How an Online College of Business Master's Degree Benefits Student-Athletes
Being a student-athlete adds a layer of complexity to the college experience. In addition to a full course load, student-athletes must also balance practices, games and workout routines.
However, despite the increased pressure that comes with student athletics, graduates who have participated in college sports tend to experience higher rates of positive long-term life outcomes.
According to a study of NCAA athletes conducted by Gallop, 24% of NCAA student-athletes who graduated between 1990 and 2019 are thriving at the highest levels compared with non-athletes at 19%. In addition, 39% of NCAA student-athletes went on to earn an advanced degree compared with 32% of non-athletes.
Fortunately, the rise of quality online master's degree programs offers a great opportunity for those looking to balance an extra busy schedule.
Keegan Wilburn, football player and OHIO master’s in management graduate, found that an online degree aligns with the time and resource management traits that many student-athletes possess. Here are some of the ways an online program can fit your needs.
Flexibility and Personal Time Management
Ohio University’s online Master of Science in Management (MSM) program allowed Wilburn the opportunity to complete his degree on a schedule that worked for him while still ensuring he got the personalized attention he wanted.
“One of the reasons I chose this College of Business master's program was doing it online seemed very manageable for me, doing what I do outside of school with sports. It made a lot of sense in that regard,” Wilburn explained.
Even with the flexibility, he does believe that online learning takes commitment and good time management skills. It also helps to surround yourself with peers and faculty who will apply their management and leadership experience to support your growth as an aspiring manager.
“If I was giving advice to anybody about how to balance a really busy schedule and how to make sure everything gets done, it is to lean on the people around you and learn from others’ mistakes. I had so many good conversations. You definitely have to be a critical time manager,” Wilburn said.
Customizable and Hands-on Learning Experience
Before choosing an online program, ensure that it fits your needs and will be applicable to your goals. OHIO's online MSM program allows you to customize your online curriculum by choosing two additional graduate certificate options and picking a capstone project dedicated to your career goals. Students can graduate from the online master’s degree program with three graduate certificates in addition to their degree and solid progress in their workplace or career.
Just because a program is online doesn’t mean that you can’t get essential hands-on experience and networking. Many online programs provide valuable opportunities to build relationships and access real-world scenarios. Be sure to look at all the opportunities available to you. At OHIO's College of Business, Wilburn was part of a community of faculty and peers who supported him and ensured he had the resources and guidance to achieve his goals.
Being motivated and interested in his education also helped Wilburn succeed. “You have to have curiosity because if you just go through classes and do the coursework, you don’t really apply yourself anywhere else. That’s all you’re going to get out of it. Just don’t leave any stone unturned,” he advised.
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Accessibility, Networking and Collaboration
When choosing an online program, ask about what kind of access you’ll have to students and faculty. Not all online programs are created equally when it comes to collaboration.
Luckily for Wilburn, with OHIO’s online MSM, students become part of a vibrant community that values personal and professional growth. Some of the benefits of an online degree for Wilburn included learning from renowned strategy consultants, organizational psychologists, economists, decision scientists and Fortune 500 talent development experts. These professionals didn’t just teach his courses – they were available to answer questions and offer advice.
Wilburn felt that he mattered to his professors and wasn’t just a number in a spreadsheet. “The thing that I notice about this master's in management program is how small the class sizes are and how personal everything seems. You’re only an email, call or text away from any of these professors, and they all care. None of them are putting you on the back burner,” he said.
Take advantage of all opportunities for meaningful connections within the online program you choose. OHIO's MSM program offers students personalized and executive-group career coaching, the Executive Mentorship program and professional development sessions led by industry experts.
Look at what graduates have achieved as well. When Wilburn chose OHIO as his school, he felt confident he could do it because he knew others had succeeded. “There was a pipeline of people who had done it before me, and they were successful,” he said.
Begin an Online MSM from Ohio University
If you are looking for a quality online master’s degree, look no further than OHIO.
“It’s real. It’s authentic. It’s not a facade. It is a true, valuable experience,” Wilburn said.
Whether you plan to be a student-athlete or not, the online Master of Science in Management program at OHIO offers a wealth of opportunity to all students. In 12 to 24 months, you can cultivate your leadership style, become a transformational leader and earn career-focused graduate certificates alongside your MSM degree.
Ohio University’s online MSM program offers a comprehensive and transformative journey toward leadership excellence. Take the first step today and unlock a world of opportunities for career advancement and personal development.
About Keegan Wilburn
Keegan Wilburn is a 2024 graduate of the Master of Science in Management program at Ohio University and a college football player. In 2022, he appeared in 13 games as a kick returner averaging 24 yards per kick return, recorded the third-longest kickoff return for a touchdown in program history at 98 yards against Fordham and represented the Bobcats on All-MAC First Team Specialists. In addition to football, he's also competed in track & field and basketball. In his free time, he enjoys producing music and collecting sneakers.
Related Resources
- Benefits of Choosing an Online MSM Degree
- MSM vs. MBA: What is the Best Master’s Degree for Managers?
- How OHIO University Fosters a Spirit of Entrepreneurship
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