Trying to decide between a graduate certificate and a master’s degree? You’re not the only one. Both can help you grow your skills, strengthen your resume, and move your career forward, but they’re built for slightly different goals.
A master’s degree is usually the better fit if you want a broader graduate education or qualifications for higher-level roles. A graduate certificate makes more sense if you want to build a specific skill set in a shorter timeframe.
Here’s a closer look at how they compare.
A master’s degree is a full graduate program in a broader field of study. These programs often require 30 to 60 credit hours and may include research, internships, or thesis work, depending on the field.
A graduate certificate is shorter and more focused. Most require about 9 to 15 credit hours and are designed to help students or working professionals build skills in a specific area.
For many students, a master’s degree takes one to two years to complete. A graduate certificate can often be finished in a matter of months, which makes it appealing if you’re looking to upskill without committing to a full degree program.
Master’s degree programs cover a specific discipline in depth, typically including research and thesis components, and more coursework overall.
Graduate certificate programs help aspiring professionals build expertise in a focused area without the extensive coursework of a full master’s degree.
Depending on the field and profession you’ll pursue, a master’s degree can qualify you for specialized roles and lead to higher earning potential.
A graduate certificate can still add value, especially if you want to sharpen a certain skill, meet licensing requirements, or transition into a new area without starting from scratch.
Master’s degree programs often have stricter admission requirements. This can sometimes include letters of recommendation or passing scores from standardized tests like the GRE.
Graduate certificates usually have a more flexible admission requirements and are accessible to professionals with a bachelor’s degree or relevant experience.
Students pursuing a master’s degree often qualify for federal financial aid, including loans and grants.
Those pursuing a graduate certificate may also qualify for financial aid, depending on the school’s policies.
Learn more about UTPB’s tuition assistance options.
A master’s degree may be the better choice if you:
A graduate certificate may be a better fit if you:
Still deciding between a graduate certificate and a master’s degree? These common questions can help clarify your options and guide you toward the right next step.
UTPB offers the flexibility to start with a graduate certificate and later transition to a master’s degree program—or vice versa. Whether you’re a prospective student or mid-career professional, you’ve got the opportunity to customize your educational path to align with your goals.
Explore our 100% online graduate credential options today!
Sources:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2019-03-13/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-masters-degree
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2016-03-22/graduate-certificate-programs-offer-quick-path-to-career-upgrade
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/graduate-certificate-vs-masters
https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center
Other articles you may be interested in:
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Cover letters have long been one of the best ways to set yourself apart in a competitive market. But in the era of AI screeners, even the most polished resumes—and their accompanying cover letters—feel like they’re disappearing into the void. With the job market more…
Getting accepted to The University of Texas Permian Basin is a big milestone. If you’re a working professional, the next step—asking your employer about tuition reimbursement—can feel a little intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Most organizations want employees who grow, stay, and contribute at a higher level. And many companies offer tuition reimbursement,…
The University of Texas Permian Basin is home to over 7,000 students. Whether on campus in West Texas or from a laptop hundreds of miles away, they’re part of a diverse community that values culture, connection, and progress. Every member of our Falcon Family deserves some time in the spotlight. But with Hispanic Heritage Month…
“Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire”
—Thomas Keneally, paraphrased from the Talmud
Imagine if you could solve the world’s problems with a wave of your hand. Like magic, you could reform melted glaciers, shelter the country’s stray animals, and provide free meals to school children.
Sadly, the world’s problems can’t be fixed so easily.
Humanitarians are better able to create change by focusing on one specific area of need. That’s why The University of Texas Permian Basin developed an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program with three optional focus areas:
Choosing a focus area allows students the opportunity to tailor their degree to their interests, ensuring their time and energy (not to mention tuition) are spent on topics that align with their career goals.
Nonprofit organizations like the American Red Cross, Feeding America, and the Humane Society of the United States engage with communities to further social causes. Nonprofits are funded by grants, fundraising, and donations specifically devoted to accomplishing a mission rooted in a public or social benefit.
Nonprofit employment has also grown by 33% since 2006. To put that into perspective, the for-profit sector grew by only 9% during that time. If you’re looking for a career in the nonprofit sector, you’re going to find plenty of opportunities.
Students in this focus area gain in-depth knowledge crucial for nonprofit management, exploring such topics as public engagement, managerial decision-making, marketing concepts, and financial management. Available courses include:
The U.S. public school system has been marred by controversy, to say the least. Every week, there seems to be a headline about a school district banning books or a politician attacking educators to rile their base. Along with administrators, teachers, and staff, public school students need champions willing to fight for a safe, effective learning environment.
Will you be that champion? Choose our Education focus area and you’ll have the opportunity to enroll in:
Student learning outcomes outline the knowledge needed to promote student success. Throughout these courses, students develop the capacity to fulfill administrative responsibilities in an honest, fair, and ethical manner. Above all, students learn how to collaborate with families and stakeholders and mobilize community resources to realize a shared vision.
Healthcare is a critical yet vulnerable system. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, once celebrated as essential workers, are under as much pressure as ever—and there’s no indication that the pressure will let up. Public administrators in the healthcare sector can champion these essential workers, ensuring they have the resources their patients need.
Apply to our online MPA program with a Healthcare focus and enroll in:
Through this focus area, you’ll acquire a profound understanding of accounting, finance, marketing, information systems, and human resources management within the healthcare sector. We’ve developed this focus area to prepare you for the managerial, policy, and healthcare issues you’ll likely encounter early in your career. Learn what it takes to ensure doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals receive the resources they need to deliver high-quality healthcare.
Seven core courses, each 3 credit hours in length, are designed to set students up for success in all areas of public administration. Analytical techniques, personnel administration, and public budgeting are only some of the essential topics covered in these required courses. Students can expect to cultivate career skills as well as soft skills highly sought after within the public administration sectors.
Students pursuing an education, nonprofit, or healthcare focus will take three courses in their focus area, which will count toward their five-course elective requirement. After, students will need to select two additional courses (6 credit hours in total). Students may enroll in courses from other focus areas, such as School Law, Healthcare Management, or Innovation in Public and Nonprofit Organizations. However, other UT Permian Basin courses from our course catalog may be acceptable.
The benefits of our online Master of Public Administration program extend far beyond our focus areas. Entirely online, our program offers the flexibility you need to pursue your degree without putting your life on hold. (Good luck trying to find a graduate student without personal or professional commitments.)
UT Permian Basin, and by extension its online MPA program, is accredited by the prestigious Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Our program is led by an experienced team of educators, each of whom has years of experience in public administration. If you want to give back to your community, our online program offers the prestigious education and degree you need to make a difference.
Apply today to our online MPA program!
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/nonprofit-organization
Assuming the role of superintendent is not for the faint of heart. While it offers significant rewards, such as professional recognition and leaving a lasting educational impact, it also carries a substantial (and worthwhile) load of responsibilities.
From educational leadership to community engagement, the qualities required to become an effective superintendent are diverse. Some—like resilience—are innate, while others, such as mastering curriculum development, can be learned through experience and a relevant education. Join us as we discuss five qualities in a superintendent that have shaped effective leaders in school districts around the country.
As a superintendent, one of your primary responsibilities is to establish a clear vision for your school district. Your vision will set the tone for the district, inspire stakeholders, and create a sense of purpose that motivates everyone to achieve the shared goals you’ve determined.
A well-rounded vision encompasses multiple aspects of education, including:
While superintendents have significant administrative authority over the school personnel in their district, they are also responsible for listening to and addressing the needs of teachers, faculty, parents, and especially students.
To successfully work with and guide so many distinct personalities, superintendents must possess strong leadership skills to uphold effective district-wide management. Not only are they creating a vision and working with all the people in a community, they’re also demonstrating leadership in other tasks, such as:
The board of trustees is responsible for many tasks within the district, including hiring and transitioning superintendents. They work closely with each superintendent to establish goals for their district, leaving it up to the superintendent to carry them out.
In order for a district leader to effectively accomplish the board’s short- and long-term goals, they need to be able to plan ahead with a solid strategy in mind. This includes appropriately allocating resources, adapting to ever-changing circumstances, and making sure that their progress is measurable.
Although women make up 76% of K–12 teachers in the United States, only 24% of the nation’s superintendents are female. How can aspiring superintendents, including the many incredible female teachers making up that 76%, start their path to school leadership? Additionally, given that the demand for administrators, like teachers, is outstripping the supply,, how do superintendents without significant experience in the classroom ensure the district’s curriculums are of the highest caliber and align with the state standards and the needs of their students?
Superintendents can gain a concrete understanding of effective educational programs by:
One of the primary responsibilities of a superintendent involves communicating with board members, administrators, faculty, parents, and even students from across the district. There are several ways effective communication can make you more successful in your role, including:
If you’re considering whether you have the skills necessary to become an effective superintendent in your school district, you already possess one valuable quality of most successful superintendents—the drive to succeed.
At UT Permian Basin, our online Superintendent Certification program offers principals and assistant principals all the foundational skills needed to develop and maintain relationships with school boards, teachers, parents, and students. In as little as two semesters, our online 16-credit certification program can help prepare you for your role as a groundbreaking and dedicated superintendent.
Our program is an approved educator program in Texas and boasts the following accreditation and awards:
If you’re currently working outside of Texas and are interested in our program, don’t let your location stop you! Out-of-state candidates should contact Dr. Rod Uzat to determine if UTPB’s online Superintendent Certification program will meet the requirements of their state.
A year from now, you could be changing the lives of thousands of students. Take the first step and apply today!
Sources:
https://www.aasa.org/resources/resource/where-are-all-the-women-superintendents
https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/what-makes-a-great-superintendent/
This November, American families will gather around the dinner table to feast on stuffed turkey before celebrating a timeless Thanksgiving tradition: Thursday Night Football.
Thanksgiving as we know it bears little resemblance to historical events. Once upon a time, Native Americans shared stores of food with English settlers—strangers from across the Atlantic—who would have starved were it not for their generosity.
That’s the story of Thanksgiving—at least, the story told to school children. The idea that Native Americans capitulated to colonialism by welcoming English settlers to their ancestral land is a myth: one perpetuated to cover up a tragic and bloody history.
Let’s travel back to a time when fortune and freedom were promised to anyone who could lay claim to the Americas and discover what led to Native Americans and English settlers sharing the first harvest feast.
Here’s the real history of Thanksgiving.
The Mayflower embarked from Plymouth, England, in September 1620 bound for the “New World.” The ancestors of Native Americans living in the Americas as far back as 30,000 years ago may have taken issue with that term, however.
The Pilgrims traveled to the Americas in search of religious freedom, or so the story goes. In truth, they were separatists who wanted to own land, make their fortune, and set up a religious theocracy, which is kind of the opposite of freedom. Sidenote: They never referred to themselves as Pilgrims. The term “Pilgrim” wouldn’t pop up until the 1880s.
After 66 days at sea, the Mayflower made landfall near the tip of Cape Cod and, one month later, crossed Massachusetts Bay. There, the Pilgrims established Plymouth Colony, having found a village, spring, and fertile fields ready for the taking. A prime example of manifest destiny, right? Well, the only reason the land was unoccupied was because the Native Americans living there had been wiped out by disease.
The first winter was unforgiving. Of the 102 passengers aboard the Mayflower, half wouldn’t live to see spring. That’s when they received a surprise visit from a member of the Abenaki tribe. He spoke English and later returned with Tisquantum, known as Squanto.
A member of Pawtuxet, a band of the Wampanoag tribe, Squanto had been captured and sold into slavery in 1614. He learned English in England. Later, he escaped in London and returned to his home across the Atlantic.
Wampanoags had experienced a century of contact with English settlers, and they didn’t always exchange pleasantries. At least two Wampanoags had been victims of the slave trade and had already been to and returned from Europe.
Squanto became a translator and teacher, showing the Pilgrims how to fish, grow corn, avoid poisonous plants, and extract sap from maple trees. However, for all his kindness, Squanto may have only been laying the groundwork for a meeting with Wampanoag sachem (chief) Ousamequin.
The Pilgrim’s first corn harvest was successful. Governor William Bradford organized a feast to celebrate and invited the colony’s Native American allies, including Wampanoag chief Ousamequin. America’s “first Thanksgiving” lasted three days. Alas, there was no pumpkin pie, candied yams, or potato casserole on the menu. Without an oven, the Pilgrims made due with dishes prepared using traditional Native American cooking methods, including roasted wild fowl and deer.
Senior Plymouth leader (and later chronicler of the Pilgrims) Edward Winslow wrote:
“… many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoit (Ousamequin), with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted … And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.”
Ousamequin would form a shaky alliance with the Pilgrims in the hopes that they would fend off their rivals: the Narragansetts. The alliance lasted 50 years (hey, there’s a silver lining!), but would end in war. King Philip’s War, also known as the Great Narragansett War, was a bloody conflict that resulted in the ruin of the Wampanoag tribe.
Was this the first-ever Thanksgiving? Doubtful. Harvest festivals date back millennia and were celebrated across cultures. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all feasted and paid tribute to their gods after the fall harvest. Before landing in the Americas, European settlers had a long history of feasting during times of plenty. Native Americans had similar feasts to commemorate the fall harvest.
While the tale of Thanksgiving is often told as a celebration of harmony between Pilgrims and Native Americans, the truth behind the holiday’s origins is far more complex and tragic. What began as a fragile alliance forged out of necessity soon gave way to a long history of broken promises, violent clashes, and devastating losses for the Native communities.
To understand how the story of Thanksgiving evolved from a feast of cooperation to one of conflict and bloodshed, we must look at the factors that led to the unraveling of the initial peace and the hardships that followed:
In 1827, abolitionist and “Mary Had a Little Lamb” author Sarah Joseph Hale launched a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. She spent 36 years writing to politicians and presidents and became known as the “Mother of Thanksgiving.”
At the height of the Civil War in 1863, Abraham Lincoln called for an annual Thanksgiving celebration to be held on the last Thursday of November. The move was likely strategic, with Lincoln encouraging Americans to ask God to “heal the wounds of the nation.”
Thanksgiving is taxing for many Native Americans, particularly those of the Wampanoag tribe, whose lives were forever changed after the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth. Wampanoag adults recall learning about the history of Thanksgiving in grade school, feeling invisible while teachers dispensed a Disneyfied version of events. Society, in their eyes, is making light of tragic events that weigh heavily on Native Americans. The Wampanoags of today commemorate Thanksgiving not as a day of thanks but as a day of mourning.
If you’re interested in Native American history, consider enrolling in our online course Native North America: Contact to Removal. This course surveys American Indigenous history from the period before European contact through forced removal policies and is offered as part of our 100% online Master of Arts in History program.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online MA in history program is ideal for aspiring educators, historians, and legislators, among others. Throughout this 30-credit online program, students explore the diverse people and unbelievable events that shaped the world we live in.
We’ve already mentioned Native North America: Contact to Removal, but other core courses include:
We’ve designed our program to be as accessible as possible. We offer a non-thesis option, in which all credit hours are devoted to coursework. Courses are entirely online and asynchronous, allowing you to pursue your graduate degree on your schedule. As a student, you’ll also have the option to enroll in graduate-level live remote courses offered by the history department.
If you’re an aspiring professional or a history buff looking to turn your passion into a career, our program may be right for you. Apply now to our online Master of Arts in History program before history repeats itself—and you have to wait another semester.
Sources:
https://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/thanksgiving-myth-and-what-we-should-be-teaching-kids-180973655/
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/21/us/thanksgiving-myths-fact-check.html
Other articles you may be interested in:
“I took the road less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” Even if you don’t know the entire poem, you may recognize the closing words from Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken.” They’re quoted at graduations, shared during moments of change, and used to describe the quiet courage of choosing your own path. So why have these simple words endured across generations? The power of…
Ever found yourself humming an earworm and suddenly wondering, “Where did this come from—and who created it?” Music is a universal language. It conveys memory, rebellion, grief, joy, and identity. Across centuries, women have used the language of sound in a world where they’ve been told, repeatedly, to stay invisible. Here are some of the…
Imagine being told you can’t do something—by law, by tradition, by those close to you—and doing it anyway. Even today, women face greater barriers to recognition and authority than men. Yet throughout history, countless women stepped beyond traditional domestic roles, often at great personal risk. This article highlights nine of the countless important women who…
After narrowing down your top university contenders and completing your applications, it’s time to consider what comes after you’ve been accepted. From choosing your classes for your first semester to purchasing every book on each course syllabus, there are so many items to add to your educational to-do list ahead of your first day of classes.
However, have you considered how you’ll be paying for those courses and textbooks? That’s why prioritizing your FAFSA application should be at the top of your to-do list. This simple application is your gateway to accessing multiple forms of financial aid, from grants to loans (and plenty in between).
Today, we’re discussing all things FAFSA, including what it is and why it’s important to fill out—the sooner the better!
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA, is a form that most students are eligible—and encouraged—to complete. The application collects the following information to determine the amount of financial aid you may be qualified to receive from the college you’re attending:
*Please note that if you’re a dependent student, you’ll need the above information from your parents to apply.
After submitting your FAFSA, your information will be reviewed and sent to the universities listed on your application. The colleges will then use that information to determine your eligibility for financial aid. You may qualify for a variety of different types of financial aid, including but not limited to:
Some students receive financial assistance through scholarships or their parents’ college savings funds. However, those avenues may not always fully cover tuition and other expenses. Whether you believe you can afford college independently or feel you won’t qualify for aid, consider the following reasons you should run, not walk to your keyboard and fill out the online application before the deadline.
True to its name, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid costs nothing. It takes just an hour to complete, and within a few weeks, you’ll know whether you qualify for one or more of the various forms of financial aid.
If you find out you’re eligible for funds, you can rest assured that you have a guaranteed means to pay for your education. In addition, if you learn that you don’t need the financial aid offered to you, you’re not legally bound to take it. You can say “No, thank you,” and happily move on with your to-do list.
Have you broken down the costs for all the items you’ll need for your courses? From laptops and lab equipment to textbooks and everything in between, there are a few additional expenses you may not have accounted for—and that’s okay! The FAFSA is here to help.
Your application results can give you a clear understanding of the general costs associated with attending college, whether you need the assistance or not. It also shines a light on the financial resources available to you, so you can make informed decisions about budgeting and financing for the future.
Looking for ways to pay for your education, sharpen your skills, and give your resume a boost? After completing your FAFSA, you might find that you’re eligible for a federal work-study program. These programs offer part-time job opportunities that help you earn money for educational expenses while allowing you to gain valuable work experience that you can proudly add to your resume.
At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we strongly encourage all students, regardless of their program, to submit a FAFSA. Whether you’re an incoming freshman, transfer student, or graduate student, all you need to do is fill out the application. The Department of Education and UTPB will handle the rest.
If you’re worried that you missed your window for the 2024 school year, worry not. The FAFSA deadline isn’t until June 30, 2024, with the application window likely to begin in December 2023. Since schools often allot and distribute funding on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s in your best interest to submit your application as early as possible to ensure you’re able to secure your funds.
Take the next step in financing your future by making sure you’ve got your expenses covered. Explore our FAFSA page today.
Sources:
https://studentaid.gov/help/info-needed
https://studentaid.gov/resources/types-infographic-accessible
For some recent grads, the concept of getting a job is simple. They browse listings, submit their applications, and wait for responses from hiring managers. However, if that process doesn’t result in a shiny new job after a few weeks, they begin to wonder why they haven’t heard back from more employers.
One factor to consider is when they’re applying for jobs. That’s right—the time of year you’re job hunting may play a role in determining not only how many employers are hiring but also how actively they’re pursuing applicants for open positions. Below, we dive into the most (and least) ideal times of year to apply for jobs and offer some tips to help you get hired no matter the season.
While you should feel motivated to submit applications any time of year, certain months may prove more fruitful than others. Some of the best times of year to apply for positions include:
The first two months of the year are known by many as the best months to get hired. Why, you ask? There are several possible reasons:
The arrival of fall brings more than just cooler temperatures and autumn-scented candles. September and October also carry the possibility of more open job vacancies. This could be due to a few different factors:
In December, the work environment tends to be more relaxed, with employees operating at a more leisurely pace. This is typically a result of the exciting and festive celebrations that occur during this time of year. Many employees use their paid time off for traveling and spending time with family, which in turn makes December one of the slower hiring periods for employers.
The summer months of June, July, and August may also prove slightly more challenging for job seekers. Like November and December, children are often out of school on vacation, making family vacations a high priority for many of the managers hiring new employees.
While employers might have their “preferred” hiring times throughout the year, there’s no one-size-fits-all guidebook to abide by. That said, if you feel qualified for a role (or even if you don’t), there’s no harm in applying no matter the time of year. Plus, with the following pointers, you’ll be ready to apply when the role you’ve been waiting for unexpectedly appears in your job search one day:
While it may feel like a lot of up-front work, tailoring your resume to each job you apply for can showcase the specific qualities and experience you possess that align with what each employer is currently seeking. To target your resume for each application, carefully read the job listing to locate the skills they’re looking for, determine which of those you possess, and add those abilities to your resume.
If you’re a recent grad or are changing careers, you might not have much experience related to the jobs you’re applying for—and that’s okay. Instead, you can include abilities that are most relevant for the job.
For example, if you’re applying for a job in marketing but have no prior experience, you can highlight other relevant skills or responsibilities you’ve had in past jobs, like proofreading, collaborating with colleagues, or helping a local business manage their social media accounts.
We get it. Sometimes, you read the experience required for a position and scroll right past because you don’t feel qualified. According to the Harvard Business Review, you’re not alone. 41% of women and 46% of men avoid applying to certain positions because they don’t feel they meet the qualifications. However, we strongly urge you to consider applying regardless. It could show the hiring manager you’re proactive and driven. They may even reach out regarding the role you applied for or suggest a different job for which they think you’d be a perfect fit.
To become one of the top candidates for your dream job, there are a few aspects that can increase your chances of receiving a call from the hiring manager:
At UTPB, we offer many of our undergraduate and graduate programs completely online, so you can complete them while you continue working in your current role. Don’t waste another minute! Browse our list of online programs and apply to the one that aligns with your professional aspirations.
Sources:
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4817-best-season-job.html
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-get-job-youre-not-qualified-for
https://hbr.org/2014/08/why-women-dont-apply-for-jobs-unless-theyre-100-qualified
Cults are a thorny topic, because exactly what constitutes a cult is highly contentious and subjective. The commonalities they share can sometimes put a fine line between cult and religion. Some cult members may insist they’re involved of their own free will and are living happy lives, further complicating a consensus. Bear these facts in mind as we delve into the psychology of cults and their members.
Let’s start with a definition of “cult” from the APA Dictionary of Psychology as a baseline:
“n. 1. a religious or quasi-religious group characterized by unusual or atypical beliefs, seclusion from the outside world, and an authoritarian structure. Cults tend to be highly cohesive, well organized, secretive, and hostile to nonmembers.”
Most cults share some common traits:
Cults recruit new members anywhere you might expect to meet new people: social media, discussion groups, community clubs, events, and the like. These are typically nonthreatening, public situations that would not cause anyone to be suspicious. Cult recruiters get to know as much as they can about people and identify individuals who may be receptive to meeting a group of the recruiter’s friends at dinner or another social event. Though the chosen targets are generally unaware, these seemingly innocent gestures are the first steps to being drawn into a cult.
Receptive people are those who are looking to escape something—such as an unhappy life situation—and to belong, be accepted, and find meaning. Cults prey upon the vulnerable among us, such as teenage runaways, drug addicts, abuse survivors, those who have lost someone close to them through death or a breakup, those suffering from insecurity or mental health issues, or anyone who feels disconnected from society.
Once the potential recruit is in the presence of cult members, typically still oblivious to the group’s agenda, they are showered with love and validation. This tactic, referred to as “love bombing,” makes the recruit believe they’ve found what they’re looking for and more likely to return for group activities in the future. This is critical in the early stages of cult indoctrination since the recruit is not yet under their influence and needs to feel secure.
As they indoctrinate new members, many cults separate them from their families, friends, and jobs, slowly remaking their identities to suit the group. They may force recruits to surrender their money, belongings, and bodies to the cult’s leader and other members. Sometimes they compel new members to marry people they just met. They may use punishment, deprivation, and other tactics to wear them down. These efforts, which sometimes include threats, make new members dependent on and afraid to leave the group. Fully indoctrinated members often engage in behavior they never would’ve considered in their former lives.
Here are just a few groups that have drawn significant attention to the dangers of cults:
Charles Manson directed his “family” of runaways and other troubled individuals to start a race war by murdering several people in Los Angeles. There were eight victims in all—including pregnant Hollywood actress Sharon Tate—but the group claimed to have murdered and disposed of the bodies of many more.
Perhaps less known than some other cults, yet one that operated virtually in the open in Manhattan’s upscale Upper West Side, this group began as a psychoanalytical institute in the 1950s but evolved into a coercive sex cult that lasted for decades and counted famous artists among its membership.
Reverend Jim Jones ran the Peoples Temple in several California locations before moving the congregation to Guyana and establishing the “Jonestown” commune. The temple’s methods came under increasing scrutiny, and upon an unwelcome visit from a U.S. Congressman, Jones ordered his congregation to drink Flavor Aid (often misattributed to Kool-Aid) laced with valium and cyanide. Many victims were children, and many adults were forced at gunpoint. More than 900 people died that day.
Marshall Applewhite, leader of Heaven’s Gate, was convinced that an extraterrestrial spacecraft was hiding behind the recently discovered Hale-Bopp comet and that members of his group would be taken to a higher level of existence by that spacecraft following their deaths. As the comet passed close to Earth, 39 members of Heaven’s Gate drank vodka mixed with phenobarbital, placed plastic bags over their heads, and died.
Outwardly a self-help organization, Nxivm was secretly a sex cult assaulting women, branding the initials of founder Keith Raniere on them, and blackmailing them. The organization operated partly on a pyramid scheme structure, with “masters” recruiting “slaves” who would eventually recruit more “slaves” as subordinates. The case also drew attention for the involvement of “Smallville” actress Allison Mack, who recruited women for Raniere.
Hundreds of members of the Kenya-based Good News international church willingly starved to death at the direction of their leader, Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who himself abstained from the slow suicide. Mackenzie claimed to have determined the date on which the world would end, and purportedly wanted his followers to go to heaven in advance of the apocalypse.
Motivation. Physiology. If you’re fascinated by what drives people and want to acquire the top skills today’s employers are seeking, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is an affordable, convenient way to start or further your college career. Explore diverse applications and perspectives of psychology as you complete a respected credential that can lead to a variety of rewarding professional roles. During the program, you’ll have the opportunity to create a pro-social cult for the betterment of yourself and others.
See more program details or apply now!
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-mind/202106/understanding-cults-the-basics
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/manson-family-leslie-van-houten-parole-killings-b1063884.html
https://www.insider.com/why-people-join-cults-according-to-therapist-who-treats-survivors-2020-9
In 2023, The University of Texas Permian Basin is proudly celebrating 50 years of providing a world-class education to students from Texas and around the globe! To commemorate this milestone, we’ve put together a list of 50 historical, informative, fun, and even surprising facts about our university, our campuses, and the surrounding area. You’re sure to discover a lot you never knew about UT Permian Basin!
Believe it or not, there’s still much more to learn about UT Permian Basin and our programs! We invite you to do so now.
GIS professionals are no longer limited to mapping and land surveys. Today, industries like healthcare, finance, and even retail rely on geospatial data to drive decisions. If you’re curious about where your GIS skills can take you (or wondering what industry GIS belongs to), we’re exploring six sectors that use GIS and the types of roles you’ll find in various industries.
Teachers in many disciplines can use maps and location analytics to illustrate patterns and connections to their students. This strengthens their ability to make data-based conclusions about human-made and natural systems.
Banks and other financial institutions can use spatial analysis to identify customers likely to help their business grow. This allows them to identify common characteristics among these individuals and seek new customers with similar traits in other geographic areas.
GIS technology proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing officials to track case rates and analyze data on mortality, hospitalization, and recovery. Today, healthcare professionals use GIS to identify disease hotspots and high-risk areas, helping to target prevention and treatment efforts more effectively.
Is your home likely to be hit by a hurricane? Is your car likely to be stolen? (Or damaged by a hurricane, for that matter?) Are there high rates of certain diseases in your area of the country? Insurance companies of all types can look at data collected through GIS-driven analytical tools to decide if you are insurable, and if so, what your premiums are going to be.
From high-end clothing stores to fast food restaurants, retail businesses use GIS to determine where to open new brick-and-mortar locations. The technology helps identify information such as proximity of potential customers and local saturation of competing businesses.
Potential business owners can also use these tools to find out what consumers in these areas want to wear, eat, etc. to ensure that they meet the demand through proper inventory management.
Telecommunications companies can use GIS to locate and gauge the extent of service outages. It helps them plan ahead for the expansion of services required by population growth and new construction.
As GIS and geospatial technologies expand into new industries, so do the career opportunities for skilled professionals. Whether you’re entering the field or looking to advance your career, here are just a few of the roles available across industries using GIS:
Drawing from the decades-long relationship between The University of Texas Permian Basin and the GIS and geospatial industries, our online graduate GIS and Geospatial Certificate program helps you stay up to date with the latest GIS systems that are vital across various industries. And because we understand the challenge that can come with balancing a work-life schedule, our program allows you to arrange your studies around your professional and personal commitments (while adding a new credential and practical expertise to your resume).
Here are a few more reasons to consider earning our GIS and Geospatial Certificate:
Considering or currently completing an MBA with us? Add this graduate certificate for extra credentials on your resume and broader knowledge that will benefit you in an array of rewarding careers.
If you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and are ready to expand your GIS/geospatial proficiency, we invite you to apply now!
Sources:
https://www.esri.com/en-us/industries/index
https://mgiss.co.uk/what-are-the-different-industries-that-use-gis/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8822139
Modern video games can recreate the real world with stunning precision, and GIS technology is what makes that possible. In fact, when fire ravaged Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in 2019, a detailed digital model built for the video game “Assassin’s Creed Unity” surfaced as a potential reconstruction reference. GIS is rapidly reshaping what it means to play video games today. This article examines: What Is GIS? …
On December 26, 2004, a massive earthquake struck beneath the Indian Ocean and sent a wall of water nearly 100 feet high outward. It barreled into South Asia at 30 miles an hour, wiping out communities before most people even knew what was coming. By the time the waves crossed the ocean, nearly 230,000 lives had…
Imagine you’re commuting to work and your Google Maps loses signal. Suddenly, the little blue dot stops moving and you don’t know where you are. Panic ensues (for some of us). Modern devices constantly broadcast our location through GPS, Wi-Fi, cell towers, and apps. We’re basically walking beacons of sensitive data. But here’s the flip side:…
Presidents’ Day (aka Washington’s Birthday) is always the third Monday of February. Labor Day is always the first Monday of September. And Election Day is always the first Tuesday in November.
But what is it about that day and that month that led to it being chosen for one of the most important traditions of our democracy? Let’s take a quick trip back to the mid-19th century to find out before reframing Election Day in a 20th-century context.
As was common in the decades following the founding of the United States, different states set their own rules, including when to hold elections. In 1845, Congress decided to bring some order to the process by establishing one voting day for all states—initially just for presidential elections. Most employed people were farmers, so the date needed to be one that worked best for their needs.
November was an ideal choice, since farmers were no longer harvesting but were instead selling their crops at markets, and the harshness of winter had usually not yet set in for most areas of the country. Based on typical work and worship schedules, and the need for many remote farmers to travel for as much as an entire day to their polling place, Tuesday was chosen as the best day of the week. The first Tuesday was chosen because it was early in the month and the weather was more likely to be favorable.
While agriculture will always be important to the American economy and diet, the United States is no longer an agrarian society. This and other factors have led some to question the continuing tradition of holding Election Day on the first Tuesday in November. Data from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center puts the United States in the minority among industrialized democracies that hold national elections on a weekday.
Many registered voters work or attend school on weekdays, and those activities typically fall somewhere between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. This is also the window during which polls are open for voting, potentially posing difficulties for those who are trying to fulfill that civic duty. Prominent members of both major political parties have suggested that Election Day should be made a national holiday. This would enable a greater number of voters to reach the polls without concern about interfering with regular weekday commitments.
Any changes to when we vote remain controversial, however, as political parties and special interest groups suspect one another of implementing such changes to influence the outcome of elections. Others still prefer to honor historical tradition. As a result, little progress has been made toward creating a new national holiday or changing Election Day to another day of the week. Like daylight savings time, an idea that originated with Benjamin Franklin, voting on Tuesday has its roots in a bygone era of our country, and for the time being at least, those roots remain firmly planted in the ground.
Discover how the branches of our government work; how local, state, and federal agencies interact with one another; and how our political system compares to those of other countries in The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. You’ll explore the election process and policymaking roles at different levels of government through illuminating courses including:
What can you do with this degree? Use it as a foundation for law school, graduate studies, or a rewarding career in government and private sector roles such as:
View salaries and growth potential for these jobs now.
When you earn your BA in political science online from UT Permian Basin, you get all the quality of the campus-based program—including faculty made up of the same doctoral-level political science experts—and enjoy some added benefits. You can complete your program from anywhere, on your own schedule, while continuing to meet your professional and personal commitments. And, like all UTPB students, you have access to academic advising, tutoring, career services, and many other support services from day one. We’re here for you because we want you to succeed!
Ready? Apply to our online bachelor’s degree in political science program today!
