2016 Graduate Education Guide

GRADUATE EDUCATION GUIDE

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Balancing act Making school fit with work, life

E

ric Tepfenhart has a packed schedule as a freshman history teacher and assistant coach of varsity boys basketball at North Ridgeville High School. He’s also pursuing a master of arts in education at Baldwin Wallace University, the

course load of which he is able to balance with his professional and extracurricular activities thanks to the program’s built-in flexibility.

“They understand that as educators, we have a lot on our plates,” said Tepfenhart, whose ultimate goal is to transition into

a school system technology coach. “We get one or two assignments a week, and the professors are really great about accommodating deadlines with our schedules. All our technology classes are online. The program’s convenient format will allow me to finish the program within three years.”

From virtual programs and student-designed course schedules to compressed weekend classes, local colleges and universities offer a variety of ways to assimilate graduate programs with students’ professional

and personal responsibilities.

“We follow an adult learner model at BW, which is different from young learning adults,” said Karen Kaye, dean of BW’s School of Education. “We make sure students have the opportunity to engage in course material relevant to their careers. Participation is paramount to the program, but we understand students have busy lives, so we’ve made some adjustments to our systems that have been very helpful.”

Administration internships were extended from one semester to one

Take Control of Your Career.

Earning a master’s degree in business is an investment that can help boost your career and earning potential to the next level.

At Cleveland State’s Monte Ahuja College of Business, we have an AACSB-accredited graduate program that fits your interests and lifestyle.

school year to give aspiring principals additional time to accomplish required tasks. The school a few years ago trimmed its five-day-a-week summer course schedule to three days per week.

“We eliminated Mondays and Fridays. Students understandably were missing those days because they had other personal obligations throughout the summer,” she said. “And missing a day or two of class is like missing two or three weeks. We virtually eliminated the need to be absent by making that accommodation. The unexpected outcome was that students were telling us they made significant learning gains because they had additional time to reflect and let the material soak in.”

On the flip side, employers have a lot to gain by relaxing the boundaries of a fixed work schedule or folding education into the workday.

McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman, a Cleveland-based law firm, offers law clerkships that tie in career exposure in a number of practice specialties — including corporate, estate and finance — with law degree schooling.

The full-time, one- to two-year positions afford law clerks the opportunity to work on research and writing projects during the day, while balancing law school, which most students usually attend at night, said Ann-Marie Ahern, principal and head of the employment law practice. Law clerks also receive time off to study for the bar exam. In fact, the firm is preparing to hire one of their current law clerks, once that individual passes the bar exam, she said.

“We have a number of lawyers who hold law degrees beyond a J.D.,” Ahern said. “Our firm and our clients view a graduate degree as an invaluable investment. Lawyers that specialize in a particular field of knowledge offer a deep level of expertise.”

Lawyers who possess an advanced degree are particularly valuable, as the market is saturated with career-seeking talent.

“The advanced degree distinguishes individuals in a competitive environment,” Ahern said. “We’re always looking for lawyers with an advanced degree.”

With several MBA options and specialized programs in Accounting, Human Resources, Information Systems

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and Business Analytics, our dedicated

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advisors will work with you to choose a program so that you earn more than a degree. You earn a competitive edge.

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Visit csuohio.edu/gradbusiness for more information and to apply.

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Pursuing a graduate degree takes careful consideration

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graduate degree is a powerful tool for career advancement and job security.

The unemployment rate in 2015 was 1.7% for individuals aged 25 and older who possessed a doctorate degree and 2.4% for those with a master’s degree, compared to 2.8% for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and 5.4% for high school graduates.

Earning potential is another compelling incentive. During the same year, median annual earnings for individuals with doctorates were about $84,396, compared with about $69,732 for master’s degrees, $59,124 for bachelor’s degrees and $35,256 for those with a high school diploma.

The decision to pursue a graduate degree may seem like a no-brainer, but individuals who are considering a master’s, doctorate or other professional degree should outline their time frame, career goals, work-life obligations and the bigger financial picture before initiating the application process.

“The decision to pursue a graduate degree differs from person to person,” said Robert Trebar, dean of the School of Business at Lake Erie College.

“When it comes to timing, in a perfect world, students should get some professional experience under their belt before pursuing a graduate degree.

The experience adds context, so the course material and discussions are more meaningful.”

In contrast, others are better armed for post-college job placement if they have both the undergraduate and master’s degree under their belt, he pointed out.

“An undergraduate degree in psychology coupled with an MBA could lead a young person right into a career in human resources,” Trebar said.

Ryan Glinn falls into the latter category.

Glinn graduated in December 2013 with a degree in strategic communications from Ohio State University, and enrolled as a fulltime graduate student at Kent State University the following summer.

Glinn graduated this month with an MBA in finance and international business, and is transitioning his internship at Northwestern Mutual — which he secured through Kent State

EARNINGS AND UNEMPLOYMENT RATES

BY EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, 2015 Unemployment rate in 2015 (Percent)

Median weekly earnings in 2015

Doctoral degree

1.7

$1,623

Professional degree

1.5

1,730

Master's degree

2.4

1,341

Bachelor's degree

2.8

1,137

Associate's degree

3.8

798

Some college, no degree

5.0

738

High school diploma

5.4

678

Less than a high school diploma

8.0

493

All workers

4.3

860

Education attained

Note: Age 25 and over. Earnings are for full-time wage and salary workers.

SOURCE: Current Population Survey, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

— into a full-time role.

“This has been a very rewarding experience for me,” Glinn said. “My focus is on the sales side, and I believe the MBA will definitely help lead toward leadership opportunities, whether as a managing director or field director.”

Master’s education programs are the fastest-growing and largest segment of graduate education overall, representing 81% of graduate degrees awarded in 2012-13, according to the Council of Graduate Schools, a graduate education advocacy and research organization.

The number of master’s degrees awarded in the U.S. increased by 62% between 2000 and 2013.

In the same vein, the number of doctorates awarded in the U.S. during the same time period increased by 47%, primarily because of growth in the number of women earning doctorates, according to the organization.

Employment in occupations that typically require a master’s degree will increase by 14% between 2014 and 2024, while the number of jobs requiring a doctorate will increase by 12% during the same period, according to the organization.

The motivations differ in graduate education candidates, who

DID YOU KNOW?

4

YEARS

THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF TIME IT TAKES TO RECOVER THE INVESTMENT MADE TOWARD A MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.

typically fall into three categories — undergraduate students, early to midcareer professionals or individuals who are more advanced in their careers, said Louise Ditchey, graduate programs director in the College of Business Administration at Kent State University.

“The younger candidates typically already have developed a longer vision about what they want to do, and are targeting some type of leadership path or want to start their own business,” she said. “The mid-career professional typically wants more formalized education to help advance their career.

Candidates who are further along in their career understand the value an advanced degree has in helping them reach the highest ranks of decisionmaking within their company or organization.”

Ditchey encourages prospective graduate students to explore the backgrounds of the positions they aspire toward, and determine what training or degrees are required. Study for the required graduate admissions test well in advance, and search possibilities for financial assistance.

“It’s never too early to start exploring your options,” she said.

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Consider the costs A variety of options exist to offset the financial commitment

T

he considerations associated with whether to attend graduate school often coagulate into one big question mark. Career impact.

Time commitment. The right school.

The right program. And, of course, the cost of the graduate degree.

“Students should plan a year in advance of attending graduate school,” said Venus Puliafico, director of financial aid at Case Western Reserve University. “They need to know what the program offers, what their longterm goal is, what the long-term payoff is, and the level of borrowing in terms of what they’re pursuing.”

There are many vehicles for financial assistance. The first step, Puliafico suggests, is to contact the admissions office and the specific department of the institution at which the student is interested in attending.

Inquire about what type of institutional support is available.

“Even if you haven’t been accepted, it’s worth it to call the institution and find out what it means financially to pursue that degree,” Puliafico said.

For students who are planning

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to attend graduate school full time, graduate assistantships that subsidize the cost of the degree and even pay a small stipend may be an option, said Louise Ditchey, graduate programs director at Kent State University’s College of Business Administration.

“Individuals who are working full time should look into what type of employer assistance may be available,” she said.

Scholarships, meanwhile, run the gamut.

“There are a couple large databases that list different scholarships,” Ditchey said, ranging from assistance for those involved with the military to rewards for those with high GMAT scores.

“The candidate fills out a profile, and the database searches scholarships that meet their age, race and other background factors,” she said.

Other avenues for scholarship searches include an institution’s financial aid office, a library’s reference department, U.S. Department of Labor and organizations related to a candidate’s field of interest.

The bulk of graduate student borrowing stems from federal loan

programs. According to the nonprofit College Board’s “Trends in Student Aid 2015,” federal loans constitute 61% of graduate student borrowing nationwide, followed by institutional grants (20%); private and employer grants (10%); federal education tax credits and deductions (6%); federal grants (3%); and state grants and federal work study programs (less than 1% each).

In 2014-15, full-time graduate students received an average of $26,950 in financial aid, including $8,840 in grants, $16,570 in federal loans, $1,490 in education tax credits and deductions, and $50 in federal work-study programs.

A direct unsubsidized federal loan gives borrowers up to $20,500 annually, or $138,500 in total, according to Federal Student Aid, a provider of student aid and part of the U.S. Department of Education.

Graduate PLUS loans will cover the cost of attendance minus all other aid.

Students should also apply for federal aid early, Ditchey said.

Students also may be considered for a federal Perkins loan if the institution — which is the lender — participates in that program. Graduate or professional students may be eligible to receive up to $8,000 a year, or $60,000 in total.

“There are a lot of possibilities for assistance,” Ditchey said.

Taking the classroom online

Programs evolve to serve a variety of needs, students

T

he higher education online space is growing increasingly sophisticated. Formats vary, from projectbased learning and gamification to live courses and self-paced instruction. Webcam proctoring services, browser controls and databases that can verify in real time the originality of essay-based tests are just some of the safeguards that facilitate the virtual learning environment.

“Online learning has taken on a life of its own in the past couple years,” said Walter Simmons, an associate dean at John Carroll University’s Boler School of Business.

Technology advancements enable roving students near and far to fulfill certain coursework when it’s convenient for them. The latest and greatest software and tools empower professors to customize courses in ways that simulate the classroom experience, drive interaction and attract device-dependent students.

“Our MBA program was developed to be totally mobile,” said Caryn Lanzo, director at the Center for eLearning at Cleveland State University. “Students have the ability to post to a discussion board or send a quick email to their professor, whether they are on a computer, tablet or smartphone.”

Faculty members can incorporate internal and external materials, from the

syllabus, exams and online supplements through videoconferencing or voice to voice, Simmons said.

“We can link up with lecturers in other parts of the country,” he said.

“Students can access our online classes from anywhere in the world.”

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of graduate students enrolled in online/distance learning more than doubled, from 16.5% in 2003-04 to 36% in 2011-12, which is the most current data available.

The transition has been more gradual at some universities, which place a premium on the value of faceto-face engagement.

“We’re moving in the direction of introducing more hybrid course options, but I’d say about 95% of our business graduate classes are still fully based in the classroom,” Simmons said.

To that extent, Lanzo said higher education institutions such as Cleveland State University are making sure their online programs uphold the same standards as their campus counterparts.

“Institutions are developing guidelines for quality, which are driven by states and accreditation boards,” Lanzo said. “We have a lot of measures and safeguards in place to help protect students so that they’re receiving the

highest quality education, no matter the delivery.”

Online learning and blended learning courses undergo a comprehensive review from Quality Matters, an international faculty-centered organization that certifies the quality of those formats.

The quality of those online and blended learning programs has shaped enrollment and is guiding future online program development.

Online learning and blended courses account for more than 14% of total student credit hours and 14% of enrollment at Cleveland State University.

The university is experiencing an increased interest from students who are looking to take a single online course to advance their skills in a particular area, which could lead to an eventual commitment to an advanced degree, Lanzo said.

“We’re seeing an interest in younger workers who want quick-skill upgrades but not necessarily the graduate degree all at once. This is a part of a national trend,” she said. “Here at Cleveland State, we’re making a more strategic effort to develop more flexible programs, sort of like stackable credentials, that meet the student’s needs now but could be spread out and counted toward a graduate degree down the road.”

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GRADUATE EDUCATION DIRECTORY PUBLIC

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON Akron 330-972-7663 gradsch@uakron.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: The Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences offers 37 master’s degree programs, including family and consumer sciences – clothing, textiles and interiors; engineering/applied math; J.D./master of applied politics; and executive master of public administration. Doctoral degree programs include integrated biosciences and adult development and aging. The College of Business Administration offers nine MBA concentrations, including business analytics, international business and supply chain management, as well as management, accountancy, taxation and J.D. degrees. The LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education offers education-focused master’s degree programs that include elementary education - literacy option and higher education administration.

The College of Engineering offers six types of master’s degree programs, including focuses on biomedical, civil and mechanical. Doctoral degree programs also are available. The College of Health Professions has master’s degree programs in a variety of disciplines that include nursing, clinical mental health counseling and public health. Doctoral programs are available in some of those specialties, including nursing and audiology.

The College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering has master’s and doctoral programs in polymer engineering and polymer science. The School of Law offers J.D., two-year J.D. for foreign attorneys, and master of laws in intellectual property.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: The Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences features the archives of the History of American Psychology, which is the world’s largest repository for history

of psychology. E.J. Thomas Hall at the University of Akron is the Neos Dance Theatre company’s headquarters. The MBA concentration in health care and master of science in accountancy are rated in the Top 25 Best Value programs in the U.S. The College of Business Administration has been on The Princeton Review’s list of Best Business Schools every year since 2005. The College of Education has a 100% pass rate on the Ohio Assessment for Educators test for Computer/Technology Facilitation Endorsement. The Instructional Technology program is ranked among the nation’s best by thebestschools.org. The Schools of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology are ranked among the nation’s best programs. The College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering has a 100% placement rate within one year of graduation.

The College of Education has experienced a 400% growth in research expenditures over the last eight years. Akron Law’s 2011-15 average pass rate in Ohio is 86.3% for firsttime takers. In June 2015, Akron Law made Above the Law’s list of Top 50 law schools.

of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services; College of Engineering and Applied Science; College of Medicine; College of Nursing; College of Pharmacy; College-Conservatory of Music; and McMicken College of Arts and Sciences.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: U.S. News & World Report honors many University of Cincinnati programs as among the best of their kind.

The School of Criminal Justice in the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services is ranked as the third-best program in the nation. The College-Conservatory of Music oversees top 10 programs in opera/voice, musical conducting, music and music composition. Additionally, the university’s online graduate programs in taxation and nursing also place within the top 10 nationwide.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus ONLINE OPTIONS: Distance learning is available for certain programs.

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CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus, Medina, Orrville, Lakewood, Brunswick, Holmes County ONLINE OPTIONS: Online master’s degrees are available in taxation, public health, speech and language pathology and educational foundations. Certificates in educational foundations, literacy specialist and e-learning are offered.

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI Cincinnati 513-556-4335 grad.info@uc.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: The colleges within the University of Cincinnati offering graduate programs are Carl H. Lindner College of Business; College of Allied Health Sciences; College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning; College

MIAMI UNIVERSITY Oxford 513-529-3734 ApplyGrad@MiamiOH.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Graduate degrees are offered by the following schools within Miami University: College of Arts and Sciences; College of Education, Health and Society; College of Engineering and Computing; Farmer School of Business; and Professional Studies and Applied Sciences.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: Miami University has several highly ranked graduate programs, including the MBA; speech pathology and audiology; chemistry; biological sciences; earth sciences; and English. The Department of Educational Leadership has been recognized for its innovative programs. Miami University provides a high level of assistance in the form

Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

Learn more: business.kent.edu/degrees/msba

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We are proud to be the only College of Urban Affairs in Ohio. Levin is nationally recognized as one of the premier colleges of Urban Affairs.

We are ranked highly in the specializations of City Management & Urban Policy and Nonprofit Management by U.S. News and World Report.

We teach men and women how to work effectively for positive change within and beyond the communities of Northeast Ohio. By blending a broad understanding of the urban environment with advanced problem-solving skills, our graduate programs prepare students for a variety of careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Our graduates are engaged in city planning, program development, community organizing and development, public safety and homeland security, nonprofit organizations, environmental and sustainability policy development and analysis, public finance, and economic development.

WHY LEVIN? → Experience through internships

of graduate assistantships to both master’s and doctoral students and provides support during the summer. Faculty work side by side with graduate students in labs and in the dozens of research centers on campus. Numerous opportunities exist for graduate students seeking to develop as both scholars and teachers. The Graduate Research Forum and Three-Minute Thesis help students enhance their abilities to communicate their scholarship to a diverse audience.

The Center for Teaching Excellence supports graduate students in their teaching responsibilities and helps them develop with the graduate student enhancement teaching program, a certificate in college teaching and doctoral and undergraduate research opportunity scholarships.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Oxford; Voices of America in West Chester; the Middletown and Hamilton regional campuses ONLINE OPTIONS: Biological science, biology, criminal justice, educational technology, creative writing, instructional design and technology and special education.

→ Graduate assistantships → Scholarship opportunities → Outstanding faculty & practitioners → Network through student organizations → Evening courses offer flexibility

GRADUATE DEGREES Masters: Public Administration Urban Planning & Development Nonprofit Administration & Leadership Environmental Studies Urban Studies PhD in Urban Studies & Public Affairs Joint Law Degrees with Cleveland Marshall JD/MPA, JD/MA, and JD/MUPD

SPECIALIZATIONS & CERTIFICATES Economic Development Environmental Planning

Housing, Community & Neighborhood Development

Geographic Information Systems

Policy & Administration

Historic Preservation

Public Financial Management

Nonprofit Management

Real Estate Development & Finance

Public & City Management

CONTACT Phone: 216.687.3884 Email: urbanprograms@csuohio.edu

csuohio.edu/urban

NORTHEAST OHIO MEDICAL UNIVERSITY Rootstown 330-325-6501 or 330-325-6499 mweakland@neomed.edu or nhose@neomed.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: The College of Graduate Studies offers the following certificates and degrees: bioethics certificate, master of public health, master of science in health-system pharmacy administration, master of science in integrated pharmaceutical medicine, doctorate in integrated pharmaceutical medicine.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: The College of Graduate Studies provides support to students who are pursuing graduate-level degrees at Northeast Ohio Medical University and in partnership with other Ohio universities. For example, the biomedical sciences program, in collaboration with Kent State University, offers a degree program in five biomedical science disciplines.

Students enroll at and receive their degree from Kent State University but have the opportunity to carry out their research with scientists at NEOMED. CLASS LOCATIONS: NEOMED campus, additional locations at consortium universities

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs is one of the top colleges for urban affairs in the nation with master’s degree programs in urban planning, public administration, urban studies, nonprofit administration and environmental studies, as well as a doctorate in urban studies and public affairs. It also offers joint master/J.D. programs in public administration, environmental studies and urban planning and development. The Monte Ahuja College of Business offers Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-accredited programs, including its MBA, master of accountancy and MBA with health care administration specialization. The doctor of business administration includes finance, global business, information systems, management, marketing CLEVELAND STATE and operations management arUNIVERSITY eas of study. Cleveland Marshall Cleveland College of Law includes full-time 216-687-5047 and part-time J.D. programs, come2csu.grad@csuohio.edu master of laws and master of legal studies. The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences offers master’s degree programs in liberal arts and social sciences. The College of Sciences and Health Professions master’s degree offerings include health sciences, speech pathology and audiology, public health, physics, mathematics and physician’s assistant. Doctoral offerings include adult development, clinical/bioanalytical chemistry, physical therapy and regulatory biology. The Washkewicz College of Engineering offers seven master’s programs that focus on biomedical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering and software engineering.

Doctoral offerings also are available. The College of Education and Human Services offers 11 master’s offerings, including administration, community health education, urban secondary teaching and educational administration. Doctoral programs in urban education include adult, continuing and higher education, counseling psychology and school administration. The School of Nursing master of science in nursing programs include focuses on specialized population, forensic nursing, clinical nurse leader and nursing education.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: Cleveland State University offers nationally recognized graduate programs, taught by award-winning faculty, offered at one of the lowest tuition rates in Ohio. Many of CSU’s graduate programs are ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S News and World Report, including: the No.1 part-time law program in Ohio; the No. 1 online MBA program in Ohio; the No. 7 city management and urban policy program in the country; the No. 17 nonprofit management program in the country; highly ranked health programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, social work and speech-language pathology. Cleveland State University was selected to receive the 2015 Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This prestigious national honor is highly sought-after by higher education institutions as an indicator of close connectivity to the public and private sectors in the region surrounding an institution.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus, Cleveland; West Center, Westlake ONLINE OPTIONS: Online accelerated MBA; master of science nursing; master of science, health sciences; master of education, adult learning and development; master of education community health promotion; master of education, educational technology; master of education, gifted education; board certified behavioral analyst; bioethics certificate; chemical dependency counselor assistant; Inspired Leaders principal licensure program; and data-driven decision making.

740-593-2800 graduate@ohio.edu

OHIO UNIVERSITY Athens

GRADUATE PROGRAMS: College of Arts and Sciences, master of arts, master of science, doctorate, master of financial economics; College of Business, master’s degrees

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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT GRADUATE PROGRAMS: College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology, master’s; College of Architecture and Environmental Design, master’s; College of the Arts, master’s and doctoral; College of Arts and Sciences, master’s and doctoral; College of Business Administration, master’s and doctoral; College of Communication and Information, master’s and doctoral; School of Digital Sciences, master’s; College of Education, Health and Human Services, master’s, doctoral and educational specialist; College of Nursing, master’s and doctoral; College of Podiatric Medicine, doctoral; College of Public Health, master’s and doctoral.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: With a strong focus on research and experiential learning, Kent State KENT STATE UNIVERSITY University is ranked as one of the Kent top-tier Best National Universities 330-672-2661

by U.S. News & World Report. gradapps@kent.edu The university has more than www.kent.edu/graduatestudies 6,000 students working toward one of its graduate offerings, which include doctoral, master’s, specialist, certificate and licensure programs. With its eight-campus system in Northeast Ohio, Kent State offers more than 50 master’s programs in more than 100 areas of specialization, as well as 23 doctoral programs with more than 50 specializations. A range of dual degree options are also available. The College of Business Administration is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in business and accounting, a dual accreditation earned by less than 1% of business schools worldwide. The college is internationally ranked a top business college by U.S. News & World Report, rated a best graduate business college by the Princeton Review and ranked Top-Tier by CEO Magazine for executive and full-time MBA programs. The university has a dedication to research with cutting-edge facilities, researchers, resources and partnerships, and its faculty attract multimillion-dollar research grants and contracts. Kent State offers a variety of learning options to allow flexibility in study, including evening and weekend classes and online learning programs, attracting full-and part-time students, as well as working professionals.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Kent, Independence, Canton and Regional Academic Center (Twinsburg) ONLINE OPTIONS: Online options are available in art education; business administration; criminology; evaluation and management; instructional technology; journalism and mass communications; liberal studies; library and information science; podiatric medicine; and public health. in business administration and sports administration, and a master of science in athletic administration; Scripps College of Communication, master of arts, master of science, doctorate, master of communication technology and policy, master of information and telecommunication systems; Patton College of Education, master of education, doctorate, masters in educational administration, human and consumer science, recreation science; Russ College of Engineering and Technology, master of science, doctorate, masters in biomedical engineering, computer science, engineering management; College of Fine Arts, masters in arts, fine arts, music, doctorate; Graduate College, master of arts, master of science, doctorate; George Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, masters in public administration, environmental studies; College

of Health Sciences and Professions: masters in food and nutrition science, exercise physiology clinical, athletic training, nursing, audiology, doctor of physical therapy, speech and language pathology, doctorate, community health services, public health, family studies, child and family studies, social work, physician assistant practice; and Center for International Studies, master of arts.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: Ohio University offers an array of graduate programs in disciplines ranging from communication and fine arts to engineering and business. These represent both onsite programs located on the Athens campus and several regional campuses, as well as a variety of online options. Of particular interest to business professionals, the online MBA offers four areas of concentration. The

program is housed in the College of Business and ranked 115th among Best Online MBA Programs by U.S. News and World Report. The master of public administration, offered through the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, is another program to note. Ranked as 39th of the Top 50 Most Innovative Public Service Schools in the country, the Voinovich School was also recently elevated into the top 100 U.S. News and World Report Best Public Affairs Grad Schools. The MPA is offered in three formats: traditional on-campus, executive format for working professionals and online.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Athens, Pickerington, Lancaster, Chillicothe, Dublin ONLINE OPTIONS: The following master’s degrees programs offer online options: business administration, health administration, financial economics, public administration, athletic administration, sports administration, education, nursing, coaching education, electrical engineering, organizational communication and information and technology systems.

SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY Portsmouth 740-351-3177 graduate_center@shawnee.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: The institution offers three master’s programs: a master of education, intervention specialist (mild/moderate K-12); a master of science in mathematics; and a master of occupational therapy.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: The master of education prepares educators to be learner-centered and to think critically, act ethically, communicate effectively and work collaboratively to meet the diverse needs of all students. The master of science in mathematics provides professionals -- particularly high school teachers -- with an accessible degree program that allows them to complete a graduate degree in mathematics while maintaining their current employment. The program also provides high school teachers with prior master’s degrees in a content area other than mathematical sciences to become qualified to teach dual-credit courses by completing 18 credit hours in their content area.

The master of occupational therapy is a six-semester, full-time, hands-on entry-level program. A graduate degree in occupational therapy includes coursework focusing on theoretical constructs and their application to clinical practice, research competen-

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Learn more at go.jcu.edu/graduate

cies and professional leadership skills. Graduates are able to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Inc. The bachelor’s to master’s 3+2 is designed for incoming freshmen who want to fast-track their master of occupational therapy degree.

This specialty 3+2 degree offers a bachelor’s in health and occupation and, pending completion, students are admitted into the master of occupational therapy program. The 3+2 degree is a selective program.

Acceptance is not guaranteed.

BusinessWeek’s Top Part-Time MBA Program. U.S. News & World Report ranked Wright State University’s online master of nursing degree as among the best online graduate education programs in the nation in 2013. In its Best Graduate Schools 2014 edition, U.S. News ranked Wright State’s College of Nursing and Health program at 38th.

are available in master of arts in financial economics; MBA; master of health and human services; master of respiratory care; master of science in criminal justice; criminal justice management and program planning; master of science in engineering; master of science in teacher education; and early childhood education.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus

PRIVATE

ONLINE OPTIONS: Wright State offers online classes in 14 programs, including a fully online MBA.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus ONLINE OPTIONS: Education is offered in a blended format, with students attending campus two to three times per semester, as needed. Math is 80% to 90% online, with students attending campus two times per semester.

WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY Dayton 937-775-2976 wsugrad@wright.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Wright State offers the following graduate studies within the following schools: Boonshoft School of Medicine; School of Professional Psychology; College of Liberal Arts; College of Education and Human Services; College of Nursing; College of Science and Mathematics; College of Engineering and Computer Science; and Raj Soin College of Business.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: Wright State University’s graduate school offers more than 80 master’s programs with cutting-edge research, outstanding faculty, educational opportunities and connections to the world. The Boonshoft School of Medicine was honored with a Top Ten Award from the American Academy of Family Physicians for being among the top medical schools in the nation with the highest percentage of graduates who chose to enter family medicine after graduation. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Benchmark Performance Measures, the School of Medicine ranks in the 99th percentile for the number of graduates who practice in primary care. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Wright State’s online master of education degree in curriculum and instruction as No. 31 in the nation among online graduate education programs. Wright State’s part-time MBA program has been recognized in the Bloomberg

CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF MUSIC YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY Youngstown 330-941-3091 gradcollege@ysu.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: The following colleges offer graduate studies: Beeghly College of Education; Bitonte College of Health and Human Services; College of Creative Arts and Communication; College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences; College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Williamson College of Business Administration.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: Youngstown State University offers a broad variety of advanced degrees, including 44 master’s degrees, three doctoral degrees and 15 certificate programs. In addition to the on-campus programs, which offer students hands-on laboratory and research access, there are seven programs offered 100% online to meet the needs of students with personal/professional commitments or who are in geographic locations best served by this more flexible educational format. The university’s 1,300 graduate students have the opportunity to build relationships with graduate faculty and contribute to the research conducted at the school.

This provides students with the professional and personal interaction needed to develop their potential in addition to increasing career mobility.

Among other accolades, Youngstown State master’s programs in financial economics, counseling, early childhood education and engineering have been recently recognized and nationally ranked by industry publications. Youngstown State’s College of Graduate Studies continues to expand to meet the growing demand for advanced-degree professionals in the global workforce.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus ONLINE OPTIONS: Online options

Cleveland 216-795-3107 admission@cim.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Master of music in performance; doctor of musical arts in performance; professional studies diploma; artist diploma.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: The Cleveland Institute of Music is one of seven independent music conservatories in the country and is known for superior orchestral, chamber, composition, voice and opera music programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

CIM cultivates new generations of young musicians through an immersive and creative educational process. CIM’s world-renowned faculty, which includes principals of the Cleveland Orchestra, is dedicated to mentoring students toward successful performing and professional careers in the musical arts.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus ONLINE OPTIONS: None

HIRAM COLLEGE Hiram 330-569-5161 mais@hiram.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: A master of arts in interdisciplinary studies.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: The Hiram College master of arts degree in interdisciplinary studies allows students to explore areas of study without the boundaries of typical discipline-based graduate programs, which helps to prepare them for a job market that demands a broad set of skills. As part of the Hiram

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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT GRADUATE PROGRAMS: BW offers the following graduate programs: master of business administration, master of arts in education, leadership in higher education, school social work, physician assistant and speech-language pathology.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: BW’s MBA allows working professionals to complete a graduate degree in two years on a part-time schedule.

Students can enroll for evening classes, the Saturday-only program or the online, hybrid MBA. The general systems MBA features specialized tracks in management, data analytics, entrepreneurship, human resources, international business and sustainability. In addition, students can opt for an MBA in accounting or health care, or choose the execuBALDWIN WALLACE tive MBA for experienced managers.

UNIVERSITY The master of arts in education Berea also is a part-time program. Teach440-826-8002 ers can earn an additional license wgerhard@bw.edu or endorsement in as little as 14 months or complete the entire master’s degree in two years. All master of education programs—literacy, mild/moderate educational needs, school leadership and technology integration — are offered in both an online and traditional-seated format. BW’s online graduate programs in business and education are ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. BW’s newest graduate programs are aimed at Northeast Ohio’s expanding health care sector. The physician assistant and speech language pathology programs are full-time, two-year programs leading to a master’s degree and professional licensure. In addition, BW offers a oneyear accelerated bachelor of science in nursing for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.

CLASS LOCATIONS: All programs are offered on the Berea campus. Some MBA programs are offered at Corporate College East, Cuyahoga Community College ONLINE OPTIONS: Master of arts in education in literacy, school leadership, special education and technology integration; and a hybrid MBA, which requires seven weekends on campus in a two-year program, but the majority of the work is online.

master of arts in interdisciplinary studies program, students will go beyond the exploration of a single field of study. Instead, they’ll integrate multiple. Semesters are divided into two, eight-week terms during which students take blended courses -- part online and part on-campus.

Coursework is broken up into three distinct sections: interdisciplinary coursework, which is an introduction to the interdisciplinary learning that guides students as they begin to develop the question that will ultimately frame their capstone research; discipline-based coursework, in which students will explore how scholars of various disciplines raise critical questions and how they approach the research to answer them; and lastly, students work with a faculty adviser as they begin answering their chosen capstone question based on the research models studied in their interdisciplinary and discipline-based course work.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus ONLINE OPTIONS: All courses are offered in a blended format -- part online and part on-campus.

NOTRE DAME COLLEGE South Euclid 216-373-6337 gradadmissions@ndc.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Master of education, mild intervention specialist license and degree, educational leadership, master’s with a reading endorsement (dyslexia certification can be obtained); master of arts in national security and intelligence studies; and master of science in nursing education.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: The Finn Center for Online and Adult Programs offers professionals seeking master’s degree opportunities to commit to new personal benchmarks, create a meaningful program of studies and contribute to the Northeast Ohio community. The Notre Dame College online master’s programs, with two academic terms in fall,

spring and summer, allow a student to take between six and 12 courses in an academic year depending on the individual’s personal goals and commitment. The institution offers a post-graduate program in education and certificate programs.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus ONLINE OPTIONS: Master of education programs are hybrid or online; all courses in both the master of arts in national security and intelligence studies and master of nursing education programs are online.

OBERLIN COLLEGE Oberlin 440-775-8413 conservatory.admissions@ oberlin.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: The Oberlin Conservatory of Music offers a master of contemporary chamber music; master of music in performance on historical instruments; master of music in teaching; artist diploma; and master of music in choral conducting or instrumental conducting.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: Oberlin Conservatory’s graduate programs are intended for highly advanced students of exceptional artistic and creative potential. Students in these programs have access to full scholarships. The masters of music teaching program is a 14-month degree program, beginning each June, leading to initial teaching licensure in pre-K-12 music education. Field experiences focus on public school and community music school teaching.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Oberlin ONLINE OPTIONS: None.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY Tiffin 800-968-6446, ext. 3401 grad@tiffin.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: An MBA degree is offered with concentrations in finance, general management, health care administration, human resource management, international business, leadership, marketing, nonprofit management and sports management. The master of education degree offers concentrations in educational tech management, higher education ad-

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT GRADUATE PROGRAMS: College of Arts and Sciences offerings include a master of arts, master of arts/doctor of laws, master of science, master of fine arts, master’s in integrated graduate studies and a doctorate. Case School of Engineering includes 15 master of science degree programs, including a master’s in engineering and management and a doctor of philosophy. The Weatherhead School of Management includes an EMBA; MBA; master of engineering and management; master of science in positive organization development and change; MSM in finance; health care; operations or research; and supply chain management; a doctorate in management, organizational behavior and operations research. Degrees through the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences CASE WESTERN include a master of nonprofit RESERVE UNIVERSITY management, master of science Cleveland in social administration and a 216-368-4390 doctorate. Several degrees and gradstudies@case.edu specialties are offered through the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, including master of science in nursing, neonatal nurse practitioner, women’s health nurse practitioner and doctor of nursing practice. At the School of Dental Medicine, degrees include the master of clinical research, DMD/ master’s in public health and doctor of dental medicine. At the School of Law, degrees include executive master of arts in financial integrity, master of patent practice and doctor of juridical science in health law.

The School of Medicine degrees include master of arts, master of public health, master of pathology, master of nutrition and doctorates.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: Case Western Reserve placed three degree programs in the nation’s Top 10 in the 2016 U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of graduate programs. The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing master’s degree program ranks eighth, and its doctor of nursing practice is fifth. The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences ranks ninth in social work master’s degree programs. The School of Law is ninth in health law and 11th in international law. The School of Medicine ranks in the Top 25 for research-oriented medical schools.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus ONLINE OPTIONS: Master of science in social administration, master’s degrees and certificates in engineering

ministration and teaching English as a second language. The master of humanities program offers concentrations in arts and visual media, communication, creative writing, English and film studies. The master of science in criminal justice has concentrations in crime analysis, criminal behavior, homeland security administration and justice administration. The master of science also offers a concentration in psychology.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: Tiffin University faculty members hold graduate degrees from some of the nation’s most distinguished colleges and universities, have served in executive and mid-level management in various industries, corporations, federal law enforcement, intelligence and military organizations. The Graduate Student Services Office assists graduate students with registration, advising and other concerns. The Career Development Office provides guidance for students and alumni during their career development pro-

cess by providing self-assessment, career exploration and career preparation resources. Academic programs at Tiffin University are authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Tiffin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

MBA degrees are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus ONLINE OPTIONS: All classes are available online.

UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION Alliance 800-334-6682 admission@mountunion.edu

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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Schools offering graduate programs are the Boler School of Business and College of Arts and Science.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: The College of Arts and Sciences offers more than 20 graduate degree programs. Master’s degree options include advanced studies in education, biology, business, clinical mental health counseling, educational psychology, English, humanities, initial teacher licensure, mathematics, school counseling, school psychology and theology and religious studies. Graduate studies also offer degrees in communication management and nonprofit administration. The Boler School of Business offers four graduate programs. The part-time MBA program is for those who have two or more years of professional work experience and are planning to take classes on a part-time basis.

JOHN CARROLL The 5th Year Boler MBA program is UNIVERSITY for recent college graduates from University Heights any institution, regardless of major.

216-397-1970 Students can finish the degree in ktibbs@jcu.edu 12 months if they complete certain undergraduate business classes before entering the program. The master of science in accountancy prepares students for careers in accounting and for licensure as CPAs. The master of science in laboratory administration is designed to prepare laboratory personnel to grow a laboratory as a business. U.S. News & World Report ranks John Carroll among the top 10 universities in the Midwest offering master’s degrees. U.S. News & World Report ranks the part-time Boler MBA program with the Top 10 in Ohio.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus

GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Mount Union offers a master of science in physician assistant studies, master of arts in educational leadership and doctor of physical therapy.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: The school’s five-year first-time taker average pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination is 96%, or two points higher than the national average. The institution ranked No. 57 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Ohio by U.S. News and World Report for best graduate schools for physician assistants.

The master of arts in educational leadership is a two-year blended program, offering a combination of convenience and connection with online coursework during the traditional academic year and an intensive seven-day on-campus session each summer. That program includes a year-long supervised graduate internship in a school district. The Doctor of Physical Therapy is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2016, pending the appropriate approvals. Mount Union also has a new state-of-the-art science facility as well as working relationships with the Cleveland Clinic (Medical Technology Program), Alliance Community Hospital and Canton and Youngstown area hospitals.

ONLINE OPTIONS: The business statistics course is fully online.

ONLINE OPTIONS: The master of

Trusted Advisors. Respected Advocates.

arts in educational leadership is online during the academic year, with an on-campus summer residency.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN OHIO Lima 419-998-3120 jcary@unoh.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: MBA HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: The MBA program offers a one-nightper-week program and a fully online program. The MBA program can be completed in 18 months. The curriculum prepares individuals holding bachelor’s degrees to contribute to the success of their organizations through the enhancement of their management skills. Courses include legal and ethical environment of business, organizational behavior for managers, executive leadership, global business issues and strategies, along with accounting, finance, marketing and production and operations.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus ONLINE OPTIONS: All classes are available online.

SM

URSULINE COLLEGE Pepper Pike 440-646-8119 graduateadmissions@ursuline.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Counseling and art therapy; historic preservation; liberal studies; theological and pastoral studies; educational administration; master apprenticeship program for teachers (initial licensure); MBA; master of science in nursing; and doctor of nursing practice.

Helping students get the education they deserve Everyone has the right to an education and at McCarthy Lebit, we advocate on behalf of students of all ages from grade schools to graduate programs.

If you or your college student is facing an academic charge of misconduct, Title IX claim or other higher education matter, McCarthy Lebit’s education law practice is here to help.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: Classes are scheduled with a choice of weekdays, evenings and weekends; semester-long and executive formats; as well as hybrid courses, combining both in-class and online learning. All graduate programs include hands-on experiences, where students will apply classroom learning to their field. Students also complete a capstone project that will further integrate all they have learned during the program.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Pepper Pike, Holden University Center at Lakeland Community College.

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LAKE ERIE COLLEGE Painesville 855-GOSTORM admissions@lec.edu GRADUATE PROGRAMS: MBA, master of education, master of science in physician assistant studies.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACCOLADES: The Parker MBA is one of the most popular graduate degree programs at Lake Erie College.

The program is practical, flexible, affordable and regarded by employers. Students may choose from one of several convenient degree tracks, with an accelerated option available for degree completion in 11 months. Specialized concentrations also are available, including concentrations in health care administration and information technology management. Faculty members have prestigious academic credentials and have been leaders in the business world, providing an opportunity for students to develop valuable contacts. Lake Erie College offers a lifelong learning guarantee, allowing graduates of the Parker MBA program to continue taking MBA courses at no charge for the rest of their lives. The Parker MBA program is among the less than 10% of programs worldwide that have earned accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Main campus, Holden University Center of Lakeland Community College, Kirtland ONLINE OPTIONS: Students have the option of taking selected courses online.

ONLINE OPTIONS: Some courses are hybrid, while others are completely online.

Inquiries for inclusion in this directory were sent to all public colleges and universities in Ohio, as well as to all private institutions within Crain’s Northeast Ohio coverage area. All information included has been provided by the schools.

Sponsor schools are highlighted.