The start of a new semester is an exciting time at The University of Texas Permian Basin. Returning students are logging on and greeting familiar professors and students, while new students are introduced to virtual classrooms where they can engage with coursework on their own time, at their own pace. Each semester brings new opportunities for students to grow as professionals and gain a competitive advantage. First, however, they have to register for courses.
Chances are that you’re an incoming student preparing for your first college semester or a current student in the process of earning your undergraduate or graduate credentials. You may even be researching the registration process in anticipation of your admission decision. Regardless, you’ll find that every aspect of online learning at UT Permian Basin, including registration, is designed with convenience in mind.
Here are the steps to register for online classes at UT Permian Basin. If you’re a returning student, skip to step four. Keep reading if you’re a freshman student registering for your first semester as a member of the Falcon family.
Please note that if you are a new student, you must be admitted to UT Permian Basin prior to enrolling in your initial semester. If you are a returning student who has not enrolled in courses in the past two semesters, you must be readmitted to the University prior to registering for courses.
To claim your FalconID, visit this page and have your 10-digit student ID number on hand. This will be your username for logging into electronic resources at UT Permian Basin, so be sure to commit it to memory or write it down somewhere secure. Be sure to use the same information you provided to ApplyTexas when claiming your FalconID. If you are unable to claim your FalconID after inputting your student ID, birthdate, and phone number correctly, contact the Registrar’s Office for assistance.
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment is designed to help determine if incoming students are ready for college-level work in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. Prior to registering, freshman students are required to take the TSI test or transfer credit for a math, reading, and/or writing class. Depending on their standardized test scores, prior educational history, and military service, some students may be exempt from TSI requirements.
To find out if you are exempt from or have met TSI requirements, you can contact an advisor or counselor or contact the Registrar’s Office.
Check your inbox for an invitation to attend online student orientation once registration is open. Orientation helps incoming students smoothly transition into academic life at UT Permian Basin. During the one-day live online session, students will learn about our:
Orientation will be your introduction to the Falcon family. Not only will you meet orientation leaders and students, you’ll also get a feel for what it’s like to share an online learning environment. You’ll learn more about the advising process, and you’ll be able to set up a time to meet with an advisor and register for classes.
The Student Financial Responsibility Agreement can be found by visiting the student portal and clicking the Financial Responsibility Agreement item in the Taskstile. The agreement is meant to help students understand the cost of their education and our financial policies, including those related to contact methods, e-billing, and late payments. Please note that students will be unable to complete registration until they’ve signed this agreement.
The agreement takes only a few minutes to read and sign. However, it’s essential for informing you of your financial responsibilities while you attend UT Permian Basin, which is why you are required to review and sign the document each term. Follow the next steps to complete the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement:
Before registering, you’ll need to find out more about your desired classes. This can be done by viewing course schedules, which are released before advising and registration begin for each semester. Current and upcoming semester schedules contain information on class start times, credit hours, instructors, and course numbers. Keep these course numbers on hand; you’ll need them if you want to register.
With the above items taken care of, you can now register for a semester.
Please note, in most cases you will not self-enroll. Instead, you will make an appointment with your advisor who will then enroll you in your classes.
To register, visit the MyUTPB portal and follow this step-by-step guide:
Have you registered for the upcoming semester? If so, we want to thank you for continuing your academic journey at UT Permian Basin. We hope that the next semester is a time of professional and personal growth, one where every video lecture and online assignment ends with you having a deeper understanding of your area of study. Rest assured, you’ll forever remain a Falcon after graduation.
For anyone who has yet to apply, we hope that you will join the over 5,500 students who call UT Permian Basin their academic home. Through excellence in student-centered teaching and learning, we’ve created an online learning environment where your needs are catered to. Take control of your education by completing courses on your schedule and engaging with course content at a pace benefiting you. Like our registration process, we’ve ensured that applying to our online programs is as easy and straightforward as possible. Now all you have to do is decide which of our online programs to join.
Explore our convenient and affordable online programs. When you find a program that aligns with your goals and interests, submit your application and look forward to registering for classes as a UT Permian Basin Falcon.
Criminal justice is a broad term that incorporates the various departments involved in our legal system and the processes that take place within them, from investigation through to apprehension, arrest, trial, incarceration, and paroling of criminals. There are many career paths one can take within criminal justice, from crime scene investigator, police officer, and probation officer to department administrator. No matter which role you might pursue, you’ll need a strong foundation in criminal justice education. The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online bachelor’s- or master’s-level criminal justice degree programs that can help you gain this foundation conveniently and affordably.
What is taught in criminal justice degree programs? Essential principles that help prepare you to begin a career in the criminal justice field or move into a leadership position within an existing criminal justice career. Here we present six things you’ll learn in a criminal justice program, followed by more specifics about each of our online degree programs:
Professional Benefits of Our Criminal Justice Programs
Let’s take a more detailed look at our two online criminal justice degree programs, which we’ve designed to accommodate different levels of education and professional experience. One of these programs may be just what your career needs.
Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies
We designed our online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies program for those who want to protect and serve the public and who wish to help transform the criminal justice system from the inside out. This program explores all facets of the criminal justice system, including present-day challenges and controversies, conflict resolution approaches, and crime prevention tactics, providing an essential foundation for those interested in pursuing a job in criminal justice. All criminal justice courses within this program are taught by highly experienced professionals who have worked within or alongside the criminal justice field.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
If you’ve already earned an undergraduate-level degree in criminal justice or a related discipline and are currently working within the criminal justice field, you may be ready to take a major step forward by embarking on graduate studies. Our online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program can give you the respected graduate-level credential required for advancement within many criminal justice agencies. During this program, you’ll build proficiency in the criminal justice concepts and practices needed to become a leader in the field. All courses for this UT Permian Basin criminal justice program last just eight weeks, and you can collect your degree in as little as one year.
The Benefits of Learning Online With UT Permian Basin
All courses for both of these degree programs are presented in an asynchronous, 100% online format, which offers you some considerable advantages. You can complete coursework at your own pace, 24/7, from virtually anywhere in the world. If you have professional and/or family responsibilities, as many of us do, you’ll find this flexibility invaluable. Pursuing an education shouldn’t interfere with you living your life—especially since it’s intended to enhance it! Our online programs feature the same curriculum and instructors as their on-campus counterparts and provide a great way to earn a credential that can launch or transform a career in criminal justice.
Discover what our online degree programs in criminal justice have to offer you and your professional future!
A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree is your ticket to the world of business. A BBA provides a comprehensive overview of business, touching on foundational concepts like accounting, finance, marketing, and management. Typically, undergraduate students also choose the major that best aligns with their interests. This specialized focus allows students to explore a subject deeply, through theoretical and practical lenses, preparing them for success in their chosen fields.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online BBAs with majors in accounting, finance, healthcare management, management, and marketing.
These programs are accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world’s largest business education alliance. They also share a convenient online format. Entirely online, our BBA programs can be completed anywhere and at any time, assuming you have a Wi-Fi connection.
We’ve touched on the quality and convenience of our BBA programs, but now we’re going to discuss the unique qualities of our degree options. This breakdown should provide some added insight to help you apply to your preferred major with confidence.
Accountants are the stewards of financial records, ensuring their accuracy and compliance with state and federal laws. Their financial insights are invaluable for organizations. They must be technically skilled, able to automate a number of their routine tasks. They are also expected to possess communication skills, attention to detail, poise under pressure, and other soft skills. Accountants are, above all else, expected to hold a degree that affirms their accounting competencies.
Our online BBA in accounting program provides the knowledge and skills needed in the evolving field of accounting. Courses like Auditing, Accounting Information Systems, and Cost Accounting Principles empower students to measure, record, summarize, and report financial data for business enterprises. Graduates leave our program with a competitive edge that allows them to thrive in a number of positions, including:
Financial professionals are highly sought after in the world of business. The employment outlook for financial analysts, for example, is expected to grow 5% by the year 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Financial professionals help businesses assess their health and make sound financial decisions. Before becoming valued a valued asset within an organization, however, aspiring professionals must expand their knowledge of accounting, finance, and investments.
Professionals interested in developing well-rounded financial management skills can pursue a BBA in finance at UT Permian Basin. Undergraduate students enroll in business and finance courses and have the opportunity to tailor their education to fit their interests with business and finance electives. Through our program, students explore many of the topics needed to earn career-transforming Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations, if they so desire. For example, our online course Financial Markets and Institutions covers government and corporate debt, determinants of interest rates, and mortgage-backed securities, among other essential topics.
Graduates of our BBA in finance program are positioned for a number of rewarding roles, including:
Healthcare managers help with business activities, not unlike the other occupations we’ve mentioned. They are, however, employed exclusively at hospitals, physician’s offices, nursing homes, and other patient care facilities. Their duties entail managing finances, recruiting staff, organizing records, and, above all else, ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare. Performing these tasks to the best of their abilities requires healthcare managers to remain abreast of the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
UT Permian Basin’s online BBA in healthcare management program prepares students to excel as decisive leaders in the dynamic healthcare field. Through our online program, students learn to apply business fundamentals in a healthcare setting. Business courses provide students with foundational knowledge that courses like Accounting for Healthcare, Healthcare Finance, Healthcare MIS, and Healthcare Marketing build upon.
This major can help aspiring professionals become healthcare managers, but there are also a number of other healthcare roles ideal for graduates of our online healthcare management program, including:
The U.S. job market is expected to add 505,000 new management careers by the year 2029. Demand for qualified managers is driven by the creation and expansion of organizations. These companies are looking for professionals who understand not only the inner workings of an organization but also the motivations that drive employees.
Undergraduate students in our BBA in management program are given a comprehensive education encompassing the fundamentals of communication, finance, marketing, and law. Through our program, students gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a business leader while sharpening their decision-making and problem-solving skills. Additionally, our online program’s environment option allows students to tailor their education by enrolling in one of three courses: Project Management Elements, International Management, or Business and Ethics.
Whether you’re a freshman or transfer student, our online program will empower you to take on competitive leadership roles, including:
Marketing efforts are essential for ensuring an organization’s success and longevity. Professionals with a mind for marketing are increasingly valued by companies as advertisements continue to dominate digital spaces. Regardless of the medium, these professionals are expected to manage client expectations, deploy marketing strategies, and oversee marketing staff, among other responsibilities. To do so effectively, they need an education encompassing the fundamentals of business and marketing.
UT Permian Basin’s online BBA in marketing empowers students to promote organizations through the most effective avenues, whether traditional or digital. Through our program, students learn to analyze demographics and consumer behavior to build marketing strategies and overcome challenges during the marketing life cycle.
Students also have the opportunity to add our Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Marketing to their BBA in marketing without needing to take additional credits. This certificate helps students strengthen their understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) tools and further prepares graduates for a number of rewarding careers, including:
At UT Permian Basin, you’ll find convenient online programs that prioritize your growth as a professional, regardless of the major you choose. Our programs are entirely online and feature asynchronous elements, allowing you to engage with course content at your own pace. They are led by the same educators—experts with years of experience in their respective fields—who lead our on-campus programs. Finally, they share a straightforward application process that can be completed in a single sitting.
Our BBA programs are unique in their focus but connected by our college’s commitment to student success. Apply to the online program of your choice, and see for yourself why UT Permian Basin is the ideal home for aspiring business professionals.
Sources:
https://study.com/articles/What_Can_You_Do_With_a_Bachelors_in_Finance.html
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm#tab-2
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-1
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm#tab-2
Nursing is one of the most important professions in the world. With the long hours, hectic pace, and often life-or-death nature of the work, it’s also one of the most stressful. Nurses regularly perform, and perform well, under extreme stress. But they’re also human, and every person can get burned out once their stress level reaches its upper limits.
The COVID-19 pandemic created an environment for healthcare workers that had not been seen in generations. Hospital ICUs reached capacity, and many didn’t have sufficient equipment, such as ventilators, to treat patients. Coping with patient deaths has always been part of the job for nurses, but COVID-19 had many nurses witness death in numbers unprecedented outside of wartime. The pandemic made it exceptionally clear that finding ways to reduce stress and burnout is critical for nurses. Regardless of what health issues nurses contend with, there are some techniques that can be helpful to any nurse at any time.
Suggested Ways to Reduce Stress
If you’re a nurse who’s concerned about burnout, do yourself a favor and follow these tips to minimize your stress:
When you get stressed on the job, allow yourself some relief. With all you do as a nurse, you deserve it! As you progress in your nursing career, gaining new skills and credentials such as an RN to BSN, you’re likely to take on additional professional duties. Stress management will remain crucial to your own physical and mental health, no matter the stage of your career.
One CCNE-Accredited Program, Two Career-Enhancing Credentials
Make your nursing career even more rewarding as you prepare for greater responsibilities with an online RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) from The University of Texas Permian Basin. Our CCNE-accredited degree program helps you prepare to move into leadership positions with greater decision-making responsibilities through courses such as Leadership Immersion & Capstone. Most courses last just eight weeks and will help you develop a deeper grasp of evidence-based, patient-centered care and master the unique challenges of caring for a multicultural patient base. In as little as one year, you can finish your RN to BSN.
Expert Faculty
When you earn your RN to BSN online from UT Permian Basin, you’ll learn from the same acclaimed faculty who teach on campus. Our RN to BSN is led by master’s- or doctorally prepared nurses, some of whom have been working in the nursing field for decades. Who better to guide you than the people who’ve been where you are now and have gone on to become nursing leaders? Their real-world experience informs our robust RN to BSN curriculum.
Online Convenience
We know how busy life can be for a nurse. (Remember, we’re nurses, too!) Completing a BSN program shouldn’t complicate it even more. We’ve designed our online RN to BSN program with your work and family responsibilities in mind. Our asynchronous, 100% online format enables you to complete your coursework from any location with internet access, at any hour of the day. With the flexibility to set your own schedule, you don’t have to choose between earning a respected BSN degree or giving your ongoing commitments the attention they deserve.
Flexible Clinical Requirements
Every leader has a mentor. An essential part of our online RN to BSN program is guidance from a preceptor. Working closely with this individual, you’ll discover how to translate the nursing concepts you’ve learned into practice in various working environments during two required clinical courses. You may choose your own preceptor, provided that they have already completed a BSN and are currently working in a nursing leadership position. Like all other program courses, your clinical courses do not require you to visit campus.
Make an even more significant impact as a nurse. Apply to UT Permian Basin’s online RN to BSN program to get started!
Sources:
https://rcni.com/nursing-standard/features/how–covid-19-affecting-nurses-mental-health-and-what-to-do-about-it-159456
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/12/09/us/covid-hospitals-icu-capacity.html
https://www.apna.org/m/pages.cfm?pageID=6685
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7663126/
The energy industry is experiencing growing pains. The increased deployment of renewable energy is juxtaposed by the growth of shale oil and gas, and the threat of climate change looms over the entire industry. This shifting landscape demands that energy companies proceed with caution and carefully consider every outcome when conducting business. To do so, they need the assistance of a professional with a mind for business: someone familiar with the capabilities and limitations of companies in the energy sector. In other words, they need an analyst.
Let’s look at three analyst careers and the important role these professionals play in energy-related fields.
Business analysts define the capabilities of an organization to understand how it can better deliver products and services. To accomplish this, an analyst will interview leaders, team members, and subject matter experts: anyone who can provide a unique perspective. They take an objective approach to solving problems and in doing so help companies overcome challenges and meet their objectives.
Business analysts are critical in the energy sector, where their business and technical knowledge allow them to consider multiple perspectives when problem-solving and articulating solutions to stakeholders of varying skill sets. For example, a professional with a Master of Business Administration with Certificate in Energy Business could help a power or utility company transition to renewable energy while taking into account the legal, financial, and organizational aspects unique to the energy industry.
Think of financial analysts as fortune tellers who, rather than gaze into a crystal ball, pore over financial data to predict market trends. Industry insights allow financial analysts to help organizations make strategic decisions and turn a profit. Before developing a strategy, however, an analyst must meet with leaders to assess a company’s prospects and financial health. Only by considering factors that affect a specific industry (microeconomics) and the economy as a whole (macroeconomics) can a financial analyst recommend an appropriate course of action, usually in the form of an investment.
Financial analysts do their best work when turning their attention to a particular industry, such as the energy sector. In energy-related fields, where energy prices can fluctuate wildly, a financial analyst can mitigate risk by helping companies invest in energy commodities. Known as hedging, this process allows energy companies to lock in the price of a commodity, such as natural gas, and meet their financial goals.
Energy risk management is invaluable in the energy industry, but it’s only one area a financial analyst must be familiar with. Energy Finance, for example, explores value chain analysis, oil and gas financial statement analysis, and financing energy companies and projects. Available to students pursuing an MBA with Certificate in Energy Business or a Graduate Certificate in Energy Business, this online course can help professionals adopt a skill set sought after by energy companies in need of financial guidance.
Budget analysts, more so than financial analysts, oversee a company’s financial health. These professionals help public and private companies plan their finances, developing budgets an organization can follow to meet their future financial needs. Budget analysts do far more than develop budgets, however. They are gatekeepers who evaluate budget proposals, financial requests, and funding methods. If an initiative isn’t deemed cost-effective, a budget analyst may recommend making changes or nixing it altogether. Final budget decisions are left to leadership, but without the expertise of budget analysts, a company could find itself in the red.
The price of an energy commodity is incredibly volatile, as it’s susceptible to changes in weather, storage, and regulations. In a sector where the future is uncertain, budget analysts must be on top of their game. They must account for not only previous and future expenditures but also actual expenditures. Ensuring compliance with budgetary allocations, maintaining spending records, and establishing budgetary control processes are all responsibilities of a budget analyst in the energy industry.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers two online programs with an emphasis on energy business:
Entirely online and featuring asynchronous elements, our programs will allow you to pursue graduate credentials on your own time, at your own pace. Through Canvas, you’ll be able to connect with your professors and peers on 24-hour discussion boards. Online tools like these will facilitate your learning and help you develop the soft skills analysts need to interact with stakeholders and articulate their findings. Finally, our programs are taught by the same experienced professionals who teach on campus. Every measure has been taken to help ensure that you receive the highest quality education possible, comparable to anything found on UT Permian Basin’s campus.
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, our programs will provide you with the skills needed to thrive as an analyst or any number of other careers in energy-related fields. Apply now to your program of choice if you’re interested in putting your analytical mind to work in the energy industry.
Sources:
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/government-job-profile-business-analyst-1669620
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm#tab-1
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm#tab-2
https://www.forbes.com/sites/andystone/2020/03/02/a-preview-of-key-energy-challenges-for-the-2020s/?sh=243f65277c05
Psychologists devote themselves to analyzing the complex relationship between our minds, behaviors, and environments. This study of mental processes provides psychologists with insights into everyday life and, sometimes, revelations on the human condition. They are bearers of knowledge: professionals who share their understanding with others to improve their lives, especially with regard to mental health. The expertise that makes psychologists so valued in clinical and research settings, however, makes them valued across a range of professional fields, one of which is sure to pique your interest.
Practical in its design, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program helps students qualify for careers adjacent to the field of psychology or prepare for graduate studies and ultimately careers as psychologists. This versatile degree can open the door to numerous opportunities, which begs the question: What would you do with a BA in psychology?
Divided in two—like the left and right cerebral hemispheres of the brain—the field of psychology is comprised of applied and experimental psychology. To practice psychology or conduct research, aspiring professionals must earn an undergraduate degree, and they often continue their educational journey in graduate school.
The image of a psychiatrist sitting in an oversized leather chair with a pen and notebook in hand is hard to shake. There are certainly therapists and counselors who work in clinical settings, helping patients organize their thoughts and manage mental health disorders. However, clinical psychology is one of many branches in the field of psychology.
Practitioners of psychology use their expansive knowledge of cognitive, emotional, and social processes to solve problems and promote healthy human development. A forensic psychologist could be an expert witness in a court case; a health psychologist could advise healthcare professionals on the best ways to promote health and wellness; and a sports psychologist could help an athlete regain their focus while recovering from injury. A psychologist’s area of focus really depends on their background and interests.
Experimental psychologists are the minds behind some of the greatest insights into human behavior. The Grant Study, for example, sought to answer life’s ultimate question: What is the secret to a happy, fulfilling life? In one of the longest-running longitudinal studies, 268 undergraduate men from the classes of 1938-1940 were followed for 75 years, having everything from alcohol consumption to family relationships measured. Researchers found that love—love and using coping mechanisms that don’t push it away—is the secret to long-term happiness.
Far from mad scientists, experimental psychologists are highly trained professionals who, by collecting data and conducting research, answer theoretical questions pertaining to a wide range of behavioral topics, including attention, emotion, and memory. Armchair psychologists may have all the answers, but experimental psychologists were the ones to provide them.
A BA in psychology, while a must-have for students pursuing a career in the field of psychology, can help graduates secure a rewarding, fulfilling profession in many fields. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that employment rates were higher in 2019 for individuals with higher levels of educational attainment, with 87% of 25- to 34-year-olds employed. By obtaining a BA in psychology, graduates can qualify for a number of careers requiring applicants with undergraduate degrees. Notable careers for psychology graduates include:
Not only does a BA in psychology qualify graduates for careers requiring a degree, it also empowers graduates with a unique skill set highly sought after by employers. Professionals holding psychology degrees have in-depth knowledge pertaining to human motivation, communication, and perception—the invisible forces that determine the outcome of every meeting and dealing. This acute awareness of people’s thoughts and feelings is an invaluable asset for organizations. In fact, according to Deloitte, “soft skill-intensive occupations will account for two-thirds of all jobs by 2030.”
Throughout UT Permian Basin’s online psychology program, students develop empathy and emotional intelligence. Our online course Social Psychology, for example, explores the interrelationships between individuals and their social environment. Industrial and Organizational Psychology looks at employee motivation and satisfaction, while Positive Psychology focuses on areas of personal growth among individuals, including love, optimism, and self-efficacy. Students in our online program have the added benefit of collaborating with their professors and fellow students on online discussion boards. These discussions offer the chance for students to apply what they’ve learned in a supportive online environment—a preview of the social situations psychology graduates must adeptly navigate in the workplace.
Have you chosen your psychology career path? Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t. There are numerous opportunities in and adjacent to the field of psychology that can provide you with a rewarding career. However, no matter where your career takes you, no matter whom you assist with your expertise, the first step on your career path will be to earn a BA in psychology.
UT Permian Basin’s online psychology program will empower you with a broad understanding of mental processes and human behavior, emphasizing written communication and research skills that can assist you in psychology-related professions and beyond. Entirely online, our program can be completed at your convenience and from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. Upon graduating, you’ll earn the same prestigious degree awarded to graduates of our on-campus program.
Interested in studying how the human mind works? Apply now to our online BA in psychology program and deepen your understanding of this scientific discipline.
Sources:
https://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers
https://www.apa.org/action/science/experimental/education-training
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-2
https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2018/01/bachelors-degree
Imagine standing on an open stretch of land 200 years ago, tasked with deciding where to build a town, lay a railroad, or divert a river. Your only tools? A compass, some paper maps, and your best judgment.
Today, thanks to advances in geospatial technology, those high-stakes decisions are faster and backed by precise data. Whether it’s tracking climate change, optimizing supply chains, or planning urban infrastructure, geospatial tools help us understand the world around us and build in it with incredible accuracy.
But what are some of the jobs that make this work possible? In this article, we’re exploring seven of the top careers in geospatial technology, helping you determine which one might align with your interests.
Market research analysts provide organizations with data on how their marketing efforts are performing or may perform in the future. GIS helps marketers pinpoint where potential customers are by ZIP code or a variety of criteria, enabling them to target those prospects more cost-effectively.
The BLS reports an excellent job outlook for market research analysts, with employment rates expanding by 8% through 2033, a rate that’s faster than the average growth rate for all occupations in the U.S.
Urban and regional planners are responsible for expanding and revitalizing communities by ensuring land is used properly to meet the needs of those communities. According to the BLS, these individuals use GIS software to “integrate data, such as for population density, with digital maps” as part of their professional duties.
The BLS reports that the job outlook for urban and regional planners through 2033 is healthy, with an anticipated growth rate of 4% and a median annual salary of $83,720.
Environmental scientists and specialists study how human activity affects the environment and use data to help solve problems like:
With tools like GPS, satellite imagery, and remote sensors, they can track things like where wildfires are spreading or how far an oil spill has reached. Their work helps government agencies and companies make informed decisions to protect wildlife and natural resources.
The BLS states that the median annual salary for these roles is about $80,060, with a growth rate of 7% through 2033.
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians help carry out the plans that environmental engineers design, such as restoring areas affected by floods or preparing for future natural disasters.
Some of their responsibilities might include:
Their hands-on work helps predict how a disaster might impact the environment and ensures that cleanup and prevention efforts are based on solid data.
Wondering how much you can earn in roles like these? According to the BLS, the median 2024 pay for these careers is $58,890 per year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an epidemiologist “investigates the causes of diseases, how diseases are spread, and how diseases can be prevented or controlled.” Due to the nature of their work, these public health professionals are sometimes referred to as “disease detectives.”
Their work may include the use of GIS-derived data showing where rates of a disease are highest, allowing them to focus their investigative efforts on those areas. Notably, GIS was used to monitor the spread of COVID-19.
BLS data shows the job outlook for epidemiologists to be positive, with a projected growth rate of 19% through 2033, with a median annual salary of $83,890.
Geoscientists examine the past and present structure of the earth and predict how future changes to it may impact our lives. Some specialize in tracking volcanic activity or earthquake risks, while others assess the stability of land for construction or locate natural resources like groundwater, oil, or minerals.
On average, geoscientists earn an annual salary of $99,240.
The University of Texas Permian Basin has a close relationship with the GIS and geospatial industries, having served them for more than two decades. This unique association has enabled us to keep abreast of all the latest technologies and practices in these fields.
We’ve taken that knowledge and transformed it into the curriculum for our 12-credit GIS and Geospatial Certificate. Through this online graduate certificate program, you’ll develop up-to-date, practical skills that can help you excel in a career in a diverse range of fields including:
All courses are taught by the same accomplished faculty who teach on campus at UT Permian Basin.
Not sure if we’re the right university to help you give your career a boost? Here are some reasons why UT Permian Basin could be the perfect fit for you:
Position yourself for greater career success with a 100% online GIS and Geospatial Certificate from UT Permian Basin.
Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/using-geographic-information-in-marketing
https://gisgeography.com/gis-salary-expectations-gis-career/
https://www.gisjobs.com/index.php
https://www.edflo.com/blog/the-growing-field-of-geographic-information-systems
Other articles you may be interested in:
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:…
What if you or someone you love were experiencing a medical emergency but were unable to communicate with the people trained to help you? You’d be unable to tell those healthcare professionals what symptoms you were experiencing or what other conditions you might have that they’d need to know before treating you. Nightmare situations like this are a reality every day in the United States and elsewhere. Language barriers may prevent people from getting the medical attention they need in a timely fashion, potentially leading to more serious conditions or death.
In an emergency, effective communication is especially critical at the first touch point, when first responders are involved. It remains important, however, as the patient’s condition is stabilized and during the recovery phase, when healthcare providers may continue to administer medications. If you work as an EMT, paramedic, or in another healthcare role, knowing how to speak another language in an emergency could quite literally save your patient’s life. Interpreters, whether a patient’s bilingual family member or a professional interpreter, can be helpful when you’re assisting a patient, but they may not always be available in an emergency.
The Source of Treatment Errors and Their Unfortunate Outcomes
Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau states that almost 25 million people in our country can be described as having limited English proficiency (LEP). Further, according to data originating with The Joint Commission, errors related to communication were the main contributing factor in nearly 60% of serious adverse events reported at healthcare facilities. You may already have some practical knowledge of a language other than English, but do you know enough of it to avoid those errors and provide effective, even lifesaving healthcare to a person who speaks only that language?
Not knowing how to communicate with a patient due to language barriers can result in many unfortunate outcomes, including:
Consider Expanding Your Spanish Proficiency
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that there are nearly 60.5 million Hispanic people in the United States, a considerable statistic that will only increase with time. In fact, the United States has more Spanish-speaking people than Spain itself does, and we’re expected to surpass Mexico as the country with the most Spanish speakers by 2050, when that number will reach an estimated 132.8 million. With the ubiquity and continuing proliferation of the Spanish language in the U.S., it may be the most important language apart from English that you can broaden your understanding of, from a professional standpoint.
An Online Program Designed Just for You
What if there were a program specifically designed to help first responders and healthcare professionals provide care to Spanish-speaking patients? The University of Texas Permian Basin is leading the way with our online Certificate in Spanish for First Responders. This 9-credit program teaches you how to use common medical terminology when treating a Spanish-speaking patient, so you can explain to them or their loved ones what type of treatment you’re administering. You’ll hone your Spanish skills by engaging in virtual conversations that recreate real-life interactions between first responders and Spanish-speaking patients.
Our program consists of three courses, all taught by the same acclaimed faculty who teach Spanish courses on campus at UT Permian Basin. These experts will guide you through various aspects related to the language, including:
You can earn your Certificate in Spanish for First Responders as a stand-alone education credential or while you’re simultaneously earning a degree through UT Permian Basin.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Between your work and personal responsibilities, you may have a very busy schedule. The asynchronous, 100% online format of our Certificate in Spanish for First Responders program allows you to learn on your own time, around other professional and personal obligations, from just about anywhere in the world. Are nights best for you? Or maybe weekends? Want to make the most of your lunch breaks? You can complete your coursework when and where it’s convenient for you. This flexibility makes our program one of the best ways to gain career-enhancing credentials.
Just three courses stand between you and the ability to provide a better quality of care for Spanish speakers. Apply for our online Certificate in Spanish for First Responders program today!
Sources:
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
https://thehill.com/changing-america/opinion/494284-isolated-with-no-family-members-for-non-english-speakers-with
https://cdn.mdedge.com/files/s3fs-public/pdfs/journals/658_ftp.pdf
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/immigration/reports/2019/02/20/466144/language-access-life-death-consequences-migrants/
https://psmag.com/social-justice/death-and-dying-lost-in-translation
We hear a lot about “green jobs,” but do you know exactly what that phrase means? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines green jobs in these two ways:
Green energy jobs utilize wind, solar, geothermal (using heat from the earth), biomass (natural waste products), and hydroelectric power (dams), among other environmentally friendly technologies.
Perhaps the most important question is, “What do green energy jobs mean for you?” Tremendous career potential is just one answer. Let’s look at some promising green energy job statistics, a few specific roles that you can pursue within the field, and education programs that can help you qualify for those roles.
The Green Energy Job Market Is Booming
There’s no shortage of green energy jobs right now. Growth in this field has been underway for a few years, and the numbers will only increase with time. As one example, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported the addition of 700,000 green energy jobs globally between 2017 and 2018, for a total of about 11 million jobs. In its Global Renewables Outlook: Energy Transformation 2050 report, IRENA also projects the number of green energy jobs to quadruple over the next three decades.
While the green energy field is expanding, new green ventures are only part of that picture. Many traditional energy companies are leading the drive toward greater dependence on green energy sources. Others are modifying their operational practices to reduce negative impacts on the environment.
Potential Careers in Green Energy
There are numerous professional roles available in green energy, including some you may not have thought of. Many technical and hands-on positions are available for those with the passion and qualifications, as you might expect. But not all jobs in energy involve getting your hands dirty, especially when it comes to clean energy. Qualified professionals are also needed on green energy’s business side to fill many rewarding, high-paying positions, including:
Some of these positions are experiencing considerable growth. For example, the BLS states in its Occupational Outlook Handbook (updated April 2021) that financial analyst jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 5% between 2019 and 2029—faster than average for all occupations. BLS also reports that financial manager jobs are anticipated to grow at a whopping 15% through 2029. That’s much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Further, the median annual salary for financial managers is $138,180. And these are just a few examples. There are many more jobs available in the green energy sector. Having the right credentials can give you a leg up in the green energy job boom and position you for a career that helps protect our planet and its precious resources.
The Right Credentials
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers energy-focused online degree and certificate programs that can equip you with the knowledge and credentials you need to transition into (or advance within) a career in green energy. Both of these 100% online programs are offered through UT Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited College of Business:
Master of Business Administration with Certificate in Energy Business
This graduate degree program helps you build highly marketable operational insight and leadership capabilities that will be beneficial to you in the energy industry. By taking specified electives, you can also earn a second credential—a Graduate Certificate in Energy Business—without needing any extra time to complete your MBA. Many people finish this Master of Business Administration degree in as little as four semesters!
Graduate Certificate in Energy Business
If you already have an undergraduate degree and are looking to build some additional energy business expertise without pursuing a graduate degree, this 12-credit stand-alone certificate program is ideal. Through four courses, you’ll adapt your current proficiencies in management, business law, finance, accounting, and/or marketing to a career in the energy industry.
Programs Made With Working People in Mind
All of the courses for these online programs are delivered in an asynchronous format that allows you to complete coursework on your own schedule, 24/7, from virtually any location. That means that you can continue to meet your work and family responsibilities while earning a valuable career credential. Program courses feature the same curriculum and acclaimed faculty as the corresponding on-campus programs, but with added convenience. You can finish most courses in just eight weeks, with summer courses lasting just seven weeks!
Gain the knowledge and credentials required to thrive in a green sector job with one of UT Permian Basin’s online programs.
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/greenpower/what-green-power
https://www.irena.org/publications/2018/May/Renewable-Energy-and-Jobs-Annual-Review-2018
https://www.irena.org/publications/2019/Jun/Renewable-Energy-and-Jobs-Annual-Review-2019
https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-jobs-in-renewable-energy-energy-efficiency-and-resilience-2019
https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2018/data-on-display/green-growth.htm?view_full
https://www.businessinsider.com/high-demand-renewable-energy-jobs-of-the-future-2019-8#4-software-developers-and-software-quality-assurance-analysts-and-testers-are-expected-to-see-215-job-growth-by-2029-18
We all interact with other human beings on some level—through our personal life, professional duties, educational pursuits, and/or hobbies. How these institutions and groups interact and influence our beliefs and actions is considered so important that there’s an entire field of study devoted to it.
Sociology, as defined by Britannica, is a “social science that studies human societies, their interactions, and the processes that preserve and change them.” Sociology’s distinguishing factor among other social sciences is that it “devotes most of its attention to the collective aspects of human behaviour, because sociologists place greater emphasis on the ways external groups influence the behaviour of individuals.” In sum, sociology is the systematic scientific study of social interaction within a group or groups.
A broad science that incorporates many aspects of the human experience, sociology involves elements of psychology, education, economics, and politics. Perhaps because of this inclusive scope, an education in sociology can offer skills that benefit all of us. The formal study of sociology can instill critical thinking, communication, and research skills that will help you personally and professionally.
The Value of Critical Thinking
Let’s take a look at one of the most essential skills that you can develop in a sociology degree program: critical thinking. This process involves thoroughly examining your own thoughts about someone or something and remaining open to alternative conclusions. Rather than accepting the most common, obvious, habitual, or convenient view, critical thinkers examine and challenge these preconceptions. This introspection can help individuals overcome biased assumptions, often shaped by the society in which we live, which sometimes make understanding, communicating, and empathizing with others more difficult.
From a sociological point of view, critical thinking is an essential skill for navigating life in any society and is all the more critical in a diverse culture. If your critical thinking skills are sharp, you may be better able to get along with coworkers, neighbors, teammates, and any other groups of people in your society. In many people-centric careers, such as criminal justice, education, human resources, or social work, you’ll be able to perform your job more effectively if you’re able to challenge your own biases and empathize with people whose experiences or beliefs may be vastly different from yours. You may find critical thinking skills especially helpful in careers including:
Regardless of profession, can you think of any person who wouldn’t benefit from critical thinking skills? Neither can we. That’s why we suggest an education in sociology for many prospective students.
Undergraduate Studies in Sociology
The University of Texas Permian Basin has designed an online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program for students who are driven by an interest in social studies and social justice and who wish to help foster greater equality for all individuals and groups within diverse societies. Our program investigates human interactions within groups, the diverse cultures and peoples that make up our world, and factors that affect social behavior within societal subcultures. Further, it explores how social and political identities can influence the way some subcultures are regarded within the larger society.
As an undergraduate degree program, our online BA in sociology also covers a range of general education topics—from English composition to art to biology—providing valuable foundational knowledge for your life, career, and graduate-level studies, should you choose to pursue them. As you complete the program, you’ll build essential, transferable skills including critical thinking, communication, and research.
The Advantages of Our Online Classroom
Our Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program is delivered in an asynchronous, 100% online format that enables you to complete your coursework at any convenient time—nights, weekends, etc.—from any location in the world equipped with internet access. If you have ongoing family and/or career responsibilities, you’ll find the flexibility of our program irreplaceable. Program courses last just eight weeks each and require no campus visits, and students can choose from six program start times per year. Our online BA in sociology program features the same acclaimed faculty and curriculum as our campus-based program, so you can be assured there’s never any compromise in quality.
We invite you to gain valuable life and career skills as you earn your Bachelor of Arts in Sociology online from UT Permian Basin!
Sources:
https://www.asanet.org/about/what-sociology
https://www.asanet.org/sites/default/files/savvy/introtosociology/Documents/Rationale%20for%20the%20Site031708.htm
