Earning a master’s degree is an important step in both your life and career. It shows employers that you have the ambition to elevate your expertise in your chosen field to an advanced level. With the new skills you develop and a graduate credential on your resume, you can compete for coveted leadership roles within your current organization or with a new employer. Whether you’re moving right from earning a bachelor’s degree to starting a master’s degree program or going back to school after a few years, you’ll find that an online master’s degree from The University of Texas Permian Basin offers some significant advantages. Let’s look at a few of them now.
#1: Choose from a Variety of In-Demand Majors
UT Permian Basin offers online master’s degree programs in criminal justice administration, language, public administration, business, education, and more. Select programs allow you to gear your studies to an area that’s important to you. For example:
#2: Prepare for Professional Certification
Professional certifications are important—and often required for advancement—in many careers. Granted by recognized certifying organizations, certifications generally involve taking one or a series of exams. Like any exam, these certification exams require some prep work. Many of UT Permian Basin’s online master’s degree programs prepare you for key certifications in related fields:
Eligibility requirements vary by state and program. Check with your state’s education certification agency or board of public accountancy to see if your chosen UT Permian Basin program meets your state’s requirements.
#3: Start and Finish Your Program Quickly
You’ve already spent four years earning a bachelor’s degree and may not want to dedicate many more years of your life to completing your master’s degree. Our “no GRE required” policy removes one step in getting started on a graduate degree, so prospective students need only meet the standard admission requirements for their program. Once you begin your master’s degree, you may be able to finish it in as little as one year, depending on the program. Read more about our accelerated degree programs here.
#4: Complete Coursework on Your Schedule, Anywhere
The asynchronous presentation of our 100% online master’s degree programs provides tremendous flexibility. You can complete your coursework at your own pace from practically anywhere on the planet and never have to visit campus. If, like the majority of our graduate students, you have ongoing work and/or family responsibilities to meet, you’ll discover that this freedom can put a master’s degree within reach, even if you didn’t think it was feasible. As an online student, you’ll reach faculty and classmates using interactive online tools and gain access to an extensive array of services that can help make your graduate journey a smooth and rewarding one.
#5: Save With Our Cost-Effective Programs
If you research tuition and fees for online graduate degree programs, you’ll quickly discover that UT Permian Basin’s programs are among the most competitively priced and affordable options. Besides working to keep our tuition low, we also don’t charge out-of-state tuition rates, which can more than double the total cost of a degree program. Whether you live in Texas or Tasmania, you’ll get the same high-quality UT Permian Basin educational experience at a price you can afford.
Whatever your motivation for pursuing a master’s degree—from professional benefits to the pride of accomplishment—we have a program for you. It would be our pleasure to tell you more about the benefits of completing an online master’s degree with us. Reach out to us today!
The English language is nobody’s special property. It is the property of the imagination: it is the property of the language itself.
— Derek Walcott
The United States has no official language, but English is the de facto language spoken by millions of native speakers. For both citizens and noncitizen residents, many of whom speak a foreign language at home, the pressure to speak fluent English is immense. There is a strong correlation between English fluency and quality of life, and individuals who lack English proficiency can experience numerous social, economic, and educational hardships. Learning English, although challenging, offers immigrants and other English language learners (ELLs) the chance to integrate into American society.
Bilingual and English as a second language (ESL) teachers are tasked with nurturing the English language skills of their students while ensuring that their needs are met. This rewarding, challenging career requires the expertise of trained professionals, and although aspiring educators may have the skills needed to lead a classroom, they may not know which classroom setting will be the best match for their unique abilities.
The career path of a bilingual or ESL teacher depends largely on their background and education. While aspiring educators can teach ELLs without a degree, those who earn a Master of Arts in Bilingual/ESL Education will have a higher earning potential and brighter professional outlook. Let’s explore these two degree options and the potential careers that await graduates.
This degree is ideal for educators who are not bilingual but would nonetheless like to teach ELL students. English is the only language taught in ESL classrooms, as students from different countries and cultures are taught to read, write, and speak the language. The idea is that students will learn English at an accelerated rate if it’s the only language they’re exposed to in the classroom. These teachers can have a tremendous impact on students’ educational and career trajectories, and all that’s needed to fulfill this role is an MA in ESL education.
By earning an MA in ESL education, aspiring professionals can qualify for positions teaching ELL children and adults. For example, adult ESL instructors help students develop English language skills essential in both the workplace and their daily lives. Traditionally, ESL educators are found in K-12 classrooms, where they develop lesson plans, monitor students’ progress, and empower students on their academic journey. ESL teachers earn an average base salary of $51,027 per year. Additional career options for graduates of MA in ESL education programs include:
For aspiring educators fluent in a foreign language, an MA in bilingual education can open the door to a rewarding and lucrative career. Bilingual educators teach students in both their native and target language, as opposed to other ESL teachers who may discourage use of students’ native language in the classroom. With the help of a teacher who fosters an inclusive learning environment, ELLs in bilingual classrooms have a better chance of becoming fluent in both languages.
Professionals holding an MA in bilingual education have the same career options as ESL educators. However, their unique skill set makes them invaluable in K-12 settings, especially since bilingual teachers are in short supply across the country. According to USA Today News, over 30 states are experiencing critical shortages of ESL teachers, with many school districts grooming bilingual teachers in the hopes that they’ll become certified instructors. Moreover, bilingual educators earn an average base salary of $53,640 per year, with top earners making as much as $66,000 per year.
If you’re interested in teaching a school subject such as math, science, or social studies in a student’s first language, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more rewarding career path.
The number of ELL students has surged in recent years, and an estimated 4.9 million children in K-12 schools are now learning English. Throughout the South and Midwest, areas that saw few of these students at the start of the millennium are seeing a dramatic increase in enrollment. The largest increase was here in Texas, with an additional 350,000 ELL students having enrolled since 2000.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online MA in bilingual/ESL education program that can help you qualify for in-demand teaching positions and pass on your language skills to a growing number of ELLs. Through our program, you’ll learn to foster an inclusive learning environment, implement effective instructional methods, and identify language proficiency levels in speaking, reading, and writing. This 30-credit online program can be completed in as little as one year and can be tailored with one of two online concentrations:
Students may qualify for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, which provides up to $4,000 per year to students who are completing coursework needed to begin a career in high-need teaching fields. Graduates of our MA in bilingual program also have the option to sit for the Texas Bilingual Supplemental Exam, as long as they meet the other eligibility requirements. In every aspect, our online program is an affordable, convenient way for you to pivot into a new career and apply your knowledge and skills where they’re needed most. Apply now to our online MA in bilingual/ESL education program to discover how rewarding the field of bilingual/ESL education can be.
Sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/05/21/millions-of-u-s-citizens-dont-speak-english-to-each-other-thats-not-a-problem/
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2021/06/why-cant-immigrants-learn-english/619053/
To do your job as a first responder effectively, you need to be able to communicate with the people you’re trying to help, or with someone who can communicate on their behalf. But what if the patient or their loved ones speak only Spanish, and you don’t know the language? From Texas to Illinois and from New York to California, the numbers of Spanish-speaking people are steadily increasing. Those four states, in addition to Florida and New Jersey, have some of the highest populations of Spanish speakers in the United States. However, they are just part of a larger trend throughout the country. Consider these facts:
What does all this mean to you as a paramedic or EMT? Risk or opportunity, depending on your level of Spanish proficiency. Considering that the Spanish language will continue to proliferate in the country, knowing English alone isn’t enough. The inability to converse in a second language can make a critical difference in providing appropriate care with certainty, which means it will become as important a job skill as knowing how to perform CPR.
Let’s put that risk into real numbers.
Risk: Contributing to a Staggering Statistic
Are you willing to accept the risk that you may not be able to understand 8% of your patients? Data attributed to the U.S. Census Bureau reports that nearly 25 million Americans—approximately 330 million people—have limited English proficiency. According to data from The Joint Commission, communication errors are a primary factor in almost 60% of problematic incidents that occur within healthcare facilities. It’s easy to see how language barriers can lead to tragedy in an emergency situation. Would you minimize the risk if you could by learning a second language?
Opportunity: Becoming More Valuable to Patients and Employers
Having the ability to communicate with a greater number of patients has many benefits for you and all parties involved:
A Spanish Program Created Specifically for First Responders
The University of Texas Permian Basin is helping to answer the growing need for Spanish-speaking emergency service providers with our online Certificate in Spanish for First Responders. Created to help healthcare professionals better serve the growing Spanish-speaking population, our 9-credit program provides instruction in translating the medical terminology you use every day into Spanish, enabling you to ask questions and explain to Spanish speakers what type of treatment you’re providing. You’ll build your proficiency in Spanish through virtual conversations that mirror real-life exchanges between Spanish-speaking patients and emergency personnel.
This certificate is made up of three online courses led by the same renowned professors who teach Spanish courses at the UT Permian Basin campus. These acknowledged authorities will instruct you not just on the Spanish language, but on contextual topics that will help you better understand your patients. Under their guidance, you’ll explore Spanish from multiple perspectives, including:
Our Certificate in Spanish for First Responders is available to you as a stand-alone online program or can be added to an existing degree program, should you wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree from UT Permian Basin.
Learning Online Means Learning on Your Schedule
Your job and family commitments are very important to you, but you needn’t neglect them to learn new career-enhancing skills. Our Certificate in Spanish for First Responders program is delivered in a 100% online asynchronous format that allows you to choose both the time and place to complete your coursework. On a break from work, after you put the kids to bed, on weekends—if the time is good for you and you have internet access, our program is ready and waiting. This unmatched flexibility makes earning an important professional credential incredibly convenient.
You’re only three courses away from being able to offer more effective care for an increasing number of patients. Apply to our online Certificate in Spanish for First Responders program now and make an even bigger difference in their lives!
Sources:
https://datacommons.org/place/country/USA?utm_medium=explore&mprop=count&popt=Person&hl=en
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7201401/
https://journals.lww.com/nursingmanagement/fulltext/2018/04000/strategies_for_overcoming_language_barriers_in.7.aspx
https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/overcoming-language-barriers-in-healthcare/89359/
https://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-06-07-00470.pdf
Clean energy comes in many forms. These renewable power sources create little to no pollution in the air, water, or soil, and some are even inexhaustible. Let’s look at a few clean energy sources, substantial clean energy efforts around the world, and energy business career potential—including salaries.
Clean Energy Sources
Some common sources of clean energy are:
Solar panels direct sunlight to photovoltaic (PV) cells, which then convert sunlight into electricity. This energy can be used immediately or stored in batteries for later use.
Wind turbines, modern-day windmills that often resemble airplane propellers, are set into rotation by wind. The blades of the turbine are mounted on a rotor, which is attached to a generator that can generate electric power from the motion of the blades.
Also known as hydropower, hydroelectric power also uses turbines attached to a generator to produce power. The turbines spin from the force of rapidly moving water, such as that from a river or waterfall.
Sizeable Clean Energy Projects
Let’s see how some of the clean energy sources mentioned above are being used today. Here are a few of the largest clean energy projects in the world:
Skyscraper-Sized Wind Turbines
Imagine the power that a single wind turbine more than 620 feet tall—nearly 60 stories—can generate. The European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre, situated in Scotland’s Aberdeen Bay, has 11 such turbines. This massive offshore wind farm is anticipated to meet more than 70% of Aberdeen’s electricity needs.
The Largest Power Station on the Planet
Australia is about 18% desert, and there’s no shortage of sunlight in those deserts, making them optimal locations for certain clean energy projects. Once construction commences in Western Australia in 2026, the Asian Renewable Energy Hub will be home to 78 square kilometers (about one-tenth the size of Chicago) of solar panels and 1,600 immense wind turbines that, when used in combination, have the potential to generate 40% of the continent’s electricity output. According to the project’s website, as much as “3,000 MW of generation capacity will be dedicated to large energy users” locally, while most of the energy will be put toward “large scale production of green hydrogen products for domestic and export markets.”
The Biggest Buyer of Clean Energy
As of 2021, Amazon is both the world’s top-grossing e-commerce retailer and the world’s biggest buyer of clean energy. With a stated goal of reaching zero carbon emissions within the next two decades, Amazon has invested in a total of 206 renewable energy projects, the most of any organization on the planet. These projects are situated on multiple continents across the world and incorporate solar, wind, and other types of clean power.
Rewarding Energy Sector Jobs
With the right credentials, you can take advantage of the current surge in clean energy projects by securing a lucrative position within the clean energy sector, and even a managerial role. Here are some in-demand energy jobs and their median annual pay, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Career-Enhancing Energy Credentials
If you’re considering a career in the energy industry or are looking for a way to improve your performance and advancement potential in your current energy role, you’ll benefit immensely from one of The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online energy programs. Offered by our AACSB-accredited College of Business, these programs equip you with vital career skills and credentials. Choose from the following graduate options:
Master of Business Administration with Certificate in Energy Business
This MBA program helps you develop operational acumen and leadership abilities highly valued by employers in the energy industry. Choose designated elective courses to earn a second graduate credential, the Graduate Certificate in Energy Business, without adding any extra time to your MBA program. You may be able to finish your MBA and graduate certificate in as little as four semesters!
Graduate Certificate in Energy Business
If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree program and are looking to add to your energy business skillset without committing to a master’s degree program, you can earn this 12-credit certificate as a stand-alone professional credential. Through your choice of four courses, you’ll enhance your existing abilities in accounting, business law, finance, management, and/or marketing with an energy industry perspective.
Programs That Work on Your Schedule
All courses for both programs are presented in a 100% online asynchronous format, enabling you to complete coursework at the times that best fit your schedule from just about anywhere in the world. If you have professional and personal commitments, as most of our students do, you’ll find this flexibility invaluable. These programs also feature the same quality curriculum taught by the same renowned faculty who teach on campus at UT Permian Basin. Online convenience is the only difference!
Strengthen your mastery of energy business concepts in an online UT Permian Basin program.
Sources:
https://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/national-location-information/landforms/deserts
https://www.scientificamerican.com/slideshow/10-largest-renewable-energy-projects/
Imagine walking into your classroom, where every student is seen, supported, and celebrated. You’ve built a space where progress looks different for everyone—and that’s exactly the point. Whether it’s helping a nonverbal child communicate for the first time or guiding a student through challenges with confidence, you’re not just teaching. ou’re transforming lives.
If you’ve ever pictured yourself in a role like this, a master’s degree in special education can help you get there. In this article, we explore an array of careers in special education, from teaching to curriculum development, and highlight some of the benefits you can expect if you pursue this deeply impactful career path.
A graduate degree in special education can lead you far beyond the classroom. While many use this degree to enrich their teaching practice, others find fulfilling careers in diagnostics, advocacy, early intervention, and educational leadership. Here are some of the most common—and most rewarding—career paths you can pursue.
If you’re considering applying to a master’s in special education program, you might want to know what your career prospects will be after graduation. Here we explore just a few of the many professional advantages you can experience with a master’s degree in special education.
Few careers are as important to a prosperous society as that of a teacher. Fewer still are as crucial as teachers who help set students with disabilities and disorders up for productive, fulfilling lives. You can become one of those critical educators.
A master’s degree in special education can lead to a career as a teacher or advocate for special education students, an early intervention specialist, or an educational diagnostician, among other roles.
If your professional goal is to one day move into education administration, earning a master’s degree will fulfill one of the typical requirements for the job: having a graduate credential.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data originally published in May 2020, master’s degree holders typically earn about 20% more than individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree alone.
Having a master’s degree on your resume can make a wider range of jobs available to you. The BLS reports a direct connection between achieving a higher level of education and increasing one’s probability of staying employed. It states that graduate degree-holders enjoy “the lowest unemployment rates and highest earnings” in the United States.
A master’s degree in special education clearly presents a tremendous opportunity for you to experience greater professional and personal satisfaction. Being able to choose from a variety of online degree programs enables you to enjoy even more benefits.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers three online special education master’s degree programs, enabling you to choose the path that most closely aligns with your career passion and goals. Our programs include one general master’s degree and two specialized tracks:
We created this program for those wishing to empower students living with developmental and learning disabilities to enjoy more fulfilling, self-reliant lives. Our master’s degree in special education explores the central role technology and innovation play in today’s special education classroom and gives educators the tools they need to overcome some of the most pressing issues today, such as resource limitations, fostering a diverse, inclusive learning environment, and identifying the specific needs of each student.
As a student of this program, you can:
We developed this program for those who aspire to help students on the autism spectrum. Our MA in special education, autism spectrum disorders track examines the physical and cognitive development of individuals on the autism spectrum throughout their lifespan, and the importance of technology, innovation, and inclusion in the modern special education setting.
As a student of this program, you can:
We designed this program for those who want to excel in recognizing and evaluating the learning needs of individual students. Our MA in special education, educational diagnostician track considers the place of technology and innovation in the contemporary special education environment and provides comprehensive instruction in standardized and curriculum-based methods for identifying learning or developmental impediments in students.
As a student of this program, you can:
UT Permian Basin’s online special education master’s degree programs offer many distinctive benefits. Each program is delivered in a 100% online, asynchronous format that enables you to complete coursework at your own pace from any location with internet access. No campus visits are required. When you have ongoing professional and personal responsibilities, this flexibility makes finishing a graduate degree much easier to manage.
This tremendous convenience is matched by the quality of our online programs. All courses are taught by the same distinguished faculty who teach on campus and are drawn from the same robust curriculum. Semesters are just eight weeks long—seven weeks during summer sessions—allowing you to gain new knowledge and skills at a steady pace and collect your degree in about a year.
Discover what a special education master’s degree from UT Permian Basin can do for your career!
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/benefits-of-earning-a-masters-degree
https://www.noodle.com/articles/why-get-a-masters-in-special-education-top-10-reasons-jobs-salary
Other articles you may be interested in:
Summer break hits differently when you’ve been running on fumes since January. That first week is sacred. Your priorities are (in no particular order) sleeping in, ignoring all emails, and reacquainting yourself with your old friend, the couch. You’ve earned it. But once the dust settles, summer becomes something else: a rare window where you’re not just reacting. No lesson plans due, no…
Texas teachers, here’s the reality: More than half of all K-12 students in the state are Hispanic, and nearly a quarter are enrolled in bilingual/ESL programs. That translates to over a million students who needed specialized language support throughout the 2023-2024 school year. Districts are struggling to find enough certified bilingual and ESL teachers. A critical shortage for schools? Absolutely. But…
You’re sitting at your desk after dismissal. The room is quiet (for once), and somewhere between grading essays and planning tomorrow’s lesson, you hear it again in the hallway: “My students are using ChatGPT for schoolwork.” Suddenly, you’re wondering: Is this cheating? This is the real question around AI in education. And as this technology…
It might feel like just yesterday that the CPA exam was made up of four fixed sections, offering little flexibility for your individual career goals or interests. But the exam has gone through some major updates in recent years. From new licensure paths and continuous testing windows to ongoing format tweaks, the 2025 CPA Exam introduces changes you can use to your advantage as you move closer to becoming a CPA.
In this guide, you’ll find the latest updates, plus expert tips on how to stay qualified and succeed.
The CPA Evolution framework launched in 2024, introducing a new structure known as the Core + Discipline model. This model gives candidates more flexibility while making sure they maintain a strong foundation in essential accounting knowledge. Let’s break it down further:
Core sections that all candidates must complete include:
In addition to the core sections, there’s also a discipline section that allows test takers to choose based on their professional goals, including:
In addition to the major changes introduced in 2024, the CPA exam continues to evolve in 2025 with updates designed to make the process more flexible and accessible for candidates:
With even more CPA exam updates rolling out in 2025, preparation is about more than just practice tests. Here are a few ways to confidently navigate the new format and walk into test day ready to succeed:
Presented by our AACSB-accredited College of Business, UT Permian Basin’s online Master of Professional Accountancy program helps you become eligible to sit for the CPA exam by empowering you with comprehensive knowledge of contemporary accounting principles and business applications. You’ll master traditional and modern accounting practices while developing skills that help you expertly navigate an ever-evolving business landscape.
Presented in a 100% online, asynchronous format, our program allows you to complete coursework on your own schedule from practically anywhere in the world. And that’s just one of the many benefits:
Our program meets the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy requirements to sit for the CPA exam and attain certification in Texas. You can confirm whether it also meets your state’s board of accountancy requirements here.
After you complete our Master of Professional Accountancy program, you’ll have met important requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Texas. Once you become a CPA, you’ll be able to enjoy higher earning potential and compete for many more professional opportunities.
Prepare yourself for success as a CPA with an online Master of Professional Accountancy from UT Permian Basin.
Sources:
https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam
https://future.aicpa.org/resources/download/learn-what-is-tested-on-the-cpa-exam
https://www.aicpa.org/becomeacpa/licensure.html
https://www.netsuite.com/portal/business-benchmark-brainyard/industries/articles/cfo-central/cpa-exam-changes.shtml
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 …
Geographic information systems (GIS) have been closely connected with city planning, surveying, and automobile navigation for many years. While these systems can tell you the best location for a city park, where your property lines are, and where your best friend’s new house is, GIS technology has far broader applications, many of which may surprise you. A large and diverse group of industries regularly rely on GIS, including:
Much More Than Maps
Let’s take a moment to define geographic information systems before delving into how they’re used, how they work, and what they can tell us about our world. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, GIS is defined as “a computer system that analyzes and displays geographically referenced information,” and “uses data that is attached to a unique location.” Data is a wide-ranging term, which helps explain how GIS can be applied so broadly to provide many different kinds of valuable information. For example, GIS can:
How GIS Works
How does GIS provide such varied and important information to us? GIS works through a combination of specialized software and hardware systems that collect and analyze data from various sources positioned on the ground, above the earth’s atmosphere, and everywhere in between. These sources include:
What GIS Data Ultimately Does for Us
Today’s world is data-driven, and GIS plays a large part in that. The data that geographic information systems provide empowers people and organizations to make sound decisions that take future growth and potential roadblocks into account. The long-term perspective GIS provides can help us anticipate and address variables—from predicting the amount of space available for new construction to ensuring adequate access to natural resources. GIS offers far more immediate benefits as well, telling us in quantifiable terms which geographical areas are problematic and in need of some constructive change. Whether identifying existing problems or ones that may lie ahead, the use of GIS adds up to a smart investment for nearly any locality, business, or government agency.
Our GIS and Geospatial Certificate Can Provide a Career Boost
The University of Texas Permian Basin has served the GIS and geospatial industries for more than 20 years. This exceptional bond has empowered UT Permian Basin to stay current with the technologies and methods used in these fields. Equipped with an insider’s perspective, we’ve developed a robust curriculum for our graduate-level GIS and Geospatial Certificate.
By participating in this online graduate certificate program, you’ll build valuable skills that will enable you to thrive in a career in fields such as environmental sciences, social analytics, public health, and business management. Every course in this certificate program is taught by acclaimed faculty who also lead campus-based classes at UT Permian Basin.
The Quick, Convenient Way to Add a Graduate Credential to Your Resume
Designed for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, our 12-credit GIS and Geospatial Certificate is comprised of four courses, each lasting just eight weeks. This provides a speedy way to expand your professional skills and add a new credential to your resume. Our program is presented in an asynchronous, 100% online format that allows for unequaled flexibility. View course lectures and complete assignments on your own schedule from any location with internet access—whether in Texas or Thailand. That convenience means you can still manage your work and family responsibilities while earning your certificate.
See what our online graduate GIS and Geospatial Certificate can do for your resume and career!
Sources:
https://www.modestogov.com/1889/Benefits-of-GIS
With approximately 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States alone, there’s no shortage of available bachelor’s degree programs. But are all these institutions and programs equal?
At The University of Texas Permian Basin, our diverse selection of programs, flexible online options and affordable tuition rates are just a few of the considerable advantages that set our undergraduate programs apart from the competition. Read more about five benefits of UT Permian Basin’s online bachelor’s degree programs below and learn the perks of joining the Falcon family.
#1: Breadth of Program Offerings
UT Permian Basin offers a range of online bachelor’s degree programs in popular fields including business, industrial technology, nursing, and the social sciences. What’s more, our programs enable you to focus on your specific area of interest. For example:
#2: Extra Credentials
Select online UT Permian Basin bachelor’s degree programs offer you the opportunity to earn two valuable education credentials in the same amount of time it takes to earn the degree alone—and at no additional cost. For example:
#3: Time-Tested Educational Excellence
Comprised of 13 acclaimed learning institutions, The University of Texas System is the academic home of nearly one quarter of a million students and has been synonymous with academic excellence since the 1880s. By completing your online bachelor’s degree at UT Permian Basin, you’ll be able to bolster your resume with the skills today’s employers are seeking and credentials from a distinguished university.
UT Permian Basin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Accreditation is an important factor to consider when choosing any institution of higher learning, because it:
Individual colleges at UT Permian Basin have also received one or more accreditations from nationally recognized accrediting bodies. Our College of Business, for example, is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)—an honor shared globally by only 5% of business programs.
#4: Online Convenience and Connection
Delivered in an asynchronous format, our online bachelor’s degree programs offer unparalleled convenience. You’ll manage your own schedule, completing coursework when it’s convenient for you from any location in the world with internet access. No campus visits are required. If you have domestic responsibilities, professional duties, and personal commitments, you will quickly find these benefits irreplaceable. You’ll access your professors and classmates through interactive online tools, and you’ll enjoy an extensive array of services that provide an online support network ensuring your smooth, rewarding, and hassle-free online learning experience.
#5: Competitively Priced Programs
UT Permian Basin has some of the most competitively priced, affordable online programs available, in part because we don’t charge out-of-state tuition rates—which can more than double the overall program price. Whether you’re living in Texas or Turkey, you can receive a high-quality education at a reasonable cost from UT Permian Basin.
With a host of degrees that prepare you to become a leader in business or healthcare and build essential communication, critical thinking, and research skills, we’re confident that UT Permian Basin has a bachelor’s program for you. It would be our pleasure to tell you more about the benefits of completing an online bachelor’s degree with us. Reach out to us today!
If you’ve ever wondered what you can do with a master’s degree in Spanish, you’re not alone. Whether you’re passionate about language and culture or looking for a flexible, globally relevant career, an MA in Spanish opens doors across many industries. From teaching and translation to travel and international affairs, this graduate degree offers more than you might expect.
And with flexible online Spanish degree programs now available, including a 100% online Master of Arts in Spanish from UT Permian Basin, it’s easier than ever to earn your degree without hitting pause on your life.
So, what can you actually do with this degree? Let’s break it down.
A Master of Arts in Spanish can open doors to a wide range of careers where language, culture, and communication intersect. With advanced Spanish-language skills and cultural expertise, you’ll be prepared for roles in many industries, including:
Whether you want to teach, write, travel, or serve bilingual communities, this degree equips you with the tools to thrive in a global, multilingual job market.
Curious about particular career paths? Potential roles include (but are certainly not limited to):
Completing a graduate degree is a considerable accomplishment, and something to be proud of. But once you’ve got your degree in hand, what’s next?
The truth is: what you do with your degree is up to you. To get the greatest value out of your educational investment, it helps to know what kind of opportunities an MA in Spanish can open.
Here’s how a master’s degree in Spanish can help you level-up your career:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2025, the median weekly earnings for professionals with a master’s degree were $1,840, compared to $1,543 for those with only a bachelor’s degree—a difference of over $15,000 annually. That wage boost can really add up over the course of your career, especially if your role involves bilingual communication or international engagement.
BLS data also shows a direct link between higher education and employment stability, with graduate degree holders experiencing the lowest unemployment rates of all education levels.
In fact, in 2024, the unemployment rate for individuals with a master’s degree was just 2.2%, compared to 2.5% for those with a bachelor’s degree alone. That slight margin can make a big difference during economic uncertainty or industry shifts, giving you added peace of mind.
An MA in Spanish can lead to jobs in:
Spanish remains the most spoken non-English language in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 22% of U.S. residents aged 5 and older spoke a language other than English at home in 2023, with 13.2% speaking Spanish.
This linguistic trend reflects the growing Hispanic population, which reached 65.2 million in July 2023. That figure represents a remarkable 19.5% of the total U.S. population.
The increasing number of Spanish speakers in the United States indicates a growing need for bilingual individuals to serve them in a variety of professional capacities. Outside of the professional world, people need to converse with one another in many contexts, whether getting into an elevator or going to a doctor’s appointment.
With a master’s degree in Spanish, you’ll be prepared to successfully navigate professional and social settings as the demographics of the United States continue to evolve.
There are more than 20 countries and territories outside the continental United States where Spanish is the primary language spoken. There are different dialects and cultural norms, of course, but they share many commonalities. Your Master of Arts in Spanish prepares you to live and work in one of those areas, should your career, your family, ambitions, or other factors lead you there in the future.
If you decide to pursue a PhD later, you’ll be prepared to thrive in programs including Hispanic studies, Spanish linguistics, and Spanish literature. A master’s degree can also make you a more competitive candidate for selective doctoral programs and may even allow you to transfer credits or fulfill preliminary requirements ahead of time.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers a 100% online master’s degree in Spanish that helps you build your proficiency not only in the language, but in diverse aspects of Spanish culture, literature, language-teaching methodology, and linguistics.
This online program’s curriculum is identical to UT Permian Basin’s on-campus program, and it’s taught by the same acclaimed faculty who teach on campus. You’ll get the quality education you expect and deserve from UT Permian Basin, with the added convenience of an online format. And there are other advantages:
If you’ve previously earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and meet the other admission requirements, you can apply to become part of this rewarding graduate program!
Most individuals can’t simply put their life on hold to earn a master’s degree—and we don’t expect you to. When you choose UT Permian Basin’s online MA in Spanish program, you’ll quickly discover how successfully our asynchronous, 100% online format serves students who have jobs and families. Complete coursework on your own schedule from practically anywhere on the planet. You can continue to meet your professional and personal commitments while earning a career-transforming graduate degree.
Broaden your professional horizons with an online Master of Arts in Spanish from UT Permian Basin!
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/unemployment-earnings-education.htm
https://apnews.com/article/immigration-census-foreign-languages-f91c4b4785926e31e7317b2b8b7d9533
If you’re like most people, when you decide to learn Spanish to advance your career, you might reach for your phone. In 2023 alone, there were 231 million language learning app downloads. Social media, websites, and AI offer instant translations. But how good are these quick fixes? Is their content accurate? And can they actually…
About 41 million people speak Spanish in the United States. Worldwide, that number jumps to 595 million. It’s the official language of 21 countries and territories across four continents. How Can a Spanish Major Help Your Career? Spanish language skills are certainly handy for social situations and travel. But more importantly, Spanish fluency and cultural…
Did you know that Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the world? It comes in as a close second only to Mandarin Chinese. In the United States alone, about 42 million people speak Spanish as their first language, and it’s one of very few languages that can help you communicate across multiple continents. It…
Principals and superintendents are sources of inspiration, catalysts for change, and advocates for student success. In your time as a teacher or administrator, you’ve likely come across educational leaders who embodied these ideals—or perhaps you’ve even recognized them in yourself.
Today, we’ll be looking at four extraordinary administrators who exemplify what can be done when the needs of students are valued above all else. They’ve devoted their lives to leading schools and school districts and helping students and teachers overcome familiar and emerging challenges. If you share many of their leadership qualities, it may be time for you to pursue a career as a principal or superintendent.
Dr. Michelle Reid, superintendent for the Northshore School District in Washington, closed the Bothell High School for disinfection on February 27, 2020, after an employee’s family member tested positive for COVID-19. The following week, the Northshore School District announced that it would shift to online learning, becoming one of the first in the nation to do so. Upon reflection, Reid said, “[I]t felt a little like we took our swim lessons that were planned for three months and had about three hours and got thrown in with just our water wings.”
Facing the challenges of online learning and internet inequity, Reid didn’t hesitate to prioritize the safety of students and staff members. She trusted that her community would come together during challenging times. For fostering an inclusive school community, Reid was named the 2021 National Superintendent of the Year by AASA, The School Superintendents Association. “We have more days of remote learning behind us than we have ahead of us,” said Reid. “We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we must remember, as leaders, to be the light in the tunnel.”
We can’t bring up 2021’s National Superintendent of the Year without mentioning the 2020 winner, Dr. Gustavo Balderas. The son of migrant farmworkers, Balderas used his influence as a superintendent to help the Eugene School District in Oregon overcome numerous challenges, including welcoming newly arrived Guatemalan students at a time when political discourse revolved around Central American immigrants.
While a Superintendent of the Year finalist, Balderas spoke highly of his district, describing its schools as sanctuaries and highlighting the training undergone by staff members to better provide for the needs of marginalized families. “I think that’s been my number one concern this past year,” said Balderas, “the impact of kids not feeling safe on our campuses, and how we as building leaders and district leaders provide that safety net for our communities.” Balderas has since been named the superintendent of Edmonds School District in Washington, where he hopes to bring his experience in educational equity to a larger and more diverse school district.
Dr. Sharon Contreras is no stranger to adversity. At a young age, she was told she didn’t belong in a program among other gifted students—students that she had helped tutor. This experience would set her on the path to becoming a nationally recognized educational leader.
Now a superintendent for Guilford County Schools in North Carolina, Contreras has dedicated herself to removing academic barriers facing students in her district. Among her accomplishments is the successful mitigation of disciplinary policies that disproportionally affected students of color. Now, like so many other school administrators, Contreras must contend with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to COVID-19, Contreras coordinated with other city departments to ensure that every student in her district had access to online learning, going so far as to send laptops into homeless shelters. How does she lead during this difficult time? “I’m leading with greater conviction … and courage,” Contreras said to Forbes. “It’s even more important now to secure an education for our most vulnerable children.”
The University of Texas Permian Basin, home to an online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program and an online Superintendent Certification program, is proudly located in West Texas, so we couldn’t finish our list without mentioning Texas educational leader Dr. J.A. Gonzalez.
Gonzalez serves as superintendent for the McAllen Independent School District and has been selected by the Texas Association of School Administrations (TASA) as Texas’ nominee for the 2021 National Superintendent of the Year. Gonzalez is a teacher at heart, believing that every student has a unique learning style and that the responsibility to help them discover their talents rests squarely on the shoulders of educators. “Being an educator and having an influence on people is near and dear to my heart because when you look at it with depth and complexity and from a parent’s perspective,” said Gonzalez, “you start to understand the magnitude of what the field of education is all about.”
For these four superintendents, being an educational leader is more than just a job: It’s a calling. Our school systems are in desperate need of professionals with the drive to address achievement gaps, break down barriers to education, and show that every child is a learner at heart. For teachers and administrators whose passions align with those of Reid, Balderas, Contreras, and Gonzalez, educational leadership offers a chance to create lasting change. UT Permian Basin offers an online MA in Educational Leadership program and an online Superintendent Certification program for aspiring principals and superintendents. Aligned with Texas’ certification requirements, these programs will empower you with the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to promote equity in education and step into the administrative role of a lifetime. Apply to one of our online programs if you’re interested in following in the footsteps of these accomplished educational leaders.
Sources:
https://www.gcsnc.com/Page/6492
https://www.nsd.org/n/~board/district-news/post/dr-reid-named-aasa-2021-national-superintendent-of-the-year
https://www.registerguard.com/news/20200304/gustavo-balderas-to-leave-eugene-school-district-named-superintendent-in-edmonds-wash
