Master’s Degree Programs
Every Master’s degree program is designed as a two-year program consisting of 30 graduate-level credit hours of course work (including a six (6) credit-hours research/practicum course). Each program expands on the student’s foundational knowledge obtained from their previous degree(s) and prepares them to specialize in their chosen area. Each master’s degree program includes three required courses, which are consistent with Osiri University’s values, mission, and philosophy. These courses are (i) Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Leadership; (ii) Human Knowledge, Philosophy, and Ethics; and (iii) Research Thesis or Practicum. The course “Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Leadership” highlights culturally and environmentally responsible business practices that support thriving organizations and communities. The course “Human Knowledge, Philosophy and Ethics” focuses on the global application of the Ubuntu philosophy and promotes leadership with a sense of togetherness, purpose, integrity, and justice. The “Research Thesis or Practicum” is a six (6) credit-hours course that delves deeper into a topic of interest through research or practice.
Master of Arts in Entertainment and Performance (School of Humanities)
Program Description
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Entertainment and Performance (MAEP) are trained in theatrical performance, voice, movement, and acting for a career as an instructor or an artist. The training obtained will awaken a student’s creativity and unleash the student’s expressive prowess in theater, singing, acting, and other forms of expression, including directing and production. Additionally, graduates will be able to leverage their skills to tell their own stories and those of others in their communities. The acting practicum of the MA in Entertainment and Performance is a six-credit course dedicated to teaching a professional acting technique called The Chubbuck Technique. The acting practicum exposes students to various acting techniques and allows the students to draw contrasts and make comparisons. Therefore, graduates of this program will meet the Introductory Level as well as the Advanced Level of the Chubbuck Acting Technique and will be on their way towards fulfilling the Masters Level of the Chubbuck Acting Technique, if they so choose.
Admission Requirements
Students must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent and a command of the English Language.
Program Courses
Completing the MAEP degree program requires taking 30 credit hours of course work including six (6) credit hours of an acting practicum. The MAEP consists of a set of required graduate courses and two areas of concentration: (i) Performance and (ii) Entertainment Management. As a bonus, students will automatically earn a Certificate in Performance and a Certificate in Entertainment Management on their journey toward completing their MAEP. With the exception of HUMA 500 and HUMA 580, which are 6 credits and 8 weeks long, the rest of the courses for the MAAP program are 3 credit hours and 5 weeks long courses. The MAEP is designed as a two-year program, however, a determined and highly motivated student may complete it in one year, as shown below. The following course list is subject to change to reflect changing professional practices and landscapes.
Master of Arts in Entertainment and Performance (School of Humanities)
Certificate in Performance (Spring)
Session 1
- HUMA 510 Artist Development and Promotion
Session 2
- HUMA 520 Poetry Performance
Session 3
- HUMA 530 Essentials of Film Acting
Required Core for a Master’s Degree (Summer)
Session 1
- HUMA 580 Practicum (6 credits, 8 weeks) or HUMA 500 Research Thesis (6 credits, 8 weeks)
- BUSA 560 Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Leadership
Session 2
- HUMA 570 Human Knowledge, Philosophy and Ethics
Certificate in Entertainment Management (Fall)
Session 1
- HUMA 540 Licensing and Copyright
Session 2
- HUMA 550 Sound Production and Engineering
Session 3
- HUMA 560 Music Business and Management
Master of Arts in Inclusive Education (School of Humanities)
Program Description
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Inclusive Education (MAIE) program are trained to administer and consult within the field of K-12 (i.e., kindergarten to secondary) education. Using our philosophy of Ubuntu, our graduates are also uniquely qualified to instruct on the techniques of successfully disseminating material to people of varying ages, racial/ethnic/cultural backgrounds, experiences, gender identification, and physical ability. By focusing on student upliftment, removing barriers, and ensuring that all students have equal access and opportunity in education, the MAIE program will prepare graduates to (i) teach in the classroom effectively with love and compassion, (ii) start or administer a school, and (iii) become a consultant for K-12 (i.e., kindergarten to secondary) schools. The MAIE program is also for practicing teachers and those seeking to engage with independent schools in the United States or abroad. It is NOT INTENDED FOR THOSE SEEKING A STATE OF NEBRASKA CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE.
Admission Requirements
Students must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent and a command of the English Language.
Program Courses
Completing the MAIE degree program requires taking 30 credit hours of course work including six (6) credit hours of a research thesis. The MAIE is comprised of a set of required graduate courses and two areas of concentration: (i) Advocacy, Inclusion, and Diversity in Education and (ii) Educating Children from Diverse Backgrounds. As a bonus, students will automatically earn a Certificate in Advocacy, Inclusion, and Diversity in Education and a Certificate in Educating Children from Diverse Backgrounds on their journey toward completing their MAIE. With the exception of HUMA 500 and HUMA 580, which are 6 credit hours each and 8 weeks long, all the program courses are 3 credit hours and 5 weeks long. The MAIE is designed as a two-year program but can be completed in one year, as shown below. The following course list is subject to change to reflect changing professional practices and landscapes.
Certificate in Advocacy, Inclusion, and Diversity in Education (Spring)
Session 1
- HUMA 511 Leadership, Personal Growth, and Development
Session 2
- HUMA 512 Leading with Humanity: Creating Positive Learning Environments
Session 3
- HUMA 513 Understanding Barriers to Learning: Education and Human Flourishing
Required Core for a Master’s Degree (Summer)
Session 1
- HUMA 580 Practicum (6 credits, 8 weeks) or HUMA 500 Research Thesis (6 credits, 8 weeks)
- BUSA 560 Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Leadership
Session 2
- HUMA 570 Human Knowledge, Philosophy and Ethics
Certificate in Educating Children from Diverse Backgrounds (Fall)
Session 1
- HUMA 514 Child Development
Session 2
- HUMA 515 Child, Family, Community, and Environmental Design
Session 3
- HUMA 516 Human Centered Pedagogy and Philosophy
Master of Business Administration in Sustainable Business Leadership (School of Business)
Program Description
Graduates of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Sustainable Business Leadership will develop business management skills while focusing on leading through holistic, sustainable, and responsible fiscal, environmental, and societal practices. Guided by our Ubuntu philosophy, graduates will understand and be cognizant of the impact of an organization’s profit motive on communities and the environment, and the role that astute leadership may play to the benefit of the organization, the community, and the environment. Graduates will develop and sharpen the leadership skills essential to create change and to achieve local and global impact.
Admission Requirements
Students must have a bachelor's degree and a command of the English Language.
Program Courses
Completing the MBA degree program requires taking 30 credit hours of course work including six (6) credit hours of a research thesis. The MBA is comprised of a set of required graduate courses and two areas of concentration: (i) Business Strategy and (ii) Leading with Accounting and Finance. As a bonus, students will automatically earn a Certificate in Business Strategy and a Certificate in Leading with Accounting and Finance on their journey toward completing their MBA. With the exception of BUSA 500 and BUSA 580, which are 6 credits each and 8 weeks long, all the program courses are 3 credits and 5 weeks long. The MBA is designed as a two-year program but can be completed in one year, as shown below. The following course list is subject to change to reflect changing professional practices and landscapes.
Certificate in Business Strategy (Spring)
Session 1
- BUSA 530 Supply Chain Management
Session 2
- BUSA 550 International Business
Session 3
- BUSA 510 Business Strategy
Required Core for a Master’s Degree (Summer)
Session 1
- ENGR 580 Practicum (6 credits, 8 weeks) or BUSA 500 Research Thesis (6 credits, 8 weeks)
- BUSA 570 Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Leadership
Session 2
- HUMA 570 Human Knowledge, Philosophy, and Ethics
Certificate in Leading with Accounting and Finance (Fall)
Session 1
- BUSA 560 Accounting for Leaders
Session 2
- BUSA 532 Marketing
Session 3
- BUSA 520 Finance for Leaders
Master of Science in Data Science and Information Systems (School of Computer Science and Information Systems)
Program Description
Graduates from the Master of Science in Data Science and Information Systems (MSDSIS) will be equipped with the latest tools and analytical methods necessary to work with small-scale, large-scale, and high-dimensional data. Students will learn how to analyze, manipulate, interpret, and configure data to derive insights from complex and unstructured data. Students will learn how to use available tools and methods to tackle many vexing problems faced by individuals, corporations, non-governmental organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. Graduates will be prepared to take the industry-approved certification exams in data science and artificial intelligence to become a Certified Data Science Practitioner (CDSP) and Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CAIP). The School of Computer Science and Information Systems offers applicants the option to complete the full MSDSIS degree or earn a graduate certificate by taking only three courses.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirement for the MSDSIS in Data Science and Information Systems program is a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in computer science, information systems, or a related field and a command of the English Language. Students seeking admission into the MSDSIS program who do not have the preferred bachelor’s must demonstrate the required proficiency in computer or information systems (e.g. coursework, a relevant minor in their degree, or a certificate in addition to a bachelor’s degree).
Program Courses
Completing the MSDSIS degree program requires taking 30 credit hours of course work including six (6) credit hours of a research thesis. The MSDSIS is comprised of a set of required graduate courses and two areas of concentration: (i) Data Science and Cybersecurity and (ii) Big Data Application and Utilization. As a bonus, students will automatically earn a Certificate in Data Science and Cybersecurity and a Certificate in Big Data Application and Utilization on their journey toward completing their MSDSIS. With the exception of HUMA 500 and HUMA 580, which are 6 credits each and 8 weeks long, all the program courses are 3 credits and 5 weeks long. The MSDSIS is designed as a two-year program but can be completed in one year, as shown below. The following course list is subject to change to reflect changing professional practices and landscapes.
Certificate in Data Science and Cybersecurity (Spring)
Session 1
- CSIS 540 Cybersecurity (8 weeks)
Session 2
- CSIS 560 Data Science and Analytics (8 weeks)
- CSIS 530 Computer Networking and Data Communication (available in the summer)
Required Core for a Master’s Degree (Summer)
Session 1
- CSIS 500 Research Thesis (6 credits, 8 weeks) or CSIS 580 Practicum (6 credits, 8 weeks)
- BUSA 560 Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Leadership
Session 2
- HUMA 570 Human Knowledge, Philosophy, and Ethics
- CSIS 530 Computer Networking and Data Communication
Certificate in Big Data Application and Utilization (Fall)
Session 1
- CSIS 570 Artificial Intelligence (8 weeks)
Session 2
- CSIS 510 Internet of Things (8 weeks)
Session 3
- CSIS 580 Machine Learning
- CSIS 580 Machine Learning
Master of Science in Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture (School of Agricultural Science and Natural Science)
Program Description
The Master of Science in Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture (MSFSSA) will equip students with the tools, knowledge, and training to develop and manage food systems. The program considers the agricultural value chain - from farm to table - at the local, regional, and global levels. Graduates will understand the relationships and connections between planetary activities and food systems, with an emphasis on climate change, renewable resources, waste reduction, responsible sourcing, regenerative agriculture, and healthy oceans. Additionally, graduates will develop and sharpen the leadership skills essential to create change and achieve impact—from the local to the global level. Graduates will be prepared to transform food systems and use sustainable agricultural practices at the local level, in small, grassroots initiatives, and within large organizations, by influencing change up, down, and across departments. Graduates will drive reform and influence mindsets to inspire and create sustainable business models for the future. The School of Agricultural Science and Natural Science offers applicants the option to complete the full MS degree or earn a graduate certificate by taking only three courses.
Admission Requirements
Students must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent and a command of the English Language. A bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or a related field is preferred.
Program Courses
Completing the MSFSSA degree program requires taking 30 credit hours of course work including six (6) credit hours of a research thesis. The MSFSSA is comprised of a set of required graduate courses and two areas of concentration: (i) Food Product Development and (ii) Certificate in Food Security and Sustainability. As a bonus, students will automatically earn a Certificate in Food Product Development and a Certificate in Food Security and Sustainability on their journey toward completing their MSFSSA. With the exception of ASNR 500 and ASNR 580, which are 6 credits each and 8 weeks long, all the program courses are 3 credits and 5 weeks long. The MSFSSA is designed as a two-year program but can be completed in one year, as shown below. The following course list is subject to change to reflect changing professional practices and landscapes.
Certificate in Food Product Development (Spring)
Session 1
- ASNR 510 Food Safety and Preservation
Session 2
- ASNR 520 Food Product Development
Session 3
- ASNR 530 Food Materials and Processing Operations
Required Core for a Master’s Degree (Summer)
Session 1
- ASNR 500 Research Thesis (6 credits, 8 weeks) or ASNR 580 Practicum (6 credits, 8 weeks)
- BUSA 560 Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Leadership
Session 2
- HUMA 570 Human Knowledge, Philosophy and Ethics
- HUMA 570 Human Knowledge, Philosophy and Ethics
Certificate in Food Security and Sustainability (Fall)
Session 1
- ASNR 540 Food Sustainability and Security
Session 2
- ASNR 550 Global Challenges in Food and Agriculture
Session 3
- ASNR 560 Managing Agriculture in a Changing Global Climate
Master of Science in Smart Manufacturing (School of Engineering)
Program Description
The Master of Science in Smart Manufacturing (MSSM) will equip graduates with cutting-edge digital technology and an advanced level of knowledge in computing, networking, sensing technologies, security, and the digitally-enabled value chain that supports the development and operation of Industry 4.0. Graduates will contribute and actively participate in modern manufacturing, which is in great demand. The program considers new and sophisticated manufacturing trends, which rest at the intersection of people and machines. Thus, graduates will learn how to use computational tools to generate scenarios and make prudent decisions in manufacturing. Graduates will learn how lean methods can be applied within any industry. Graduates will develop and sharpen their leadership skills, which are essential to creating change and achieving impact in manufacturing, by considering recycling, waste reduction, logistics issues, automation, robots, and co-bots. Graduates will also learn to integrate people and their cultures on a common work platform.
Admission Requirements
Admission into the MS degree program in Smart Manufacturing (MSSM) requires a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in engineering, physics, computer science, or a related field and a command of the English Language. Students seeking admission into this program who do not have the preferred bachelor’s degree must demonstrate the required proficiency in the basic understanding of manufacturing (e.g. coursework, a relevant minor in their degree, or a certificate in addition to a bachelor’s degree).
Program Courses
Completing the MSSM degree program requires taking 30 credit hours of course work including six (6) credit hours of a research thesis. The MSSM is comprised of a set of required graduate courses and two areas of concentration: (i) Sustainable Designing and Modeling and (ii) Sensors and Robotics. As a bonus, students will automatically earn a Certificate in Sustainable Designing and Modeling and a Certificate in Sensors and Robotics on their journey toward completing their MSSM. With the exception of ENGR 500 and ENGR 580, which are 6 credits each and 8 weeks long, all the program courses are 3 credits and 5 weeks long. The MSSM can be completed in one year as shown below. The following course list is subject to change to reflect changing professional practices and landscapes.
Certificate in Sensors and Robotics (Spring)
Session 1
- ENGR 560 Integrated Power Resource Planning
Session 2
- CSIS 560 Data Science and Analytics
Session 3
- ENGR 550 Robotics and Embedded Systems
Required Core for a Master’s Degree (Summer)
Session 1
- BUSA 560 Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Leadership
Session 2
- HUMA 570 Human Knowledge, Philosophy and Ethics
Certificate in Sustainable Designing and Modeling (Spring)
Session 1
- ENGR 510 Computer Aided Design
Session 2
- ENGR 520 Computational Modeling
Session 3
- ENGR 530 Computational Physics