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Students at 91̽�� who graduate early or have one more year of NCAA eligibility are realizing that one of the best ways they can use that available time on campus academically is to pursue an online master of communication degree.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve had students and student athletes realize that the fully online, one year master of communication program is the perfect way to make the most of the year they have available, due to its flexibility, and compatibility with other majors,” said Scripps College of Communication Director of E-Learning Brittany Peterson.

The program allows you to stack certificates to earn a master’s degree. It gives you the ability to learn at your own pace and create a customized set of skills and competencies which will advance your career whether you work in a communication-related field or in healthcare, public service, education, or the corporate world. Students can enroll and begin the program in fall, spring, or summer. Seven-week courses also allow students the opportunity for a break midsemester.

, BSN ’23, MC ’24, came to 91̽�� from Atlanta, Georgia to play volleyball. She was red-shirted as a freshman, which meant she would start playing her four years of volleyball during her sophomore year. So, when she completed her nursing degree in 2023, she still had one more year on campus.

“For my 5th year, I wanted to do something that could tie in with my nursing degree,” said O’Farrell. “I learned from a former coach about the online master in communication program. I liked how flexible it was so that it did not conflict with my volleyball schedule, and I was able to get a certificate in crisis communication as well. I thought that if I ever wanted to move out of nursing, this degree and the certificate would help me move into the public relations side of healthcare.”

But O’Farrell quickly discovered there were many other ways she could use the knowledge learned in this degree program to support her nursing career.

“We learned about facilitating difficult conversations, and I knew that would be tremendously helpful as a nurse,” said O’Farrell. “It also helped me learn about myself, how I communicate and how other people communicate.”

O’Farrell is now working as part of the cardiovascular unit at a hospital in Georgia and has already found the skills she learned in the master’s program useful.

“Instead of getting frustrated if I can’t get through to a patient, I take a step back and think about if maybe they communicate another way,” said O’Farrell.

During her final OHIO volleyball season, O’Farrell received several academic and athletic honors including being named First Team All-MAC, Academic All-MAC and MAC East Co-Offensive Player of the Week. She highly recommends the program to other athletes with one more year of eligibility.

“The program is challenging, but you are able to handle it with athletics,” said O’Farrell. “That flexibility is so important.”