Want a flexible way to earn your degree from The University of Texas Permian Basin? With UTPB’s online programs, you can live and work anywhere while getting a top-quality education.
When you study online with UTPB, you become part of the Falcon Family. We think it’s important to celebrate your achievements alongside them, too. Once you complete your online program, you can join your classmates at your graduation ceremony: an experience you don’t want to miss.
UTPB online students are transforming their lives, building their futures, and crossing the graduation stage with confidence, proving that you don’t have to choose between your dreams and your daily responsibilities.
UTPB welcomes students from around the world. We have learners from more than 45 countries, with many living outside Texas. No matter where you live, you can benefit from the convenience of online learning. For many, earning a top-quality, affordable UTPB education remotely is the only way to make college work.
Online learning turns every home office, break room, café, and park bench into a classroom or study hall. Pick the spot that helps you focus best.
Online learning has a flexible schedule: your schedule. Your online classroom is open 24/7 to accommodate your professional and personal commitments.
Do you work days? View course lectures at night. Work nights? Finish coursework in the daytime or on weekends. As long as you meet deadlines, you control your schedule and pace.
Andrea Wang knows the benefits of online learning firsthand. She completed her online MBA from her Southern California home in 2023. When it came time to graduate, Wang—who’d grown up in Texas—wanted to walk across the stage in person.
Why?
“I’d never been to the campus,” Wang recalled. “Everything I learned about UTPB was from interacting with other students and faculty. And I thought, ‘Well, I’m going to get a degree from UTPB, so I should at least see it on graduation.’”
Wang was very eager to meet one of her professors. Although that almost didn’t happen, all turned out well in the end. “[My professor] went to California but came back in time for graduation. And so I got to see her on graduation day.”
“I think for me it was probably more fun than all my other graduations because it was something I chose to do in terms of earning the degree. This was completely my choice.”
Wang believes that attending graduation in person can be a truly meaningful experience, even for online members of the Falcon Family.
“I think it’s worthwhile. It gives you a feel for what the university stands for. As I walked around the hallways, I could see professors’ names … what their interests were. It made me think about degrees that I didn’t know were there. It made me think, ‘Would I want to do another degree at UTPB or with another UT branch?’”
Wang also got a chance to show her school spirit by picking up some Falcons gear at our bookstore: t-shirts, sweatshirts, and a beanie. And she wasn’t finished: “We walked into the campus welcome center and got free T-shirts there!”
We understand that it’s not possible for every online student to attend graduation. But if you can make it to the Odessa, Texas area, we’d love to see you at the ceremony. That way you can:
With 45+ online UTPB degrees—some you can finish in about a year—graduation may be closer than you think. Get started now!
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Cover letters have long been one of the best ways to set yourself apart in a competitive market. But in the era of AI screeners, even the most polished resumes—and their accompanying cover letters—feel like they’re disappearing into the void. With the job market more…
Getting accepted to The University of Texas Permian Basin is a big milestone. If you’re a working professional, the next step—asking your employer about tuition reimbursement—can feel a little intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Most organizations want employees who grow, stay, and contribute at a higher level. And many companies offer tuition reimbursement,…
The University of Texas Permian Basin is home to over 7,000 students. Whether on campus in West Texas or from a laptop hundreds of miles away, they’re part of a diverse community that values culture, connection, and progress. Every member of our Falcon Family deserves some time in the spotlight. But with Hispanic Heritage Month…
You open a social app and start scrolling. Before you realize it, you’ve watched a few videos, commented on a friend’s photo, checked the weather, clicked on a tornado warning, and asked ChatGPT about safe travel destinations (preferably with good weather)—all while on break from work.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
While digital multitasking can feel productive, it often leads to “cognitive overload”: that drained, scattered feeling from juggling too many tabs, tasks, and feeds. In fact, studies show that this overload can reduce productivity by up to 40%.
By why does technology have such a profound impact on our behavior? Let’s explore.
Technology influences our behavior in three major ways: cognitively, socially, and psychologically. It’s everywhere, like the air we breathe, shaping not just what we do but how we think, feel and relate to others.
Digital platforms have made it simple and effortless to access a staggering amount of information. We’re constantly bombarded with data—more than our brain can evolutionarily handle.
To cope, our brains adapt in creative ways, like outsourcing memories: a phenomenon called “digital amnesia.” (More inclined to let Google Maps direct you than to develop your own sense of geography? This is likely why.)
Here are a few key ways technology impacts our cognitive function:
While digital tools exploit our reward systems and reinforce habit loops, they also make us more adaptable and resourceful, increasing our brain’s flexibility and accelerating learning in ways never before possible.
Imagine spending an entire day offline, where every daily interaction was face-to-face. Would you feel relief—or panic?
Technology has transformed social behavior by allowing constant connectivity. This instant communication not only reduces our patience, depth, and presence, it also encourages curated self-presentation and validation-seeking.
1. Social Pressure and Comparison
2. Feelings of Disconnection and Isolation
Psychologically speaking, technology has become both a crutch and a companion: soothing us in stress but also detaching us from deeper emotional processing. It doesn’t just alter how we think; it transforms how we feel, training our brains to favor quick reactions over thoughtful responses.
Still, the same tools that fragment our focus can also connect us in meaningful ways. Today, you can chat with an old childhood friend who lives across the world while studying for a psychology course on your sofa at home. You can connect to tools for networking or healing—like virtual therapy, mental health apps or online spaces, where everyone can safely share their struggles and feel less alone.
As technology accelerates how we move and think, understanding its psychological impact isn’t just useful—it’s essential. Let’s summarize what we’ve learned about how technology influences our behavior:
In a world shaped by smart technology, algorithms, and constant scrolling, the need for thoughtful, compassionate minds has never been greater.
If you’re curious about what drives us and how we think, the online BA in psychology from The University of Texas Permian Basin gives you the flexibility to explore those answers on your terms. This fully online program lets you dive into the science of thought, behavior, and mental health—so you can help others thrive in an age that rarely slows down. Choose from four focus areas:
and join a community of curious, driven learners ready to make a difference.
And if you’re interested in becoming a counselor or therapist, UTPB also offers a fully online Master of Social Work*—a possible next step after your undergraduate degree in psychology.
Take the next step and apply today! We’ll dive deeper into these conversations in online class—and we’d love to see you there.
*Currently engaged in the accreditation process.
Picture this: You’re in a hospital room, and a nurse walks in—flustered, but still smiling—with a chart in hand. This expert provider is checking your vitals, catching early warning signs, coordinating with doctors, reassuring your anxious family outside, and solving small healthcare crises in the hallway … all before lunch.
Today, nurses are no longer just supporting physicians; they’re redefining medicine itself. From crisis response and managing chronic care to integrating cutting-edge technology, nurses are stepping into roles that shape the direction and delivery of modern treatment.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical weaknesses in healthcare systems worldwide. Nurses stepped up to fill gaps where systems were overwhelmed, taking on expanded roles in clinical and community settings. In many states, nurse practitioners (NPs) were temporarily granted greater practice authority to address physician shortages, demonstrating their ability to lead under pressure.
This crisis revealed the potential for nurses to take on broader responsibilities. During the pandemic, nurses:
These expanded roles created a framework for a future where nurses are trusted leaders in healthcare—not just support staff.
Nurses often spend more time with patients than physicians do, which helps them build trust and offer more personalized care. They’re the ones advocating for patients, managing chronic diseases, guiding patients through recovery after discharge, and advocating for their needs.
But their work goes beyond physical care. Nurses play a crucial role in preventative medicine by:
In a healthcare system increasingly focused on prevention rather than treatment, nurses are uniquely positioned to lead this shift. Here’s how:
Modern medicine relies on interdisciplinary teamwork: a skill nurses excel at. Acting as the connective tissue between physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, and lab techs, nurses ensure treatment plans are followed and adapted as needed.
Their holistic perspective allow them to identify potential issues early, enabling timely interventions that improve recovery outcomes. This collaborative approach positions nurses as vital contributors in complex medical systems.
Administrative errors may be harmless in everyday life, but in medicine, they can be fatal. Nurses are leading the charge in adopting technologies that reduce such risks while enhancing patient care. Tools like electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth platforms, portable diagnostic devices, and robotics streamline workflows and allow nurses to focus on what matters most: personalized care.
For example, nurses use:
By embracing these innovations, nurses are shaping a future where technology supports—not replaces—human-centered care.
Nurses don’t just treat illnesses; they also drive systemic change. Their firsthand experience with patients gives them unique insight into public health disparities. In future healthcare systems, nurses will shape not only how we treat illness but how we deliver equitable care.
For example:
As healthcare evolves, nurses will continue driving efforts toward fairness and accessibility.
As healthcare shifts toward personalized medicine driven by technology and community-based models of care, nurses are stepping into roles traditionally reserved for doctors or researchers. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) equips working nurses with the skills needed to lead this transformation.
In the coming decades, healthcare won’t just happen in a hospital. It’ll happen in homes, in communities, through apps, wearable tech, personalized medicine, and AI-driven diagnostics — and nurses will be at the forefront of this revolution. UTPB prepares nurses to influence medicine from the inside out: whether in clinical settings, research projects, public health initiatives or management and policy.
Step into the future of medicine — not just as a nurse, but as a leader. Learn more about our program here!
Sources:
https://www.myamericannurse.com/nurses-revolutionizing-healthcare
June is National Internet Safety Month in the United States: a time to spotlight online risks, particularly for children and teens. These efforts are especially crucial considering human trafficking—a modern form of slavery—continues to rise globally, with traffickers increasingly exploiting the internet to recruit victims.
In this article, we’ll explore the extent of this humanitarian emergency, the role of technology in trafficking, and actionable steps you can use to protect yourself and others.
Human trafficking involves the illegal transport and exploitation of individuals for forced labor or sexual slavery, and it’s one of the fastest-growing crimes worldwide. Between 2012 and 2022, U.S. convictions for human trafficking offenses doubled, while global cases surged by 400% from 2008 to 2019.
Although determining an exact number of victims is difficult, trends make it clear that human trafficking is on the rise.
The internet has become a powerful tool for traffickers to identify, groom, and recruit victims remotely. Here’s how:
We can all be part of the solution to human trafficking. Here are a few ways:
The United Nations recommends the following steps to protect yourself and your family from human traffickers:
Certain actions may indirectly contribute to human trafficking, including:
You can help thwart the efforts of human traffickers in a variety of meaningful roles and professional settings, including:
Want to make a difference? Online programs from The University of Texas Permian Basin—part of the acclaimed UT System—provide a path to rewarding criminal justice careers.
Led by faculty with extensive real-world criminal justice experience, our programs enable you to complete your studies anywhere, at your convenience, around shift work and your busy schedule.
Online BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies
Gain foundational knowledge in criminal justice alongside general education courses that build essential soft skills.
Work in Texas law enforcement? Find out how you may be able to waive some tuition and fees for this program.
Online MS in Criminal Justice Administration
Finished your bachelor’s degree and ready for leadership roles? Learn advanced criminal justice concepts in a program you can finish in as little as one year.
Sources:
https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking-and-social-media/
https://humantraffickingfront.org/the-use-of-the-internet-to-recruit-children-by-traffickers/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/no-more-fomo/202501/social-media-and-loneliness-a-dangerous-pairhttps://www.un.org/en/peace-and-security/understanding-human-trafficking
Picture this: A TV meteorologist warns about a brewing hurricane, the storm’s cone of uncertainty and spaghetti models streaking all over the screen. As you quietly regret moving to the coast and plan for gas, water and higher ground, you hear the harried meteorologist explain which hurricane category will destroy your home—and which will wash it away into the ocean.
Without realizing it, you’re being informed by effective crisis communication: messaging that, over the decades, has been refined to not just report weather but save lives.
Crisis communication is a coordinated flow of information designed to warn, inform and guide the public before, during, and after a crisis. This includes official updates on storm paths, evacuation routes, and safety measures.
Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, but preparation happens year-round. In the early 1900s, limited technology and conflicting forecasts led to devastating miscommunication, like during the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, which killed up to 10,000 people and washed away most of the bustling island town. This tragedy spurred a national effort to improve storm tracking and communication systems.
By the mid-20th century, televised weather reports brought storms into our living rooms. Today, digital tools like apps with real-time storm tracking enable us to refresh every few minutes (while we eat the non-perishables we should be saving).
2005’s Hurricane Katrina exposed severe flaws in crisis communication systems and became a turning point for emergency communication in the United States. Evacuation orders were delayed, and messages lacked clarity and reach—particularly for those without access to digital media and transportation.
Up to 80% of New Orleans was flooded when the levees failed, stranding and killing thousands of unprepared people. Government agencies were not well-coordinated and fragmented systems slowed down response times, which compounded the chaos.
The lessons from Katrina have shaped a faster, smarter and more inclusive system, built to prevent the devastating breakdowns of the past. This horrific catastrophe led to major improvements that have transformed how crisis communication operates, including:
These changes proved effective during Hurricane Milton in 2024. Despite power outages, Doppler radar and WEA notifications continued to push real-time updates. As the storm’s eye passed, alerts were sent instantly to warn residents that dangerous winds were about to return, prompting them to move back inside just in time.
Surviving a hurricane is only the first challenge. After the storm passes, people need updates on relief efforts, shelter locations, supply distribution, and safety advisories. Clear communication provides emotional reassurance and practical guidance during recovery.
Behind every alert, update, and evacuation order is a team crafting messages that save lives. Crisis communication isn’t just about weather updates; it’s about building trust, reducing panic, and using information to drive action.
As a student at The University of Texas Permian Basin’s 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program, you’ll explore how communication theory drives real-world impact. You’ll learn:
Customizable Tracks for Real-World Impact
UTPB’s online BA in communication offers four career-focused tracks, each with real-world value during real-life crises:
Each track empowers you to become the calm, clear and relatable voice that communities rely on when every second counts.
Effective communication is more than a soft skill. It can save lives. Whether you pursue public relations, media, emergency management, or nonprofit advocacy, understanding how to shape messages that inform, unify, and move people to action is a vital skill—especially when lives are on the line.
If this sounds like your calling, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Applications are accepted year-round, so take the next step whenever you’re ready!
Planning your next career move? Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or aiming for a more advanced role, having the right tools can make all the difference. Megan Baeza, UTPB’s executive director of career services, shares her expert advice on what your career toolkit should look like.
Your career toolkit should include both cutting-edge technology and practical skills. Here are the essentials every career-minded student needs.
Handshake
“The first thing to do is activate a Handshake account,” Baeza advised. “It’s like Indeed.com for college students.” According to Baeza, students logging on today would see “over 25,000 jobs and internships available. Many here in Texas, all over the United States, and some are even global.”
A job search platform tailored for college students, Handshake connects users with job and internship opportunities. Fortune 500 companies actively recruit on this platform, making it a must-have for students looking to stand out.
SkillsFirst
This AI-powered tool helps you tailor your resume to specific job descriptions. By highlighting the most relevant skills and keywords, you can ensure your application aligns with what employers are looking for, increasing your chances of getting noticed.
Baeza estimates 99.9% of applications are now completed online, making it crucial to optimize your resume and cover letters for today’s technology. SkillsFirst’s resume builder identifies areas for improvement, helping you customize your application for each role.
“Customization is key,” Baeza explained. “If you don’t have the keywords, the customization, the correct format in your resume, those can all be problematic, [even if you] have the skills or qualifications.”
Strong interviewing skills require training, technology and people. Mastering the tried-and-true STAR method and “elevator pitch” are still helpful but are no longer enough.
“We want our candidates to start strong,” Baeza explained. “We want them to have thought about important questions that they want to ask the employer. Both of you are interviewing, right? It’s a two-way street.”
Tools like SkillsFirst allow you to practice responses, analyze body language, and refine your delivery.
“This is something you can do in privacy … then [the career services team] can help you refine those minor things that you still maybe need to work on through one-on-one coaching.”
Networking is one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities. Building a network takes time, but there are many ways to do it. Start by connecting with:
Baeza urged students not to overlook contacts right in front of them: “You start in class, right? Who is your professor? Who are the other people in class with you? If you’re already working, who at your company can you connect with?”
She also strongly suggests those with a clear career path in mind connect with people already working in those fields. “Who are the leaders in your industry? You need to be following those companies [on social media] and connect with people within those organizations. Also, alumni working in that industry. They have advice you need. Don’t be fearful of reaching out.”
Your appearance matters during interviews. Or as Baeza put it, “When you look good, you feel good.” Dress professionally and ensure your virtual interview setup is distraction-free: no crying babies or barking dogs!
Baeza added that students near UTPB’s campus can borrow professional attire at no cost and have headshots taken right in the Career Services office.
Keep track of every application, including where you applied, whom you spoke with, and when. Follow-up promptly, especially with one gesture that can leave a big impression:
“A lot of students forget that follow-up is key. You know, sending that thank-you note honoring someone’s time,” Baeza explained.
Baeza and her Career Services team provide ongoing support for UTPB students and alumni, offering access to Handshake, SkillsFirst, one-on-one coaching, and more—virtually and in person.
Take advantage of these resources today to set yourself apart in the competitive job market and let UTPB Career Services help you land the job you want.
Want to know more about UTPB’s online degrees and certificates? Discover over 50 programs designed to help you achieve your career goals!
Statistically speaking, most social work graduates pursue social work careers. But what if you’re not like most people? We’re here to tell you that you can absolutely transform your passion for helping others and hard-earned expertise into another type of career.
A social work degree is a broadly marketable credential offering highly transferrable skills to its holder. What kinds of careers can you pursue with this degree? Let’s look at a few options outside traditional social work.
A social work degree and the skills it helps you develop, coupled with your existing professional experience, can benefit you in all these professions, whether you’re already working in one of them or plan to.
These professionals work at different stages of the criminal justice process: Probation officers generally supervise offenders whose crimes are minor and don’t involve prison time, while parole officers supervise offenders after their release from prison. Both jobs require empathy and the interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills that social work majors develop.
Tasked with ensuring organizations have qualified staff to meet their needs, human resource specialists also resolve conflicts, administer employee benefits, and field various questions and concerns from personnel at different levels of their organization. Like social workers, they interface directly with people, often in personal or difficult conversations.
College admissions counselors work with individuals who are about to take a very important step in their lives, often feel uncertain, and require significant guidance. These professionals must be good listeners with solid interpersonal and communication skills and a strong understanding of diverse backgrounds. Social work graduates have all these qualities, and this career is well-suited to those aspiring to a supporting role in education.
A strong connection to the community, particularly those members in need or at risk, links social work graduates to the role of social or community service manager. These individuals often work for nonprofit, government, or for-profit social service organizations, identifying where programs and services are needed, securing funding and other sources of support, and managing related duties.
People who plan to go into business for themselves must be passionate problem solvers and expert communicators that can engage with diverse audiences. Whether they plan to use these attributes to develop a profitable business or, as many social work graduates prefer, become social entrepreneurs who focus on a cause to create positive change in society, their degree gives them a distinct advantage.
Social work graduates can leverage their understanding of social systems and advocacy skills to craft sought-after policies. Their social work experience provides them with profound insight into community needs that they can help meet through policy. Some individuals advocate for social change by representing their cause at the government level as a lobbyist, often seeking specific legislation.
While we’ve detailed some career options that don’t strictly fit the “social worker” title, it’s important to remember that you can find those working in that role in a diverse range of settings and fields: healthcare facilities, educational institutions, domestic violence shelters, correctional facilities, senior communities, and inpatient treatment centers, to name a few.
So, if after completing your degree you ultimately decide to become a traditional social worker, there will be many employers looking for a candidate like you.
Whatever kind of career you seek with a social work degree, you’ll be helping people. The University of Texas Permian Basin—part of the acclaimed UT System—has the program you need to get started on your mission.
Our online Master of Social Work (MSW)* equips you for clinical social work in healthcare and behavioral healthcare environments in rural areas and a variety of other professional settings. See more potential careers here.
Named among the “Top 10 Most Affordable MSW* Programs in Texas” by Texas Social Work EDU, this UTPB online program offers many advantages:
Become a social work graduate and see where your degree can take you! Apply now.
*Currently engaged in the accreditation process.
Sources:
https://www.socialworkguide.org/careers/alternative-jobs-with-a-social-work-degree
https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Facts/Types-of-Social-Work
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm
https://www.cswe.org/students/prepare-for-your-education/social-work-at-a-glance
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00208728221149283
https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/from-social-work-to-entrepreneurship-leveraging-skills-for-independent-business-development
Honoring and celebrating our mothers has been a global tradition throughout history. Although Mother’s Day was officially declared a U.S. holiday in 1914, its origins date back centuries. People have honored their mothers across cultures and time periods through festivals, religious observances, and communal gatherings.
Understanding the historical significance of holidays like Mother’s Day provides insights into how our traditions influence our consumer behavior and modern marketing strategies. Let’s journey back in time to explore how the origins of Mother’s Day led to its transformation into a major economic event.
Thousands of years ago, when the weather warmed for spring, the Ancient Greeks gathered for the festival of Rhea, the Mother of Gods, who was associated with fertility and motherhood. In nearby Ancient Rome, the festival to Cybele, the Great Mother, was celebrated as early as 250 B.C. By that time, Egyptians had long held annual celebrations in springtime to Isis—the protector, healer, and mother of gods—for thousands of years.
This tradition continues today, with Egypt and several other nations celebrating Mother’s Day in March, marking the renewal of life. As societies moved away from deity worship and towards personal and family-centered traditions, however, the celebration of motherhood became more intimate.
The 17th century was a busy time for English villagers, many of whom were servants who worked at manors. Every year on the fourth Sunday of Lent, workers were encouraged to go home to spend the day with their mothers in a celebration they named “Mothering Sunday.” Families would make mothering cakes (or carlings)—pancakes made with peas fried in butter—to honor their beloved matriarchs. As Christianity spread across Europe, the tradition evolved into an annual pilgrimage where people returned to the church they were baptized in and spent the day with their mothers.
Moving ahead to the 19th century: In 1858, social activist Ann Reeves Jarvis started organizing Mother’s Day work clubs to help mothers care for their children during the hardships of the Civil War. In 1872, abolitionist Julia Ward Howe organized Mother’s Day meetings in Boston, Massachusetts, but the holiday didn’t catch on until Anna Jarvis, the daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis, campaigned to make it a holiday in 1905 upon her mother’s passing. Jarvis stressed the importance of a holiday that recognized the contributions of mothers, choosing white carnations as its emblem and encouraging people to write letters of gratitude to their mothers.
By 1911, Mother’s Day was celebrated in nearly every state, and President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday in 1914. As he put it, Mother’s Day is a “public expression of our love and reverence for all mothers.” The rest, as they say, is history.
Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in over 100 countries, with different cultures adopting their own versions of the holiday. It’s easy to spot the predominant pink and red color scheme in most modern Mother’s Day marketing campaigns, while white carnations now honor mothers who have passed on.
In the U.S., Mother’s Day is the third-largest card-sending and flower-sending holiday. Interestingly, despite her efforts to establish the holiday, Anna Jarvis despised its commercialization—particularly the rise of greeting cards! Ironically, the very success of Mother’s Day as a holiday was fueled by the consumer behavior she wished to avoid.
Today, Mother’s Day is a global economic driver, having generated $33.5 billion in sales in 2023 and continuing to influence industries from retail and hospitality to digital advertising.
Digital marketing has transformed how we celebrate Mother’s Day. AI-powered gift guides, targeted ads, and personalized email campaigns help brands like Amazon and Etsy suggest gifts for every type of mother. Social media also plays a role: Companies like Pandora Jewelry and Hallmark run interactive campaigns, encouraging users to share heartfelt tributes with custom hashtags.
From a consumer psychology perspective, Mother’s Day highlights how emotions—our love for our mothers—influence purchasing decisions. Brands leverage this sentiment through nostalgic storytelling, with campaigns that highlight the bond between mothers and their children. Similarly, brands use limited-time promotions like exclusive discounts and holiday deals to boost spending.
Cultural traditions have long influenced consumer behavior and market trends. Understanding the historical roots of important holidays like Mother’s Day provides us with insights into emotional storytelling, seasonal purchasing patterns, and the psychology behind consumer engagement. These are essential skills for modern marketing professionals.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers three entirely online and affordable marketing programs to suit your goals:
Whether you’re a business professional ready to grow your marketing expertise, brand new to the field of marketing, or you simply want to brush up your skills, UT Permian Basin’s online programs will equip you with the knowledge to create impactful, culturally relevant marketing campaigns that drive results.
Shape your future with a marketing credential from UTPB today. We look forward to seeing you in the virtual classroom!
Education has long been a cornerstone of human civilization, shaping the course of society across generations. Educational pioneers like Horace Mann, who championed free public education, and Maria Montessori, who revolutionized individualized learning, laid the foundation for educational reform in the 19th century. Their work paved the way for modern leaders to continue shaping the system, bringing innovative solutions to the challenges of today’s classrooms.
Education is an ever-evolving force shaping our future. From policy changes to technological innovations, modern educational leaders play a critical role in shaping how learning is delivered, accessed, and improved. In this article, you’ll get to know five individuals whose advanced degrees in educational leadership have helped them drive real-world change.
Dr. Vicki Phillips is an education consultant whose prior roles include director of education for the College Ready program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and chief education officer for National Geographic. Now serving as the CEO for the National Center on Education and the Economy, Phillips has been a key advocate for innovative learning strategies, such as:
With a Doctor of Education degree in international leadership and educational leadership and management from the University of Lincoln, Phillips has held multiple leadership roles, including serving as superintendent of Portland (Oregon) public schools. Her influence has directly impacted how school systems evaluate teacher performance and integrate personalized learning strategies to close achievement gaps.
As president of the California State Board of Education, Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond has significantly influenced education policy and reform in the United States. Holding a Doctor of Education in urban education from Temple University, she has dedicated her career to:
A renowned academic, Darling-Hammond has authored numerous books and research articles advocating that all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, receive quality education.
Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, the superintendent and CEO of Hartford public schools, has over 25 years of experience in educational leadership. Throughout her tenure, she has implemented initiatives aimed at:
By implementing innovative student-centered leadership models, Dr. Torres-Rodriguez has reshaped how urban school districts approach leadership, fostering a culture of accountability and inclusion.
Dr. Sebetha Jenkins served as the tenth president of Jarvis Christian University, becoming the first woman to hold that position. She holds a Doctor of Education in educational administration from Mississippi State University. Throughout her career, Dr. Jenkins has been recognized for:
Her leadership played a crucial role in developing distance-learning programs that expanded access to higher education for rural and underserved students. She was later inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame for her contributions to higher education reform.
Dr. Harrison Keller, a sixth-generation Texan, became the president of the University of North Texas in August 2024. With a Ph.D. from Georgetown University, Dr. Keller has an extensive background in education policy, with a focus on:
Through strategic partnerships with school districts and state policymakers, he has created pathways for career readiness programs that help students transition into the workforce more efficiently.
Do these stories inspire you? If so, a master’s degree in educational leadership can open doors to impactful careers, whether in K-12 schools, higher education, or policymaking.
With an educational leadership degree, you can:
For those looking to step into the realm of educational leadership, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s nationally accredited online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership provides the perfect foundation.
UT Permian Basin’s online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership is flexible and career-focused, equipping educators with the administrative, strategic, and leadership skills needed to drive meaningful change in education. As aspiring principals, superintendents, and policy advocates, graduates of UTPB emerge prepared to lead with vision and purpose.
As UTPB alumna Barbara Triplett shared:
“Every time you have an opportunity to impact a young learner — help build connections, develop their brain, and lay a foundation for future success — you have the chance to make a real impact.”
Our online MA in educational leadership program aligns with Principal as Instructional Leader certification competencies, preparing graduates to meet state standards for school leadership.
With a fully online format and a 30-credit curriculum, educators can advance their careers while earning their degree in as little as one year. Faculty members are supportive and responsive, helping students develop to their fullest potential.
Take the next step in your educational leadership journey! Explore UTPB’s program today.
Change is both a certainty and a necessity in business. Adapting to change can make the difference between success and failure for just about any type of organization. Right now, a digital transformation is well underway in most business sectors, and business leaders that embrace this changing landscape are the most likely to survive and thrive.
According to Forbes, a hallmark of the business world’s digital transformation is “using new technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud computing to drive growth, streamline operations and increase competitive edge.” This process relies heavily on the use of data and data analytics.
Data analytics is a specialized field leveraging digital tools that collect and assess large amounts of raw data. This data is then used to gain insight and empower businesses to make informed decisions.
If this description seems broad, understand that data analytics is applicable across many types of industries and organizations, from financial institutions to nonprofits. Here we’ll explore how data analytics is being harnessed in major business sectors and how developing your data analytics expertise can translate to a wide variety of career options.
The industries we’ll discuss are wide-ranging but share significantly improved outcomes—efficiency, future insight, and bottom line—through data analytics.
Data analytics is a standard tool in the financial sector today. If it hadn’t been previously, the economic unpredictability introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic firmly established the importance of strong data analysis in financial leadership.
Data analytics gives finance executives and personnel greater visibility into their organization’s key performance indicators (KPIs), which may include:
In addition, the metrics data analytics provides are invaluable in helping finance professionals detect fraud.
Arguably the single most consequential field for data analytics, healthcare is benefiting immensely from its introduction into the field. Using the information data analytics provides, healthcare professionals are now able to offer:
While data analytics is certainly beneficial in a financial office within the energy industry, it has applications far beyond that—to the management of energy resources themselves. Professionals working in this field may use data analytics to:
The digital transformation has long been underway in the online retail space. Still, it continues to evolve. Retailers are using data analytics to help them:
Data analytics is keeping the wheels of the manufacturing industry turning by enabling personnel to:
With the digital transformation of the workplace, the demand for analytics expertise has skyrocketed, opening doors to countless corporate careers. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited online MBA with an analytics concentration prepares you to excel in today’s data-driven business landscape.
If you’ve already earned a BBA, you can complete this MBA with as few as 33 credits.
Discover how to enhance business performance through an exploration of core business disciplines and analytics tools and methods in specialized courses like Business Analytics. Our 100% online, asynchronous program offers the flexibility to balance your professional and personal obligations.
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Find all that information here.
Equip yourself to work in—or lead—the business office of practically any field. Get started with your MBA! Apply today!
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/10/12/the-impact-of-digital-transformation-on-business-models-opportunities-and-challenges
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2023/12/06/digital-transformation-and-its-effects-on-the-modern-workplace
https://www.comptia.org/content/articles/how-is-data-analytics-used-in-health-care