UC MOOC Launches Oct. 16

INFORMATIONAL VIDEO ON UC’s MOOC

Take advantage of UC’s free

Innovation and Design Thinking course

which is applicable to either an MBA or MEng (Masters of Engineering). The class begins October 16, 2014 so don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

One of the newest trends in online education is Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), classes that allow literally thousands of students to learn together via distance learning technology.

UC is pleased to announce it will again offer its highly-regarded MOOC on Innovation and Design Thinking. The course launches October 16, 2014. Last year's class had the largest enrollment of any course in UC's history. More than 2500 participants from 100 countries enrolled.

This class does not have any enrollment fees, entry requirements, or prerequisites. Participants who successfully complete the course and subsequently enroll in the MBA program in the UC Lindner College of Business or in the MEng program in the UC College of Engineering and Applied Sciences will receive two FREE credits for completing the course, so the Innovation and Design Thinking MOOC is a great opportunity for you to learn about the topic and to "test drive" UC’s business and engineering graduate programs.

MOOCs provide students from around the world the opportunity to learn from industry experts at little or no cost. They are a great way for individuals to learn new concepts and test their readiness for continued professional development.

The UC MOOC is perfect for any professional considering earning their MBA or MEng. The MOOC is flexible and has no upfront commitment or charge, making it the perfect taste tester for anyone considering graduate school.

The two professors teaching the Innovation and Design Thinking course are Drew Boyd, executive director of the Master of Science in Marketing program at the Lindner College of Business (Lindner), and Jim Tappel, from the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS).

From Lindner, Professor Boyd focuses on the innovation part of the course, while Professor Tappel, from CEAS addresses design thinking. Each professor brings their expertise to the course, providing students a chance to hear from multiple industries.

Professor Boyd explains, “Innovation and design thinking continue to be a very hot topic in the business world.” This course offers key “takeaways” for both future business and engineering students. “Innovation is a skill that anyone can learn,” says Boyd.

Professor Tappel of CEAS explains, “This class is focused on the “know-how… How do you apply particular skills?” He goes on to say, “What we’re trying to do with the MOOC is to really break up the traditional classroom.”

Innovation and Design Thinking course highlights:

• Taught by active, accomplished and distinguished UC faculty members from both the Lindner College of Business and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

•Guest lectures from some of the foremost experts and Fortune 500 executives in innovation, design and new product development

This course will help you master skills like:

•Creating an environment that invites the flow of ideas and allows them to flourish

•Identifying problems and developing a systematic approach to finding solutions

•Transforming concepts in into viable, must-have products and services

The MOOC provides access to students who don’t have traditional access to higher education programs. It’s available through the internet, open to anyone, and doesn’t have any admissions process.

The benefits of UC’s MOOC are unlike those of other courses:

•Students can work at their own pace

•There is no admissions process

•The MOOC is accessible from almost anywhere and to anyone

•The course can be applied to an MBA or MEng degree and used as free credit hours

This is an opportunity for students all over the world to become familiar with the University of Cincinnati, and the quality of the university’s faculty.  UC is one of the first universities in the country to offer credit for a MOOC.

This “try before you buy” course is a great opportunity for anyone considering furthering their education in business or engineering. Don’t delay, take advantage of this opportunity today!

For more information on UC’s MOOC, please visit

UC’s MOOC informational page