A Legacy of excellence,founded in 1870, The Ohio State University (OSU) is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive public research institutions in the United States. Located in Columbus, Ohio, OSU has consistently ranked among the top national universities for its academic rigor, research capabilities, and global impact. The university is home to over 60,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional disciplines and boasts a world-class faculty of distinguished scholars and industry experts.
Ohio State is renowned not only for its sprawling, energetic campus life and Big Ten athletics but also for its commitment to innovation in education. As part of this commitment, OSU has embraced online learning, creating flexible, accessible, and high-quality graduate programs that cater to both working professionals and international learners. These online master’s programs are designed with the same academic excellence and integrity that define the university’s on-campus offerings, ensuring students receive a top-tier education no matter where they are in the world.
Comprehensive List of Ohio State University Online Master’s Programs
Ohio State’s online master’s programs span a variety of disciplines, designed to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce. Each program is developed in collaboration with faculty experts and industry leaders to provide career-relevant knowledge and skills.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most sought-after online master’s degrees available at OSU:
1. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
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Specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and more.
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Format: 100% online, part-time options available.
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Ideal for: Licensed RNs seeking career advancement in advanced practice roles.
2. Master of Public Health (MPH) – Program for Experienced Professionals
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Focus Areas: Health behavior and health promotion, public health leadership, epidemiology.
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Format: Part-time, fully online.
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Ideal for: Mid-career professionals in public health or healthcare settings.
3. Master of Social Work (MSW)
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Tracks: Traditional and Advanced Standing.
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Format: Online with field placement requirements.
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Ideal for: Students looking to work in clinical or community-based social work roles.
4. Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology
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Focus: Clinical and pre-clinical drug development.
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Format: Fully online, flexible part-time options.
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Ideal for: Scientists, researchers, and clinicians interested in pharmaceutical research.
5. Master of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education
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Format: Online with customizable curriculum.
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Ideal for: Educators, extension professionals, and agri-business experts.
6. Master of Arts in Art Education
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Format: Online with occasional on-campus residency optional.
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Ideal for: Licensed art educators seeking to deepen their teaching practice.
7. Master of Global Engineering Leadership (MGEL)
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Specializations: Enterprise services, manufacturing, leadership and management.
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Format: Online and part-time.
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Ideal for: Engineers moving into leadership or executive roles.
8. Master of Learning Technologies
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Focus: Educational technology and instructional design.
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Format: Fully online, flexible pacing.
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Ideal for: Teachers, instructional designers, and corporate trainers.
9. Master in Plant Health Management
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Focus: Integrated pest management, plant pathology, and crop protection.
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Format: Online with optional field experiences.
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Ideal for: Agricultural professionals, consultants, and researchers.
10. Master of Healthcare Innovation
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Focus: Leading change in healthcare systems and practices.
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Format: 100% online, part-time flexibility.
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Ideal for: Healthcare administrators, clinicians, and entrepreneurs.
Flexibility for Local and International Students
One of the standout features of OSU’s online master’s programs is the built-in flexibility tailored for working professionals, parents, military personnel, and international students. Many programs offer asynchronous learning, allowing students to access lectures, assignments, and course materials at their own pace. This structure enables part-time enrollment, typically taking two to three years to complete a degree, depending on the student’s availability.
International students benefit from the fully online delivery model, as it eliminates the need for travel and visa sponsorship. Time zone differences are considered in course planning, and faculty members are accessible through digital office hours, discussion boards, and email.
Local students who live within driving distance of the Columbus campus can also participate in optional in-person residencies, networking events, or labs when offered—further enhancing the learning experience.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying to an online master’s program at Ohio State University is straightforward but requires careful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide for prospective students:
1. Choose a Program
Visit Ohio State Online and browse the complete list of graduate programs. Evaluate program formats, admission requirements, course content, and career pathways.
2. Review Admission Requirements
While requirements vary by program, most will ask for:
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A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
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A minimum GPA (usually 3.0 or above)
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Transcripts from all previously attended schools
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A resume or CV
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A statement of purpose or personal essay
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Letters of recommendation (typically 2–3)
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GRE or other test scores (may be optional for some programs)
International applicants will also need:
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Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)
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Credential evaluations for non-U.S. degrees
3. Submit Online Application
Applications must be submitted through the Graduate Admissions portal on the Ohio State website. Be mindful of program-specific deadlines, which can differ by semester.
4. Await Admission Decision
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the department and Graduate School. Applicants typically receive decisions within 4–6 weeks.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities
Ohio State offers various forms of financial support for online graduate students, although availability varies by program and student status.
1. Federal Financial Aid
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for federal student loans by completing the FAFSA. This is often the primary funding source for part-time students.
2. Scholarships for Online Students
Some online programs offer merit-based or need-based scholarships, such as:
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The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) for MSN students.
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Public Health Leadership Scholarships for MPH candidates.
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Program-specific grants or endowed awards within individual colleges.
Students should check with their academic department for current opportunities.
3. Graduate Assistantships
While less common for online students, some programs offer remote teaching or research assistantships that come with tuition waivers and stipends.
4. Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Many students fund their studies through employer-sponsored tuition assistance programs. OSU can provide documentation for employer reimbursement processes.
5. External Scholarships
Students are encouraged to explore:
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FastWeb
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Scholarships.com
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American Association of University Women (AAUW)
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National Science Foundation (NSF) Grants
International students may also explore scholarship programs through their governments or organizations like Fulbright and Chevening.
Tuition Fees and Cost Breakdown
Tuition costs at Ohio State vary by program, but here’s a general idea of what online students can expect:
| Program | Cost per Credit Hour | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| MSN | $973 | $30,000–$40,000 |
| MPH | $868 | $31,000–$35,000 |
| MSW | $812 | $29,000–$34,000 |
| MGEL | $1,110 | $35,000–$40,000 |
| MLT | $760 | $24,000–$30,000 |
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Online fees may apply, usually $100–$300 per semester.
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Textbooks and materials are additional.
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In-state vs. out-of-state tuition typically does not apply for online programs, making the cost equal for local and international students.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Graduates of Ohio State University’s online master’s programs join a powerful alumni network of over 580,000 Buckeyes across the globe. OSU offers career counseling, resume assistance, virtual job fairs, and alumni mentorship programs to help graduates excel in their fields.
Many online graduates have secured leadership roles in healthcare, education, engineering, government, agriculture, and non-profit organizations—thanks to the real-world skills and credibility earned through their Ohio State degrees.
Start your journey today and become a Buckeye on your terms, on your schedule, and on your path to success, CLICK HERE.
