If you’re thinking about becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), there’s more to it than just passing the exam. Each state has its own specific path to licensure, including education, testing, and experience requirements.
The good news? Texas doesn’t require U.S. citizenship or even in-state residency to become a CPA. That means you can live almost anywhere and still qualify—unlike some states with stricter requirements.
So, if you’re ready to take the first step toward a respected and rewarding career in accounting, here’s exactly how to become a CPA in Texas.
In Texas, you must earn an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA). You must also complete at least 150 semester hours of courses approved by the TSBPA, which includes several other semester hour requirements, before you can apply to take the CPA exam.
The next step in becoming a CPA in Texas is to study for and pass the CPA exam. As of 2024, the exam consists of four parts, each lasting four hours. Though some changes are made nearly every year to the exam, significant changes were made in 2024. Now, all people taking the exam must pass three core sections and choose from one of the following three discipline sections:
One important fact to note is that the CPA exam is in a uniform format, meaning the content and structure are the same exam from state to state, though requirements do vary by jurisdiction, such as work experience, education, and residency. In addition, passing this exam is a major step toward becoming a CPA, but it doesn’t make you a licensed CPA.
Texas CPA licensure requirements include working under the guidance of a CPA for one year and passing a TSBPA-mandated professional conduct exam. Though there is extra effort involved in becoming a licensed CPA, the advantages are considerable. Licensed CPAs earn up to 15% more than other accountants. CPA is a widely respected title and having it on your resume can help you stand out among other employment candidates.
As we’ve discussed, education is the first step on the path to becoming a CPA. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited College of Business offers 100% online programs that provide the foundation you’ll need to enter this rewarding field. Each online course features the same curriculum used in our campus-based courses and is led by the same acclaimed faculty and CPAs. Your program choice will depend on your current education level.
A bachelor’s degree is usually a minimum requirement to be hired as an accountant. Our online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting can prepare you for an accounting position or an associated position. During our program, you’ll learn how to use the tools required to evaluate and remedy accounting issues affecting energy, government/non-profit, healthcare, and other specialized sectors critical to our economy.
Our online Master of Professional Accountancy program offers courses covering all of the topics required for CPA certification in Texas. Adding this degree to your resume can give you an advantage in your job search. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some employers give preferential treatment to job candidates holding a master’s degree in accounting. You may be able to complete this highly valued degree in 2 to 4 years.
The 100% online, asynchronous format of both programs makes earning your degree a flexible experience. If you’ve got adequate internet access, you’ve got program access! You can complete coursework on your own schedule from practically any location in the world. This is especially beneficial if you have ongoing professional and/or personal commitments. Whether you live in Tennessee or Tasmania, state board requirements and our online program format mean geography needn’t stop you from becoming a Texas CPA.
Begin your path to becoming a Texas CPA by earning an online degree from UTPB!
You don’t need to love spreadsheets to succeed in accounting (but it does help). Behind every balance sheet and tax return, however, is a professional who’s strategic, detail-oriented, and trusted to keep finances on track. So, what makes a great accountant? Whether you’re aiming for the CPA exam or stepping into business finance, here are…
You’ve always been an analytical thinker. A problem solver. Maybe a math whiz, too. There’s a career that matches your strengths. Certified Public Accountants—or CPAs—excel in these qualities. Let’s explore why a CPA is no ordinary accountant and what it takes to become one. Want to Be a CPA? Here’s What You Need to Know …
It’s tax season. Your spreadsheets are a mess, your coffee’s cold, and it’s month-end close—again. Enter blockchain technology: a secure system that delivers real-time updates, lets you safely share data … and makes your job much easier in the process. Not exactly sure what blockchain is? Don’t worry! You’re in the right place. Let’s break…
Nearly all of us are looking for the secret to personal success, quite literally. The self-help book “The Secret” has sold over 35 million copies worldwide by claiming success is derived from energy put out into the universe. Similarly, articles touting the “Top Habits of Successful People” promise that the key to a happy, healthy life is discipline: Make your bed in the morning, write down your goals, create a routine, etc. Can becoming successful really be so simple?
Achieving success is more complicated than visualizing goals or avoiding distractions, but it does start in our minds. Let’s look at the psychology of personal success, how our thoughts and behaviors impact our lives, and how, by understanding these processes, we may better ourselves.
Success means something different to everyone, and you’re sure to have your own definition. But for our discussion, success really means self-actualization: realizing one’s full potential. Success is sometimes fleeting, but personal fulfillment is a never-ending journey to make the most of what we’ve been given.
Manifestation, a pseudoscience that forms the basis of books like “The Secret” and “The Law of Attraction,” asserts that our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs can influence reality. Want to win the lottery? Just imagine your numbers being chosen. Easy, right?
Concepts like manifestation are so appealing and pervasive because of our innate ability to find patterns. (The neocortex, the outermost layer of the brain, contains about 300 million neurons called pattern recognizers.) If your significant other starts making dinner after you think about ordering out, you can chalk it up to coincidence—or at least a healthy relationship. While manifestation is not a true determinant of success, this doesn’t mean our beliefs and ideas don’t have a significant impact in the trajectory of our lives.
Locus of control refers to a person’s sense of agency, or the degree to which they believe their life is shaped by their actions. People with an external locus of control feel like a kite caught in a storm, like life is the result of chance. Conversely, people with an internal locus of control feel like life events are the direct result of their actions, and consequently, they’re more likely to be happier, healthier, and, you guessed it, successful.
There will always be things beyond your control, whether it’s something as small as a surprise bill or as profound as where you’re born. It’s your reaction to hardships that will ultimately determine your success. By refusing to see yourself as a victim, and by focusing on what you can change, you can develop a strong internal locus of control and become a more well-rounded individual.
Psychologist Carol Dweck identifies two mindsets to explain the role of motivation in personal achievement: a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. “At some point, my graduate students and I realized that a student’s mindset was at the foundation of whether [he or she] loved challenges and persisted in the face of failure,” said Dweck to The Atlantic. A person with a fixed mindset considers their abilities set in stone, whereas someone with a growth mindset accepts that they must overcome obstacles to improve. Undeterred by criticism and setbacks, individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to work toward their goals.
“[N]obody has a growth mindset in everything all the time,” said Dweck, warning against the pitfalls of a false growth mindset. Being in a growth mindset means going on a journey of self-discovery. It means reflecting on challenges that can trigger a fixed mindset and working through them. Over time, you’ll grow more comfortable with being in the growth mindset.
Thoughts and feelings may not manifest winning lotto numbers, but they can manifest good company. Research by Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, has shown that happiness often comes before success. “This may be because happy people frequently experience positive moods,” said Dr. Lyubomirsky, “and these positive moods prompt them to be more likely to work actively toward new goals and build new resources.”
A happy person is more confident, cheerful, and lively. They’re more social and, with an expanded social network, are more likely to experience new opportunities. All told, happy people have more fulfilling relationships, earn higher salaries, are more involved in their communities, and even have a stronger immune system.
Manifestation is a pseudoscience (a fun way to say snake oil). There is, however, truth to the idea that you get back what you put out into the universe. Want to achieve your full potential? Psychology says you need to work hard and work on how you see yourself. But remember to let yourself be happy. This stuff takes time.
Concepts like personal growth, strength, and success are all explored in positive psychology: the scientific study of well-being. Positive psychology asserts that well-being can be defined, measured, and taught and that mental health is more than an absence of mental illness. However, this is just one of the many branches of psychology. If you want to learn more about psychology and how it can change your career and life, we have an online bachelor’s degree program that may interest you.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers a 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program that takes an in-depth look at the mental processes that shape our experiences and lives. Through our program, students explore research methods, psychological disorders, and new psychological movements like positive psychology, which has only been around since 1998. Graduates are prepared for careers in and adjacent to the field of psychology, and many go on to pursue their master’s degree or doctorate and become clinical, counseling, research, school and industrial-organizational psychologists. Our program can be completed online anytime and anywhere, which is sure to spread some happiness.
Achieve your full potential. Apply to our 100% online BA in psychology program and explore the many branches of this weird, wonderful science.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/books/review/Chabris-t.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-over-money/201910/the-psychology-success
https://hbr.org/2016/01/what-having-a-growth-mindset-actually-means
https://www.neh.gov/article/martin-seligman-and-rise-positive-psychology
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/positive-psychology
Welcome to The University of Texas Permian Basin! Now that you’re part of the Falcon Family, let’s go over what you need to do to prepare for your first semester as an online student and what you need to know to get the most out of your time at UT Permian Basin. We’re excited for you to experience everything our University has to offer, and we hope you are too!
The MyUTPB portal is a one-stop-shop for almost all the services you’ll rely on as a student. Here you’ll be able to register for classes, update your student information, and access library services, Office 365, and your university email. You’ll also access your courses through the student portal, or you can visit utpb.instructure.com to be taken directly to Canvas.
To access the student portal, you’ll need to claim your FalconID and create a password. Claim your FalconID by visiting this page and entering in your 10-digit StudentID, which you should have received when you applied. Your FalconID will be your username for logging into online resources at UT Permian Basin, so commit it to memory or keep it somewhere secure. With it, you’ll be able to log into the student portal and register for classes.
Consider your academic advisor your point of contact with the University. From enrollment to graduation, they’ll be here to answer your questions and help you make academic decisions. You can email advising@utpb.edu (or gradstudies@utpb.edu if you’re a graduate student) for assistance or schedule an academic advising appointment on our Online Academic Advising page.
UT Permian Basin’s advisors are here to support you throughout your academic journey, and we encourage you to reach out to them whenever you need help with:
Generally, you won’t be self-enrolling in courses; your advisor will do that for you. But we’ll give you a quick rundown of the process in case you do need to register for courses in a given semester.
After attending the online student orientation and signing the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement in the student portal, review current and upcoming semester schedules to learn more about your desired courses and gather their course numbers, as you’ll need these to register. Next, log into the MyUTPB portal and click Manage Classes. From here, you’ll be able to search for and enroll in your desired courses. Detailed instructions on how to register for courses can be found here.
Now that you’ve registered for classes, got yourself some UT Permian Basin apparel, and set up a cozy at-home workspace, it’s time to prepare for your first day in our virtual classrooms.
Canvas is the learning management system (LMS) for all courses offered at UT Permian Basin. Courses you’re enrolled in will appear on the Canvas Dashboard, where you can access course syllabi, materials, assignments, quizzes, and tests—everything you need for a successful semester. Chances are you’ll be a pro at navigating Canvas by the end of your first semester, but you can always visit the Canvas Student Tutorial if you need help getting around.
It’s imperative that you read the syllabus for each of your classes. Look for syllabi in the Start Here section under each class in Canvas. The syllabus will provide an overview of academic policies, instructions for completing assignments, and required materials, among other useful information. As you progress through a course, you’ll want to consult the syllabus first if you’re confused about an assignment. For now, make sure you have all required course materials and textbooks, which you should receive by the first week of class at the latest. Also check out the course calendar in Canvas to see assignment due dates and plan out your first week.
UT Permian Basin may serve a diverse community of students from 47 countries around the world, but we still cater to the unique needs of every student.
Our mission is to help you achieve academic and professional success, but our hope is that you’ll come to truly see yourself as a part of the Falcon Family. Connect with your professors, reach out to your fellow students, and appreciate the college experience. Graduation day will come, but for now, you have your entire academic journey to look forward to.
Sources:
https://online.utpb.edu/online-student-checklist/
How do you envision an English degree program? A series of vocabulary and grammar lessons with an emphasis on pronunciation?
In reality, an undergraduate English degree is not designed to teach you the English language but rather to complement your understanding of the language with an exploration of the rich culture of English-speaking people. In addition to providing a grasp of and appreciation for English literature from its foundations through to modern literary cinema, an English degree helps you develop important skills that will continue to benefit you throughout your life and career.
If you choose a Bachelor of Arts in English, you’ll develop crucial skills including communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork—all vital to your relationships with friends, family members, and coworkers. These so-called “soft skills” are among the key skills today’s employers seek in job candidates, according to the U.S. Department of Labor and Forbes, which means a BA in English can help you and your resume stand out.
Once you’ve secured a position, your English degree can help improve your salary prospects as well. Bachelor’s degree holders generally earn more than those with an associate degree or no degree, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that bachelor’s degree holders’ median earnings are about 38% higher than associate degree holders and 48% higher than those who have not finished a college degree.
So, what can you do with an English degree? Build highly marketable skills that will enable you to choose from a broader range of careers with greater earning potential and better job security. Sound appealing?
Let’s look at some of the industries, job titles, and prospective educational paths for English degree holders.
These are just a few of the diverse professional directions you can take with an English degree:
Field: Communication
Job title: Writer/author
Median annual pay: $69,510
Expected job growth 2020-2030: 9%
Field: Human Resources
Job title: Human resources specialist
Median annual pay: $62,290
Expected job growth 2020-2030: 10%
Field: Education
Job title: High school teacher
Median annual pay: $61,820
Expected job growth 2020-2030: 8%
An English degree program with a carefully constructed curriculum can help prepare you to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which can lead to careers in the legal field. Completing a bachelor’s degree in English will also position you to pursue graduate and post-graduate degrees, which can result in even more job choices, including management and executive roles, in addition to higher income potential. BLS data shows that the higher the degree you earn, the more money you can earn, and the more likely you are to be employed.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s 100% online Bachelor of Arts in English provides everything you need to prepare for a rewarding future: vital, in-demand career and life skills, an LSAT curriculum, and a stepping-stone to a graduate program, post-graduate program, or whatever your ultimate academic goal may be.
Our program begins with a firm foundation of general education courses spanning topics such as college algebra, music, geology, and biology. Once you complete the program’s general education requirements, you’ll shift your focus to specialized English courses, where you’ll consider the works of pioneering writers such as Samuel Johnson and William Shakespeare, the oeuvre of influential film director Steven Spielberg, as well as related areas of study including rhetoric, composition, and semantics.
Having a bachelor’s degree on your resume can provide significant professional advantages. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, however, our online BA in English program starts benefiting students from their very first day of classes:
The flexible asynchronous format of our program enables you to complete coursework on your own schedule from practically any location in the world. No campus visits are required. That’s a tremendous benefit if you’re trying to manage work and/or personal schedules while earning your degree.
As an online UT Permian Basin student, you have access to extensive student services, including academic advising, technical assistance, and wellness services.
Our online BA in English program is led by the same acclaimed faculty who teach the campus-based classes and is built on an identical curriculum.
Our English bachelor’s degree program is an exceptional value. We offer competitive tuition rates that are more affordable than most regionally accredited universities of our stature.
See where an English degree can take you and how UTPB’s online learning option helps clear the path toward achieving your goals. Apply now!
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-for-english-majors
The dynamic world of political science is subject to constantly shifting trends and issues that may impact practitioners’ ability to do their jobs effectively. Let’s look at a few of these trends, both domestic and international, and see the role education may play in helping political science professionals address such trends in the future.
The United States is experiencing a severe judge shortage at the federal level that threatens to bring many important legal cases to a halt. As of summer 2021, fewer than 700 federal judges were handling more than 715,000 cases—meaning each judge had more than 1,000 cases on their docket for the year. When compared to the previous year, that represents a 20% increase in caseload, and a 36% increase in caseload since 2016. There is a clear trend of federal judges having increasingly unworkable caseloads, and there’s no indication that will reverse soon.
We hear them mentioned all the time, but what do political consultants actually do? Their primary role is to aid politicians in managing their election campaigns. Political consulting has long played a key role in the political process, though like all aspects of the field, it’s not static. The role of a political consultant is evolving in terms of the skills they’re expected to possess. A current trend that is certain to continue and become standard practice is for political consultants to be well-versed in acquiring and analyzing data. With the aid of data analytics, political scientists can conduct more effective public opinion surveys and exit polls, trace policy changes over time, model the dynamics of intricate political networks, and even leverage social media data to get a clearer view of shifting national and international attitudes.
Around the world, from Russia to Turkey to Brazil, governments are becoming increasingly autocratic, with even elected leaders consolidating power, suppressing dissent, and outstaying their stated terms of office. As an example, while the 1989 collapse of the Soviet Union represented a seismic shift in the world’s geopolitical landscape and gave rise to renewed hope for democracy, the continued presence of Vladimir Putin as Russia’s leader after more than 20 years in power points to a need for the U.S. and other countries to pivot in how they contend with such countries politically and diplomatically.
The path to a professional mastery of political science starts with a degree from a regionally accredited institution. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program was created for those who wish to gain the knowledge needed to excel in a career in government, in various legal roles, or who plan to attend law school.
At the outset of your degree program, you’ll complete a broad selection of general education courses. This well-rounded educational foundation will prove enormously useful in your professional life and beyond. As you continue through our program, you’ll examine topics such as American politics from the local to national level and discover how government entities operate individually and in connection with each other. You’ll also explore judicial politics, a broad topic encompassing the U.S. judicial system, the function of our laws and court system, judicial policymaking, and organizational structure and practices. Regarding those political science trends, you’ll also:
With a BA in political science on your resume, you’ll be primed to pursue a variety of rewarding careers, such as:
UTPB’s online BA in political science features the same rigorous curriculum taught by the same doctoral-level professors as our campus-based program. The quality of our online program is complemented by added convenience you won’t experience in a traditional classroom. All courses are presented in an asynchronous online format that allows you to complete your studies at your own pace from just about anywhere in the world, from Paris, Texas to Paris, France. If you have professional and/or personal responsibilities, you’ll find this flexibility indispensable.
Earn your political science bachelor’s degree and build the expertise for a rewarding career!
The multifaceted energy industry is growing by the day. The Permian Basin has been setting records for crude oil production. At the same time, the green energy economy is expanding rapidly, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) reporting that renewable capacity is on pace to “[account] for almost 95% of the increase in global power capacity through 2026.” It’s fair to say that in a bustling and dynamic field like energy, managers have many responsibilities to meet, and the need for well-trained managers in this field will continue to grow. Let’s learn more about these managers now.
Manager is a broad term that can refer to many different roles in energy or in any industry. Energy managers may oversee day-to-day operations from a headquarters, work at production sites, or be responsible for procuring new business. While the specifics of this role will vary depending on the organization you work for, we’ve summarized some typical duties below. Many of these will apply to more than one type of management role, while others are more focused in scope.
According to multiple online employment resources, on any given day, energy managers might be called upon to:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many management roles include the potential for salaries of up to six figures. In addition, some coveted positions are expected to experience steady to above-average growth between 2020 and 2030. Take these examples from the BLS website:
If you’d like to move up within your current organization, additional levels of training and education are often required. If you’re pursuing a new position, having a specialized graduate credential on your resume can distinguish you from other candidates. UT Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited College of Business offers two online graduate-level credentials that can help you advance your energy career:
Online Master of Business Administration with Certificate in Energy Business
The prestige of an MBA can elevate virtually any business career. Our program explores key areas including finance, marketing, accounting, analytics, and risk management from general business and energy industry perspectives. It also offers a stackable credential option. Choose energy specialty courses to earn a companion credential, a Graduate Certificate in Energy Business, in about the same time it would take to finish your MBA alone—as little as four semesters! When you’re finished, you’ll add two valued graduate credentials to your resume. BLS data shows that master’s degree holders earn nearly 20% more than bachelor’s degree holders.
Online Graduate Certificate in Energy Business
If you’re not ready to start a master’s degree program but have already earned a bachelor’s degree, a stand-alone Graduate Certificate in Energy Business enables you to quickly acquire new professional skills and credentials. This 12-credit, four-course program complements your existing business expertise with specialized energy business knowledge. You can earn your certificate in as little as two semesters.
Our energy business MBA and graduate certificate programs are delivered asynchronously, allowing you to conduct your studies from virtually any location, 24/7. You won’t find a more convenient educational opportunity. Both programs are built on a robust curriculum and taught by acclaimed UT Permian Basin faculty, translating the quality you expect from a UTPB program to the online format.
Discover firsthand what it’s like to be a successful manager in the energy industry! Our online energy business graduate programs provide the skills and credentials you need.
Sources:
https://jobdescription.org/oil-and-gas-operations-manager.html
https://www.jobhero.com/job-description/examples/energy/manager
In recent years, law enforcement departments across the United States have come under increased scrutiny for the use of excessive force. While there are differing views about this highly sensitive topic, in most cases, a more measured, nonviolent approach will typically produce a more equitable response and can help increase public favor toward law enforcement. Such an approach starts with more extensive training for new recruits and updated training for experienced officers.
The call for an updated approach to law enforcement training is coming from many directions, not just grassroots activist groups. In an op-ed piece for USA Today, retired NYPD officer and New York Law School professor Kirk Burkhalter called for “throwing out the book on police training and replacing it with a robust system of modern education.”
Some of the most passionate advocates for reform are those with experience inside the criminal justice system itself. Former police officer Randy Shrewsberry, for example, established the Institute for Criminal Justice Training Reform as a direct response to his own negative experiences as a police officer. His organization’s website states that “poor training … is a significant contributor to needless public deaths, mass incarceration, and ethical lapses within law enforcement.”
The call for reform is clear. But what specific changes to peace officer training are these law enforcement veterans and others advocating for?
With about five or six months of classroom training being the norm, U.S. law enforcement recruits have one of the shortest training periods among first-world countries. Recruits in numerous European countries can expect up to four years of training. For them, it’s less like bootcamp—U.S. training typically follows a military model—and more like a university program.
“Police officers only receive about 60 hours of training in law,” Shrewsberry told NPR, noting that this includes a wide range of legal areas. “There’s just no way in the period of time that they’re given that they would be able to be trained adequately.” Burkhalter also elaborated on the need for a broader curriculum in his USA Today opinion piece: “Recruits should take classes that you might typically find in an undergraduate program—from criminal and constitutional law to sociology, psychology and conflict resolution.”
A report issued by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) defines de-escalation as a “process or collection of tactics used to prevent, reduce, or manage behaviors associated with conflict such as verbal or physical agitation, aggression, violence, or similar behaviors.” More concisely, it means an officer assessing a suspect’s behavior and calibrating their own behavior to avoid a conflict, brandishing a weapon, or the need for arrest. These tactics include:
In late 2020, a Utah woman requested a crisis intervention team for her autistic teenage son. Police responded to the call and shot the boy when he ran away from them. Sadly, this situation is not an entirely uncommon one.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), an estimated 20% or more of calls to police involve mental health or drug-related crises. In some areas of the U.S., psychologists are now training law officers and/or accompanying them on calls to provide crisis intervention assistance. Some localities are even looking to mandate mental health training for peace officers.
Law enforcement officers are increasingly being trained to be aware of implicit bias, defined by IACP’s Police Chief magazine as “the unconscious, unknowing differential treatment of another person based on a number of discriminatory factors.” The aim is to reduce or eliminate any bias in the identification, detention, or arrest of suspects based on their race or other traits.
Peace officer training standards vary from location to location and many of them aren’t evaluated for effectiveness. Proposals have been made over the years for more standardized training and sharing of updated tactics and policies across law enforcement agencies, though a cohesive set of regulations remains elusive.
UT Permian Basin’s online criminal justice degrees were designed to help individuals catalyze positive change within the criminal justice system. If you’re a current or aspiring member of the law enforcement community or a related criminal justice field, our programs can help you fulfill your role more ethically and effectively:
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies
Our bachelor’s degree provides an examination of various aspects of criminal justice in addition to a wide range of general education topics to broaden your knowledge. This is an ideal program for those looking to enter the criminal justice field.
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
If you’ve completed a criminal justice-related bachelor’s degree and are currently in a criminal justice career, our online master’s degree program offers the knowledge and credentials required by many agencies for advancement into leadership roles and higher pay. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that master’s degree holders earn about 18% more than those with a bachelor’s degree alone. Students can graduate from our MS program in as little as one year.
When you become a student in either of our online criminal justice programs, you’ll learn directly from criminal justice experts with years of experience working in the field—the same distinguished faculty who teach the programs on campus. No campus visits are required, and with our asynchronous online format, you can complete coursework on your own schedule from practically anywhere in the world. Earn your degree while maintaining your professional and personal commitments!
Apply now to one of our online criminal justice degree programs.
The manufacturing sector has long relied on technology for the efficient production of goods. One obvious example is cars, which are largely built with the aid of robotic technology, though humans remain an essential part of the manufacturing puzzle.
Even Elon Musk, creator of the fully electric Tesla, admitted that his idea for a completely automated manufacturing process wasn’t feasible and that human workers were “underrated.” While studies reveal that a mere 1.3% of companies have incorporated robotics into their operations, technology continues to evolve and its impact is growing.
With this in mind, let’s explore six key industrial technology trends shaping the future of manufacturing.
A smart manufacturing facility utilizes “different combinations of modern technologies to create a hyperflexible, self-adapting manufacturing capability.” The benefits of facilities of this type include the integration of data analytics into processes and interlinked machines and systems that share information between one another.
Highly detailed data—such as machinery performance and product quality—is now commonly gathered through built-in sensors. These sensors may be added during initial manufacturing or later through retrofitting.
An integral aspect of the smart facility is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The IIoT “uses the power of smart machines and real-time analytics to take advantage of the data that ‘dumb machines’ have produced in industrial settings for years.”
Intelligent equipment is generally better able to collect and analyze data on the fly than human beings, making for more efficient operations. It also allows for greater control over supply chains, sustainable processes, and other facets of manufacturing.
Public attitudes toward green operations have led many organizations worldwide to implement sustainable practices in increasing numbers, from setting science-based carbon emission limits to using recycled materials for product packaging.
These initiatives often go beyond surface-level changes, influencing everything from energy-efficient equipment upgrades to supply chain decisions that prioritize local sourcing and waste reduction.
Though 3D printing was in use before COVID-19, the pandemic caused major issues in global supply chains, creating the need for medical equipment and related components to be created locally and efficiently. As a result, more companies embraced 3D printing as a flexible, cost-effective solution. Its continued use is helping organizations produce higher-quality goods while also supporting more sustainable manufacturing practices.
The robots that assemble cars can complete specified tasks repeatedly, but they don’t adapt well when new conditions or parts are introduced into the process. Artificial intelligence may enable a robot to recognize that an object is not supposed to be on an assembly line and remove it, for example.
AI is also being used to predict when machinery will need servicing. Predictive maintenance, as it’s called, enables a company to plan ahead for any repairs that their equipment may need, minimizing costly downtime. The overall goal is greater efficiency.
While digital technologies undoubtedly enhance the manufacturing process, their computer-based nature makes them vulnerable to hackers. Recent efforts to make supply chains more secure from cyber security attacks include the recent establishment of guidelines by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These guidelines help organizations secure their networks and data, minimizing the risk of costly breaches and disruptions to production.
UT Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited College of Business can help you stay ahead of the trends in industrial technology while you hone vital expertise you can apply toward your career. Our online bachelor’s degree programs in industrial technology provide a broad foundation in general education topics that every individual needs for success. They also help you develop skills tailored to your specific industrial technology discipline.
Choose from:
Gain a working knowledge of how to manage industrial operations for almost any organization. Read more about this online program now.
Build the skillset to manage industrial and technical issues for just about any organization, with expertise in essential management concepts, supply chain management, optimization theory, and more. Read more about this online program now.
To expand your industrial technology knowledge and credentials to the petroleum industry, consider adding a 12-credit online undergraduate certificate in petroleum technology to this Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Industrial Technology program without extending the time to complete your degree.
With their technological focus, it’s only fitting that all these programs are delivered in a 100% online asynchronous format. The advantages to learning online are significant: You can complete your coursework from virtually any location—from Athens, Georgia to Athens, Greece—on your own schedule.
Earning a respected university degree doesn’t need to interfere with your personal and professional responsibilities! Program courses are based on the same curriculum and are taught by the same doctoral-level professors who teach them at the UTPB campus.
Master tomorrow’s industrial technology skills and tools online. Apply to one of our online programs today.
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Ever check the tag on a t-shirt or appliance and see “Made in China” or “Made in Mexico”? Soon, you may be seeing more tags labeled “Made in the USA.” Today, there’s a reshoring trend that’s reopening factories, strengthening American manufacturing, and creating new opportunities for businesses and workers. As more companies move toward domestic…
Ransomware, phishing, viruses: If it’s connected to the internet, someone’s probably trying to hack it. Threats are everywhere in today’s digital world, and now that factories run on smart technology, it’s not just laptops at risk. Industry 4.0 has moved manufacturing from traditional methods to smart, automated systems (think robots and sensors on the factory…
Imagine a factory where machines, robots, and sensors are all talking to each other, like nerves sending signals to a brain. Before a human notices anything, the system’s already flagged a motor that’s starting to lag and adjusted a product’s assembly in seconds. This is connected manufacturing in action. Today’s smart factories run on connected…
The 1920s were anything but quiet. From groundbreaking political reform to the roots of future global conflict, this decade redefined the world. Here’s what really happened, politically, socially, and culturally.
When the 1920s began, a devastating world war was still raging. As the decade concluded, a stock market crash in the United States catalyzed a decade-long depression that reverberated worldwide. In the years between, many other significant changes and events took place that would lay the groundwork for the state of the world as we know it today. Let’s look at the decade now and see how our modern world took shape during the 1920s.
In August 1920, Congress ratified the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, allowing women to vote in public elections for the first time. The amendment was spearheaded by suffragists, activists who fought for women’s right to vote.
World War I saw many women take jobs outside the home for the first time. These jobs traditionally belonged to men, but the war caused an employment shortage, and women stepped in to fill those roles. The ability to earn money gave many women their first taste of freedom, which many increasingly embraced and extended into modes of dress and public behavior previously considered taboo.
The Harlem Renaissance, begun late in the prior decade, hit its stride in the 1920s, lasted into the ‘30s, and saw Black Americans express themselves and project their own image through music, literature, film, and other art forms. Prior to this era, Blacks were almost universally depicted by white artists, and these depictions were often stereotyped at best or openly racist at worst.
By the 1920s, Black Americans in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, area had made progress toward financial independence and were in fact prospering in an area sometimes called “Black Wall Street.” The Greenwood District, as it was formally known, was an area of businesses and homes owned by Black residents.
In 1921, a still-disputed incident between a Black man and a white woman led to armed mobs in the streets, hundreds dead, the Greenwood District burned to the ground, and thousands of Black residents rounded up and placed in internment. For many years a historical footnote, the Tulsa Massacre has become more widely known in recent times.
In Italy, Benito Mussolini became the country’s youngest prime minister to date. Hirohito became emperor of Japan and would remain so until the late 1980s.
In Germany, Adolf Hitler became chairman of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party and later staged a failed coup. During his ensuing imprisonment, he began work on “Mein Kampf,” a manifesto in which he made his antisemitic ideas and ambitions for Germany known. As leaders of their respective countries, the three would later unite into what was known as the Axis powers during World War II.
A less popular and ultimately unsuccessful addition to the U.S. Constitution also took place in 1920. The 18th Amendment forbade the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. During the 13 years of Prohibition, many people made their own liquor, and some opened secret clubs called speakeasies where liquor was served behind closed doors. Though the amendment was enacted with the intention of reducing crime rates, organized crime rose to prominence in the U.S. during Prohibition.
The first commercial radio station hit the airwaves in 1920, enabling families to tune in on user-friendly radio equipment. Prior to this, such equipment was more complex, and only a limited audience was able to listen. The first television set was introduced in 1927, but it would be another two decades or more before most people owned one.
The Roaring Twenties: Culture, Fashion, and Rebellion
What were the big hallmarks of the 1920s? Oh, just a few fan favorites:
But by the decade’s end, the stock market had crashed, the Great Depression had begun, and the Dust Bowl loomed just ahead. The party, it seems, wasn’t meant to last.Explore the 1920s in Our Online History Master’s Course
We’ve just summarized some of the monumental events and changes that took place in the 1920s. A selection of these and other events are explored more deeply in a UT Permian Basin course fittingly called The 1920s (HIST 6347).
Part of our Master of Arts in History program, this course examines historical literature related to the 1920s with a focus on gender, race, politics, and cultural shifts. See what else our degree program has to offer now!
Our online Master of Arts in History helps you understand the state of the world today through the lens of history. Each course is devoted to a specific epoch or event, such as the Industrial Revolution, the American Revolution, or World War I, providing in-depth perspectives across 16-week sessions.
If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, we invite you to expand your expertise with this graduate-level program. Consider the benefits:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those who’ve completed a master’s degree earn about 20% more than those whose highest education level is a bachelor’s degree. In addition, an MA in history will help you develop career-enhancing communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The U.S. Department of Labor and Forbes report that employers are seeking these skills among potential hires or in current employees competing for advancement into new positions.
Expand your knowledge of history and your professional potential with an MA in history. Apply now!
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States/The-United-States-from-1920-to-1945#ref613048
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…
“Our country has deliberately undertaken a great social and economic experiment, noble in motive and far-reaching in purpose.” -Herbert Hoover Today, speakeasies are stylish bars hidden away behind bodegas, coffee shops, and laundromats. Ordering a cocktail is as easy as walking up to the bar, and while some places still require a password, you can…
At the iron gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most infamous extermination camps of Nazi Germany, the chilling phrase “Arbeit macht frei” (“Work sets you free”) still casts a haunting shadow. These deceptive words led into one of history’s darkest chapters. Beyond that gate, more than a million lives were brutally ended. Auschwitz-Birkenau was just…
The U.S. nursing shortage isn’t just a staffing problem—it’s a crisis that affects patient safety, nurse well-being, and the future of healthcare. But for registered nurses (RNs), this moment also presents an opportunity to lead change and take control of their careers. Let’s explore what’s causing the shortageand what it means for today’s nurses.
COVID-19 may be the straw that broke the camel’s back, but hospitals have been dealing with nursing shortages for years, and the problem may be an inherent part of healthcare. As historian Susan M. Reverby puts it, the problem with contemporary American nursing is the duty “to care in a society that refuses to value caring.” Limitations can keep nurses from providing the best possible care, and the restrictions placed on today’s nurses range from the political to the extremely personal.
Adults aged 65 and older are expected to number 77 million by 2034, outnumbering children for the first time in U.S. history. Older adults are living longer than ever: a testament to modern medicine and the dedication of healthcare workers.
However, increased longevity brings an increased risk of experiencing conditions associated with aging, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dementia. As the aging population, or “silver tsunami,” grows, so too will the demands placed on RNs.
About one million RNs are over 50 years old, meaning we could lose about one-quarter of all nurses to retirement within the next 15 years. While new graduates can help fill the gap, nursing schools face enrollment limits due to a national faculty shortage. In recent years, some nurses have also opted for early retirement due to increasing stress and job demands.
Nurses face intense pressure on the job, from long shifts to high patient loads to emotional exhaustion. Burnout is a leading factor driving nurses away from the profession, as many struggle with physical fatigue, mental health challenges, and limited institutional support. Without meaningful changes, many RNs are left questioning how long they can stay in the field.
With their workforce dwindling, hospitals have turned to increasing patient-to-nurse ratios, which has been linked to burnout, turnover, and—alarmingly—patient death. Nurses who care for too many patients at once are more likely to commit errors and less likely to provide high-quality care. It’s a frustrating situation but one that gives nurses the leverage they need to advocate for change.
Speaking on the importance of setting boundaries, nurse manager Avery Taylor said, “You can’t pour from an empty cup, right? I am still incredibly proud to be a nurse, but I don’t feel like I have to be a nurse at the sacrifice of myself. I still need to take care of myself.”
Finding a balance may seem impossible during a nursing shortage, but for the nurses who continue to care—care for their careers, patients, and fellow nurses—there are few other options.
As the nursing shortage continues to affect hospitals across the U.S., many RNs are wondering what it means for their careers—and how to respond. Here are some common questions and answers based on current trends.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online RN to BS in Nursing program that will prepare you for leadership roles in patient care. Accredited by the prestigious Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), our online program provides the knowledge needed to overcome today’s nursing challenges and foster a healthy work environment for the betterment of patients and staff.
Within our online program, courses such as Strategy and Analysis of Organizational Process explore conflict resolution, negotiation skills, operations management and strategic planning: all areas essential for overcoming challenges created and worsened by the nursing shortage.
Throughout this course, students learn how to improve population health outcomes by creating change in their units. This course, along with the rest of our online RN to BS in Nursing program, provides aspiring nursing leaders with the means to overcome staffing challenges and improve the quality of healthcare, which must be safeguarded during these difficult times.
Ready to become a leader in nursing? Apply to our CCNE-accredited online RN to BS in Nursing program, and in as little as one year, you can graduate with a BSN from UT Permian Basin’s School of Nursing. Along with this prestigious credential, the knowledge and skills you’ll gain in our program will help you control the trajectory of your career, better provide for patient needs, and lead with confidence in your current or future nursing role.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493175
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2022/03/14/travel-nurse-pay-caps/
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Of the growing number of fields actively using artificial intelligence (AI) technology—including finance, manufacturing, marketing, and customer service—the field that arguably makes the most significant impact in our lives is healthcare. AI is supporting all healthcare sectors, simultaneously making nurses more efficient, elevating their level of care, and improving patient outcomes. Here we’ll examine some…
Every year, over 150,000 registered nurses (RNs) graduate from nursing school, ready and eager to make a difference in the lives of patients. They’ve spent up to four years preparing for this moment, poring over textbooks, completing clinicals, and mastering skills. But when it comes time to face the challenges on the hospital floor or…
