14% of all public-school students received special education services in 2019. And yet, the misguided notion that special education students represent a statistically insignificant population persists. This is one of many misconceptions about special education that, while not always harmful, can leave the public misinformed about this pivotal branch of education—and at worst, can result in exceptional learners being left behind as a result of the well-meaning but mistaken intentions of parents and educators.
The three myths we’ll be discussing are by no means the only ones hindering educators in their mission to give students equal access to education, but they are some of the most pervasive. By dispelling these myths, we hope to help educators foster inclusive learning environments where students with disabilities are not only accommodated but welcomed.
Speaking with Education Week, Darya Iranmanesh recounted her struggles at the age of 9 to receive specialized instruction in her weekly dance class. “I had asked [the teacher] several times to place me in the front, but I remained in the back,” said Iranmanesh. “Learning the dance was nearly impossible with the view I had …” At a young age, Iranmanesh was diagnosed with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare eye disorder that rendered her legally blind. Her inability to learn the dance was not due to laziness, as her teacher implied, but rather her teacher’s refusal to accommodate her disability.
The majority of students with disabilities experience cognitive difficulties, but every exceptional learner is unique, and many experience vision, hearing, ambulatory, self-care, or independent living difficulty. Regardless of their disability, these students are deserving of and entitled to a “public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs,” as declared by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The majority of students served under IDEA (65%) in 2019 spent most of their school day in general classes in regular schools. To put that into perspective, of the 7.3 million students who received special education services, about 4.75 million were able to remain in their classroom and engage with grade-level curriculum alongside their nondisabled peers. This may seem like a sink-or-swim situation, but 80-85% of students with disabilities can meet the same achievement standards as other students as long as they are given specially designed instruction, appropriate access, supports, and accommodations required by IDEA.
Students with disabilities placed in self-contained classrooms can receive high-quality special education services (i.e., services specially designed to meet their unique needs), but this is contingent upon their teachers’ ability to provide individualized, small-group instruction. To create a truly inclusive classroom, aspiring special education teachers should pursue a master’s degree from an accredited college program.
There’s no telltale sign that a student has a learning disability, and signs that do indicate the presence of a learning disability, such as difficulty reading, writing, staying organized, or telling time, can be subtle. For example, a student with dyslexia may have trouble expressing their thoughts, learning new words, or organizing written and spoken language, but it’s unlikely they’ll exhibit every sign associated with dyslexia. And while students with learning disabilities may share many of the same signs, struggles, and frustrations, every learning disability is unique.
Diagnosing learning disabilities is an involved process greatly assisted by parents, who can offer insight into their family history and child’s behavior, and teachers, who can report how their student is responding to instruction. Ultimately, the decision to diagnose a student is left to school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and educational diagnosticians. These professionals use a process called “response to intervention,” which involves monitoring a student’s progress and moving them through tiers of increasing support. Individual and full evaluations can also be used to diagnose a child with a learning disability and determine their eligibility for special education services.
The special education field has grown both in scope and accuracy in the decades since the passage of IDEA in 1975. Yet the misconceptions surrounding special education continue to hinder the efforts of teachers and students, especially the assumption that all students with disabilities are less capable or less qualified than their nondisabled peers. Although they may be limited by physical, mental, or emotional conditions, most of these students can achieve the same level of success as other students if given equal access to education.
With a master’s degree in special education, you’ll be better able to support students with disabilities. The University of Texas Permian Basin offers three special education programs that can help you in this endeavor:
Our online programs will enable you to earn a master’s degree without having to leave your current position. As a graduate student, you’ll learn how to overcome special education challenges by removing barriers to education, assessing students’ needs, and fostering an inclusive learning environment. The knowledge and skills you’ll gain in our online classrooms will help you become a more effective, well-rounded educator. Alternatively, you can use your master’s degree to pursue a career as a special educator. A master’s degree in special education from UT Permian Basin can open the door to new opportunities for both you and your students.
Apply to one of UT Permian Basin’s online special education programs to dispel the myths of special education and support your students to the best of your abilities.
Sources:
https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2021/acs/acsbr-006.pdf
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/five-misconceptions-about-learning-disabilities
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/signs
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/diagnosed
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgg
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
—Arthur C. Clarke
Imagine a 19th-century nurse stepping foot in a modern-day hospital. Although knowledgeable for her time, this nurse would be at a loss for what to do with commonplace technologies like defibrillators, ventilators, and vital signs monitors. Medical culture would perhaps feel familiar, but every modern medical routine would seem like science fiction to our displaced nurse.
This is what being a nursing professional may very well feel like after the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), an ongoing technological revolution that’s blurring the lines between the physical and digital world. Society is changing, accelerating in response to 3D printing, autonomous cars, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies, and this is only the beginning.
Healthcare is a technology-driven industry, and innovations that can improve the quality of patient care are often rapidly embraced. Consider the disruptive nature of health information technology (health IT). The shift from paper to electronic health records enabled doctors to access patient information at all hours, share up-to-date information with specialists, and write out prescriptions electronically. This transition forever changed how nurses and physicians administer care, and it was well underway before the start of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The entire world is standing at the edge of the precipice that is the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and healthcare may be the first field to go over.
The coming years will usher in a revolution in patient-centered care as medical devices are connected through the internet of things (IoT), wireless networks of devices that collect and share data. If you have an Apple Watch or Fitbit, you’re already familiar with how this technology can be used to track your steps and monitor your heart rate. However, the potential for wearables goes far beyond helping people achieve their fitness goals. The IoT will enable wearables to communicate directly with medical devices, sharing biodata that can be used to inform clinical decisions, reduce misdiagnoses, and predict disease.
For a look at how this technology can be used to find novel medical solutions, check out Abilify MyCite. Approved for the treatment of some mood disorders, this pill has a built-in sensor the size of a grain of sand that transmits data via a wearable patch to a patient’s smartphone, allowing them to track the ingestion of medication and their adherence to medication regimens.
Most people will receive an incorrect or late diagnosis at least once in their life, and by one estimate, 12 million patients are misdiagnosed annually. Diagnostic errors can and do result in patient harm and death, which is why the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose disease is so promising.
In a study published by the Annals of Oncology, researchers pitted 58 dermatologists from around the world against a deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN). On average, the dermatologists accurately identified 86.6% of melanomas. And the AI that was trained on over 100,000 images of malignant melanomas? CNN detected melanomas with 95% accuracy.
AI is no substitute for experience and empathy, but it’s an incredible tool that’ll assist medical professionals in ways that may surprise you. Chatbots have been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of depression, personalized medications are being developed by scanning patient health and genetic records with AI, and coma patients are being given a second chance at life thanks to AI that can predict when and if they will awaken.
Biotechnology harnesses cellular and other biological processes to develop new technologies, essentially using living organisms to solve problems. Genetic engineering, the manipulation of an organism’s genetic material, is the most prominent area of biotechnology and consists of:
Genetics are responsible for about 30% of pediatric and 10% of adult hospital admissions (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, at least). Long thought to be oversold, genetic engineering is now opening the door to new possibilities in medicine.
For example, ADA-SCID is a rare, potentially fatal inherited immunodeficiency disorder that leaves children highly susceptible to severe infections. Through the use of an experimental gene therapy, researchers were able to insert a normal copy of the ADA gene into a patient’s blood-forming stem cells and restore lasting immune functions in 48 of 50 children. Genetic therapy and engineering may cure this and many other genetic diseases as the Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to unfold.
Medical innovations like those brought on by the Fourth Industrial Revolution may seem like science fiction, but they’re becoming more and more of a reality with each passing day. We take an in-depth look at this topic in Informatics and Innovation, an online course offered as part of The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online RN to BSN program.
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), our online RN to BSN program is designed to provide aspiring nursing leaders like you with a deeper understanding of evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. Through our program, you’ll study essential topics in nursing, including the impact of technology on patient care, and in as little as one year, you can graduate with a bachelor’s degree and an expanded skill set that will prove invaluable throughout your career.
Ready to take your first step into a new era? Apply to UT Permian Basin’s online RN to BSN program to become a 21st-century nursing leader.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4147743/
https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF__Shaping_the_Future_of_Health_Council_Report.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7674813/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5171547/
https://www.britannica.com/technology/biotechnology
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Picture this: You’re in a hospital room, and a nurse walks in—flustered, but still smiling—with a chart in hand. This expert provider is checking your vitals, catching early warning signs, coordinating with doctors, reassuring your anxious family outside, and solving small healthcare crises in the hallway … all before lunch. Today, nurses are no longer…
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…
New parents tend to pull out all the stops to raise their children in a nurturing environment, painting nursery walls in subdued hues, praising their child’s first steps and words, and reading a favorite storybook as their child drifts off to sleep. Chances are that there’s a copy of “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” open on someone’s nightstand right now. However, even the most meticulously laid plans often do little to alter the course of nature, and parents may find their newborn’s behavior influenced more by biology than their well-meaning care.
The nature versus nurture debate has endured for thousands of years, since Ancient Greeks pondered the origins of personality. Who are we? Are we products of our genome (nature) or environment (nurture)? These questions strike at the very heart of psychology, and to answer them, we’ll be taking a closer look at these diametrically opposed ideas.
English philosopher John Locke compared the mind at birth to a tabula rasa, or blank slate, upon which our experiences imbue reason and knowledge. This is “nurture,” the idea that a child’s environment determines whom they turn out to be.
A report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) affirms that informed parents are more likely to have positive interactions with their children in ways that support healthy development. By showing warmth, being responsive, and promoting other evidence-based practices, parents can improve outcomes relating to their child’s emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and social skills. Conversely, children can experience devastating, long-term changes as a result of neglect and abuse, ranging from the development of antisocial behaviors to the stunting of their growing minds.
A person’s environment is most impactful during their early years, when their brain has yet to fully develop and their experiences are shaped entirely by their home life. There’s no doubt that nature plays a critical role in deciding the trajectory of our lives. The question is, how much of our behavior is inherited?
When people talk about heredity, they almost exclusively refer to their physical traits. They might say, “I have my mother’s eyes” or “my father’s nose,” but the characteristics we inherit from our parents are more than skin deep.
The determinants of your most prominent traits are found in your chromosomes, with each of your parents contributing half of their chromosomes to the 23 pairs found in your cells. Chromosomes are composed of segments of DNA called genes. Think of genes as blueprints, carrying instructions that determine your every biological trait, including the color of your hair, eyes, and skin. Moreover, your personality, intelligence, and mental health can also be attributed, at least in part, to your genetic makeup.
Scientists have taken a novel approach to testing the effects of heredity on personality: studying twins. Identical twins share the same genes, whereas fraternal twins share half of their genes, like other siblings. By contrasting the traits of identical and fraternal twins, scientists have been able to separate the influences of nature and nurture on human behavior. In a meta-analysis of the heritability of human traits, researchers looked at over 50 years of twin studies, compiling evidence from over 2,000 publications reporting on a combined 17,804 traits and 14,558,903 twins. They found that the heritability of human traits, including temperament and personality functions, is about 50%. To put it simply, half of our unique personalities can be attributed to heredity, or nature.
Has the revelation that genetics accounts for half of our mental and physical traits—and that both sides hold equal sway over our personalities—put an end to the nature versus nurture debate? Not quite. This debate has proven more nuanced than previously thought, particularly with the revelation that genetically driven behaviors shape our environments in the same way our environments shape us. For example, parents responding negatively to their child’s antisocial behaviors may end up reinforcing those same behaviors. Complicating matters further are epigenetic changes that switch genes on and off. Traumatic experiences, in particular, can be passed on from one generation to the next. Complex factors like these continue to stoke the flames of this age-old debate.
More than opposing ideas, nature and nurture describe entwined influences that alter and build upon one another. While some argue that nature carries more weight because our genes, as opposed to our experiences, are set in stone, this is exactly why nurture is such an important concept. The family, society, and culture we’re born into are random, but not all environmental factors are beyond influence, and something as simple as reading bedtime stories to a child could make a world of difference in who they grow up to be.
Professionals in the field of psychology define themselves by their work, whether they’re conducting research or administering care. This is a rewarding, albeit challenging, career path ideal for anyone interested in bringing fulfillment to their life and the lives of others. Nature versus nurture aside, you decide the course of your professional journey. And if you choose to become a psychologist, The University of Texas Permian Basin can help.
UT Permian Basin offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program that provides the foundational psychology knowledge you need to set yourself up for success in graduate school and beyond. Through our program, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of empirical research, mental disorders, and the application of psychological principles in the real world. Virtual courses help ensure that you can participate when it’s convenient for you, and although our program is entirely online and asynchronous, you’ll receive the same distinguished degree as on-campus graduates. From its well-rounded curriculum to its experienced professors, our program offers everything you need to excel in a diverse range of psychology roles.
Ready to pursue your passion for psychology? Apply to our online BA in psychology program to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become the psychology professional you were born to be.
Sources:
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/in-the-nature-nurture-war-nature-wins/
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/mar/19/do-your-genes-determine-your-entire-life
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/nature-vs-nurture
https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/genetics.aspx
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubpdfs/long_term_consequences.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/epigenetics.htm
Earning a higher education credential from an accredited institution is a crucial milestone. It’s the gateway to career opportunities, a feeling of well-deserved pride, and personal and professional fulfillment. The University of Texas Permian Basin, the federal government, private lenders, and many other organizations offer various types of payment assistance so you can pursue higher education and enjoy all these benefits.
Let’s take a look at what the financial commitment of earning an educational credential online from UT Permian Basin is like and review some of the financial aid and scholarship options that may be available to you.
Save Money by Paying Less
UT Permian Basin’s tuition and fee structure is among the most affordable you’ll find in higher education, due in part to the fact that we don’t charge online students out-of-state tuition rates. (In some cases, out-of-state rates can more than double the amount a student pays for their education.) Online students benefit from other savings as well, as they don’t need to pay for the parking permits, gas, tolls, and other expenses related to commuting to campus. You’re already saving money just by choosing online learning!
Look to Uncle Sam
All Americans share a common interest in helping cultivate educated and productive members of society. For this reason, the federal government offers various student loans to eligible individuals for qualifying programs. Some of these, such as Direct Subsidized Loans, are awarded due to financial need, while others, such as Direct Unsubsidized Loans, don’t require demonstration of financial need.
For undergraduate students, federal loans generally range between $5,500 and $12,500 per year. This could potentially cover 100% of a qualified student’s annual cost for some bachelor’s degrees. Graduate students may borrow as much as $20,500 each year for their education. The total tuition for UT Permian Basin’s graduate programs starts at about $10,000, and many programs range from approximately $13,000 to $16,000. Considering that some online graduate programs last one year, a federal loan may cover all or most of the tuition costs for qualified students. In addition to these loans, Direct PLUS Loans help graduate students, professional students, and parents of dependent undergraduates cover related expenses that financial aid does not.
If you’re interested in applying for federal student aid, you should first apply to a UT Permian Basin online program. Once you’ve been accepted and have registered for classes in that program, visit this website to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When filling out a FAFSA, be sure to use the UT Permian Basin school code, 009930.
Apply for a Grant
Various federal, state, and private agencies offer grants to students with demonstrable financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid. Notable examples include Federal Pell Grants and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants, but many others are available, and students are encouraged to do their own research.
Take Out a Private Loan
Individuals apply for private loans through banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to help them cover the cost of a new home, a new car, and even their college education. Private loans must be repaid.
Get a Scholarship
Scholarships are awarded based on need, academic achievement, or other criteria and do not have to be repaid.r the cost of a new home, a new car, and even their college education. Private loans must be repaid.
Pay in Installments
UT Permian Basin enables you to split your total tuition cost into four separate payments, with the first due at enrollment and the rest during subsequent months. Get more details on our payment plans here.
Take Advantage of Your Employer’s Education Benefits
Many employers will help cover a portion of the cost of educational programs that are relevant to their industry. Speak with your company’s human resources department to see if such benefits might be available.
Use Your Veteran and Military Benefits
UT Permian Basin proudly participates in several VA education programs, including:
For more information about your eligibility for these programs, please contact Military and Veteran Student Services at veterans@utpb.edu.
Reach Out to Us
We’ve touched on several ways to ease your financial responsibility for online UT Permian Basin programs. The above list is not exhaustive, however, and there are other options available. Some students qualify for several types of financial aid, and the combined funds cover most or all of their annual education expenses, though this varies by individual. We’d be happy to help you sort through these options and determine which will work best for you. Reach out to our financial aid office for assistance at any time.
See how affordable our online degree and certificate programs can be with financial aid!
From ancient Greece to modern America, feminist authors have used their words to rewrite history. Through poetry, fiction, and fearless essays, these word-wielding pioneers challenged patriarchy, inspired generations, and proved that literature can be a powerful tool for equality. (All in a day’s work for these trailblazing women.)
From sixth-century poet Sappho to 20th-century icon Maya Angelou, here are five famous feminist writers who changed not only the literary canonbut the course of culture itself.
Sappho was a poet and songwriter born in Greece in the sixth century B.C. She was considered the greatest lyric poet of her time in a world dominated by men, and known as “the Tenth Muse”: an ode to her unparalleled creativity.
Her works celebrated the sensuality of people of all genders and her fearless identification as a lesbian. Sappho’s life and work were considered scandalous until recent times. In the 11th century, the Church burned most of her poems and songs. Thankfully, some of her poetry survived, and its rediscovery opened the doors to many more generations of feminist literature.
Another famous feminist author, Mary Wollstonecraft, was an 18th-century English writer, advocate, and feminist philosopher. She produced critical works like, “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.” This particular piece asserted that women deserved the same educational, economic, and political rights as men.
Wollstonecraft’s revolutionary sentiment earned her a prominent place in feminist literature. She even influenced her own family to think ahead of their time: Her daughter Mary Shelley was the author of “Frankenstein,” a novel that would also change history.
“Sense and Sensibility” and “Pride and Prejudice” are literary classics still beloved by modern readers, and so is their novelist, Jane Austen. Her many books explored female characters that were independent and able to accomplish much on their own.
While their depiction may seem tame by modern standards, it was extraordinary in 19th-century England, which was governed by a patriarchal society with strict status quos. Her voice led the way for newer generations to address inequalities. Austen herself remained unmarried and chose to write books instead, also challenging 19th-century norms.
Virginia Woolf was an English novelist and modernist who explored stream of consciousness as a narrative device and pioneered the idea of women as emancipated individuals. One of her most striking works is “Orlando,” which explored the idea of gender fluidity.
Her essay “A Room of One’s Own” argued for female writers to have equal opportunities to express themselves artistically. This included the private physical space that creative thought often requires. While suffering from mental illness and the trauma caused by her sexual abuse, Woolf still managed to produce work that deeply explored the human condition and continues to inspire many readers today.
Maya Angelou was a 20th-century poet, screenwriter, and activist. Despite living in a time when African American women were deeply oppressed, she spoke out bravely through her work. Her famous autobiographical novels, such as “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” garnered national attention by addressing women’s issues during segregation, racial discrimination, and sexism.
Angelou went on to become the first African American female director in Hollywood, writing award-winning screenplays that addressed the oppression of women—especially women of color. She won the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010, four years before her death. In addition, her 1975 poem “Alone Together” rode a wave of popularity as a viral rallying cry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ready to dive deeper into some of the best feminist writers who shaped culture? Through UT Permian Basin’s online BA in English, you’ll explore everything from early feminist literature to contemporary creative writing. Learn from history’s greatest authors while developing your own unique voice.
At UTPB, our 100% online classes provide students with high-quality, cost-effective, and convenient education on par with our in-person classes. What’s more, you can enrich your knowledge of English language and culture from anywhere in the world!
Rated by U.S. News & World Report as having some of the best online bachelor’s programs, UT Permian Basin can provide you with a critical literary foundation that will allow you to successfully pursue an English master’s or doctoral degree.
Careers that students will be poised to pursue with our BA in English include:
Explore the timeless literature of historical greats and gain valuable knowledge and skills through our online classes. Join UT Permian Basin’s online BA in English program and start your journey today.
Sources:
https://americanliterature.com/feminist-literature-study-guide
https://www.worldhistory.org/Sappho_of_Lesbos
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1078268.pdf
https://www.toledolibrary.org/blog/jane-austens-hidden-feminism
https://squaderno.altervista.org/2018/01/15/virginia-woolf-the-pioneer-of-feminism
https://www.bl.uk/people/virginia-woolf
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/maya-angelou
“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…
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 the top six skills that can shape a thriving accounting career.
Modern accounting has moved far beyond pen, paper, and calculators. Today’s professionals rely on powerful, computer-based accounting systems and specialized software to manage everything from data entry and reporting to auditing and forecasting.
Cloud accounting, in particular, is transforming how firms operate—offering real-time access to financial data, increased collaboration, and enhanced security. To stay competitive in the field, accountants must be comfortable adopting new technologies that drive accuracy, efficiency, and insight.
Accountants working within organizations need more than number-crunching skills. They need a clear understanding of how the business operates as a whole.
As cross-functional collaboration becomes more common, employers increasingly expect accountants to communicate with multiple departments and align their financial expertise with broader organizational goals. A strong grasp of overall business strategy gives accountants the insights to support smarter decision-making across the company.
Accountants who wish to work in a specific field such as healthcare or residential housing may increase their employment potential by expanding their expertise through courses focused on that particular field.
For instance, within each sector, there are distinct financial regulations, reporting standards, and challenges. Specialized knowledge allows accountants to deliver more accurate and strategic guidance. This added layer of expertise not only makes you more marketable but can also position you as a valuable, niche expert in your field.
When problems arise, whether they’re regulatory concerns for a business or a complex tax scenario, accountants must be able to think on their feet and devise effective, timely solutions. Strong problem-solving skills don’t just prevent mistakes; they build trust and long-term value.
Accountants juggle multiple priorities on any given day, and during peak times like tax season, their calendars can feel like a high-stakes game of Tetris.
Strong time management skills are essential for several reasons, including:
Falling behind can lead to missed filings, reporting errors, or unhappy clients, so the ability to prioritize and plan effectively is key to thriving in this fast-paced profession.
Accounting may be rooted in numbers, but success in the field also depends on how well you communicate them. Whether you’re explaining a tax issue to a client or presenting a budget forecast to leadership, the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, understandable language is critical. Strong written and verbal communication builds trust, reduces confusion, and ensures that clients and colleagues can act confidently on your advice—even if they’ve never opened a spreadsheet in their life.
If you’re ready to turn these essential skills into a lasting career, the right education can make all the difference. The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for aspiring accountants through our AACSB-accredited College of Business. These skill-driven programs prepare you for numerous rewarding roles within the accounting profession.
Where available, we’ve provided earnings information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for careers associated with these degrees below.
BBA in Accounting
Haven’t earned your bachelor’s yet? Our online BBA in Accounting is a smart first step.
Our program provides the foundational skills to analyze and resolve accounting problems within specialized areas, including healthcare, governmental and non-profit organizations, energy, and other important sectors of the economy using the latest tools.
MBA in Accounting
If you’ve recently earned a bachelor’s degree, our online Master of Business Administration with accounting emphasis equips you with a comprehensive, practical understanding of accounting and business principles and applications..
Our program gives you the flexibility to choose from one of two tracks to align with your professional aspirations:
Many students complete our accounting MBA program in as little as four semesters and go on to work in a variety of careers. Potential career paths include financial manager (BLS annual earnings estimate: $161,700) and financial analyst (BLS annual earnings estimate: $101,910). Having a master’s degree can also help you compete for leadership positions.
Master of Professional Accountancy
If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree and are certain you want to achieve CPA certification, our online Master of Professional Accountancy is your program. Online courses cover all the CPA exam topics, making it essential for exam preparation.
Many students finish our professional accountancy master’s program in 2 to 4 years and graduate with the potential to become a certified public accountant (BLS annual earnings estimate: $81,680) or even chief financial officer (BLS annual earnings estimate: $105,350). According to the BLS, some employers prefer candidates who’ve earned a master’s degree, and with the added credential of a CPA license, there’s no telling where your career can take you.
Each of our online accounting degree programs features the same curriculum as its campus-based version and is taught by the same distinguished faculty and CPAs.
Our programs are delivered asynchronously, which enables you to complete coursework on your own schedule, around any professional or personal responsibilities you might have. And since they’re presented online, you can access our programs from any location in the world with internet access. Distance is never a barrier to you earning an accounting degree from UT Permian Basin.
Learn the skills you need to succeed as an accountant or in a related field with a respected degree from UTPB!
Sources:
https://www.accountancyage.com/2018/02/01/top-8-skills-need-nurture-accountant/
https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/salaries-and-skills/the-accounting-job-skills-you-need-to-succeed
https://karbonhq.com/resources/5-soft-skills-every-modern-accountant-must-have
When you hear the word “accountant,” who comes to mind? Someone balancing spreadsheets and filing taxes? If so, you’re on the right track. But there’s more to it. Within the field of accounting, one credential stands apart: the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). While both accountants and CPAs manage finances, advise clients, and ensure the accuracy…
Picture this: You’re a junior accountant, and your manager asks you to tweak a report to make the numbers look better. The request sounds harmless enough—just a small tweak—but you know it’s not above board. Now you’re stuck. Do you follow orders and risk crossing an ethical line, or do you push back and risk…
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 …
For students in highly specialized academic fields, the professional path that begins after graduation is often clear-cut. Individuals who earn an accounting degree, for example, generally go on to become accountants. Other students, however, prefer a broader academic focus that spans several disciplines, making them a natural fit for studying humanities. Since the term humanities refers not to a profession but rather a broad range of social and cultural studies, the value of a degree in this subject may not be immediately clear. Let’s look now at what we mean by humanities, the essential skills a degree in humanities helps you develop, and the professions for which a humanities degree is most valuable.
The Meaning of Humanities
Humanities encompass a range of disciplines including language, philosophy, history, literature, music, and other arts. One purpose of a humanities degree is to equip students with a well-rounded knowledge of human culture that will enable them to better understand the world around them. A humanities degree also enables students to enjoy greater personal enrichment and build the skills needed to experience a more rewarding career.
The Degree Helps You Build Broadly Applicable Skills
Let’s discuss those skills for a moment. A humanities degree instills students with what are commonly called “soft skills,” which major companies and the U.S. Department of Labor agree are among the skills nearly all employers are seeking in job candidates—not just for entry-level jobs, but for leadership positions as well. These skills include:
Clearly, these skills—soft or not—can benefit nearly everyone, both personally and professionally. Through a carefully designed curriculum, a humanities degree can help students develop a broad set of these irreplaceable abilities.
The Degree Prepares You for Many Rewarding Careers
By developing a skillset so broadly applicable and marketable, humanities degree-holders are primed to pursue a variety of careers, including:
The Value of an Online Humanities Degree From UTPB
When you choose The University of Texas Permian Basin for your online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, you’ll explore and consider some of the world’s most significant cultural works as you build the key skills that modern employers are seeking.
Our innovative online humanities degree program enables you to gear your studies toward the academic areas that most closely align with your passions. Rather than follow a fixed curriculum, you’ll work together with one of our faculty advisors to design an individualized study plan centered around a multidisciplinary theme, era, set of problems, specialization, or viewpoint. This is a unique configuration that you can’t experience by simply pursuing a major and a minor simultaneously. You’ll pick two to four areas of concentration from a list that includes art, English, Spanish, music, history, and communication, among others, for a total of 24 credit hours of specialized coursework.
In addition to this custom curriculum, our BA in humanities also offers a flexible learning experience through an asynchronous, fully online format that empowers you to complete coursework on your own schedule from virtually any location in the world. It’s the ideal way to earn a bachelor’s degree while fulfilling your professional and personal responsibilities. Need additional flexibility? You can begin your program at any of six annual start times. Once you begin, you’ll learn from the same renowned faculty who teach at the UT Permian Basin campus. When you graduate, you’ll receive the same respected degree as any campus-based student, with no indication that the program was completed online.
Can you see the value that our online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities program offers? Apply here or get more details about the program now.
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/humanities
Ask someone what a drone is used for and you’re likely to receive any number of responses. A photographer might tell you they’re great for shooting aerial footage, while a farmer might share how they use agricultural drones for targeted pesticide spraying. Someone might even mention hearing about a fleet of experimental delivery drones.
You’re also sure to hear from detractors, many of whom only are only familiar with drones’ military or surveillance uses.
So, which is it? Are drones a plaything for hobbyists or a conveyance for precision-guided munitions? Are they used for good or evil?
Like all technology, drones are not inherently good or evil. How our society uses drones is what matters, and lately, they’ve been used to accomplish some incredible things. We’ll be taking an in-depth look at drones and some of their more novel uses. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a use for drone technology in your own profession.
Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) that are remotely piloted or follow a preprogrammed flight path, and their development dates back to World War I. Developed in secret in 1918, the Kettering Aerial Torpedo was the first functioning UAV, although it was little more than a cobbled-together wooden biplane turned bomb.
The “Bug,” as it came to be known, was designed to shed its wings and plummet onto its target once a predetermined number of engine revolutions were reached. Alas, the war ended before the Bug could see battle.
Drones are lighter and more efficient than traditional aircraft, requiring no systems to support an onboard pilot, so it was only a matter of time before world militaries began using them in earnest.
The U.S. began deploying military drones for surveillance and reconnaissance beginning in the early 1980s, and by 1990, they were equipped with antitank missiles. Predator drones have since become a symbol of 21st-century warfare, especially in connection to the war on terror.
The MQ-9 Reaper is the U.S. Air Force’s latest unmanned combat aerial vehicle, and with a wingspan of 66 feet, it’s hard to imagine how it could have anything in common with the recreational drone sitting on your local store shelf.
Drone strikes have been heavily criticized for misidentifying targets and killing innocent civilians, giving rise to the notion that drones are inherently harmful. However, the same technology behind military drones has been refined and miniaturized into the lightweight, battery-operated drones we see today.
Able to reach remote areas with little time or effort, drones are being adopted across industries as more businesses realize their untapped potential.
One industry that’s benefiting from drone technology is geospatial science. Geospatial data refers to information about objects, events, and other details attributed to a location on Earth. When you see a hurricane map showing areas of rainfall, flooding, and lightning, you’re seeing this data visualized in a Geographic Information System (GIS).
This data also powers geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), which involves using imagery and geographic information to support national security, disaster response, urban planning, and more.
For a demonstration of the power and influence of geospatial data, you only need to look at the Cuban Missile Crisis. The intelligence gained from aerial surveillance photography not only revealed the presence of Cuban missile installations to President John F. Kennedy but also provided the evidence he needed to demand for their immediate removal during a televised speech. The ensuing 13-day political and military standoff ended with a deal struck between the U.S. and Soviet Union. If not for GEOINT, who knows how these events would have played out.
Geospatial data influences everything from urban planning to biodiversity conservation to disaster management, but collecting it isn’t easy. Drones play a crucial role in this industry, where a GIS lives and dies by up-to-date data.
While there are many modern survey tools, including GPS, their level of precision can’t compete with UAVs, which can be:
If you’re pursuing a career in geoscience, environmental science, public health, business management, or social analytics, you may soon find yourself using drones and other GIS technologies.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online GIS and Geospatial Certificate program that will provide the experience you need to apply GIS and geospatial science and technology in your career. Throughout our program, you’ll work with ArcGIS online tools, GIS maps, and geographic data, all while learning how data can be visualized to inform decisions and solve problems.
Mapping and Cartography is a course that may be of particular interest to you, as it explores how geospatial data, such as the data derived from drones, can be used to create 2D maps and 3D scenes to convey issues, events, and themes.
Courses are entirely online and asynchronous, enabling you to complete coursework on your own time, at your own pace. Maintain your current position while gaining real-world skills and preparing for a career in geology, cartography, geography, or one of the many other industries that rely on geospatial data.
Apply to our online GIS and Geospatial Certificate program to prepare for a career in which drones and other GIS technologies are employed to make the world a better place.
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/technology/unmanned-aerial-vehicle
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2018/01/22/drone-technology-the-good-the-bad-and-the-horrible/?sh=ca4dfe341fb1
https://www.ibm.com/topics/geospatial-data
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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:…
Yes, autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is considered a developmental disability. It affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, learns, and behaves.
As autism diagnoses have become more common, more families and educators have started asking questions about what autism is, how it’s classified, and how it differs from other developmental conditions. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 31 8-year-old children were identified with ASD in 2022.
This article breaks down how autism is classified, how it differs from other disorders, and why early intervention matters.
Autism is classified as a developmental disability because it affects development early in life, especially in areas like:
But autism is also a spectrum disorder, which means symptoms and support needs can vary widely from person to person.
Some autistic children may have difficulty with eye contact, social communication, or adapting to changes in routine. Others may show repetitive behaviors or have very focused interests. Some communicate verbally, while others are nonverbal or communicate in other ways.
That range is part of what makes autism different from many other disorders: There’s no single “look” or profile.
Autism can overlap with other developmental disabilities, which is one reason its diagnosis can be complex.
For example, autism and ADHD can both affect attention, communication, sleep, and impulse control. A child who struggles in the classroom may show signs that could fit one condition, the other, or both. In recent years, diagnostic guidelines have made it easier for clinicians to identify co-occurring autism and ADHD more accurately.
In short, autism is a developmental disability, but it’s not interchangeable with every other developmental disorder. It has its own diagnostic features and support needs.
There’s no single medical test for autism. Instead, healthcare providers look at behavior and development over time.
The CDC says ASD can sometimes be detected as early as 18 months, and by age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends autism-specific screening at 18 months and 24 months.
A child may first go through developmental monitoring and screening, followed by a more formal developmental evaluation if concerns come up.
Early intervention can make a meaningful difference for children with autism. Because development moves quickly in the early years of life, support provided during that time can help improve a child’s communication and daily functioning.
Recognizing the signs of autism early and connecting families with the right services can have a lasting impact on a child’s long-term development.
UT Permian Basin’s online Master of Arts in Special Education with Autism Spectrum Disorders track is built to help professionals support students with ASD.
Through flexible online coursework, you’ll learn about early signs of autism, evidence-based interventions, and strategies for meeting the needs of learners across the spectrum.
Put yourself in the best position to make a difference in the lives of students with ASD. Apply to UTPB’s online MA in special education, ASD track to learn how to better assess your students’ needs, whether or not they’re on the spectrum.
Sources:
https://www.statnews.com/2023/03/23/autism-epidemic-cdc-numbers/
https://www.proquest.com/docview/304865573
https://medlineplus.gov/autismspectrumdisorder.html#cat_78
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/adhd-or-autism
https://www.spectrumnews.org/features/deep-dive/the-blurred-line-between-autism-and-intellectual-disability/
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What does the year ahead hold for marketing? For starters, some changes spurred by the pandemic and others born from technological and/or sociological evolution. Let’s look at a few anticipated marketing trends for 2022 now:
Tossing the Cookies
Cookies have always left a bad taste in the mouths of some internet users who didn’t appreciate being “followed” around the internet. Google is removing third-party tracking cookies from its Chrome browser in 2023 (postponed from 2022) and doesn’t plan to replace them with an alternate feature. Other major web browsers have already banned these cookies, which track users from website to website and deliver ads that align with users’ interests based on those sites. The new 2023 target date means marketers will spend a good portion of 2022 ramping up alternative tactics such as first-party cookies, which eliminate privacy concerns by enabling users to opt in.
Offering Artificial Assistance for Real People
The use of artificial intelligence in the customer service experience is on the rise. This shift doesn’t replace customer service agents, but rather helps them complete their jobs more efficiently.
Sticking (Mostly) to Virtual Events
Webinars and other types of virtual events have been around for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic helped illustrate the value and cost-savings of these events. Individuals and organizations can save significant money on airfare, lodging, rental space, and other costs related to holding in-person events when a virtual option is feasible. With some people preferring in-person events and others opting for virtual attendance, marketers can please both audiences by holding hybrid events.
Shrinking Influence
While using influencers for marketing is not new, their price tag and credibility have come under increasing scrutiny. Many marketers are considering moving to micro-influencers whose follower bases are more compact but typically very loyal.
Making a Difference With Nonprofits
Philanthropy is becoming increasingly important to consumers. Marketers are taking note of this trend and aligning their efforts with organizations and causes that matter to their targeted consumers.
Moving From a Funnel to a Flywheel
The traditional “sales funnel” approach, which focuses on getting individual customers through the sales cycle, is being replaced by a reengagement model known as Flywheel, which puts more value on keeping customers once they are acquired.
Posting More Shorts
With short-form video finishing out 2021 as a major attraction for social media users, marketers are expected to increase their video content output.
Becoming More Inclusive
Marketing efforts will more clearly speak to multiple demographics in an increasingly diverse consumer pool.
Stay Ahead of Marketing Trends Through Online Learning
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited College of Business offers two online programs that can keep you abreast of the latest marketing trends and position you to prosper in a related career:
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
Today’s marketing is data driven. When you earn an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from UT Permian Basin, you’ll look at data about consumer behavior and demographics to help you develop targeted, effective marketing strategies. Our undergraduate degree prepares you to market a product or service using traditional (direct mail, print ads, broadcast media, etc.) and digital (social media, email, SEO, influencer) channels. Along the way, you’ll hone communication and strategic thinking skills that can help you excel in many professional roles.
Digital or internet-based marketing has become essential to the success of just about every organization. Compared to most traditional marketing methods, digital marketing can save an enterprise money, hit the public eye more quickly, and target a specific audience more easily. To meet the growing need for digital marketing proficiency among today’s business and marketing professionals, UT Permian Basin has developed a 12-credit online, undergraduate digital marketing certificate program. As a student, you’ll explore digital marketing’s unique advantages and learn how to use the latest tools of the trade.
Add Two Career-Enhancing Credentials to Your Resume
All the courses that comprise our stand-alone digital marketing certificate are also available as electives for the BBA in marketing degree. Choose your electives carefully and you can earn both the certificate and the degree in the same amount of time it takes to complete just the degree! You can then apply that combined expertise in many marketing specialties, including:
Earn Your Credentials on Your Schedule
Our BBA in marketing degree and digital marketing certificate are delivered in a 100% online, asynchronous format that enables you to complete coursework at your own pace from practically anywhere in the world. We offer the flexibility to earn important education credentials as you continue to meet your professional and personal obligations. You can finish most individual courses in just eight weeks!
UT Permian Basin’s online marketing programs prepare you to be a successful marketer no matter what trends may lie ahead. Apply today!
