Special Section: Advanced Degree Guide

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FINDING YOUR PERFECT FIT How to find an advanced degree program that works for you

By Katie Annarino

PHOTO: ISTOCK/ ISMAGILOV

Pursuing an advanced degree can be a very rewarding, but very serious, undertaking.

Whether you are considering an exciting industry switch or interested in catapulting to the next level in your current career path, your enthusiasm about taking that next step may quickly wane when you face the overwhelming process of finding the right program, making sure you have necessary prerequisites, knowing when and how to apply, and more.

Solution? Divide and conquer.

Choosing a reputable program that’s right for you is as easy as A, B, C.

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Captial University

Pursuing an advanced degree can be a big financial commitment, so it is essential to do a cost-benefit analysis of what the additional degree or certificate will mean for your career.

Not all degrees are created equal. Earning a master’s degree or Ph.D. doesn’t automatically equate to a promotion or a higher-paying job; however, certain degrees can give employees a quantifiable edge. For example, a master’s of business administration typically produces a high return on investment.

“The MBA is the most popular of Franklin’s many graduate programs,” says Sherry Mercurio, executive director of the Office of Community Relations at Franklin University.

“Students learn from real-world practitioners and are able to complete the program on-site or online in as few as 14 months.”

Researching how a specific degree will make you more marketable is a good start, but having a face-to-face meeting with the people behind the program is invaluable.

That is why many institutions, including Ohio Dominican University and Ohio State University, offer free information sessions that present prospective students with infor-

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mation about various programs and give them the opportunity to meet with faculty and program directors.

“Above all, talk with the program or programs that you are interested in. Not all are set up to accommodate a mid-career student, but quite a few are and will welcome you and your experience in their program,” says Matthew B. Page, assistant dean of the graduate school at OSU. Attending an information session gives you a chance to ask hard questions: How will this degree make me more appealing in the job market? What networking opportunities do you provide? What are your students’ success rates?

If the people within the program struggle to find an answer, you’ve got yours.

Something else you will want to consider is that you will be writing the name of the institution on your resume for years to come, so it is important to research the reputation of that institution.

Dr. Carson Castleman, vice president of regional education and innovation at Indiana Wesleyan University—which has a Columbus Education Center with select masters’ programs—recommends that a prospective student search for a degree at a regionally accredited organization, noting that they are

“held to a high standard of academic excellence and student success.”

It also helps to attend an institution that is well-known for your particular program. For example, Capital University Law School has developed a strong reputation, especially for public law. If you are considering law school, other things you might want to know are the institution’s tier ranking.

Finally, research the projected growth in your chosen field. For example, employment for lawyers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016–2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

BALANCE While career advancement is important, it is also essential to consider how this decision will impact your personal life. Any graduate or Ph.D. program is an investment of time, resulting in less time spent at work or with family or friends.

Institutions of higher education are aware that many students pursuing advanced degrees are already balancing full-time positions, marriages and children, and many work to address this balancing act with options such as online courses.

Each institution offers something unique to ease the burden on these students. For

PHOTO: COURTESY CAPITAL UNIVERSITY

ADVANCEMENT

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE LEADING PRACTICE, LEADING CHANGE Customize your program to pursue advanced nursing, executive leadership or specialized certificates Connect with a professional learning community at a diverse and military-friendly university Collaborate with mentors, faculty and nursing leaders across the country to enhance advanced clinical nursing or executive skills Online coursework that allows you to earn your DNP on a flexible schedule*

College of Health Sciences and Professions

Apply by July 31, 2019 and Ohio University will waive your application fee!

To receive the fee waiver code, please email nursing@ohio.edu and provide your name and email address by July 1, 2019.** An OHIO nursing representative will contact you within 24 hours (normal business hours) with your code.

The Ohio University Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers a hands-on, high-quality concentration in advanced clinical or executive practice, combining professional real-world scenarios with innovative teaching methods tailored toward each student’s needs and goals.

Available as BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP programs.

Fall classes begin Aug. 26, 2019.

For more information visit

www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/graduate/doctorate Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution. For more information about Ohio University’s policies prohibiting discrimination, including grievance procedures, visit www.ohio.edu/equity-civil-rights. ©2019 Ohio University. *Online with just a few visits to campus over the course of the program. **Certain terms and restrictions apply.

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Indiana Wesleyan University

Everybody has a different learning style, so while there might be a lot of ease with one option, it’s important to realize that online isn’t for everybody.”

Mayo recommends sitting in on a class to get a feel for the program. You also could contact the program you are considering and request contact information for a current student. It’s beneficial to get a firsthand, realistic account of what your day-to-day will be like once you enter graduate school.

COST One of the most important factors to consider before pursuing an advanced degree

is the price tag. Whatever the program’s sticker price, there are a few questions every prospective student should consider.

For starters, are there any discounts available for you? Some institutions partner with various companies to offer discounts to students who are employees of those companies.

“For some of our programs, we have discounts through local businesses. For example, we have a partnership with Huntington, and through that students can receive a small percentage off of their tuition,” says Mayo.

Something else worth pursuing is information regarding tuition reimbursement, which

PHOTO: COURTESY INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

example, due to their smaller enrollment, Capital University, ODU and Otterbein University offer smaller class enrollment, which translates into more individual attention and opportunities for class participation.

On the other hand, larger universities like OSU can offer support on a larger scale, including peer support in the form of graduate organizations. There are more than 1,200 student organizations at OSU, and many of those are specifically for graduate students.

“Adult graduate students may also have to face an educational environment that is different from what they may have last encountered,” says Page. “Higher ed has changed a lot in a short time, and that can be jarring. This, coupled with a cohort that may be younger and have more time to pursue research, can make the feeling of belonging harder to achieve.”

Institutions like Franklin make themselves appealing to busy working professionals by offering multiple start dates throughout the year, so students can enroll when it’s convenient for them.

“We understand that earning a degree takes commitment, time management and most importantly, the tools and resources that students need to reach the finish line,” says Mercurio.

In addition to flexible start dates, graduate courses at Franklin and OSU offer variable course lengths, which means students can complete courses and earn their degrees at a faster pace if they choose.

“We also have a number of programs created to attract working professionals, like those for the MBA, human resource management, public policy, public health and education programs,” says Page of OSU. “There are also master’s programs that are relatively shorter—just one year or 18 months. This can help to reduce the amount of time that a midcareer student is out of the workforce.”

OSU also offers online courses to help students tackle their assignments at their own pace.

“One way to handle a very full schedule is to time-shift the coursework through online courses and programs,” says Page. “Nearly 7 percent of graduate-level course sections are online, and there are nearly 30 online graduate-level programs that are available now or will be available soon.”

Although online options may be appealing for working professionals, it’s also important to be aware of which type of class will set you up for optimal academic success.

“I know online is a popular option,” says Susanna Mayo, director of graduate admissions at Capital, “but I think there is a lot to be said for the face-to-face pieces, too.

PHOTO: COURTESY FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY

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many companies offer to help their employees advance their subject matter expertise.

Several area schools—including OSU, IWU and Capital—will work with your employer to ensure you’re reimbursed appropriately.

This extra step might be time-consuming, but speaking with your employer about this option could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Also, be aware that some schools offer family and military discounts. IWU now offers military preferred tuition, which includes active duty.

“Military preferred pricing is $250 per credit hour for associate and bachelor’s programs and a 25 percent tuition discount on master’s programs,” says Castleman.

Of course, there’s always the traditional routes of federal and state aid, as well as scholarships through the universities themselves.

Do a little research to find out if the program you are considering offers grants, scholarships or assistantships to ease the financial burden.

“From a financial perspective, I recommend working with the financial aid office to help navigate the aid process, identify available scholarships and look into whether or

Franklin University

not your employer offers tuition assistance,” says Mercurio.

Also be aware of unforeseen costs, such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), which is required by some graduate and Ph.D. programs, as well as application fees.

The GRE costs $150 to $205, not including workbooks and other study aids like GRE prep courses. If you are considering applying to several programs, be aware that each application will cost anywhere from $25 to $50.

As you sift through graduate programs, it’s always a good idea to look at the acceptance rate. For example, Capital University Law School has a 40 percent acceptance rate, according to The Princeton Review.

Graduate and Ph.D. programs can be very competitive, so plan accordingly.

Now you’ve done your research, you weighed the cost versus the long-term payout, you made your pros and cons lists, and you may have even mentally prepared for those sleepless nights cramming for exams.

If you have made the informed decision to apply to graduate school, pat yourself on the back. The pursuit of an advanced degree is a challenging, but gratifying, endeavor. And consider this: The rigorous critical thinking and tenacious research skills you’ve utilized to make this difficult decision are the very same skills you will utilize every day in graduate school.

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GET SCHOOLED Compiled by Katie Annarino

An overview of the graduate and doctoral programs available in Central Ohio; tuition rates are in-state for the 2019–20 academic year and do not include room and board or fees, unless otherwise noted.

Ashland University Columbus Center 1900 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Columbus; 614-794-0803; ashland.edu/administration/ campuses-and-locations/columbus-center Advanced degrees offered: Standard and one-year international MBA, Master of Education, Executive Doctorate in Leadership Studies Tuition: $33,900 all-inclusive tuition, oneyear international MBA and online accelerated programs; $815/credit hour, all other MBA programs; $555/credit hour, Master of Education; $1,030/credit hour, Executive Doctorate in Leadership Studies 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; 614-236-6500; law.capital.edu Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University: 2199 E. Main St., Columbus; 614-2366856; capital.edu/trinity 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 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/academics/master-fine-arts; ccad.edu/academics/master-design

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Advanced degrees offered: Master’s programs in integrative design, visual arts: new projects Tuition: $17,940/semester 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/degrees/masters; franklin.edu/degrees/doctoral Advanced degrees offered: Master’s degrees in criminal justice administration, computer science, accounting, business psychology, health informatics, human resource management, nursing (including MSN-FNP), instructional design & learning technology, marketing & communication, healthcare administration, public administration, business administration; doctorates in business administration, organizational leadership, healthcare administration, instructional design leadership 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 Dr., Ste. #550, Hilliard; 614529-7550; indwes.edu/adult-graduate/ locations/columbus-oh Advanced degrees offered: Master’s degrees in business, criminal justice, communication, education, general studies, health sciences, nursing, psychology, religious and theological studies, social work Tuition: $546/credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission; North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Religious affiliation: Evangelical Christian Methodist Theological School in Ohio 3081 Columbus Pike, Delaware; 740-3631146; mtso.edu/academics/academicprograms/masters-degree-programs

Advanced degrees offered: Master’s degrees in divinity, theological studies, counseling ministries, practical theology, social justice; Doctor of Ministry Tuition: Master’s programs, $751/credit hour; doctoral, $12,000 if completed in four years Accreditation: Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada Religious affiliation: United Methodist Church Mount Carmel College of Nursing 127 S. Davis Ave., Columbus; 614-2344266; mccn.edu/academics/master-of-science Advanced degrees offered: Master’s programs in adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, nursing administration, nursing education; Doctor of Nursing Practice Tuition: $565/credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission Religious affiliation: Catholic Ohio Christian University 1476 Lancaster Pike, Circleville; additional locations in Chillicothe, Columbus, Grove City and Lancaster; 855-628-4723; ohiochristian.edu/adult-degree-programs Advanced degrees offered: Master’s degrees in leadership, ministry, business administration; dual MBA/MA in ministry degree Tuition: $338–$530/credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission; Teacher Education Accreditation Council; Ohio Department of Higher Education Religious affiliation: Wesleyan tradition Ohio State University 250 University Hall, 230 N. Oval Mall, Columbus; 614-292-6031; gradsch.osu.edu Advanced degrees offered: 97 master’s degree programs and 94 doctoral programs in nearly 150 subject areas Tuition, 2018–19: Most master’s programs, $12,128–$32,843; Master of Public Administration and Leadership, $5,499/semester (including fees); three-semester Master of Business Operational Excellence, $53,612;

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short-term specialized Master of Business programs, $53,083–$56,651; threesemester executive MBA, $98,931; doctoral programs, $12,425–$15,307 Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission

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Ohio Dominican University 1216 Sunbury Road, Columbus; 614-2514615; ohiodominican.edu/future-students/ admissions-aid/graduate-admissions-aid Advanced degrees offered: Master’s programs in English, TESOL, theology, business administration, education, healthcare administration, physician assistant studies, sports management Tuition: $600–$807/credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission; Ohio Department of Higher Education Religious affiliation: Catholic in the Dominican tradition

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Ohio University Dublin Extension Campus 6805 Bobcat Way, Dublin; 614-367-9371; ohio.edu/dublin Advanced degrees offered: Combined Master of Science and Dietetic Internship, Executive Master of Public Administration, Master of Physician Assistant Practice, Professional MBA, Master of Athletic Training, Professional Master Accountancy, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Tuition: $505/credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission Otterbein University 1 S. Grove St., Westerville; 614-823-3210; otterbein.edu/gradschool Advanced degrees offered: Master’s programs in allied health, business administration, education, educational mathematics, teaching, nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Tuition: $559–$650/credit hour; nursing programs, $630–$1,052/credit hour Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission; North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Religious affiliation: United Methodist Church Pontifical College Josephinum 7625 N. High St., Columbus; 614-8855585; pcj.edu/theology Advanced degrees offered: Master’s degrees in divinity and theology Tuition: $38,380 (including room and board) Accreditation: Association of Theological Schools; The Higher Learning Commission; Ohio Board of Regents Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic

For more information visit mccn.edu.

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Artwork: “Dahlia Walk” by Caroline Rowntree

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