program from Fisher College of Business.

Specialized Master in Business-Analytics: As the name implies, the specialized master’s degree from Fisher College of Business is designed for working professionals who want to focus their expertise in the area of business analytics. This MBA alternative equips students with an understanding of the science of data analytics and its implication for business innovation, productivity and growth.

Master of Supply Chain Management: The Master of Supply Chain Management is designed to address a critical workforce need, by preparing working professionals to become in-demand supply chain experts. This program includes three on-campus, personalized learning experiences such as workshops, on-site industry tours, executive speakers and in-person networking.

Law MBA Alternatives

If your work frequently intersects with legal, regulatory, or compliance-related issues – but you don’t need to become a practicing attorney – a master’s degree in legal studies may be the right MBA alternative for you. Students gain tools to interpret and apply the law in real-world settings, improving decision-making and leadership capacity in their organizations. Learn more about Ohio State’s law MBA alternative below.

Master in the Study of Law (MSL): Offered by the Moritz College of Law, this graduate degree is designed for professionals who need a solid understanding of the law to lead more effectively in industries like business, health care, human resources, technology, finance, and government. The MSL provides a deep, practical understanding of legal principles and regulatory frameworks – without requiring a JD or LSAT. You can tailor the program to your career goals with concentrations, including Business Law, Health Law, and Compliance, or personalize your degree with electives.

Business Law Graduate Certificate: Ohio State’s online business law certificate is a 12-credit, four-course program designed to provide professionals with practical expertise in areas like contract law, corporate governance, intellectual property, and compliance. It equips students to identify legal risks, interpret regulations, and apply legal concepts directly in the workplace. Plus, all credits can also be stacked toward the MSL program.

Public Administration MBA Alternatives

Are you more interested in a public service career? A public administration master’s degree might be the right choice for you. Much like an MBA, these programs often focus on finance, budgeting, management, and marketing skills – just within the realm of public service and non-profit roles (They’re even sometimes called the MBAs of the public sector!).

Master of Public Administration and Leadership: Offered by the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, this program is designed for mid-career professionals who seek leadership roles in the public sector, or for those who’d like to start their own non-profit. Throughout the program, students develop hands-on solutions to relevant public sector problems. They can also choose to specialize their education in an area that addresses workforce needs and builds on the strengths of Glenn faculty. The customizable nature of the curriculum and the expertise of the faculty makes the Master of Public Administration and Leadership a great MBA alternative for public service professionals.

Engineering MBA Alternatives

Engineers with aspirations of leadership in their teams or organization have two dedicated engineering MBA alternatives offered by the world-renowned College of Engineering at Ohio State.

Master of Engineering Management: Engineers who hope to lead teams and develop strategy in their roles may be interested in the online Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree as an MBA alternative. This interdisciplinary program also draws coursework from Fisher College of Business and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Students will sharpen their engineering management expertise and gain a better understanding of policy and the business-government relationship.

Healthcare MBA Alternatives

For students with a healthcare background, business administration skills may represent a new learning opportunity and a chance to set themselves apart in their organizations. Online healthcare MBA alternatives at Ohio State include the Master of Healthcare Innovation – a broad healthcare administration master’s degree with a focus on leadership – and the M.S., Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership, a program developed specifically for pharmacists.

Master of Healthcare Innovation: When you think about a healthcare MBA, you may think of a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). Like an MHA, the online Master of Healthcare Innovation at Ohio State trains students in concepts related to administration, healthcare technologies and patient care – but through the lens of innovation and advocacy.

M.S., Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership: Another healthcare MBA option (tailored specifically for pharmacists) is the M.S., Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership. This program is ideal for working pharmacists ready to advance into leadership roles. The program prepares students to manage the healthcare pharmacy enterprise with courses in finance, quality and safety and operations.

Master of Public Health – Program for Experienced Professionals: The College of Public Health’s MPH – Program for Experienced Professionals is a part-time program for aspiring public health and health care leaders. Its tailored curriculum provides essential skills in leadership, strategy, and planning to support health organizations. With an emphasis on population health management, the program prepares you to drive meaningful change in your community.

Choosing the right online master’s degree to advance your career can be a challenge, but the good news is you have plenty of options. Whether you decide to choose the online MBA route or consider one of our MBA alternatives, there’s a flexible online program at Ohio State that’s right for you.

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.

Top 4 Things to Ask When Considering an Online Program

The number of online degree programs is overwhelming, and it can be tough to figure out which program fits your needs. We met with Vivian Jones, M.Ed., Academic Advisor and Program 60 Coordinator to get her recommendation on the top 4 things to consider when selecting an online program.

What goals are you trying to achieve?

I usually tell prospective students that, “You want to be part of a program where you feel inspired by your peers and professors.” There could be two programs that seem very similar but think about the people in the program. They will be the ones guiding you through the coursework, teaching from their experiences, and ultimately, helping you achieve your goal.

Is the institution accredited?

Picture this: you’ve graduated from that online degree program you’ve exhausted time, money and resources on. You’re applying for your dream job because this degree gave you a competitive edge. Then, you find out your online degree program is not accredited and your dream job won’t accept your application.

Accredited schools have been audited by accrediting agencies to ensure that the education provided by the institution and/or program meets acceptable levels of quality. There are three different types of accreditation at the national, regional and the state level.

Through this accreditation site, you’ll be able to search for online program/institution accreditation.

What are the program costs?

This is always a tough topic, I never want my students to defer a dream because of cost. 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. I recommend knowing the total cost of your degree or certificate program before seeking help from private loans so you don’t take out more than you need to. Ohio State has created a cost-to-credential tool for online programs.

Have you checked in with yourself?

You can go through the process of vetting the perfect online degree program but make sure you check in with yourself as well. Is the timing right? You may have hit a point in your career where earning an extra degree or credential would give you a competitive edge in the job market. Remember that an online degree program is time-consuming. How are you going to manage a work/school/life balance? An online classroom setting is different from attending class in person. There is a lot of self-discipline involved, there is no one to check in on you or ask why you haven’t been to class.

Are you ready to start your online program? Contact us today for more information.

How can I use the GI Bill® to pay for online classes?

Ohio State Online makes it possible for military and veteran students to apply the GI Bill® to a respected and valued online degree program. These top-ranked programs are taught by the same distinguished faculty who teach on campus. In addition to benefits provided by the GI Bill®, it’s possible you will also be eligible for in-state tuition due to your military service.

Navigating your GI Bill® eligibility and the college application process can be challenging. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure the smoothest experience possible.

Phase I: Application

Identify the best online degree program for you. Just looking for a course or two? Learn more about online courses at Ohio State.
Use Ohio State’s Military and Veteran Services (MVS) site as an aid to determine your benefit eligibility. You can also call MVS at 614-247-VETS. Please review your service records and information from the Department of Defense and the VA concerning your GI Bill® eligibility
Apply for your desired program.
You can then apply to receive the education benefit.
- Questions? Contact Military and Veteran Services

If you are approved for benefits, a Certificate of Eligibility will be mailed to you in 6-8 weeks.

Did you receive this document?

If yes, move on to the next step.
If no, contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for a status update. Then, contact MVS at Ohio State if you have applied, but have not received documentation yet for early help through the process.

Do you need additional federal student financial aid? You are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online to determine whether you are eligible for any additional aid in the form of grants, scholarships and loans.

You can check your admission status in your applicant center. Once admitted, you can move on to Phase II.

Students raise the American flag during a commencement ceremony. — ROTC cadets and midshipmen raise the American flag at a commencement ceremony.

Phase II: Welcome to Buckeye Nation!

Once you have received your Certificate of Eligibility, submit a copy to the Certifying Official at Military and Veterans Services.
Visit your Student Center in BuckeyeLink to check finances, holds and enroll in courses.
After you are enrolled in classes, contact MVS and the VA certifying official will electronically submit an enrollment verification to the VA.
Upon enrollment, you’ll be assigned an advisor. Their name will appear in your Student Center. Before you begin your coursework, reach out to your advisor for a phone call or video conference to discuss your educational goals.
Check out Ohio State Online Student Services and Benefits to ensure a successful academic experience.

If you need additional financial assistance, supplemental benefits may be available with the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs.

Please note: You will need to complete a certification request with MVS each semester that you want to use your VA education benefits in order to receive payment.

How to choose a master’s in data analytics

It’s critical to know all of your options when researching what graduate-level online data analytics training, course, or program is right for you. In today’s market, there are seemingly endless options for upskilling, from specialized micro-credentials that provide an overview of a specific skill to a fully accredited online master’s in data analytics or data science.

At Ohio State, there are multiple online master’s degree options to prepare you to be an expert in data analytics. The Specialized Master in Business-Analytics, offered through the Max M. Fisher College of Business, focuses on the specific needs of business leaders. The Master of Translational Data Analytics is an interdisciplinary master’s degree offered through Ohio State’s Translational Data Analytics Institute.
The goal of this article is to review your options and their outcomes, which programs offered by The Ohio State University might be best for your career goals, and how to make the best choice for you.

What can I do with a master’s degree in data analytics?
One of the most appealing aspects of a master’s in data analytics is that graduates can transition to a broad variety of industries or fields upon graduation. Today’s businesses rely on data for everything they do, and data management and data analysis jobs are growing at scale. Learning how to harness and analyze data to make informed decisions will make you a valuable asset to your organization and help advance your career.

Because graduate degrees in analytics can lead to a wide variety of career paths, graduates can seek occupational titles such as Statistician, Management Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Data Engineer, Data Architect, or a variety of other management or director-level jobs. Earning a master’s degree in data analytics can lead to a valuable return on investment, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the median annual salary of Management Analysts at $99,410, and the median annual salary of Data Scientists at $108,020.

What’s the difference between data analytics and data science?
The line between data analytics and data science has become obscure in recent years. Conventionally, data analytics focuses on aggregation and interpretation of data, while data science takes that information and focuses on building predictive modeling and algorithms.

“If you’re not solving a problem with data, if you’re just doing an investigation, that’s just analysis. If you’re actually going to use the outcome to explain something, you’re going from analysis to science. It’s actual problem-solving, rather than looking at, examining, and plotting [data],” said Adam Hunt, Chief Technology Officer at RiskIQ, in an interview with CIO.com. Despite their differences, the terms are often used interchangeably.

Many who earn a master’s in data science, master’s in business analytics, or master’s in data analytics go on to apply for the same jobs and work side-by-side, working with big data to provide insights and solve problems. Data analytics and data science degrees each include coursework in data management, data analysis, and big data computing. Data science programs may be better suited for someone looking to enter mathematical science, database architecture, or software development occupations, but individuals with data analytics degrees or business analytics degrees may also be qualified for those positions.

Regardless of whether you are interested in earning a master’s in business analytics or master’s in data analytics, Ohio State’s online master’s degrees can help you achieve your career goals with our Specialized Master in Business-Analytics and Master of Translational Data Analytics.

What is the Specialized Master in Business-Analytics?
Offered by the top-ranked Fisher College of Business, Ohio State’s online Specialized Master in Business-Analytics is taught by experienced business school faculty. This master’s in business analytics prepares students to leverage descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics skills to drive innovation, increase productivity and inform decision-making. The Specialized Master in Business-Analytics provides a foundation in business courses (economics, finance, leadership, and organizational behavior) as well as data management, data analytics, and statistics courses, culminating in a capstone project using real-world data from a corporate partner.

One difference between this online master’s in business analytics offered by Ohio State and other similar programs is the curriculum’s focus on systems thinking or taking a broad and pragmatic perspective when analyzing structure, patterns, and feedback mechanisms in real-world contexts. Program participants benefit from services offered by the college’s Office of Career Management, as well as professional development opportunities through Fisher’s Professional Development Coaching team.

What is the Master of Translational Data Analytics?
The Master of Translational Data Analytics is Ohio State’s online master’s in analytics offered through the university’s Translational Data Analytics Institute (TDAI), an interdisciplinary community whose goal is to provide data-intensive solutions to address global challenges. Graduates emerge from this program grounded in the fundamentals of computer science, statistics, and data visualization techniques. This program takes an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving with a program specifically designed for in-career professionals.

The curriculum offers courses from the College of Engineering (Computer Science) and the College of Arts and Sciences (Statistics, Design, and Advanced Computing Center for Arts and Design). A two-semester capstone project guides students through the data-science lifecycle enabling them to synthesize program concepts while solving real-world data-driven problems in partnership with project sponsors.

A unique aspect of this program is that it leverages the principles of design thinking to solve problems. Design thinking in data science offers a framework to approach problems creatively to find innovative solutions by considering the technical feasibility of a project, the business impact, and data availability. Students will be supported by TDAI staff during the program and have access to TDAI programming and events.

Which data analytics master’s degree is right for you?
Each of the online master’s degrees in analytics offered by The Ohio State University will teach students extensive data analytics and data management skills. If you’re an aspiring business leader who wants to learn how to leverage data to help your organization reach its goals, the Specialized Master in Business Analytics is likely the program that will suit your needs best. If you want to focus more on the data storytelling and visualization aspect of data analytics, the Master of Translational Data Analytics may be the program for you.

Ohio State Online Data Analytics Program Comparison	Specialized Master in Business-Analytics	Master of Translational Data Analytics
College / School	Fisher College of Business	Translational Data Analytics Institute (Graduate School)
Faculty	Award-winning Fisher College of Business faculty that include industry experts, world-class researchers, and organizational leaders.	Interdisciplinary faculty from departments of Statistics, Design, Advanced Computing Center for the Arts, and Computer Science and Engineering.
Learning Emphasis	Developing data-driven business leaders who can leverage systems thinking to inform decision-making, drive innovation, and achieve organizational goals.	Producing expert data storytellers capable of using design-thinking principles and data visualization to analyze data and present insights.
Core Classes	10.5 credit hours for business foundation course work, consisting of four courses: managerial economics, accounting and financial analysis, statistics, and data analysis, and leadership and organizational behavior 12 credit hours of course work in data management and descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics 4.5 credit hours for a Pre-Capstone and Analytics Management Capstone using real data from a corporate partner 4.5 credit hours of electives from an approved list of analytics-focused or discipline-specific courses	3 credit hours of instruction on information design 6 credit hours of instruction on the fundamentals of statistical analysis 3 credit hours of instruction on the practical uses and application of machine learning techniques 6 credit hours of instruction on the fundamentals of programming for big data computing 6 credit hours of instruction on data visualization and interactive media 6 credit hour capstone sequence using real data from government, industry, and academic sponsors Three 1-credit hour seminars on data governance, research design, and design thinking
Capstone Format	Put theory into practice: The Analytics Management Capstone is integrated throughout the SMB-A curriculum and uses real-world data from a current employer or a Fisher-sourced project with a leading organization. The capstone helps students realize the full potential of the analytical skills acquired throughout the program, gain experience managing a small team (undergrad student mentee and a Fisher faculty project advisor), and showcase their business expertise to a professional audience	Students in the online Master of Translational Data Analytics program will form interdisciplinary teams to complete a two-semester capstone project. Collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds and engaging with sponsor-provided data, students will utilize their data analysis and data storytelling skills to gain insight and develop solutions for project sponsors.
Technical Data Programs Used	R, Rstudio, Python, SQL, Tableau, PuTTY, Excel, etc.	R, Rstudio, Python, and SQL.
Time to Completion	As little as 10 months full-time or 2 years (6 semesters) part-time	Part-time program Less than 2 years (5 semesters) Longer pathways available
Credits Required	31.5 credits	33 credits
Learning Format	100% online or blended (75% asynchronous online, 25% in-person or live-stream)	100% online (combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction for maximum flexibility)
Tuition	$40,836.92-$40,968.17	$40,755.00-$40,982.50
Ideal Candidates	Working professionals with previous analytical experience or a quantitative background, as well as those without work experience who are capable of taking on the rigors of the curriculum. No work experience is required, but students must have a passion for analytics and a willingness to be challenged by an intensive program.	Curious, hardworking professionals interested in learning new in-demand skills in data analysis, computing, and visualization to become adept, effective data storytellers in cross-disciplinary environments.
College / School Support	Fisher’s dedicated Office of Career Management provides personalized, one-on-one career coaching and professional development. A support team helps students prepare for their careers through seminars, workshops, job fairs, networking events and corporate and alumni relationships only available at Fisher.	Career Services are offered to Ohio State graduate students through Buckeye Careers, while the Translational Data Analytics Institute offers additional networking opportunities with partners.
Prerequisites	Four-year bachelor’s degree or higher Resume Personal statement GMAT or GRE optional Letters of recommendation are optional. The SMB-A program welcomes all experience levels and statistical computing knowledge. Upon entry, we don’t assume any specific background knowledge and see a wide range of experience/capabilities. It will undoubtedly help if you have experience with software or quantitative methods, but SMB-A faculty will instruct you from the base levels to be conversant and capable with them in your day-to-day. Questions? Email fcob-smb-a@fisher.osu.edu. View requirements and deadlines	Bachelor’s degree or higher in any subject At least 1 year of professional experience in a field relevant to the degree program A 3.0 GPA from all courses from all course attempts Resume Personal statement and essays 3 Letters of Recommendation A graduate-level standardized test (GRE, GMAT, PCAT, MCAT, OAT, or LSAT). Testing waivers available. The MTDA program is designed for individuals from diverse fields such as healthcare, education, the government, and the arts. No significant programming or statistical background is required. Questions? Email tdai-mtda-contact@osu.edu. View requirements and deadlines

What other data analytics programs are offered at Ohio State?
Ohio State has many other options for online or on-campus learning for data analytics courses:
Bachelor of Science in a major in Data Analytics
Master of Applied Statistics (MAS)
Master of Science (MS) in Statistics
Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science and Engineering
Graduate Minor in Statistics
Graduate Minor in Statistical Data Analysis
Graduate Minor in Computer Science
Online Certification in Practice of Data Analytics
Online Data Analytics Boot Camp

How do online classes work?

As you prepare for the next step in your educational journey, you are probably wondering what an online classroom looks like and how online classes work. It’s completely natural to have questions – and even concerns – about online learning, especially if your previous educational experiences have been in a traditional in-person class setting. In this article, we’ll explore how online classes actually work and what online classes look like at Ohio State. Still have questions? Reach out for more information about earning your degree online at Ohio State.

What are online classes like?

You may have heard that online classes can be disorganized or isolating for students. But that’s not the case at Ohio State! Our instructors design their online classes to use technology as a benefit, not a hurdle to overcome. Ohio State professors also work with our expert online course designers, known as instructional designers, who can help them transform their course material for an online format.

Most Ohio State online classes are offered in an asynchronous format. In an asynchronous course, work is completed on your own time within a certain timeframe. Some online programs are offered in a synchronous format. In a synchronous course, students will virtually attend a class session each week at the same time as their instructors and classmates.

What is the Canvas learning management system?

For online students at Ohio State, CarmenCanvas is the room where it happens. Carmen is a learning management system where students can virtually attend lectures, complete readings, submit homework or quizzes and interact with their professors and classmates. If you have additional question, talk to one of our Enrollment Advisors or check out more of our blogs where you can find more tips and strategies for learning online.

5 Tips to Ace Online Schooling

Going back to school is tough, and it can be even tougher when you aren’t used to completing coursework online. Here are 5 tips and tricks you can apply to keep yourself on track in your online program.

Set Realistic Goals
Begin by assessing where you are in life and where you want to go. How will your skills and educational background help you achieve your goals? How will your educational goals affect your daily routine, your relationships and your lifestyle?
Explore Your Options
With over 5,000 universities in the United States there is an endless amount of growth and opportunity available to you. Each university is different and has unique strengths but it all depends on you and what you’re looking for.
Create A Plan
You’ve set your goals, and you’ve chosen your school, that’s it right? No! Now it’s time to create a plan. Having a plan will set you up for academic success. The transition back into school can be a challenging adjustment. A plan will help you manage your time, stay focused and be organized.
Build Your Network
Get to know the people who are there to help you succeed in your educational goals. Professors, Instructors, Admissions Counselors and Academic Advisors are all there for your benefit. Each school administrator has a tailored wealth bank of knowledge that they are willing and eager to share. Another network that you want to build up is with your classmates. Your peers have transferable skills from life experiences, as do you. Talk to one another – join student groups that will contribute to your overall experience.
Take Care of Yourself
It can be frustrating and nerve wracking to go back to school in a new setting that you are not used to. If you feel overwhelmed, just take a deep breath. It’s important to remember that a positive attitude, a healthy work-life balance and overall wellness will be the main points of achievements to accomplish your educational goals.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Online Classes

The time has come! You’re getting ready to begin your first online class at Ohio State. But before jumping into online learning, it’s important to understand the basic do’s and don’ts in online classes.

If you’re new to learning online, it’s understandable that you’d have a few questions. Maybe you’re not sure how participation will work, or if attendance is mandatory in an online class. You might be confused about terminology such as “asynchronous learning” versus “synchronous learning.” Or maybe you haven’t been a student in a while and need a reminder on the best ways to study and be productive.

No matter what questions you may have, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our list of do’s and don’ts for success in your online classes, and reach out to us with any questions not answered here.

Getting Started

DO: Prepare for your course to begin.

Just like an on-the-ground course, you will be expected to participate and be involved in the assignments of your online class. Before the semester begins, make sure you have the technology you need, read the course syllabus and reach out to your professor with any questions.

DON’T: Expect to be anonymous in your online course.

A key piece of any online course is communication. Your instructor and fellow students expect you to be engaged and interact in the class – either during live sessions on CarmenZoom or in asynchronous discussions on CarmenCanvas. Your instructor may take attendance if you are enrolled in a class with a synchronous lecture component.

DO: Prepare to commit time to the course.

There is a myth that distance education courses aren’t as time-consuming as traditional courses. Even though you can complete your work from the comfort of your home, you still need to be prepared to dedicate anywhere from four to 15 hours a week to every course you take.

DON’T: Be afraid to reach out for help.

Maybe you don’t understand a key course objective or can’t get one of your technology tools to work. That’s OK! Ohio State faculty and staff are here to help get you on the right track. Looking for a study buddy? Don’t be afraid to make connections with your classmates either. Taking turns teaching each other the material can be a great study hack..

Student typing on keyboard while learning online from home.

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help! Your instructor might be your first call, but your classmates can also be helpful resources if you’re stuck.

When Class is in Session

DO: Develop good online communication habits.

Check your email at least once a day. If you are working on a group project or are discussing an issue with a professor, it’s important to be available on a platform everyone has access to, such as email.

DON’T: Abuse email to communicate.

While you need to be assertive in expressing your needs, opinions and ideas in class discussions, don’t go overboard! Sending too many emails to your instructors or classmates can be overwhelming. Treat email like you’re having an in-person, back-and-forth conversation.

DO: Be respectful and responsive.

With online communication, it’s important to understand people might misconstrue what you said, no matter how carefully you composed it. Be aware of how you use class discussion boards, whether to ask a question to the group or make a point about a learning topic.

DON’T: Procrastinate

Procrastination may be one of the deadly sins of online learning. Try to set times to talk and work with other students, set goals for your projects and stay up to date with readings and other work.

With these do’s and don’ts in mind, you’ll be ready to succeed in your online courses and achieve your educational goals.

Graduate Certificate vs. Master’s Degree

At some point in your professional career, you’ll undoubtedly explore the possibility of earning credentials beyond a bachelor’s degree. While there are many different types of credentials that indicate achievement in a skill or subject matter, two of the most common are graduate certificates and master’s degrees. By earning a graduate certificate or master’s degree, you’ll learn skills that you can immediately apply to your professional life. Most higher education institutions offer both types of programs, and many offer them online or in person.

When it comes to deciding whether a master’s degree or graduate certificate is right for you, there are many factors to take into account. It’s important to know which option will be most beneficial in the next steps of your career. Ohio State Online’s experts can help guide you through this process, so send us any questions you may have.

No matter what you decide, the most important thing is the ability to apply these credentials and skills to your professional life. Before you decide which type of program you should choose, it is helpful to understand the benefits of each.

What is a graduate certificate? Is a graduate certificate a degree?

A graduate certificate is a credential representing specialized training in a specific topic or skill. Sometimes referred to as a “professional certificate,” graduate certificates offer professional development training ideal for fine-tuning skills or knowledge within a defined framework of study, complementing your experience or growing your expertise in a specific subject. Graduate certificates can also provide opportunities for career advancement in a particular field or industry, or prepare students to sit for certain licensure exams.

These programs typically only take a short period of time, often between 12-15 credit hours (or one to two semesters, if attending full time). Due to their relatively short time to completion, a graduate certificate typically costs less than a master’s degree.

Is a graduate certificate a degree?

A graduate certificate is not considered a graduate degree, like a master’s or doctoral degree. However, it can provide a strong foundation for future study that results in a graduate degree. The credits earned in a graduate certificate program may satisfy requirements for entry into certain graduate programs.

Graduate certificates may also provide the skills necessary to transition to a new field of work.

Why earn a master’s degree?

Compared to graduate certificates, a master’s degree focuses on strategic skill development in a field rather than specialization on a single subject. Within a master’s degree program, there is typically more freedom to customize your experience to your interest and goals. Many advanced positions, especially in public administration or business, require a master’s degree as a prerequisite, and a master’s degree is necessary if you have the desire to eventually earn a doctorate degree.

Like graduate certificates, some master’s degrees allow students the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials – which may be required if you’re changing careers. For example, graduating from the online Master of Clinical Research program qualifies students to earn their Clinical Research Coordinator Certification, Clinical Research Professionals Certification or Regulatory Affairs Certification, after a requisite time period working in the field.

Based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, master’s degree holders earn more than 16% higher wages than bachelor’s degree holders. A master’s degree typically takes one to two years to complete if attending full time, and thus typically costs more than a graduate certificate.

How to decide between a graduate certificate and a master’s degree

Your choice of whether to earn a master’s degree or graduate certificate will depend on your personal and professional goals. To decide which type of credential is right for you, consider the following factors:

What are your career goals?

Graduate certificates and master’s degrees can each lead to career advancement, whether you’re looking for a new job or a promotion in your current role. While graduate certificates may be valuable within a particular field, master’s degree credentials are typically more easily transferable between industries.

What new skills do you hope to gain?

Developing new skills or fine-tuning your abilities are vital for professional development. A master’s degree and a graduate certificate will each teach you new skills to apply to your professional life. A master’s degree will not only help you develop skills, but also provide you with the strategic vision to apply those skills in a variety of environments. A graduate certificate will focus specifically on one skill or a limited set of skills.

How much time and money can you invest in a program?

A graduate certificate typically takes less than one year to complete, while a master’s degree will typically take one to two years, perhaps longer if you enroll part-time. To continue working full time as you earn your credential, consider enrolling in an online graduate certificate or online master’s degree program that allows you to complete work on your own schedule.

A graduate certificate can typically be earned for a fraction of the cost of a master’s degree, though each should be seen as an investment in your future.

Earning both a graduate certificate and a master’s degree

In some instances, it may be helpful to earn both a graduate certificate and a master’s degree. Some master’s degree programs, like the online Master of Public Administration and Leadership from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, allow credits from a graduate certificate to be applied to a master’s degree so that you may continue your education.

The online IT Business Strategy Certificate from the Fisher College of Business is another example. This graduate certificate in business provides training in the core elements of an MBA degree, within an information technology framework, and some credits can transfer to Ohio State’s online MBA program if students wish to continue their education.

Similarly, the online Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology Graduate Certificate can complement advanced study in health and rehabilitation sciences, and selected credits may apply toward the online Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, allowing students to build expertise while progressing toward a graduate degree.

Finding a graduate certificate or master’s degree program

As you evaluate whether you want to earn a graduate certificate or master’s degree, weigh the pros and cons of both options. Each can be a valuable investment, regardless of your level of experience in your field, whether you recently graduated, are looking to change your field, or simply looking for a new challenge.