Author: Darrell Simmons

The value of non-degree credentials

A recent study from the Strada Center for Education Consumer Insights shows a growing number of people see the value of earning non-degree credentials through programs like bootcamps and online certificate courses.

Nearly half of all working-age adults who have earned a bachelor’s degree have also earned some sort of non-degree credential. Not only are non-degree credentials usually quicker to earn than traditional degree programs, but they can cost less and demonstrate knowledge and skills in real time.

According to research published by Strada in July 2021, 62% of Americans said they would be more likely to choose skills-based training that doesn’t result in a degree if they were to enroll in a program within the next six months.

Through recent years and with the impact of COVID-19, choosing non-degree credential courses, such as those available in an online certificate program, has become an attractive and flexible option as a form of higher education.

What is a non-degree credential?

Non-degree credentials are credentials designed to fulfill a specific purpose in professional or personal development – but do not result in an academic degree like a bachelor’s or master’s degree. These programs can confer academic or industry credentials, and can include for-credit options, like online certificates, as well as non-credit options, like bootcamps.

For-Credit Online Certificates

Here at Ohio State, we offer 20+ academic online certificates from a variety of colleges and departments. For example, the College of Medicine offers an online certificate in health informatics, as well as an assistive technology certificate online. Additionally, the College of Nursing is home to the online nurse educator certificate, online nursing in school health services certificate and six other online nursing certificates. 

The benefit of earning a for-credit, academic online certificate is that you may be able to apply some of your certificate credits toward a full degree program. Students who earn the online Public Management Certificate from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, for example, may apply all earned credits toward the online Master of Public Administration and Leadership or the Master of Public Administration.

Non-Credit Online Classes and Certificates

Ohio State offers a range of non-credit learning opportunities that provide valuable knowledge to advance careers, gain new skills, or fulfill continuing education unit (CEU) requirements. CEUs can be essential for licensing in certain fields, like social work or nursing.

Through Ohio State’s Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) platform, students can explore flexible online options, including tech certifications and courses tailored for professional development.

These courses can help build skills quickly in emerging areas, such as artificial intelligence, without going through the admissions process. You can enroll in courses on demand, and most learners complete courses in 90 days or less.

Ohio State offers several free, massive open online courses (MOOC) that may inspire you to continue with your formal education through a for-credit online certificate program. MOOCs can be a smart way to “try before you buy.”

For example, the course content in the “Infection Prevention 101 for Public Spaces” MOOC, offered by the College of Education and Human Ecology, previews content from the Healthcare Environmental and Hospitality Services Certificate – a for-credit, online academic certificate designed to prepare hospitality and healthcare professionals aspiring to leadership roles.

Short-term, non-credit bootcamps in fields like cybersecurity and UX/UI design, offered through the College of Engineering, are also available for professionals seeking targeted training without pursuing an academic credential.

How much will a non-degree credential cost?

Because many of these learning opportunities are shorter and require fewer classes than a traditional degree, the cost of tuition for an academic online certificate will be notably lower in price. The specific cost of each individual online certificate program varies, but simple steps can be taken to calculate the cost of your desired program.

The cost for non-credit opportunities like some certificates and bootcamps can range from $0 to $1,000 or more. In general, courses that offer CEUs upon completion carry a higher cost.

How can a non-degree credential benefit my career?

Adult learners who combine a college degree with a non-degree credential experience greater quality and value than those with a college degree alone, according to the Strada study.

For someone who is looking for extra training or additional skills without having to seek a full degree, these types of programs can be the fastest and most flexible option for their industry or career. Additionally, non-degree credentials can help students “test the waters” of a program or field before committing to a full degree program.

Are online certificates really worth it?

No matter where you are in your higher education journey, an online certificate program or other non-degree credential can be beneficial in your career – whether you want to advance to a new position or gain more experience in a specific subject.

Ready to take the next step and enroll in an online certificate program? Contact us today to begin your journey.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 I Do with an Educational Technology Master’s Degree?

As technology is continually advancing and expanding access for students worldwide, it is critical for educators to stay up to date with the latest teaching tools and methods. The online Master of Learning Technologies (MLT) at Ohio State teaches educators how to conduct and apply research to better support learning with technology. An educational technology master’s degree can give you the tools to adapt to new situations, gain critical thinking skills, and resolve issues on your own. In addition, there are multiple career paths open to educators with this degree, such as:

  • Instructional Designer
  • Educational Technologist
  • Technology Integration Specialist

We spoke with a current student to learn more about her educational journey and how the online educational technology master’s degree has helped her grow her career. To learn more, reach out to us directly.

Allison Schultz, a current online Master of Learning Technologies student, is using her degree to build her competencies in instructional design and explore the ways individuals learn. Allison is currently an instructional design library liaison in the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation.

“I want to combine evidence-based instruction with my library background to help instructors develop information literacy skills in their students,” Schultz explained when asked what her goals were after graduation. Focusing on literacy is just one of the many uses of an educational technology master’s degree.

Allison also described how her time in the MLT program has given her a range of real-life skills that she has already gotten to use in her career. “I think the program’s emphasis on authentic, real-world application of learning technologies, will help me see connections between my work and educational experiences,” Schultz said.

“I think the program’s emphasis on authentic, real-world application of learning technologies, will help me see connections between my work and educational experiences.”
– Allison Schultz

Instructional Designer

One of the most common lines of work using an educational technology master’s degree is instructional design. So, what does an instructional designer do? These individuals are tasked with overseeing curriculums and teaching standards, often within higher education. They may be responsible for developing or redesigning courses, as well as other learning materials. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, instructional coordinator openings are expected to grow by 10% from 2020 to 2030. The BLS also said that the median pay for instructional coordinators in 2021 was $63,740.

Educational Technologist

Another option for students graduating with an educational technology master’s degree is to become an educational technologist. While instructional designers and educational technologists play similar roles, they can also have differences in their work. The main responsibilities of instructional designers are to design, manage, train, and provide support related to course development. In contrast, educational technologists focus on identifying, purchasing, and supporting technology and computer networks, as well as training instructors to use the technology.

Technology Integration Specialist

In addition, an educational technology master’s degree from Ohio State could land you a position as a technology integration specialist. In this role, individuals will often collaborate with educators to support, manage and optimize the use of software and network resources. Technology integration specialists work within the IT (Information Technology) team and must be able to work in a group as well as individually.

Obtaining an educational technology master’s degree can set you up to work in a variety of different fields and roles. If you’re interested in a career in educational technology, it is important to choose the right program. Ohio State’s online graduate education programs were ranked No. 28 in the country by U.S. News & World Report for our online Educational and Instructional Media Design specialty.

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

New Semester Tips: How to Start Strong in Your Online Classes

A new semester can feel exciting, overwhelming and empowering all at once. It can be a chance for a fresh start and an opportunity to develop better habits around studying and schoolwork. When starting online classes, tried-and-true tips from in-person classes may need a little tweaking, however. Explore our top new semester tips below and learn how to adapt your old study habits to a new format – and develop new strategies for success in online classes too.

Check Yourself and Your Stuff

First things first: Pause for a moment to check in with yourself. Why are you taking online classes? What will motivate you to succeed when things get tough?

Take advantage of that fresh semester feeling and sketch out a few goals. Whether you hope to maintain a certain GPA or develop relationships with peers and professors, solidify your idea of success for the semester and jot down a few action steps.

Next, check your stuff. Here’s a handy pre-semester checklist for tools and tech:

  • Double-check that your devices meet the minimum technology standards for online classes at Ohio State.
  • Access your courses via CarmenCanvas (or other learning management system) as soon as possible to find course materials, announcements, grades and more.
  • Log in to your email to make sure you don’t miss important communication from the university or your instructors about your classes.

Track Your Time Commitments

Use a calendar and block off time for classwork each week to stay on track. Even if you don’t have an exam to study for or a paper to write every week, sticking to a schedule and using that time to plan or review notes can help you feel more in control as the semester goes on. For big project deadlines or exams, take a few minutes to review the course schedule in your syllabus at the start of the semester and flag important dates in your calendar.

Determine if your course is synchronous or asynchronous, or a combination of the two. You might think that you’ll be working completely independently in an online class and submitting work according to your own schedule, but that isn’t always the case. Research what to expect and how to be successful in each type of online class. Learn if the course requires any in-person commitments or group work that you will need to schedule throughout the semester. The course syllabus can be a great resource, and may even have time-management tips from your professor.

Be Proactive

Proactively communicate any concerns or issues to your professor. You might say: “I wonder if you could help me with a challenge that I’m having…” Your instructor may not be aware of barriers you’re facing in their course, so don’t be afraid to speak up and communicate about time zone challenges with live sessions, issues accessing materials internationally, limited access to technology, etc. The sooner you raise the issue, the sooner it can be resolved.

Make the Right Connections

Start things off on the right foot by introducing yourself to your instructor. Your class syllabus should explain how your instructor prefers to communicate, but feel free to ask them for clarification and gauge how quickly they respond to student questions.

Your instructor may also hold weekly virtual office hours which are a terrific way to check in on your class performance and ask specific questions. Don’t be afraid to drop by or reach out to your professor. They’re here to help!

Connecting with your classmates will also aid in your success, especially if the course requires group work. Familiarize yourself with the tools available to help you connect and collaborate digitally. You can use video chats, email, or discussion boards to meet your peers or even form study groups.

Don’t be afraid to customize your profile or add a little personality to your online communications. You can use NameCoach to model the correct pronunciation of your name. You can also add your preferred pronouns to CarmenCanvas, Zoom and your email signature. Upload a (professional) profile photo or change your video background to reflect your interests or show your school pride.

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’s the Difference Between Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning?

As you research the right online program for you, you may come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” You might not know what these words mean yet, but you’re probably already considering your work schedule and other responsibilities and how well each program would fit into your life. Are you able to log on and attend classes at specific times? Or is it more realistic for you to complete work each week at times that suit you best – no matter if it’s 3 p.m. or 3 a.m.? ​And, how do online classes even work?

Here’s what you should know: Asynchronous online learning allows students to view instructional materials each week at any time they choose and does not include a live video lecture component. On the other hand, synchronous online learning means that students are required to log in and participate in class at a specific time each week. The main difference between asynchronous learning and synchronous learning is this live instruction component occurring at a set time. We’ll describe more differences in the sections below, as well as some of the pros, cons, and best practices of each style.

We tapped Ohio State experts to explain the difference between asynchronous and synchronous learning and what each style actually means when it comes to online classes.

Venn diagram showing the differences and similarities of learning asynchronously and synchronously.
  • Asynchronous online classes: complete work each week on your schedule, receive immediate feedback on quizzes and schedule group work when it’s convenient for everyone.
  • Synchronous online classes: attend class virtually each week with instructors and classmates, participate in real-time discussions during class time and improve presentation skills.
  • Both: attend class from anywhere*, communicate regularly with instructors, network and make connections with classmates.

*The majority of our programs have no on-campus requirements. Please see your specific program’s page for state authorization information.

What is asynchronous learning?

Asynchronous learning allows you to learn on your own schedule, within a certain timeframe. You can access and complete lectures, readings, homework and other learning materials at any time during a one- or two-week period.

“A big benefit to asynchronous classes is, of course, the flexibility. Asynchronous online classes mean that you don’t always need to be online at the same time as your instructor or classmates,” said Instructional Designer John Muir, who works with faculty to develop classes for Ohio State’s online programs. “We know that students who are looking to take an entire program online are partially looking for that flexibility.”

Online asynchronous classes might include short videos teaching key concepts that you can watch over and over again, if necessary. In some classes, students can also complete homework assignments and receive immediate feedback, as opposed to waiting for instructors to grade them.

But don’t get the idea that asynchronous classes are any less rigorous than their synchronous or on-campus counterparts.

“Just like a student on campus, you should expect to be doing work one week at a time,” Muir said. “You should also expect to have contact with your instructor and classmates every week in a substantial way.”

For example, in HTHRHSC 4300: Contemporary Topics in Health and Society, a capstone course in the B.S. in Health Sciences program, students do most of their work according to their own schedules. However, they also sort themselves into groups based on schedule and availability, meeting weekly via video conferencing to collaborate on a research project that spans the semester.

What is synchronous learning?

Synchronous learning means that although you will be learning from a distance, you will virtually attend a class session each week, at the same time as your instructor and classmates. The class is a firm, weekly time commitment that cannot be rescheduled. Much like an on-campus class, you will have readings and assignments to complete outside of class time to help prepare you to participate in the discussion. This kind of preparation from students, along with a dedicated agenda set by the instructor, ensures each class session is productive.

“A lot of careful planning and set up ahead of time makes those sessions into meaningful connections,” Muir said. “If the students can do it, and it’s thought through well by instructors, it can be a really powerful thing to add.”

Online synchronous learning doesn’t always just take the form of a live video lecture or an instructor-led discussion. Often, students will lead discussions themselves or give presentations to the rest of the class. In an online class, group work doesn’t go away, it just looks a little different. Muir explains that some instructors will pose case studies to students, who then have to negotiate an answer first as a small group and then together, as a class. Specific types of activities included in a synchronous course depend on the course and the program.

“There’s a lot of discipline-specific, really active things that go on in those sessions that aren’t just the equivalent of a recorded lecture,” Muir said. “It really is the same as doing some sort of activity in the classroom, just in a virtual setting.”

Ohio State’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program is one example of a program with synchronous online class requirements. One of the classes, NURSPRCT 8600: Organizational Culture, requires that students attend weekly evening class sessions using CarmenZoom. Class discussion and interaction with the instructor occurs mainly during these meetings, with homework and readings available at any time in CarmenCanvas, Ohio State’s online learning management system.

How can I be successful in an online class?

No matter if your program is mostly asynchronous or synchronous, Muir reminds students to be deliberate with their time in order to be successful.

“In an online program, you really have to be respectful of yourself and plan your time and efforts,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in a synchronous or an asynchronous class, you need to know to block off your time to accomplish those things.”

Vivian Jones, M.Ed., academic advisor, says she often works with students who aren’t sure how synchronous or asynchronous classes will fit into their lives. First, knowing yourself and your limitations is key to making decisions regarding your education.

“Remember that an online degree program itself is time-consuming,” Jones said. “Consider how you will manage a work-school-life balance. There is a lot of self-discipline involved.”

Jones said she also hears from students who fear they’ll feel disconnected or disengaged in an asynchronous, online course.

To combat feelings of isolation, Jones recommends students always reach out to their instructors and classmates and attempt to make meaningful connections.

“Respond to discussion posts and find people with similar interests to you or people doing things you don’t even know about, so you can maybe learn more about them,” she said. “Make relationships just as you would in a physical classroom.”

In an online class, student engagement needs to be more purposeful than an in-person class, where engagement may take place more naturally, but it’s crucial to ensure all students feel invested in their coursework.

“With online learning, student engagement is just different,” Jones said. “I see instructors in online classes really making an effort to make things personable and make people feel included. We’re trying to bring everyone together as one community, because online students are part of the Ohio State community.”