Resources and Guides for the Online Student

Graduate Faster with Winter Session Classes

By Conner Mackowiak | December 1, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

For many of our online students, graduating as quickly as possible is a top priority. One great and easy way to do that is through Winter Session classes!

What exactly are Winter Session classes? While most of our programs offer courses in the Fall and Spring semesters, many programs offer courses that can be taken during “off” seasons such as Winter or Summer semesters. These sessions allow students to continue working all year long—making the finish line of graduation arrive even sooner. Here are 3 ways you can use Winter Session to help you graduate even faster!

1. Take advantage of the downtime

It’s no secret that life slows down a little towards the end of the year and the holidays. Many take the time off from work and school to relax and reflect on the past year while planning for the coming year.

You can take advantage of the down time by completing some of your online coursework. While the kids are playing and others are relaxing, you can take a few hours each day to work on assignments and complete a few courses. The time you dedicate now will help you to graduate faster!

2. Enjoy access to UofL resources

UofL students enjoy access to UofL’s vast array of resources, even during the Winter Session! While much of the university shuts down during the winter break, many resources such as library, academic, and technical support are available for our students. This means that you can get the support you need, even during the break!

3. Thrive with an accelerated pace

The Winter Session is a short window; classes start December 13 and end January 4. This means that you’ll complete your class or coursework in about 3 weeks. For those eager to graduate as quickly as possible, this 3-week sprint can save time and money on the pathway to graduation.

Registration for Winter Session is now open. Click here and learn more about how you can graduate faster by taking advantage of our session over this winter break!

You can also learn more about our 60+ fully online programs by clicking here!

New Online Program: Graduate Certificate in Population Health Management

By Gillian Sclafani | October 31, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

The University of Louisville in conjunction with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences is excited to announce the launch of our newest online certificate, the Graduate Certificate in Population Health Management (GCPHM). The online Graduate Certificate in Population Health Management is designed for healthcare professionals who want to gain the strategic knowledge and tools needed to effectively understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare industry across geographic and demographic populations. The online graduate program presents a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of different healthcare populations in which students will learn about the strategies needed to forecast and improve healthcare models, understand the intricacies of patient billing and manage population health within the healthcare industry. This 4-course (12 credit hour) program is ideal for working healthcare professionals who seek to transform or create sustainable models for value-driven accountable care and decision making without taking time away from their careers.

Earning a Graduate Certificate in Population Health Management can be a valuable step toward advancing your career in the field of healthcare and public health. Population health management focuses on improving the health outcomes of a group of individuals, considering the health disparities, social determinants of health, and healthcare delivery systems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), the median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $101,340 in May of 2021. In addition, employment of medical and health service managers is projected to grow by 28% in the next ten years, which is much faster than the average growth for all occupations. A Graduate Certificate in Population Health Management can provide you with the expertise needed to advance into leadership roles within most healthcare organizations. Graduates are well-suited to apply their credentials toward advanced careers in the healthcare field such as; Clinical Managers, Chief Population Health Officers, Health Directors, Medical Managers, and much more.

The certificate program is a 12-credit hour program, with each course delivered in an 8-week format, 100% online. The courses in this certificate program include:

PHMS 505: Government and Management of HCOs : This course seeks to provide the student with an understanding of organizations and leadership from dominant ways of thinking about them to ways informed by a complexity perspective. Course participants will read about and discuss a broad range of perspectives about what constitutes an organization and leadership of it. Particular attention will be given to the organizational experiences of the student and the experience of the class in being together.

PHMS 520: Foundations of Public Health in Health Management : This course is designed to introduce new students in the Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA) to the field of Public Health in the United States. It provides a broad overview of the field of public health. With a population health focus, we look at protecting and promoting the health needs of a community using the tools of public health like the community needs assessment, and including core areas of epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, environmental health, and health care administration as well as introducing students to the Foundational Public Health Knowledge Competencies as prescribed by the Council for Education in Public Health (CEPH).

PHMS 610: Health Policy and Analysis: This course will provide an introduction to managing the health of populations. Population health can be defined by geography and demographics. Examples of defined populations include: the population within the catchment area of a hospital, the members of a health maintenance organization, the persons served by an accountable care organization, and the population employed in a workplace. Improving the health of populations has always been a high priority for public health professionals but has been less of a priority for managers of health care organizations, with their focus on the acute-care needs of individual patients.

PHMS 625: Population Health Management : This course will provide an introduction to managing the health of populations. Population health can be defined by geography and demographics. Examples of defined populations include: the population within the catchment area of a hospital, the members of a health maintenance organization, the persons served by an accountable care organization, and the population employed in a workplace. Improving the health of populations has always been a high priority for public health professionals but has been less of a priority for managers of health care organizations, with their focus on the acute-care needs of individual patients.

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and healthcare management professionals need to adapt to new challenges and technologies. Earning a graduate certificate demonstrates your commitment to staying current in the field and a smart investment in your future. This certificate will equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a dynamic and critical industry while opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities. As healthcare continues to evolve, healthcare managers play an essential role in shaping the future of patient care and healthcare delivery. To learn more about this certificate at UofL, or our other online programs, click here.

Student Spotlight: BS in OLL Student Answers all of our Questions

By Conner Mackowiak | October 30, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

It’s time for another incredible student highlight! Check out this interview with DeAnna O’Connell, a BS in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BS OLL) student and CardinOLL Ambassador. We asked her some questions about her online BS OLL experience—let’s read her responses below!

Q: Why did you select the OLL program?

As a working mother I chose the OLL program because of the flexibility it offers, allowing me to balance my family responsibilities and work commitments while pursuing higher education.

Q: What are you enjoying most about the program?

The dedication I see from not only the professors but my advisors as well. I have always felt supported by the program.

Q: Do you feel the program is providing the skills you need to be successful in your career?

Yes, pursuing my degree in Organizational Learning and Leadership has equipped me with a diverse set of skills crucial in my role as a residency coordinator. Project management, and a deep understanding of organizational behavior and culture has helped me immensely in navigating my role.

Q: Would you recommend the program? Why?

The program offers the support and flexibility I needed as a working mother. I have enjoyed the benefits of achieving my academic goals without the burden of onsite commuting to the classroom.

Q: Where do you call home?

Louisville, Kentucky!

Q: Who is your current employer, and what is your current title?

UofL Health, working as a Title Residency Coordinator in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Physics.

Q: Any additional information you would like to share?

Being out of school for over 25 years and a first-generation student, I was extremely nervous at the thought of enrolling in college. The advisors and professors have supported me in a way that made it possible for me to not only pursue a degree but excel! I will be graduating in December with honors and have joined the National Society of Leadership and Success—none of which I could have achieved without the dedication of the faculty and staff in the OLL program! Go Cards!

We are grateful to DeAnna for her thoughtful answers to our questions and for taking the time to share her experience with us!

You can learn more about the BS OLL degree here.

Finding a new path: How the Master of Arts in Teaching can help you transition into a teaching career

By Caitlin Horsley | October 26, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

Do you dream of being an educator and making a lasting impact in the lives of students, but have been held back by your unrelated undergraduate degree? The good news is that your dream of becoming a teacher is still very much within reach. Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs offer a transformative path for those seeking a career change, enabling you to transition into the world of education and inspire future generations. In this post, we will explore how MAT programs at UofL (like our 100% online Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education and Special Education programs) are breaking barriers for those with undergraduate degrees in unrelated fields.

Opening doors to a new career

First, it’s okay that your undergraduate degree isn’t in a teaching field—you’re in good company here! MAT programs are tailored for individuals with diverse academic backgrounds, providing the essential training and coursework typically needed to receive an initial teaching certification. A teaching certification is your ticket to the classroom, and it can lead to a variety of teaching opportunities in both public and private schools. Programs like ours recognize the drive and new energy that career changers bring to the field of education and ensure they have the tools to succeed.

Note: An MAT program should be designed to ensure that you meet the requirements to teach in your state. As a prospective educator, you should do your homework to make sure any program you’re interested in will meet the licensure requirements of your state.

Building your skills

You’ll study topics like classroom management, curriculum development and educational psychology, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the art and science of teaching. This foundational knowledge is invaluable when transitioning from other professions into the classroom.

Hands-on experience

An emphasis on practical classroom experience is a hallmark of MAT programs; this hands-on experience is invaluable, as it prepares you for the real-world challenges you may face while teaching. You’ll have the opportunity to observe, practice, and hone your teaching skills under the guidance of experienced educators.

Do you want to be in a classroom now? A defining feature of the MAT programs available at UofL is the alternative certification or “alt cert” pathway. The alt cert pathway enables you to immediately seek full-time employment as an early childhood or special education educator in the state of Kentucky. While you must complete the MAT program to receive your master’s degree and your initial teaching certification, once admitted as an alt cert student, you will be granted a temporary, provisional certification allowing you to get started on your new career right away! Specialize in what matters most to you

MAT programs often offer specialization opportunities, allowing you to focus on the grade level or subject area that inspires you the most. We offer two MAT programs 100% online; Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Within the Special Education degree, students can select a specialization of Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD) and Moderate to Severe Disabilities (MSD).

Inspiring life-long learning in others

For those who aspire to be educators, MAT programs represent the beginning of a commitment to lifelong learning. Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about nurturing a love for learning. An MAT program equips you with the tools to inspire your students, encourage their curiosity, and support their intellectual and emotional growth.

Choosing to pursue a MAT program is a decision that holds great promise for both your career and the students you’ll impact. With deeper pedagogical knowledge, specialized expertise, and a commitment to lifelong learning, you’ll be well-prepared to inspire the next generation of learners.

The Summer 202 application deadline for both of our online MAT programs is May 1. If you’re passionate about education and making a difference, the MAT program is your gateway to a fulfilling and transformative career as an educator–don’t wait!

Category: Online Student Resources