Special Section: Advanced Degree Guide

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Back to School A comprehensive guide for adults who want to boost—or change—their careers through an advanced degree

photo: istock.com/MATJAZ SLANIC

By Shelley Mann

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Working a full-time job and pursuing a graduate degree may sound like mutually exclusive endeavors, but they don’t have to be. Several colleges and universities in Central Ohio have programs tailored specifically to the needs of adult students, who often have to balance school with the demands of family life and sometimes even a full-time job.

Here’s a look at Central Ohio colleges and universities offering class schedules and other benefits designed to fit into a busy life.

Franklin University Sherry Mercurio, spokeswoman for Franklin University, has a great perspective on how graduate school can fit into the picture for someone in midcareer. She lived it. Mercurio worked for the Columbus Division of Police as a spokesperson for many years before heading to Franklin for a graduate degree.

She calls herself the poster child for students who are looking to make a career change after working for years in one industry. Other Franklin students are content in their career but pursuing an advanced degree in hopes of a promotion. Or, sometimes, they’re in an industry that’s no longer relevant and need to retool their expertise.

Franklin University offers 19 master’s programs and four doctoral degrees. From the start, the university has been focused on serving working adult students with an understanding that these students have very specific needs.

“Unlike a traditional student focusing only on an education,” Mercurio says, “the vast majority of our students are balancing family, a full-time job and now trying to slide in earning a degree or finishing a degree.”

For these students, Franklin offers the option to attend classes in person or online, or to work out a hybrid schedule. It’s all about flexibility, Mercurio says.

“We understand your life is hectic,” she says, “and we will meet you on your terms.”

Last fall, the university announced it would freeze master’s and doctoral-level tuition rates, acknowledging the fact that a college degree is a necessity because of competitiveness in the workplace.

The institution also makes a number of resources available for adult students, such as math tutoring or help with formatting academic papers, with the understanding that students may have been out of school for some time. Resources offered include

online workshops, face-to-face workshops and recorded videos.

“Recorded videos are perfect for someone who works all day and won’t be able to work on this until 1 a.m., or who has a sick child and needs something that can work on their schedule,” Mercurio says.

At Franklin University, adjunct faculty members who are full-time working professionals in their respective industries help keep programs changing with the times. By working with experts in each field, Mercurio says, the university is able to identify workforce needs and create a curriculum to help solve them.

Franklin also maintains education partnerships with a number of employers throughout Central Ohio, such as OhioHealth and state agencies, which offer tuition discounts and other benefits.

“The city is recognizing that we have a diverse population and we need to have a well-trained workforce,” Mercurio says. “We have a responsibility to help with economic growth—helping employers not only attract but also retain.”

Ohio State University At Ohio State, a handful of colleges are

photo: courtesy ohio state university

Ohio State University

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Mount Carmel College of Nursing

of Arts in Public Policy and Management, specifically geared toward those who have been in the workforce. The flexible program offers classes during evening hours, as well as an option to attend full time and complete a degree in just one year.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing At Mount Carmel College of Nursing, work-life balance remains top of mind as the college continues to develop programming that fits

individual adults. Mount Carmel has seen a steady influx of students as the demand for nurses continues to grow nationally.

“Nursing is a great opportunity, with many jobs not just here in Columbus but nationally,” says academic dean Kathleen Williamson.

“There’s such a demand for nurses, and it’s hard for nursing programs to keep up with the interest that’s out there.”

While Mount Carmel sees a lot of students come in at the baccalaure-

photos: courtesy mount carmel college of nursing

offering new incentives to make it easier for students to earn their master’s degrees.

Fisher College of Business offers a relatively new MBA program for working professionals.

At Fisher, the most popular degree offerings for executive-level students are the Executive MBA, an 18-month program, and the Master of Business Operational Excellence, a 13-month program, says Aravind Chandrasekaran, academic director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program and associate director of the Center for Operational Excellence at Fisher College of Business.

“The opportunities for growth from earning an Executive MBA at Fisher are limitless, as you share perspectives and grow your network with an elite group of professionals,” says Chandrasekaran.

He adds that the Executive MBA experience allows students to explore new types of opportunities as they move into leadership roles, change industries or start new business ventures. The insights taught in an MBA program can be applied in any industry, he says, so quite a few Fisher students change career fields after they graduate, moving from one industry to another.

These executive programs are designed to accommodate the demands of a hectic schedule, with faculty delivering comprehensive curriculum face-to-face during on-campus sessions. For the Executive MBA program, students complete 14 monthly residencies, typically scheduled for Thursday morning through Saturday afternoon, while Master of Business Operational Excellence students complete a total of eight in-class sessions. Students enrolled in the executive programs receive personalized support from Fisher staff, from one-on-one executive coaching to handling course enrollment and providing supplies and transportation for students.

For students who want to take a professional sabbatical for a few years to return to school, retool and earn graduate degree credentials, Fisher College’s highly ranked, full-time MBA program is attractive, says Paul North, executive director of graduate programs at Fisher.

The full-time, two-year program caters to two types of students: the career-switcher— for instance, an engineer interested in making a move into marketing—and the careerenhancer, who is interested in bolstering their skills in their current industry.

Additionally, the John Glenn College of Public Affairs offers an online Master of Public Administration and Leadership program and an in-career master’s degree, the Master

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ate level, a number of students pursue advanced degrees to further their careers, acquire more well-rounded proficiencies and develop leadership skills. It’s common for the college to see students earn their undergraduate degree and then return years later as alumni to complete a master’s degree or doctorate.

Mount Carmel offers three master’s programs designed for nursing professionals who want to advance their careers: an Advanced Practice degree for those looking to become a nurse practitioner, a nursing leadership program with a focus on clinical operations and a master’s degree in adult gerontology. Each 18-month hybrid program includes both online and face-toface coursework, and each is designed for those who want to keep part-time (or even full-time) employment as they work toward a degree.

Mount Carmel offers 24/7 online access to the library, as well as a collaborative education model that encourages students to work together collectively to offer resources and support to each other.

“You’re not just in a stand-alone program,” Williamson says. “We really focus on a jour-

ney that encourages student success and student engagement.”

A Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers the highest level of education in the field of nursing and can really set apart a nurse as a leader in the health care industry.

The online program is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals with coaching and support; it can be completed in just 18 months.

“A lot of times, we’re lifelong learners as nurses,” Williamson says. “An advanced degree gives a different way of thinking and using evidence-based practices and an opportunity to develop your role as a nurse leader in the nursing field.”

Indiana Wesleyan University Indiana Wesleyan University’s Columbus Education Center has master’s degrees that cater to the working adult. The Columbus Education Center offers an opportunity to earn master’s degrees in 10 areas, including business, criminal justice, communication, education, general studies, health sciences, nursing, psychology, social work, and religious and theological studies.

Students take one class at a time to ensure they are never spread too thin with multiple subject matters, but classes are shortened so students can work through requirements quickly. Indiana Wesleyan offers flexibility in course structure, as well, with students attending class on campus one night a week and completing the remainder of work online.

“It’s more flexible for the working adult,” says Emily Wolf, enrollment representative for the Columbus Education Center.

Students have access to off-campus library services—books can be mailed from the library, and students can talk to librarians on the phone—as well as free, online tutoring 24/7.

“That’s especially helpful for, say, nurses who are working third shift. They can reach out even in the middle of the night,” Wolf says.

She adds that the school’s nurse practitioner programs rank among the most popular for graduate students, as well as a recently revamped MBA program that has drawn a lot of attention. A master’s of social work program has seen increased interest in recent years as well.

ONLINE GRADUATE PROGRAMS FOR REAL-LIFE NURSES. Ready to take your career to the next level? Look into Mount Carmel College of Nursing’s online graduate programs, today. They can get you to where you want to be tomorrow.

Master of Science Nursing Leadership - Clinical Operations • Complete in 18-months • Curriculum supports working professionals interested in enhancing leadership competencies Post-Graduate Certificate Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner • Complete in two semesters • Customized for FNPs or ANPs currently working in high-acuity settings Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) • Complete in 18-months • Earn Evidence-based Practice (EBP) certification eligibility • Established specifically for working professionals Learn more about these and other graduate programs.

Visit www.mccn.edu/academics or call 800.556.6942. mccn.edu

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Get Schooled Compiled by Shelley Mann

An overview of the graduate and doctoral programs available in Central Ohio; tuition rates are in-state for the 2020–21 academic year and do not include room and board or fees, unless otherwise noted.

Ashland University Columbus Center 1900 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus; 614-794-0803; ashland.edu Status: Private Religious affiliation: Brethren Church Advanced degrees offered: Standard and one-year international MBA, one-year online sport management MBA, health care MBA, master of education, executive doctorate in leadership studies Program length: One to five years Tuition: All-inclusive tuition, one-year international MBA and online accelerated programs, $33,900; all other MBA programs, $860/credit hour; master of education, $570/credit hour; executive doctorate in leadership studies, $1,030/credit hour Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Capital University 1 College and Main, Columbus; 614-2366011; capital.edu Capital University Law School 303 E. Broad St., Columbus; 614-2366500; law.capital.edu Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University 2199 E. Main St., Columbus; 614-2366856; capital.edu/trinity Status: Private Religious affiliation: Lutheran Advanced degrees offered: Doctor of nursing practice and master’s degrees in education, music education, business administration, nursing via main campus; juris doctor and master’s degrees in taxation, legal studies via CULS; master’s degrees in divinity, theological studies, youth and family ministry, sacred theology via Trinity Lutheran Seminary Program length: Varies Tuition: Master’s programs (including Trinity Lutheran Seminary), $624–$676/credit hour; doctoral programs, $950–$1,300/ credit hour Accreditation: Capital University, Higher Learning Commission; Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Commission on Accrediting of the

Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada

Columbus College of Art & Design 60 Cleveland Ave., Columbus; 614-2249101; ccad.edu Status: Private Religious affiliation: None Advanced degrees offered: Master’s programs in innovation design strategies, visual arts: new projects Program length: Two years Tuition: $36,500/year Accreditation: The National Association of Schools of Art and Design, The Higher Learning Commission

Franklin University 201 S. Grant Ave., Columbus; 614-7974700; franklin.edu Status: Private Religious affiliation: None Advanced degrees offered: Master’s degrees in accounting, business analytics, business psychology, computer science, criminal justice administration, cybersecurity, data analytics, health informatics, health care administration, human resource management, informational technology, instructional design and learning technology, marketing and communication, nursing (including MSN-FNP), public administration, business administration; doctorates in business administration, organizational leadership, health care administration, instructional design leadership Program length: 14–20 months (master’s programs) Tuition: Master’s programs, $670/credit hour; doctoral programs, $748/credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission

Indiana Wesleyan University Columbus Education Center 3455 Mill Run Drive, Ste. 550, Hilliard; 614-529-7550; indwes.edu Status: Private

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Religious affiliation: Evangelical Christian Advanced degrees offered: Master’s degrees in business, criminal justice, communication, education, general studies, health sciences, nursing, psychology, religious and theological studies, social work Program length: Typically two to three years Tuition: $470–$617/credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Methodist Theological School in Ohio 3081 Columbus Pike, Delaware; 740-3631146; mtso.edu Status: Private Religious affiliation: United Methodist Church Advanced degrees offered: Master’s degrees in divinity, theological studies, counseling ministries, practical theology, social justice; doctor of ministry Program length: Two to three years (master’s programs); four years (doctorate) Tuition: Master’s programs, $804/credit hour; doctorate, $19,500 if completed in four years Accreditation: Commission on Accrediting

of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada

Mount Carmel College of Nursing 127 S. Davis Ave., Columbus; 614-2344266; mccn.edu Religious affiliation: Catholic Advanced degrees offered: Master’s degrees in adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, nursing leadership: clinical operations; doctor of nursing practice Program length: 18 months (master’s programs) Tuition: $565/credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission

Ohio Christian University 1476 Lancaster Pike, Circleville; additional locations in Chillicothe, Columbus, Grove City and Lancaster; 855-628-4723; ohiochristian.edu/adult-degree-programs Status: Private Religious affiliation: Wesleyan tradition Advanced degrees offered: Master’s degrees in leadership, ministry, business administration; dual MBA/MA in ministry degree

Program length: Two years Tuition: $338–$530/credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission, Teacher Education Accreditation Council, Ohio Department of Higher Education

Ohio State University 250 University Hall, 230 N. Oval Mall, Columbus; 614-292-6031; gradsch.osu.edu Status: Public Religious affiliation: None Advanced degrees offered: 119 master’s degree programs and 94 doctoral programs in nearly 150 subject areas Program length: Varies Tuition, 2019-20: $805–$3,580/ credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission

Ohio Dominican University 1216 Sunbury Road, Columbus; 614-2514615; ohiodominican.edu Status: Private Religious affiliation: Catholic in the Dominican tradition Advanced degrees offered: Master’s

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TOGETHER, WE’LL Start your MAKE IT THROUGH COMPLIMENTARY SUBSCRIPTION TODAY TO SEPT. 5 at columbusceo.com.

degrees in English, TESOL, theology, business administration, education, health care administration, physician assistant studies, sport management Program length: 16–18 months (most programs) Tuition: $538–$823/credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission; Ohio Department of Higher Education

Ohio University Dublin Integrated Education Center 6805 Bobcat Way, Dublin; 614-367-9371; ohio.edu/dublin Status: Public Religious affiliation: None Advanced degrees offered: Combined master of science and dietetic internship, executive master of public administration, master of physician assistant practice, pro­ fessional MBA, master of athletic training, professional master accountancy; doctor of osteopathic medicine Program length: Varies Tuition: $505/credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission

Otterbein University

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1 S. Grove St., Westerville; 614-823-3210; otterbein.edu/gradschool Status: Private Religious affiliation: United Methodist Church Advanced degrees offered: Master’s degrees in allied health, business administration, education, educational mathematics, teaching, nursing; doctor of nursing practice Program length: Two years (most master’s programs) Tuition: Most programs, $559–$650/credit hour; nursing programs, $630–$1,052/ credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Pontifical College Josephinum

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7625 N. High St., Columbus; 614-8855585; pcj.edu/theology Status: Private Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic Advanced degrees offered: Master’s degrees in divinity and theology Program length: Four years Tuition: $38,380 (including room and board) Accreditation: Association of Theological Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, Ohio Board of Regents