Transitions during a typical school day—like moving from one subject to another—can be challenging for many students. But for special education students, these transitions can be particularly stressful and frustrating.
Whether in mainstream classrooms or special education programs, students with special needs often struggle with adapting to change. To address this issue, a team of faculty and IT at UTPB is conducting groundbreaking research using virtual reality (VR) technology to help these students navigate transitions more effectively.
Dr. Clark Moreland, lecturer of English and director of UTPB’s Heimmermann Center for Engaged Teaching, is collaborating with Dr. Adriana Frates, assistant professor of special education, and Dr. Kara Rosenblatt, associate professor of special education, on this innovative project. Their research is supported by James Zertuche and Curtis Rogers from UTPB’s Information Technology Studios.
The study allows participating students to practice handling real-world challenges in a safe, simulated setting. By using VR headsets, students can rehearse making decisions in scenarios tailored to their unique needs without the pressure of real-life consequences.
Dr. Moreland explained how the VR experience works:
“It’s not computer-simulated, it’s authentic. It’s a video of a situation, and they use the VR headset to view the video in 360 degrees, and then we see whether or not they can answer the questions properly. It’s immersive, so it allows them to see up, down, all around. The filming that we did to create these environments happened at school. It’s meant to provide the illusion that they’re in their real learning environment that they live in every day.”
Dr. Frates highlighted how the simulations are customized to address each student’s specific challenges and can be used to help participants improve any skills:
“What we try to focus on is where the students had difficulties moving from either one activity or one setting to another. Transition skills. So, for example, with one student we focused on cooking recipes, following the visuals and being able to produce those recipes.”
Dr. Rosenblatt emphasized that the team’s research has potential applications far beyond special education:
“The ability to individualize is the cornerstone of special education. So, this research provides a great opportunity for [an ESE] environment and also for a public K-12 environment with a co-teaching setting. It’s really beneficial across the board.”
For Dr. Moreland, this project is deeply personal. His son, who has Down syndrome, attends the school where the study takes place:
“I’ve publicly talked about my son, who’s not a participant in the study, but it is [taking place at] his school. He’s 18. He’s been at this school since he was 5. It’s his community. We hope that he continues to grow and serve and be a leader here.
“My colleagues are the experts. However, as a parent who lives with disability every day, this is really intriguing to me. Like a lot of the students in this study, my son struggles with transitioning to new environments. Routines are very important to him and we’ve been looking at how to develop positive routines and behaviors.
“So for me, the hope is not only that we can generalize knowledge and contribute to the school and to the students, but also that I can learn how, as a parent, to support my son as he grows into the kind of young man we want him to be.”
The UTPB team reported on their progress at the CEC 2025 Convention & Expo in March and plans to complete data collection by December 2025. They aim to publish their results in 2026, sharing insights that could transform how educators use VR technology to support special education students.
We look forward to seeing the outcome of this VR study and how it can benefit countless students, teachers, and institutions.
Key Takeaways
Interested in more information about UTPB’s online special education degree programs? Get details here.
In today’s complex financial world, understanding the basics of financial literacy is crucial for personal and professional success. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their money and prepares them for future opportunities, such as advancing their careers through programs like those offered by The University of Texas Permian Basin. This article provides a brief guide to financial literacy and what you can do to master its principles.
Financial literacy is “the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting and investing.”
According to a financial research summary by Zippia, only 57% of American adults were financially literate in 2023. While Americans appear to be most comfortable with the fundamentals of borrowing, saving, and consuming, studies have also shown they have the least confidence in understanding financial risk (such as investing in cryptocurrency).
To build a strong understanding of and foundation in financial literacy, it’s crucial to grasp the basics, including:
Income includes earnings from salaries, freelance work, investments, or other sources. Knowing your income helps you set realistic budgets and make informed financial decisions.
Examples:
By understanding and tracking your total income, you gain insight into your financial capabilities, which helps you effectively allocate resources for both your needs and wants.
Expenses are the costs you incur to maintain your lifestyle. These include fixed costs (like rent, utilities, and subscriptions) and variable costs (such as groceries, entertainment, or emergencies). Categorizing and tracking these expenses ensures that you don’t overspend, helps you create a more effective budget, and enables you to spend wisely.
Examples:
By clearly understanding your expenses, you can spot areas where you may be able to cut back, helping free up funds to save, invest, or allocate to higher-priority needs (such as medical bills).
A structured budget helps you track spending, allocate resources, and set realistic goals. One key aspect of this process is distinguishing between wants and needs, such as understanding the difference between impulse purchases and essential expenses. When you know exactly where your money goes, you gain the power to redirect it toward your goals, whether that’s a dream vacation, an emergency fund, or early retirement.
Consider:
Building an emergency fund, planning for retirement, and investing wisely are concepts we’re often taught but don’t always put into practice. Understanding interest rates, the time value of money, and the principles of risk and return are fundamental concepts that support sound investment decisions.
Most of us deal with debt at some point, making it crucial to understand the differences between good debt (like student loans or mortgages) and bad debt (such as high-interest credit cards). Implementing strategies like the debt snowball or avalanche methods, along with monitoring your credit score, can significantly improve your financial health.
Even if you understand basic financial concepts, achieving full financial literacy can feel overwhelming. That’s why deepening your financial knowledge—no matter your career outlook or aspirations—is essential for everyone. Here are some quick tips to follow:
For those seeking to deepen their knowledge in finance and accounting, an advanced education is invaluable. UT Permian Basin offers flexible online programs that cater to your unique goals and aspirations:
Whichever path you choose, these programs are designed to equip you with the expertise needed to thrive in today’s financial landscape.
Financial literacy isn’t just about managing money — it’s the key to financial freedom. It helps you turn every paycheck into progress, every budget into a blueprint for success, and every investment into a pathway toward the life you want. Whether you’re starting your financial journey or enhancing your expertise, UT Permian Basin’s 100% online programs provide the tools to not just navigate the financial world but shape it.
Your financial future is built one smart decision at a time. Start today, whether it’s creating a budget, growing your savings, or exploring new learning opportunities at UTPB. Every step counts.
Most university professors would be disappointed to discover their students playing cards online during class. However, Dr. Rod Uzat, assistant professor for UT Permian Basin’s College of Education, eagerly encourages it.
Budget Hold’em, a nod to the popular poker game Texas Hold’em, is a gamified lesson that demonstrates to students—all prospective superintendents—how to budget with their school board. The simulation is invaluable to those seeking leadership positions in their district, as it mirrors real-life budgetary decisions they’ll have to make—minus the stakes.
When Dr. Uzat discovered Budget Hold’em, an interactive district budgeting program designed by the nonprofit Education Resource Strategies, he saw its skill-building potential and quickly integrated it into his curriculum. The game is featured in District School Finance, a core course from UTPB’s 16-credit online Superintendent Certification program.
“Let’s say we have 10-12 people for a synchronous session,” Dr. Uzat explains. “I’ll break them into rooms of three or four and then say, ‘OK, one of you share your screen, bring up the game,’ and they play it and talk through it together.”
Dr. Uzat then reconvenes his students to see if anyone has questions before putting them back into their groups: “[I say], ‘Go ahead and make your budget through a consensus conversation.’ I let them do that for 45-50 minutes and pull them back into the main room and we have a roundtable.”
Dr. Uzat ends each game session with several key questions, including:
The discussion provides Superintendent Certification students with indispensable insight into the components and possible outcomes of the budgeting process.
Amy Russell, principal of Bowie Middle School in Ector County ISD, recently completed District School Finance and recalled that Budget Hold’em was “absolutely a favorite”:
“One of your cards could be $1,000,000 worth of software for kids that will help them in math. Another card might be five brand new teachers that your campus can use to help increase your reading scores. You have all these cards, but you can only play so many. It forces you to start making decisions. Do we want to improve scores or do we want to add buildings?”
Overall, Russell found the online course District School Finance highly practical and relevant to her work. “The finances and resources we learned about from a superintendent’s point of view,” Russell noted, “in ECISD, we use that same format because principals are the discretionary appointees of our campus money. So that was a big help.”
While Budget Hold’em is a standout feature of the course, students enrolled in District School Finance use a variety of tools and resources to explore essential topics in district school financing. Students are prepared to capably lead on issues they’ll encounter daily as superintendents, including:
See the full list of courses for our Superintendent Certification program.
Your TEA-approved superintendent EPP is here, online. UTPB’s Superintendent Certification program is laser-focused on equipping principals and assistant principals to advance into district leadership as certified superintendents in Texas.
Q: Who is eligible for this program?
A: Campus administrators, aspiring school staff, and district leaders with a master’s degree who are interested in making a difference at the highest levels.
Q: Is this program recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA)?
A: Yes, our Superintendent Certification program is TEA-approved. It’s also CAEP-accredited and ASEP-accredited.
Q: What if I live outside of Texas?
A: Contact Dr. Uzat for assistance in confirming your state’s certification requirements.
Thousands of years ago, as flowers bloomed and the weather warmed, villagers in what is now Europe gathered to celebrate the vernal equinox. Communities gathered in open clearings, the air filled with the rich scent of burning herbs and fresh, damp earth. They placed eggs—symbols of renewal—on altars, and the sight of a hare darting through the undergrowth was heralded as a sacred sign of the season’s rebirth. This celebration is thought to be the foundation of our modern Easter tradition.
But how did Easter transform from an ancient tradition to a modern celebration? Let’s take a journey through history and find out.
The early rites of celebrating rebirth and renewal may seem unfamiliar to us today, but they form the foundation of many modern holidays, thanks to the generations of shared religion, culture, and history. Many ancient cultures celebrated rebirth, including the Sumerian’s festival to honor the goddess Inanna thousands of years ago. Pre-Christian Europe as early as the Iron Age (around 500 BCE) centered their celebrations of resurrection and rebirth around the spring: a time when the darkness and cold of winter gave way to the warmer temperatures and new beginnings of spring.
Ancient Germanic communities referred to their spring festival (dedicated to their goddess Eostre) as Ostara, which translates to “dawn” or “east.” The name connotes light and new beginnings, and the modern terms Easter (English) and Ostern (German) are thought to be derived from it. In other parts of Europe, the holiday’s name evolved from the Greek “Pascha,” referring to Jewish Passover.
Let’s fast-forward to the spread of Christianity. In 313 CE, Emperor Constantine of the Roman Empire legalized Christianity with the Edict of Milan after experiencing a vision of a cross during battle. Christianity quickly spread across European tribes—sometimes by force—and was declared the official religion by Emperor Theodosius nearly seven decades later. Missionaries and religious leaders sought to align Christian celebrations with existing pagan traditions to ease the transition for converts.
Christian traditions arguably absorbed and reinterpreted many existing pagan customs. For example, the egg was once an emblem of fertility and became associated with Christ’s resurrection, symbolizing the tomb from which he rose. The hare, a sacred animal in rites honoring Eostre, evolved into the Easter Bunny, a figure that still carries connotations of abundance and renewal.
The next time you see colorful Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies, you’ll know the rich history behind these symbols.
The Middle Ages saw Easter transform into a significant time of religious observance, marked by church services, fasting, and feasting. While some modern Easter customs like egg decorating emerged during this time, elaborate egg-painting traditions were also developing in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, in which red eggs symbolized Christ’s blood and resurrection.
The Renaissance further refined these traditions, incorporating grand processions, theatrical performances, and the use of art to depict biblical narratives. The observance of Lent, the forty-day fasting period leading up to Easter, became firmly entrenched in the Christian calendar.
As Christianity spread across continents, Easter traditions diversified. In the Americas, European settlers brought their customs, where they merged with indigenous traditions. For example, the Aztecs celebrated festivals of renewal and agriculture before Europeans brought Christianity with them. Today, Easter is the most important holiday in Mexico, and Mexican regions like Michoacán incorporate indigenous dance and music alongside Catholic icons.
The 19th and 20th centuries saw the commercialization of Easter, with the introduction of chocolate eggs, candies, and decorative baskets. The Easter Bunny, once a folkloric figure, became a staple of childhood festivities.
Today, Easter is celebrated in diverse ways across the world. Some cultures celebrate with solemn religious services, such as late-night vigils or Paschal greetings, while others take on a more secular form, like egg hunts, parades, and family gatherings. Some still celebrate in the old pagan tradition.
As Easter celebrations continue across the globe, the history of the holiday remains an example of the enduring power of tradition and adaptation: a testament to our humanity.
The story of Easter’s transformation over time reveals how history shapes the traditions we hold dear today. It’s a reminder that behind every celebration, belief, and custom lies a rich tapestry of cultural evolution and human experience.
If you’re fascinated by how the past influences the present, consider deepening your knowledge with the online Master of Arts in History from UT Permian Basin. This fully online program lets you explore historical narratives, cultural shifts, and religious traditions from anywhere, on your schedule. You’ll develop critical thinking skills, engage in scholarly research, and uncover how history has shaped the world around us.
Ready to turn your passion for the past into a meaningful future? Apply today and take the first step toward a career where you can preserve history, inspire others, and make an impact that lasts.
Since its designation by the United Nations on April 2, 2007, World Autism Awareness Day has helped foster a greater understanding of people with autism, highlighting their achievements, contributions, and unique perspectives.
World Autism Month, initiated by the American nonprofit organization Autism Speaks and observed throughout April, shares similar aims. Both observances provide an opportunity to discuss factors educators should consider to help ensure the success of autistic students inside the classroom and beyond.
Autistic students can become overwhelmed by experiences involving any of the senses. While it may not be possible to completely adapt a learning environment to an autistic student, especially in a mainstream school, it’s important to consider sensory issues when arranging your classroom.
Make your classroom autism-friendly by using only the amount of light needed, leaving adequate room between desks, and minimizing intrusive sounds and odors. If an art, chemistry, or shop class is next door, seat an autistic student as far away from the source of the potential sensory issue as possible.
Autistic students typically learn best when provided with concrete examples. They’re more likely to comprehend and retain what you teach them when you supplement your lessons with visual aids such as photographs, diagrams, charts, icons, or symbols.
Figurative language can be confusing for autistic students. Always use the most direct, clear, and literal language you can when speaking to them. “Please return from the restroom quickly” is preferable to “Please return from the restroom as fast as lightning.”
Most students function best with a consistent daily structure, and autistic students are no exception. Keep predictable routines, scheduling similar activities such as quizzes or in-class assignments at regular intervals. Help reduce anxiety among these students by setting their expectations with a visual schedule. Whenever feasible, alert autistic students to changes ahead of time.
People with autism are prone to experiencing social anxiety and therefore often need a little extra encouragement. You can reduce their stress, boost their confidence, and motivate them to participate in class by providing positive words after they successfully answer a question or complete an assignment. With preschool-age children, reward systems may be appropriate.
Also consider alternatives to the word “no.” Instead of telling a student what they should not do, tell them what they should do: “No, don’t get out of your seat” becomes “Please stay in your seat.”
Autism is a spectrum, not a specific set of traits. Get to know the needs and learning styles of your autistic students and use that knowledge to adapt your teaching to them. Differentiated instruction strategies are crucial to autistic students’ success.
An important part of the school experience for all students is socialization and the development of social skills. As leader of the class, it’s your responsibility to model and explain social skills such as making eye contact, sharing, taking turns, and following and responding to social cues. You may also teach these skills using applicable books.
Excel in teaching autistic and other special education students from day one. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s CAEP-accredited online graduate degree programs help prepare you. No matter which special education program you choose, you can:
Choose from two rewarding degree tracks or a general program that offers you even broader career flexibility:
Online Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders Track
Online Master of Arts in Special Education, Educational Diagnostician Track
Online Master of Arts in Special Education
Empower your autistic students to shine! Apply here.
Sources:
https://www.teachforamerica.org/stories/tips-teaching-autism-students
https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit-excerpt/autism-classroom-strategies
https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit-excerpt/autism-and-social-skills-development
https://researchautism.org/blog/5-practical-tips-for-teaching-students-with-autism/
https://www.incredibleyears.com/blog/autism-in-the-inclusive-classroom
https://www.autismeducates.com/2012/06/15/what-to-say-instead-of-no/
Picture a city where green spaces flourish aboveground, self-driving cars travel underground, pedestrian walkways wind through tree canopies, and waste management operates autonomously. Around the world, cities like Singapore, Oslo, and Charlotte are moving beyond this vision and making smart, sustainable urban design a reality. At the heart of these developments? Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
In this article, we explore how GIS technology is transforming urban planning, from managing resources and reducing environmental impact to engaging communities and planning for long-term sustainability.
As cities aim to improve quality of life while becoming more environmentally conscious, planners are turning to GIS technology. Using GIS in urban planning enables experts to visualize data, assess outcomes, and make strategic decisions that shape the future of our cities.
Below, we explore how GIS supports smarter, more sustainable urban development across a range of focus areas—from risk mitigation and scenario modeling to infrastructure planning and public engagement.
City planners rely on GIS for natural hazard risk assessment in cities. By identifying areas vulnerable to floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes, they can:
By using GIS for urban planning, planners simulate the impact of future developments. They can model:
This kind of predictive modeling helps cities choose sustainable and efficient urban development strategies.
Equipped with GIS technologies, city planners can analyze spatial factors, including:
By overlaying and analyzing these layers of information, they can identify patterns, trends, and relationships that help them make informed urban planning decisions.
GIS facilitates the efficient management of natural resources in urban areas. City planners can harness GIS for several key functions, including:
The planning and design of roads, public utilities, and transportation systems is both critical and complex. City planners can use GIS to analyze existing infrastructure, identify inefficiencies, and optimize the location and design of new projects, including:
City planners can use GIS to continuously monitor and evaluate urban development projects. By tracking changes in land use, infrastructure development, and environmental quality over time, these professionals can better evaluate the effectiveness of planning interventions and adjust them when necessary.
Planners can create interactive maps and platforms that invite public input. Engaging communities through GIS technology means:
Curious about how GIS is transforming urban planning—and what it means for your future career? Explore these common questions for quick insights:
Whether you want to help plan smart cities or have another career in mind, mastering GIS and geospatial technologies can change your career for the better. Expertise in this field is becoming essential for an increasing number of professionals as the technology becomes more widely adopted.
The University of Texas Permian Basin empowers you to build that acumen quickly and conveniently with our 12-credit online graduate GIS and Geospatial Certificate program.
Explore courses, career pathways, and salary expectations—and take the next step toward a more sustainable future.
Sources:
https://planning.lacity.gov/blog/why-gis-technology-important-urban-planning
https://www.esri.com/en-us/industries/urban-community-planning/overview
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:…
Frida Kahlo’s iconic self-portraits became a mirror of her struggles and independence, portraying both physical pain (from a life-altering bus accident) and emotional torment and giving voice to women of her time who were often silenced.
Kahlo’s struggles mirrored those of many female artists across history. Though female subjects are frequently portrayed in art, women striving for careers as working artists face significant social, cultural and institutional barriers. A 2022 Burns Halperin report showed that only 11% of acquisitions and 14.9% of exhibitions at 31 U.S. museums were works by women artists. Despite these challenges, women have made significant contributions to the arts and continue to assert their place. Let’s shine a light on some of these prominent female artists, from antiquity to the modern era.
In ancient times, women were involved in pottery, textiles, and sculpture—yet their contributions were often overshadowed by their male counterparts. They had limited access to formal training, which hindered their ability to pursue careers as professional artists. Nevertheless, over time, women began to defy these limitations and make their mark on the art world, even when society attempted to restrict their expression.
Here are some female artists who fearlessly challenged artistic and societal norms throughout history:
In modern times, women have used their creative expression to challenge societal norms and tackle issues like mental health, identity, and race and provide new perspectives on what art can be. The contributions of these women have not only shaped the history of art but also continue to influence contemporary artists today:
Despite the progress made, gender disparities in the art world persist. Women make up 70% of Bachelor of Fine Arts graduates and about 75% of Master of Fine Arts graduates in the U.S., yet only represent 46% of working artists across all artistic disciplines. Women also remain underrepresented in leadership positions within galleries, museums, and auctions, even though they make up most of the staff in these institutions.
As the art world evolves, women’s voices will continue to shape its future. Whether through traditional painting, digital innovation, or performance art, female artists are breaking barriers and opening new doors for future generations to walk through—without limitations.
The online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from The University of Texas Permian Basin explores the intersection of art, culture, history, and identity, which helps students develop critical thinking and communication skills while understanding the impact of creative expression on society. Carefully curated courses like Women Artists (ARTS 3301) and topics such as modern media, art history, virtual reality, and film provide a diverse and inclusive learning experience. Whether you want to champion women artists or chart your own path in the arts, UTPB’s fully online curriculum offers the flexibility and foundation to turn your passion into purpose. It’s a versatile degree that opens doors to many roles and skills you can apply in everyday life.
Inspire future generations to celebrate and pursue artistic expression without limitations. Apply on your own terms and join the Falcon Family online next semester!
Of the growing number of fields actively using artificial intelligence (AI) technology—including finance, manufacturing, marketing, and customer service—the field that arguably makes the most significant impact in our lives is healthcare. AI is supporting all healthcare sectors, simultaneously making nurses more efficient, elevating their level of care, and improving patient outcomes.
Here we’ll examine some benefits (and a few challenges) that accompany AI’s introduction into the nursing profession.
AI can create care plans that are specific to each patient by processing unlimited amounts of patient data, enabling nurses to yield more favorable results from their care.
While diagnostic services are often associated with equipment such as MRI machines, AI technology can assess medical data to help nurses deliver more precise diagnoses and corresponding treatment.
A Look Ahead Through Predictive Analytics
Nurses can use AI to forecast the likelihood of a patient’s condition declining, empowering them to initiate preemptive interventions.
AI-driven devices allow nurses to continuously monitor offsite patients’ health data in real time, including glucose level, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weight, and body temperature. This cuts down on the number of required office visits and hospital stays, freeing up beds for patients in more critical need.
By capably and quickly handling routine but time-consuming administrative tasks, AI permits nurses to devote greater time and attention to patient concerns.
AI can quickly compare patient census and staff schedules to prevent shortfalls and ensure that patient needs align with staff availability.
It can be costly and logistically difficult for nurses to refine their skills on living subjects when new medical techniques and technologies become available. AI learning tools are customizable to the user and can allow nurses to practice with lifelike simulations.
While AI tools are beneficial in educating nurses about new treatments, nurses must first learn to use the technology. Many nurses working today, especially those who’ve been in the field for years, have never received much training in AI-powered medical devices, which can be complex. New training in the proper use of these tools is often a necessity, and achieving full proficiency can take time.
Because AI is a data-driven technology, it carries all the concerns of our electronic society, including unauthorized access to private, HIPAA-protected patient information. Cyber intrusions can sometimes temporarily rob nurses of vital information related to patient care, potentially endangering patient health.
While technology has always been at the heart of advanced healthcare—MRI, CT scans, dialysis machines, etc.—some patients may have reservations about AI in the room. The technology may still be relatively new to some, and discourse around it remains controversial.
The dynamic field of nursing needs skilled leaders. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN program allows you to hone leadership expertise centered on delivering optimal health outcomes with the flexibility your busy schedule requires.
Through courses such as Informatics and Innovation (NURS 4344), you can explore the critical intersection of nursing and technology. Health informatics relies heavily on AI, particularly in its use of data analytics and predictive analytics.
Look to UTPB’s online RN to BSN if you want to:
Find out more about our online RN to BSN program and apply today!
Sources:
https://www.myamericannurse.com/ai-artificial-intelligence-in-nursing/
https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/artificial-intelligence-medicine
https://www.myamericannurse.com/how-artificial-intelligence-is-transforming-the-future-of-nursing/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7597764/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10492460/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10733565/
https://marymount.edu/blog/how-ai-is-transforming-patient-care-for-nurses/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
A finance degree offers its holder many rewarding, potentially lucrative professional paths. Whatever your career aspirations are in pursuing a finance credential, The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online program options that can empower you to fulfill them. Our graduates are applying their expertise at some of the world’s top financial institutions, energy companies, global technology leaders, and online retailers.
See for yourself what UTPB’s online finance degree programs have to offer.
Whether you’re looking to get started in an undergraduate program or you’re ready to move up to a graduate program, UTPB has an online finance degree for you. Click any program link for details, including job-specific salaries in Texas and nationwide.
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
Gain critical financial management skills that you can apply to a wide range of career opportunities in our BBA in finance program. Professionals with this degree have gone on to earn valued Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentials. This program is available online exclusively at this UT System institution.
Online Master of Business Administration in Finance
Already have your bachelor’s degree? Pursue an MBA, a highly respected credential in the business world. Expand your knowledge of the major business disciplines with an emphasis on finance. Complete 33-42 credits and graduate in as little as four semesters.
Online Master of Science in Finance
Want to focus on financial management and executive decision-making skills? Consider this online finance degree program—one of the few in Texas to hold STEM certification. Complete 30 credits and graduate in as little as four semesters.
UTPB offers some of the most affordable tuition rates among UT System institutions and other regionally accredited universities nationwide. Our online finance degree programs also save you costs associated with a commute, from gas to tolls to parking fees.
Our dedicated financial aid team is here to help you sort out your tuition assistance options, including:
As a new registrant of an online master’s-level finance program at UTPB, you may qualify for a $500 scholarship. For more information, contact gradstudies@utpb.edu, as this offer is subject to change.
UTPB offers online finance programs through our AACSB-accredited College of Business: a designation of quality standards shared by just 5% of business programs worldwide. Our programs are led by doctoral-level faculty distinguished by their international financial industry experience, research, and publications.
UTPB has also been acknowledged for 2025 by:
When you choose one of UTPB’s online finance programs, you can attend from anywhere in the world. No local or international travel, visas, or related documents are required. View lectures, complete assignments, and take exams by their specified deadlines at your convenience, from home, work, or any practical location.
“World of finance” is often used to refer to subdisciplines of the financial field. The broad reach of our online finance degree programs gives a literal dimension to this term, as your classmates may be students from virtually any country and in different stages of their careers, including management positions. These fellow students can become invaluable professional contacts as you look for a wider choice of employment opportunities after graduation.
UTPB’s BBA in finance can be your springboard to earning coveted Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations. All our online finance degrees equip you to pursue a wide array of rewarding roles, including:
See what an online finance degree from UTPB can do for you now and in the future. Apply to your program of choice today!
“As young adults, I think we feel invincible. We sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. And as women, we are often taking care of everyone else. We put our health at the bottom of the to-do list.” —Shannon Miller, Olympic gold medalist and artistic gymnast
Female gymnasts often take on a challenging regime at a very early age: Both physical and mental limits are pushed to the extreme as these young athletes train up to 40 hours a week. Female gymnasts are renowned for suffering frequent and often challenging injuries due to the extreme physical requirements of their sport.
With the rise in women’s participation in sports at all levels, from youth programs to professional leagues, it’s crucial to understand how kinesiology—a discipline that studies human movement and performance—provides the tools and strategies to meet the unique needs of female athletes.
Kinesiology is integral to addressing the physiological, biomechanical, and psychological factors that differentiate female athletes from their male counterparts. Women face unique challenges due to differences in anatomy, hormonal influences, and injury risk factors. Key areas where kinesiology can provide critical insight include:
Biomechanics and Movement Optimization
Women’s unique anatomy—like wider hips, looser joints, and lower muscle mass—can affect how they move. Kinesiology helps optimize these movement patterns, improving performance while reducing joint and muscle strain.
Hormonal and Nutritional Considerations
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect strength, endurance, and injury risk. Many female athletes also face nutrient deficiencies, like low iron or B vitamins. Kinesiologists design personalized training plans that address these factors, boosting performance and reducing injuries.
Injury Prevention Strategies
Female athletes face higher risks of ACL tears, stress fractures, and overuse injuries. Kinesiology helps prevent these with focused strength training, joint stabilization and balanced techniques tailored to women’s needs.
The 100% online Master of Science in Kinesiology from The University of Texas Permian Basin equips students with evidence-based knowledge and tools to improve female athletes’ performance while prioritizing their safety. Some specific applications include:
Evidence-Based Curriculum
Strength and Conditioning
Mental Resilience
UTPB’s online MS in kinesiology empowers students to address the unique needs of athletes while advancing their careers in sports science, rehabilitation, and training. Designed with flexibility and innovation in mind, this program equips graduates to make meaningful contributions in athletic performance for a diverse range of athletes.
Flexible Online Learning
UTPB’s fully online format ensures that students can balance their education with personal and professional commitments. This approach allows learners to immediately apply knowledge in real-world settings, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Specialized Learning Tracks
Customize your degree to fit your professional aspirations with three distinct tracks:
Career-Ready Skills Graduates leave equipped to pursue impactful roles as:
Whether your goal is to coach the next generation of athletes, improve health outcomes, or conduct research, UTPB offers the tools and resources to help you succeed. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, explore UTPB’s online Master of Science in Kinesiology, conveniently apply online, and join the movement toward safer, stronger performance for all athletes.
