Tag: student experience

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.

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.

Are Online Degrees Respected?

Whether you are busy raising kids, swamped with a full-time job, or cannot justify the commute to campus, there are many reasons why an online degree could be the right option for you. As the world around us is constantly changing, growing, and adjusting, college degrees are no exception. Where an in-person college experience was the norm in the past, online degrees and e-learning are becoming increasingly popular. However, many students are asking the same questions: Are online degrees respected? Are online degrees respected by employers as much as an on-campus degree?

Even though online degrees are much more common in current times, you might still be apprehensive about a new method of learning. Some students worry that there will be a disconnect between their professors and fellow classmates. Here at Ohio State, an online degree is an Ohio State degree. Your degree will be the same as if you were an on-campus student. And to reflect that, you receive the same level of support and quality of education as your on-campus counterparts.

How Do I Choose the Best Online Degree for My Career?

One way to find the correct program for you is to consider the program’s learning mode. Would you prefer fully asynchronous learning, or would you prefer a more hands-on approach with more interaction, such as in a synchronous program? In addition, doing research and thinking about your own education goals are necessary to find a college fit for you.

You can easily find rankings of the best online degrees across the country to give you more guidance on quality programs. For instance, U.S. News & World Report ranked Ohio State among the top 10 in the nation for many of its online bachelor’s programs. However, quality and cost are not the only elements that you will be comparing between programs. You should also look at the accreditation of the school, as well as whether you will be able to balance your workload with other responsibilities. While choosing a degree that is right for you can be intimidating, there are tips and tricks to narrow down your search.

Do Employers Respect Online Degrees?

In this era of online learning, more students are considering virtual options. Ohio State had 5,160 students enrolled in online programs in 2021. With the rising number of online students comes a rising number of employees hired with online degrees. However, do employers respect online degrees?

Ben Hazen is no newcomer when it comes to the world of online education. Ben received one of his three master’s degrees fully online. He now teaches an online MBA course at Mississippi State University, is a visiting professor at the University of Dayton, and is also the Chief Integration Officer at PW Communications. In addition, Ben was a sponsor of one of the first capstone projects for the online Master of Translational Data Analytics program here at Ohio State.

“In reality, it really depends on the school and the type of degree,” Ben stated about the quality of online degrees. He also emphasized pairing your online degrees with other credentials or experiences, which will stand out to employers. Ben mentioned that he has never had any trouble finding a job with his online degree and that many times, hiring managers did not realize that his degree was obtained fully online.

How to List an Online Degree on a Resume

Creating a resume can be overwhelming, and you may not know how to list your online degree properly. However, Master of Learning Technologies student Elizabeth Trolli says it’s simple: Market your online degree just like an on-campus degree. Instead of focusing on the listing of an online degree on your resume, highlight the skills you have obtained from online learning during the interview process.

“The focus should be more on how you were able to integrate your concepts and learning into your position or leverage that into your career and possible career advancements,” Elizabeth stated. If you need help finding a starting point, Ohio State offers many resume guides.

Can You Get a Job with an Online Degree?

In short, yes! You can absolutely get a job using an online degree. Some aspects may heighten your chances of receiving your dream position, such as the accreditation of the college, student success rates, faculty credentials, as well as if they are affiliated with a brick-and-mortar campus, and more. Luckily, Ohio State excels at all these characteristics. As an accredited, non-profit, brick-and-mortar college with a large portfolio of online programs, Ohio State produces some of the most highly sought-after graduates, according to a survey by Times Higher Education. Overall, employers will be less concerned with how you earned your degree and more concerned with where. Depending on the school you attended, an online degree can absolutely be respected and accepted by employers. Earning an online degree shows time management skills, work ethic, and a desire to better yourself, which are all valuable strengths to take into the workplace.

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.”

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.

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.

  1. 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?
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Do online students have access to student services?

If you’re a student in an on-campus program and you need help with writing a paper, you might head to the library or schedule an in-person appointment with someone from the Writing Center for help.

But, as an online student where can you go for help?

At Ohio State, online students have access to the exact same degree, same expert instructors and many of the same resources as on-campus students – just in a virtual format. Below are a few of the services and benefits you’ll have access to as an online learner at Ohio State.

Financial Aid for Online Classes

A question we get a lot is: Can you get scholarships for online classes? The good news is all online degree-seeking students at Ohio State are eligible to apply for financial aid and/or scholarships to fund their education. A student or spouse who currently serves or has retired from the military may also be able to receive GI Bill® funding.

There are many factors in determining eligibility for financial aid, including state authorization. Please visit the Student Financial Aid website for more details.

Scarlet and Gray Financial

For more general financial advice and resources, online students can take advantage of Scarlet and Gray Financial, a nationally recognized peer financial coaching program at Ohio State. Your peer experts can help with financial goal setting, banking basics, budgeting, credit education and debt repayment education. Online students can schedule a one-on-one coaching appointment or access on-demand resources.

Academic Help and Writing Center Services

If you want to become a more successful online student, the Dennis Learning Center provides for-credit courses, one-on-one coaching and on-demand content related to preventing procrastination, improving study methods and reducing test anxiety.

The Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing supports students in the creation and editing of class papers, as well as documents such as resumes and applications. As an online student you can receive assistance through 1:1 online consultations or by uploading your paper for a drop-off session.

BuckID and Online Student Discounts

TechHub Student Pricing

TechHub is the official campus technology store at Ohio State, offering student pricing on various technology products. Sounds great, right? But what if you can’t get to campus to stop by the store?

That’s not a problem at all. You can make your technology purchase over the phone and TechHub will ship it to your doorstep.

Online Student Discounts with your BuckID

Half-price movies? Discounted streaming services? You got it.

If that ID from undergrad is starting to look a little outdated, it might be time for an upgrade. Online students can obtain a digital BuckID via the Ohio State app. Your digital BuckID may be used in situations where you need to confirm your student status – like snagging those student deals. If you’re a student in an online nursing program, the BuckID office will mail you a physical BuckID card and a nursing badge.

Online students at Ohio State are Ohio State students. You will have access to the exact same top-ranked degree and instructors as your peers on campus. From academic support to student discounts, many of the benefits of being a Buckeye are just a click away.

What Can You Do With a Public Administration Master’s Degree?

The public sector is on the cusp of significant transformation. The “Baby Boomer” generation, born between 1946 and 1964, is rapidly approaching retirement age, and this demographic shift will create a surge of opportunities, with an estimated 4 million boomers leaving the workforce each year. As boomers hold a significant portion of public sector jobs and fill many leadership positions, the need for qualified professionals to fill these vacancies is critical upon their retirement. Now more than ever professionals need to prepare themselves to fill those roles and step into leadership positions. A public administration master’s degree is an increasingly popular option that allows you to grow your professional knowledge to excel in your career or make a career change.

What is a Master of Public Administration?

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) equips you with the knowledge and skills to excel in public service careers. The program is designed for recent college graduates or early-career professionals to provide a strong foundation in public policy, economics, management, and data analysis, preparing you for a wide range of positions. Occupations for this degree are broad and encompass many disciplines, from administration, management, and budget analyst roles across government and non-profit industries. Within this program you can earn your MPA full time in as little as two years, or three years part-time as a working professional to grow skills and lead change within your current organization. During your second year, you can tailor your coursework through skill courses, electives, and a capstone.

“The online modality of the MPA will allow students flexibility in both location and their schedule. Our MPA is a long-standing program with full accreditation and a high ranking both by U.S. News and World Report and Shanghai Rankings, and our online students will have access to the same high-quality instruction and faculty members. As a Glenn College alum, you will also have access to the large alumni network around the country, which will help you with new career and professional opportunities.” says Lindsey Lee, the graduate program manager at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

What is a Master of Public Administration and Leadership?

A Master of Public Administration and Leadership (MPAL) is essentially an executive MPA degree, created specifically for mid-career professionals who have least 3 years of administrative or analytical post-baccalaureate experience, who are seeking the skillsets needed to assume leadership roles.

“Because students are coming in with work experience, the expectation is that they are able to use that experience and go deeper in the course assignments,” said Mindy Niehaus, the MPAL Program Manager.

The MPAL program courses are 100% online and designed to be completed asynchronously, allowing you to continue full-time employment while participating in the program. You are expected to meet synchronously on Zoom only a handful of times, giving you the flexibility to schedule coursework around your current job.

This public administration master’s degree can be completed in five semesters, with the ability to take more time to complete the program if needed. The integrated curriculum targets the needs of working professionals in both the public and nonprofit sectors.

Additionally, you can specialize in an area that aligns with your career goals with instruction from Glenn College faculty and practitioner instructors. Specializations include:

  • Public Management
  • Public Policy
  • Criminal Justice Administration and Policy
  • Nonprofit Management

Students of the MPAL program come from diverse personal and professional backgrounds, allowing you to learn from one another. Current students have occupations ranging from HR Consultant, Outreach Coordinator, Firefighter, Attorney and Research Assistant.

“You are able to look at a problem or issue and see it from multiple perspectives,” said Niehaus. “As opposed to a traditional class where you just learn from the instructor, students are encouraged to bring their experience to class and learn from one another.”

How does a master’s degree prepare you for public administration jobs?

During the MPA and MPAL program, you will address real-world problems. The programs integrate a focus on ethical leadership, civic engagement, civic discourse and diversity in each course.

Ohio State faculty members intentionally designed the curriculum by talking to employers directly about what they look for in employees so that students receive applicable hands-on skills.

Our capstone course challenges students to apply their knowledge to real-world public policy or management challenges. Through in-depth analysis and problem-solving, you’ll demonstrate your ability to synthesize complex information and develop practical solutions.

What kinds of jobs can you get with a Public Administration master’s degree?

A public administration master’s degree allows you to advance in your current position or obtain the skills necessary to switch fields entirely. Essentially, an MPA is an MBA for the public sector. Public administration graduates may go on to become:

  • Public Relations Managers
  • Program Managers
  • Operations Managers
  • Chief Executives
  • Regulatory Affairs Managers
  • Technical Project Managers
  • Directors of Social Services
  • Social and Community Service Managers

In May 2023, the median annual wage for public relations managers within the government was $115,750.

In order to reach your personal and professional mission, you are consistently supported by Ohio State’s world-class faculty, academic advisors, and career specialists during your program and beyond as a buckeye alumnus.

Not sure if you are ready to start a master’s program or want to have a more competitive application for graduate school?

Ohio State offers three online graduate certificate programs which are all 100% online and earned credits are transferrable into both the MPA and MPAL program. To apply to these programs, you must have completed your bachelor’s degree:

Ready to take the next step?

See how you can serve your community in new, transformative ways. If you have questions or need help getting started, complete our intake form with your contact information. An Ohio State Online Enrollment Advisor will reach out to provide personalized guidance, walk you through the application process, and support you every step of the way. 

Master of Public Administration

Ohio State’s Online Master of Public Administration program prepares early-career professionals to make a difference in the public sector.

Learn more

Master of Public Administration and Leadership

Advance your career in public service with the 100% online Master of Public Administration and Leadership (MPAL) from Ohio State Online.

Learn more