Picture this: You’re a junior accountant, and your manager asks you to tweak a report to make the numbers look better. The request sounds harmless enough—just a small tweak—but you know it’s not above board.
Now you’re stuck. Do you follow orders and risk crossing an ethical line, or do you push back and risk your job? What would be the ethical way to handle this?
Scenarios like this aren’t just classroom hypotheticals. They’re part of the real challenges accountants face every day. That’s why it’s worth exploring:
Integrity in accounting isn’t just about knowing how to balance the books; it’s about learning how to balance your judgment to make the most ethical decision.
Professional organizations like the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) outline five fundamental principles that guide ethical decision-making:
These principles are more than theory. They’re the moral compass for anyone working in accounting.
Ethical issues in accounting don’t always announce themselves with flashing lights. They often show up in subtle ways, where the “right” decision isn’t immediately clear.
Let’s look at three examples, adapted from professional training case studies.
An accountant is asked to reclassify expenses as assets to make the company’s financial performance look stronger. At first glance, this might seem like creative accounting. In reality, it’s misleading reporting.
Ethical takeaway: Upholding integrity and objectivity means refusing to distort financial information, even if it keeps management happy.
While reviewing accounts, an accountant uncovers evidence of misused public funds. Reporting it could protect taxpayers, but it also means breaking confidentiality rules.
Ethical takeaway: Accountants must weigh the duty of confidentiality against the obligation to act in the public interest. In some cases, whistleblowing is not only ethical but necessary.
An accountant is asked to evaluate supplier bids for a government contract. One of the bidders happens to be a relative’s company. Even if the accountant stays neutral, the perception of bias can undermine trust.
Ethical takeaway: Disclosing the conflict and stepping aside is the only way to preserve objectivity.
These examples may be hypothetical, but they mirror real challenges accountants face worldwide.
In addition to the scenarios above, accountants also face these types of dilemmas:
If you think this sounds like the plot of a Netflix drama, you’re not wrong — but there may be fewer car chases and more questionable spreadsheets.
So how can accountants—and students preparing to enter the field—stay on the right side of these challenges? Here are some tried-and-true best practices:
Following these practices doesn’t just protect your career. It also builds the kind of trust that keeps clients, employers, and the public confident in the profession.
Ethical dilemmas in accounting aren’t going away. If anything, the digital age (with its data privacy issues, cybersecurity risks, and remote work dynamics) has made them more complex than ever. But with the right principles and practices, accountants can navigate them with confidence.
If you’re curious about more than just crunching numbers, UTPB’s online BBA and MBA in accounting programs go beyond balance sheets to tackle real-world ethical challenges. You’ll:
And because the programs are flexible and online, you can learn on your schedule—whether that’s after work, during your lunch break, or while sipping cold brew at your favorite coffee shop.
Want to see how ethics and accounting actually play out in real life? Grab the info you need:
When you hear the word “accountant,” who comes to mind? Someone balancing spreadsheets and filing taxes? If so, you’re on the right track. But there’s more to it. Within the field of accounting, one credential stands apart: the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). While both accountants and CPAs manage finances, advise clients, and ensure the accuracy…
Picture this: You’re a junior accountant, and your manager asks you to tweak a report to make the numbers look better. The request sounds harmless enough—just a small tweak—but you know it’s not above board. Now you’re stuck. Do you follow orders and risk crossing an ethical line, or do you push back and risk…
You’ve always been an analytical thinker. A problem solver. Maybe a math whiz, too. There’s a career that matches your strengths. Certified Public Accountants—or CPAs—excel in these qualities. Let’s explore why a CPA is no ordinary accountant and what it takes to become one. Want to Be a CPA? Here’s What You Need to Know …
When the final “ber” months roll around, the world wraps itself in holiday cheer. Families make travel plans, calendars fill with festive gatherings, and store shelves overflow with stocking stuffers and seasonal treats.
But behind the twinkle lights and snow-covered commercials, the holidays can be a stressful time. According to the American Psychological Association, 41% of U.S. adults said their stress levels rise during the holiday season.
So, if you find yourself feeling anxious or overwhelmed this time of year, you’re definitely not alone. We’ve put together a simple checklist of holiday self-care strategies to help you protect your mental health during the holidays—and carry those healthy habits into the new year.
The holidays can be joyful (who doesn’t love the nostalgic smell of gingerbread cookies baking?), but they can also amplify stress, grief, and financial strain.
Here are a few common reasons why mental health during the holidays often needs extra attention:
Recognizing these challenges is the first step to creating a holiday season that supports both joy and well-being.
Holiday to-do lists can take over quickly, but your mental health deserves space on the calendar, too. These 10 simple strategies can help you stay grounded, reduce stress, and really enjoy the season.
It’s okay if the holidays bring up sadness, stress, or loneliness. Allow yourself to feel without judgment, and know that mixed emotions are completely valid.
The holidays don’t have to look like a movie scene. Focus on the traditions and moments that matter most, and let go of the pressure for perfection. (Behind the scenes of every perfect Christmas movie is a full crew managing the chaos you never see.)
Protect your time and energy by:
Your schedule may feel off during November and December, but you can still keep your body on a familiar rhythm. Aim for your usual sleep, meal, and exercise habits, even if that means shortening a workout or bringing some healthy snacks with you.
Self-care doesn’t have to mean a spa day with friends. During the holidays, it might look like taking a walk outside, reading by the fire, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea. Small breaks can help prevent burnout from busy schedules or challenging family dynamics.
On the flip side, you may not have family or friends nearby during the holidays. Reach out to loved ones, community groups, or neighbors if you’re feeling isolated. Even a quick phone call or video chat can help you feel closer, no matter the distance.
Lists, meal plans, and early gift wrapping can prevent last-minute stress. Delegating tasks also lightens the load—for instance, asking each family member to bring a dish for the holiday dinner instead of cooking everything yourself.
Noticing the small joys of the season can shift your mindset. Try writing down one or two things you’re thankful for each day. At the end of each week, take a few minutes to read and acknowledge everything you were grateful for, big and small.
Be mindful of what causes stress, whether it’s scrolling through social media or overscheduling. Step back from what doesn’t serve your well-being.
Remember that you don’t have to do it all. Allow yourself to rest, reset, and celebrate the holidays in a way that feels right for you.
Wondering why some people seem to handle holiday stress with ease? Understanding how humans cope, build resilience, and navigate social pressures isn’t just interesting. It’s a practical skill set you can use every day.
With UTPB’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or Master of Social Work* programs, you can dive into what makes people tick, explore mental health strategies, and learn how to support others in meaningful ways. If turning your curiosity about human behavior into real-world impact sounds like your kind of thing, exploring these programs could be your next move.
Find the program that fits your vibe. Need a little guidance before the heavy lifting? Take our Choose Your Path quiz to see which undergraduate programs match your interests and strengths.
*Currently engaged in the accreditation process.
Ever reach for your phone and instantly face a barrage of messages, notifications, subscription reminders, and social media updates? You’re not alone. Scientists have estimated that the average person processes about 74 gigabytes of information daily: equivalent to watching 16 high-definition movies back-to-back in a single day. Cognitive overload is real. And over time, constant stimulation quietly changes how we think, focus, and feel. In this article, we’ll explore: What Does Cognitive Overload Mean? Cognitive overload happens when your brain receives more information than…
When someone struggles with depression, homelessness, or discrimination, who steps in to help? A psychologist? A social worker? A sociologist? These three fields all address human challenges, but they explore humanity from very different angles: one from society, one from the mind, and one from the front lines. So what are the similarities and differences between sociology, psychology, and social work? This guide clears up…
The Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union lasted nearly 45 years. This period of global tension was fueled by political differences, expansionism, a nuclear arms race, and constant propaganda. But these factors were symptoms of a deeper, underlying psychological force: group polarization. Both sides steadily grew more entrenched in their opposing views,…
Gen Z and younger millennials haven’t just entered the consumer marketplace. They’re reshaping it.
According to a 2024 survey, 20% of U.S. consumers made purchases on a social media platform at least weekly. This means Gen Z and millennials are setting the tone for how future generations will discover and buy from brands.
These digital natives expect more than traditional marketing approaches. They want digital content that engages, informs, and aligns with their values.
And how do they want it delivered?
Through bite-sized videos, authentic stories, and mobile-friendly formats.
In this article, we’ll explore five proven strategies to help brands grab attention and turn authentic connections into lasting conversions.
Content marketing builds trust and fosters long-term relationships by delivering valuable, non-salesy content that resonates with audiences. To understand how it works, let’s first look at the difference between digital marketing and content marketing.
Digital marketing covers any effort that uses electronic channels to promote products or services. Think email campaigns, paid search ads, or social media ads.
In contrast, content marketing is a type of digital marketing that focuses on creating valuable, relevant content designed to spark interest in a brand. While traditional content marketing methods often relied on blogs and online articles, today’s content spans several other channels, including:
So, why is content marketing important in today’s digital world?
Content marketing strategies attract audiences organically, build trust, and engage consumers without feeling overly promotional. In a crowded digital landscape, understanding the difference between digital marketing vs content marketing is essential for connecting with your audience and encouraging long-term loyalty.
Creating great content is just the first step. To truly engage your audience, you need strategies that capture attention, encourage interaction, and keep people coming back.
Here are five approaches to elevate your digital marketing and make your content work harder for your brand.
You might create catchy copy for your brand, but if you’re writing it for the wrong audience (or a general audience), even the best content won’t reach the right people. One of the first steps in crafting a content strategy that engages your audience is identifying exactly who you want to reach.
Here’s how to identify your target audience:
Attention spans are shrinking. On average, you have around eight seconds before attention starts to wander, leaving very little time to hook a potential customer.
The solution?
Meet your audience where they are with short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. These videos showcase your products in low-stakes, value-driven ways, such as:
Gamification means adding game-like elements to your marketing content to create interactive experiences. This approach boosts engagement and encourages users to spend more time on your site. They may even return for another visit or share the experience with friends.
Here’s how you can gamify your content to make your audience’s experience more engaging:
For example, a skincare brand could run a 7-day “Glow Challenge” where participants sign up via the brand’s website. Each day, they receive an email with a tip, mini-task, or challenge related to skincare routines.
In 2023, Semrush noted that users were significantly more active on their mobile devices, visiting sites 313% more often on mobile than on desktop. So, what does that mean for content marketers?
We need to create content that caters to the user experience people want, and for most people, that’s mobile viewing.
Here’s how to optimize your content marketing strategies toward mobile-friendly experiences:
One of the most effective ways to determine whether your content marketing strategies are working is to analyze performance data from tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, or any other platform you use to collect insights.
Measuring results isn’t just about looking back; it’s about staying flexible. In today’s fast-moving digital world, what’s popular one month might shift the next, which is why it’s important to track key performance indicators (KPIs) like:
Once your data shows what worked and what didn’t, you can use A/B testing to refine your strategies. For instance, if your blog content underperformed but your webinar content drove most of your leads last quarter, you can shift resources to produce more webinar content while experimenting with new formats or topics for your blog.
As digital marketing evolves, having a strong foundation in content marketing strategies can set you apart. With a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from UT Permian Basin, you’ll gain practical skills and insights that help you:
Plus, with flexible electives, you can tailor your degree to match your career goals, whether that’s diving deeper into digital branding, e-commerce, analytics, or social media. This flexibility allows you to carve a path designed specifically for your ambitions, giving you the knowledge and confidence to lead no matter where your career takes you.
Interested in learning more? Explore UTPB’s online BBA in marketing today.
Gen Z and younger millennials haven’t just entered the consumer marketplace. They’re reshaping it. According to a 2024 survey, 20% of U.S. consumers made purchases on a social media platform at least weekly. This means Gen Z and millennials are setting the tone for how future generations will discover and buy from brands. These digital…
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…
Many of us feel the invigorating sense of fresh starts and second chances that New Year’s brings. On January 1st, we’re often eager to embrace a healthier, polished version of ourselves—and we’re not alone. According to a 2024 Forbes Health poll, 48% of participants said improving their fitness was their top priority, 36% cited improving…
Flu season is here again, with all its aches, pains, and fevers. But scientists have a powerful tool to fight back.
The GPS technology used to plot your rush-hour route home? It also powers GIS (Geosciences Information System) tools that help public health officials pinpoint infectious disease outbreaks, limit their spread, and spot gaps in healthcare access. Whether it’s flu, COVID-19, or emerging diseases, GIS technology helps responders provide timelier and more effective care.
Let’s take a closer look at how public health officials use GIS technology to keep populations healthy.
GIS tools help public health officials collect and analyze data to make informed decisions about health threats. These tools turn location data into visual maps that show:
Let’s dig deeper into these three key ways public health professionals use GIS.
What’s a hotspot? In public health, it’s a geographic area where many cases of an infectious disease are concentrated. Hotspot mapping helps health officials use geographical and other data to identify these areas. Armed with this information, they can target their efforts and resources, whether they’re dealing with the flu or another disease.
Public health officials collect data from sources like:
These officials then anonymize the data to protect patient privacy and convert address details into map coordinates (a process called geocoding). GIS tools and spatial analysis software use special algorithms to quickly analyze massive quantities of location data.
Public health departments put this technology to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, a specialized GIS-based mapping tool gave St. Louis, Missouri, public health officials a street-level picture of cases based on positive test result data. This helped them identify hotspots and determine patient demographics to better direct their prevention and treatment efforts.
After mapping hotspots, officials move to the next critical task: identifying everyone who’s been exposed.
Contact tracing identifies people who’ve recently been near someone with an infectious disease. After testing positive, the patient lists where they’ve been and who they’ve seen. Health officials then:
Contact tracing debuted in the 1930s during a syphilis outbreak in New York. It was also used, though controversially, during the AIDS epidemic. But traditional contact tracing relied on patients to remember everywhere they went and everyone they saw—and memory isn’t always reliable.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, sophisticated GIS-based tools transformed contact tracing. These location analytics tools use location data to track where infected people traveled and identify others who were in those same places at the same times. This person-to-person-to-place approach lets public health officials notify and advise far more potentially exposed individuals than traditional methods ever could.
Identifying outbreaks and tracing contacts is crucial—but what happens if people can’t reach medical care? Where are the hospitals, testing, and vaccination sites? Can everyone access them? Are more needed?
Public health officials must know where all available medical facilities are, especially when an infectious disease is involved. COVID-19, the most consequential infectious disease event in recent memory, showed us why this matters.
ICUs worldwide strained to meet demand during the pandemic. Yet for many, ICU access wasn’t even an option. In response, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), developed an online hub to share information across multiple countries in the Americas.
PAHO used geospatial technologies to identify more than half a million Amazon people living more than 100 kilometers from an ICU. Pinpointing vulnerable communities like these through mapping played a crucial role in reaching and treating them effectively.
Related WHO GIS initiatives helped with vaccine delivery and contact tracing, too. These efforts not only helped health officials respond to emerging health concerns but also strengthened community planning efforts, like providing enough healthcare facilities.
Thinking about a career in public health? Here’s the reality: Mastering medicine isn’t enough anymore. Officials need people who can operate the tools that track outbreaks, map resources, and identify at-risk communities. Specialized GIS training ensures you’re prepared to use these powerful tools in real-world situations.
GIS experts have a competitive edge, able to visualize data, identify patterns, and help make decisions that save lives.
Whether you’re analyzing disease spread, planning vaccination sites, or assessing community health needs, GIS training prepares you for real-world public health challenges.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s 12-credit online GIS and Geospatial Graduate Certificate is designed for aspiring and current public health professionals. In fully online courses you can complete from anywhere, you’ll learn essential skills like spatial analysis, data visualization, and mapping techniques—all directly applicable to public health work.
Apply now and start building the expertise employers want.
Sources:
https://www.spatialnode.net/articles/applications-of-gis-in-the-health-sector30b829
https://www.ijcmph.com/index.php/ijcmph/article/view/10672
https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-024-11837-9
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:…
At the iron gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most infamous extermination camps of Nazi Germany, the chilling phrase “Arbeit macht frei” (“Work sets you free”) still casts a haunting shadow. These deceptive words led into one of history’s darkest chapters.
Beyond that gate, more than a million lives were brutally ended. Auschwitz-Birkenau was just one part of the Third Reich’s Final Solution, the systemic annihilation of Jewish people and other groups that led to the Holocaust.
The Third Reich was an authoritarian regime that ruled Germany from 1933–1945. Led by Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, known as the Nazis, they plunged the world into a war that claimed 50 to 85 million lives: nearly 3% of the global population at the time.
Among those victims were 6 million Jewish men, women, and children, murdered in the genocide we now call the Holocaust. Millions more were persecuted, including:
This leaves us with a haunting question: How do hatred and propaganda become so powerful that mass murder becomes normalized?
This is the central question students confront in HIST6336: Third Reich and Holocaust, an online course offered by The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Master of Arts in History program.
In 1918, Germany founded the Weimar Republic, an attempt at democracy that faced serious challenges. On June 28, 1919, European officials signed the Treaty of Versailles, which demanded massive reparations from Germany for its role in World War I. The treaty:
After the treaty, hyperinflation took hold in the Weimar Republic. A loaf of bread costing 250 marks in January of 1923 cost about 200 billion marks by November of that year. Widespread homelessness, poverty, and crushing unemployment devastated the nation, and these conditions created a breeding ground for extremism.
The Nazi Party’s rise didn’t happen overnight. In 1933, Hitler became chancellor of a coalition government where Nazis were first a minority. However, the Nazis—led by Hitler’s fiery oration—used intimidation, violence, and emergency decrees to seize total power.
Their message was carefully crafted through propaganda, manipulation, and a calculated exploitation of human fear. Jews and other minority groups were blamed as scapegoats, tapping into centuries-old prejudices already present across Europe, and fueling division.
Propaganda boiled down to a dangerous message: “You suffer because of them.”
Meanwhile, Nazi leaders promoted their supposed achievements: job creation, investments in infrastructure and arts, sports and youth programs. They also promoted the myth of German superiority and dehumanized anyone who didn’t fit their narrow definition of “German.”
In February 1933, a fire at the German parliament building (the Reichstag) gave Hitler the excuse he needed. He convinced Weimar Republic’s president, Paul von Hindenburg, to invoke emergency powers and later passed the Enabling Act, which gave him absolute control.
Soon after:
Neighbors and friends turned against each other. Families vanished. The SS (Hitler’s protection squads) and Gestapo (secret police) built a frightening surveillance state, while the SA (Stormtroopers) terrorized opponents.
Auschwitz-Birkenau. Sobibor. Dachau. Treblinka.
From 1933 to 1945, concentration and extermination camps spread across much of Nazi-occupied Europe: sites of mass murder, starvation, torture, and medical experiments.
Trains arrived daily. Families who had traveled without food, water, or bathrooms for days were forced out of the wagons and separated into “showers”—gas chambers that ended their lives. One survivor recalled arriving at Auschwitz: cold air biting her skin, the deafening silence broken by barking dogs and shouting guards. Her family was torn apart in seconds. Her mother’s last words urged her to stay strong—words she honored as the family’s sole survivor.
Despite this darkness, countless people refused to be silenced. People sparked camp uprisings like those at Treblinka, created hiding places, organized resistance groups, and kept diaries. Survivors lived to tell the truth. These acts remind us that when faced with unimaginable evil, the human spirit can endure.
After the horrors of World War II came the Cold War, and with it, the rise of the Berlin Wall—a 96-mile-long concrete barrier that stood until 1989. It was a reminder of how the destruction of Nazi Germany continued to shape decades of international relations, tension and human struggle.
As time goes on, fewer survivors remain, but their voices urge us to listen. History calls us not only to remember, but to act: to speak up, to ask tough questions, and to refuse to look away.
Third Reich and Holocaust, an online course offered by UT Permian Basin, is a deep dive into this period in history and its lasting impact. Students explore topics like:
Most importantly, the course asks timeless questions:
UTPB’s fully online Master of Arts in History is more than a study of the past. It’s a call to engage with it. This program challenges you to confront difficult truths, explore the forces that have shaped our world, and discover your voice as a thoughtful future leader.
By understanding history, we gain the tools to build a future rooted in compassion, justice, and critical thinking. As Holocaust survivor Otto Frank once said, “To build up a future, you have to know the past.”
Ready to deepen your understanding and make a difference? Your next chapter starts here. Start your journey at UTPB today.
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When you think of a great athlete, you might picture strength, speed, or agility. But what often separates the good from the great is more than physical skill; it’s the ability to stay focused under pressure, recover from setbacks, and trust in hard-earned preparation.
That mental edge comes from sports psychology. This key area within kinesiology explores how mindset shapes performance and recovery. If you’re interested in blending psychology and athletics, sports psychology can offer a powerful pathway to meaningful careers.
Kinesiology is the study of human movement. And most professionals, from physical therapists to athletic trainers, know that perfecting movement in any sport doesn’t happen by chance. The development of physical skills is influenced by mental factors like motivation, confidence, and focus.
Together, this winning combination shapes how an athlete performs on the field. Sports psychology zooms in on these factors, helping individuals strengthen their mental game alongside their physical one.
In a kinesiology program (with a focus on sports psychology), you’ll explore topics such as:
These skills don’t just apply to elite athletes. They’re equally valuable for patients in physical therapy or anyone striving to build healthier habits.
Athletes at every level face pressure, from game-day nerves to slow recovery after an injury. But with the help of sports psychology, they can develop mental toughness: the ability to perform consistently despite challenges.
The foundations of sport and exercise psychology include essential principles—motivation, confidence, focus, and resilience—that drive both performance and recovery.
Some proven techniques include:
For kinesiology professionals, teaching these tools is just as important as designing a training plan or rehab program. Together, physical and mental strategies give athletes the competitive edge they need to succeed, while also supporting their long-term well-being.
The mind-body connection is a buzzword in the sports industry, but it’s also a cornerstone of kinesiology. By syncing mental focus with physical effort, athletes can unlock higher levels of performance.
Sports psychology aligns the mind and body with techniques such as:
Athletes use controlled breathing techniques (like diaphragmatic or box breathing) to:
This mindfulness technique teaches athletes to check in with each muscle group, from head to toe. By noticing tightness or discomfort, they can take proactive steps before issues become serious, like:
Whether it’s a sprinter listening to a custom playlist or a gymnast repeating affirmations, rituals train the brain to associate certain actions with “go time.” They build consistency, reduce uncertainty, and enhance confidence.
A master’s in kinesiology will certainly prepare you for traditional coaching roles, but it’ll also prepare you for much more.
With a foundation in sports psychology, you can also pursue careers in:
If you want to specialize further, a master’s degree can lead to advanced study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or doctoral-level sports psychology.
So, what separates good kinesiology professionals from great ones? At UT Permian Basin, it’s the ability to combine deep knowledge of the body with mental insights. That’s why our online Master of Science in Kinesiology offers three distinct tracks, including;
In the Psychology of Sport track, you’ll build a strong kinesiology foundation through six core courses. Then you’ll customize your education with 12 elective credits based on your career goals—whether that’s working with athletes, clients in rehab, or organizations seeking performance optimization.
Explore our online master’s in kinesiology program today and move closer to your dream role in kinesiology. We’ll help you get there.
Curious about how the mental side of performance connects with human movement? These FAQs break down the role of sports psychology in kinesiology and what you can expect from UT Permian Basin’s graduate kinesiology program.
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Hospital bills that threaten to bankrupt families. Clinics struggling to keep their doors open. No matter which side of the exam table you’re on, healthcare costs are rising fast. Costs for everything from medical supplies to staff wages are on the rise—and it’s quickly adding up for hospitals and clinics around the country.
In 2023 alone, healthcare spending increased by 7.5% to $4.9 trillion: the largest uptick since 2003. The result? Healthcare facilities are facing mounting pressure to balance rising costs with delivering high-quality care to their patients.
That’s why effective healthcare administrators are crucial to the financial stability of healthcare facilities.
In this article, we explore six smart strategies you can use to tackle and lower some of the typical healthcare costs that have increased in recent years. (Where there’s a will, there’s a way—and a few extra dimes to rub together!)
If healthcare were a human body, healthcare management would be the heart that keeps the entire operation running smoothly. This vital function ties together several key components, including:
When one of these elements is undervalued or neglected, the entire system is strained, like a body showing signs of illness. Healthcare administrators must ensure each part is carefully maintained, and cost management is one of the most effective ways to keep things in balance. Good cost management reduces expenses and creates and smoother, more effective operations.
Not sure where to start? Here are six proven strategies to help you cut costs while maintaining quality care.
Facilities are teeming with resources. The more organized and informed a healthcare admin is—from medical supply inventory to staff capabilities and equipment status—the less likely they are to overspend on resources they don’t need.
Here are a few ways to make the most of what’s already available:
Whether you work in healthcare or you’ve been a patient yourself, you know one thing is true: Billing errors and insurance delays are all too common. But with the right systems in place, healthcare facilities can reduce these issues—and the headaches they cause. Here are a few ways to simplify the process:
When looking into ways for managing costs in healthcare, labor is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. According to the American Hospital Association, labor accounted for 56% of hospitals’ total spending in 2024.
And while some facilities are cutting labor costs by reducing the number of employees (hello, nursing shortage), that can quickly lead to poor patient care due to burnout and understaffing.
Fortunately, there are ways to support your team while still keeping labor expenses under control:
In addition to the big-picture strategies above, here are a few simple yet effective ways healthcare facilities can keep costs in check:
Whether you want to drive change in your current healthcare facility or pivot into the healthcare field from another industry, UT Permian Basin offers two fully online bachelor’s degrees designed to help you take the next step in your career—on your schedule.
We offer two 100% online programs for those interested in roles like healthcare administrator, operations manager, clinic supervisor, and more:
Explore each program to see which one aligns best with your experience and goals. Still have questions? Contact us—and speak with a real person. Ready to apply? We offer year-round start dates, so you can jump in when the time is right for you.
Sources:
https://www.ncdsinc.com/revolutionizing-healthcare-how-automated-medical-billing-reduces-burden-and-boosts-efficiency
https://www.aha.org/costsofcaring
When COVID-19 struck in 2020, the world as we knew it was thrown into complete chaos. Suddenly, many of us couldn’t leave our homes to complete simple tasks like grocery shopping or even taking a walk. Countless parents became tutors to their children, who were learning via Zoom calls. And when someone showed symptoms of…
When we consider a healthcare professional’s role in the patient experience, we might be inclined to picture a patient-facing individual such as a nurse or a patient care technician. These professionals have an incalculably beneficial effect on patients’ health and well-being. But apart from having the proper skills and disposition required to do their jobs…
A traditional MBA path often means finishing your bachelor’s degree, entering the workforce, then returning to school years later for your MBA: an expensive and time-consuming journey that can take six or more years in total. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we offer a smarter, faster option: our online 4+1 MBA program. In…
Are you fascinated by vampires, haunted houses, or the macabre? If you nodded at any of those horror tropes, chances are you’ve encountered (or at least heard of) Gothic literature.
From the timeless terror of “Frankenstein” to modern-day Gothic thrills like “The Haunting of Hill House,” Gothic literature draws us into the creepy underbelly of what makes a character turn to violence or madness. Whatever the setting or supernatural twist, this genre’s terrifying grip can lead to goosebumps that linger long after we’ve turned the last page.
But before we dive into the famous Gothic authors who’ve defined the genre, let’s answer the question: What is Gothic literature?
Gothic literature is filled with on haunting, mysterious, and eerie atmospheres, often infused with a sense of impending doom. (Sounds like a recipe for a stormy night read, right?)
The genre’s roots trace back to the mid-1700s, beginning with Horace Walpole’s “The Castle of Otranto.” As the genre has evolved, its key traits have been passed down through generations of readers and writers. In the years since its inception, Gothic literature has changed to reflect shifting societal norms and artistic influences.
Here are a few defining characteristics of Gothic literature that you’ll find in the works of its greatest authors:
Gothic literature has evolved over the centuries, and many authors have left their distinctive mark on the genre. Here are some of the authors who have shaped Gothic fiction, their most esteemed works, and how their themes weave themselves into this genre.
During a summer spent with her future husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron (yes, the Lord Byron), Mary Shelley penned the first draft of “Frankenstein.”
Fun fact: The idea was born after Byron proposed a friendly competition: Who among them could write the scariest story? It seems fair to say that Mary likely won, as her tale of a scientist who creates life and then recoils from it went on to become one of the most enduring works of Gothic literature.
“Frankenstein” follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist obsessed with uncovering the secrets of life and death. His ambition culminates in the creation of a living being assembled from human body parts. Horrified by the creature’s grotesque appearance, Victor abandons it, setting off a tragic chain of events.
“Frankenstein” artfully incorporates several key Gothic themes, including:
Looking for Gothic elements like isolation, unreliable narrators, and an impending feeling of dread? You’re in the right place. Best known for blending psychological horror with a haunting atmosphere, Poe’s chilling writing has captivated readers for generations.
His influence lives on not just in literature but in pop culture. For instance, Netflix’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” reimagines several of his stories through a modern lens. (And it’s full of Easter eggs for Poe superfans.)
Some of his most respected Gothic works include:
She may not have created vampire stories, but Anne Rice arguably redefined them for a modern audience and laid the groundwork for future vampire-centered romances. (“Twilight,” anyone?)
In the 1976 novel “Interview with the Vampire,” Rice explores the seductive (and disturbing) world of immortality through a Southern Gothic lens, drawing on the rich yet decaying beauty of New Orleans to set the tone.
This story drips with Gothic elements, including:
Curious about what makes Gothic literature tick? Whether you’re a first-time reader or a lifelong fan, we’ve compiled some answers to help you better understand this chilling genre:
Of course, many gothic authors have made an impact on the genre, both past and present. A few of those include:
Love diving into dark themes, unforgettable characters, and literary classics that shaped entire genres? At UT Permian Basin, our fully online Bachelor of Arts in English gives you the foundation to explore literature from every angle, including courses in American and British literature.
You can also tailor your studies to match your interests, whether that’s mythology, visual media, or film as literature.
Study on your schedule while sharpening your writing and analysis skills and get one step closer to a career in teaching, editing, publishing, or beyond.
Explore the program today and see where your literary interests can take you.
Sources:
https://www.nypl.org/blog/2018/10/18/brief-history-gothic-horror
“I took the road less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” Even if you don’t know the entire poem, you may recognize the closing words from Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken.” They’re quoted at graduations, shared during moments of change, and used to describe the quiet courage of choosing your own path. So why have these simple words endured across generations? The power of…
Are you fascinated by vampires, haunted houses, or the macabre? If you nodded at any of those horror tropes, chances are you’ve encountered (or at least heard of) Gothic literature. From the timeless terror of “Frankenstein” to modern-day Gothic thrills like “The Haunting of Hill House,” Gothic literature draws us into the creepy underbelly of…
English became an international language through a long series of historical developments rather than a single defining moment. That shift happened gradually as English-speaking nations expanded their influence, allowing the language to spread beyond its original borders and take root in new regions of the world. Over time, global events and modern communication helped solidify…
What do virtual historical sites, AI-powered poetry analysis, and digital art galleries have in common? They’re all part of the growing world of digital humanities, where technology meets the study of human culture.
From history and literature to art and beyond, digital tools are reshaping how we explore and connect with the past. Curious about how digital humanities can make an impact in your education, or even your future career?
In this article, we explore how digital humanities is transforming the way we study and apply history, art, and culture. We’ll also highlight real-world careers that blend creative thinking with cutting-edge technology.
Digital humanities is an interdisciplinary field that combines the humanities with the ever-evolving digital tools that shape our world.
On one hand, you have the humanities, which are the classical studies of human culture and expression through lenses like:
On the other hand, you have technological advancements, such as:
Used together in an academic context, these tools can enhance how we study, teach, and share human culture across the globe.
Simply put, digital humanities uses technology to explore and understand the humanities in new, immersive, collaborative ways.
To put it into context, we’ve compiled a few unique ways digital humanities is changing the way students and professionals study the classics.
Whether you’re a history student, public historian, or educator, your imagination can only take you so far when reading about events that happened centuries—or even millennia—ago. But with digital tools like online archives and virtual reality, distant stories and civilizations can come to life in vivid, immersive ways.
Imagine you’re a history professor diving into a unit on daily life in Pompeii. What could help your students visualize ancient Roman life better than a virtual reality (VR) experience?
With just a smartphone, an app, and a five-dollar cardboard viewer, you could take your class on a virtual field trip back in time. Students can walk through reconstructed city streets, view Roman homes and marketplaces in 360 degrees, and witness Pompeii as it was, far beyond what textbook images alone can offer.
Projects like Rome Reborn: Pompeii or A Day in Pompeii provide these kinds of experiences, using archaeological data and VR technology to reconstruct the ancient world.
Digital archives offer instant access to millions of historical documents and artifacts. The best part? No travel required.
From Civil War photographs to handwritten letters from soldiers and abolitionists, platforms like the Smithsonian’s Digital Collection and the Library of Congress make it easy to explore primary sources with just a few clicks.
These tools help students go beyond surface-level learning, offering a deeper and more personal connection to history. Whether you’re researching the Reconstruction Era or building a timeline of world events, digital archives help you expand your knowledge of history through efficient, searchable records.
If you love art, it’s one thing to scroll past a famous painting on your phone. But to see it up close, no matter where you are? That is an experience worth taking advantage of.
Thanks to augmented reality (AR) tools like Google Arts & Culture and interactive museum exhibits, you can explore masterpieces from around the world without ever leaving your couch. Want to gain a deeper understanding of an artist’s technique? Simply zoom in to see the tiniest of details, like an artist’s brushstrokes or the texture of the canvas.
But digital tools aren’t just helping us view art. They’re helping us preserve it. Platforms like CyArk are using LiDAR and photogrammetry to capture entire structures in incredible detail.
One of CyArk’s recent projects took place in Mumbai, India, where archivists digitally documented the 1,500-year-old Elephanta Caves: a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with carved elephant deities and intricate stone sculptures. The site faces threats from erosion and urbanization, but advanced scanning technology has helped create a detailed 3D model of the caves.
You can now explore the cave system and its ancient carvings from a phone or computer. In a world where cultural heritage can be lost to time, climate, or modernization, these digital tools give us a useful way to protect and share art.
Digital humanities isn’t just helping students learn more. It’s also creating new and unexpected career pathways. With more digital tools in education, research, and public programs, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in humanities now have more opportunities than ever to work where technology and culture meet.
Here are a few humanities-related roles where digital skills make a real difference:
At UT Permian Basin, we believe education should be flexible and forward-thinking. That’s why our fully online BA in humanities meets you where you are, offering convenient remote learning without sacrificing quality or depth.
With a variety of electives (including topics like Virtual Reality) and core courses that span literature, art, history, and philosophy, you’ll have the freedom to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals. Plus, with competitive tuition and year-round start dates, you can start building your future on your schedule.
Ready to turn your passion for human culture into a career that evolves with the digital age?
Learn more about our BA in humanities program today.
What Are Liberal Arts? When people think of liberal arts, they often think of subjects like history or literature. But a liberal arts education is much broader than that. Think: less about locking into one career, more about building skills you’ll use no matter where you land. At its core, the liberal arts focus on…
Ever found yourself humming an earworm and suddenly wondering, “Where did this come from—and who created it?” Music is a universal language. It conveys memory, rebellion, grief, joy, and identity. Across centuries, women have used the language of sound in a world where they’ve been told, repeatedly, to stay invisible. Here are some of the…
The humanities are the study of how humans understand and express the world around them. They include disciplines such as art, language, history, philosophy, religion, and performance (all fields that examine human culture across time). This need to understand and express the human experience is not new. Long before formal education existed, humans were already…
A young single mother waits nervously outside her clinic, juggling work, childcare, and bills—and she’s just missed her appointment for food vouchers. Instead of being stuck on hold, she reschedules through an app and is instantly linked to support, without ever stepping foot in an office.
The digital world has its flaws, but in social work, technology is revolutionizing the way we get help to those who need it. With one in seven people now working in health or social services—and demand still rising—technology is rapidly transforming this field.
So: what do these rapid technological advances mean for social workers? Let’s take a closer look.
Contrary to stereotypes, social workers aren’t always found in traditional offices anymore. Over 50% of U.S. social workers use telehealth to connect with clients through video calls, secure messaging, and chatbots. By meeting remotely, these professionals can reach people who can’t (or won’t) come into an office, whether due to mobility issues, mental health, childcare struggles, or difficulty commuting from remote areas.
Here’s are some of the ways digital technology is transforming social work:
• Teletherapy and remote sessions
• Digital case management
• Mobile apps for tracking progress and sending reminders
• AI tools that reduce administrative work
• Online training and supervision that doesn’t require relocation
But what does all this look like in real life? Let’s break it down.
About one in six Americans has been helped by a social worker … sometimes without even realizing it. These professionals are the backbone of safety net programs like Social Security and key players in today’s civil rights efforts.
Case management is how social workers help clients navigate tough challenges—by assessing needs, making plans, connecting resources, and supporting their clients throughout the process.
So how does technology help them manage it all?
• Secure online records: Electronic health records aren’t perfect, but many social workers will tell you it beats drowning in paperwork.
• Encrypted communication: To follow HIPAA regulations, encryption keeps things private and professional.
• Mobile systems: Digital notes and updates mean less busywork and more time with clients.
For example, real-time dashboards in Los Angeles, California track spikes in 911 calls or shelter requests to help social workers respond faster to housing crises.
For social workers, these tools are more than just time-savers. They make space for what matters most: people. Analytics and real-time data help social workers spot trends and respond quickly to community needs.
The COVID-19 pandemic proved the impact technology can make for social workers. It allowed practitioners to quickly switch to remote counseling and digital support groups, especially in times of acute need.
AI systems can even now scan social media for crisis signals, analyzing language, tone and behavior patterns that point to emotional struggle—like negative words, frequent in-person posts and sudden changes in activity. This enables practitioners to step in before escalation.
This leaves us with the question everyone’s asking: How will AI reshape the future? Some social workers see AI as a crucial way to reduce paperwork and free up time for human connection. Others are raising red flags about data privacy and the risk of flawed algorithms making biased decisions.
In Columbus, Ohio, practitioners are already putting AI technology to the test. In partnership with the nonprofit RISE Together Innovation Institute, city officials are piloting a $5 million AI-powered case management app. It pulls together client data—from housing to income disparities to transit access—to help match individuals with the right services faster and more efficiently.
But AI isn’t perfect. Algorithms can miss the mark, especially when they overlook issues like systemic racism, income inequality, or gender bias. A 2024 University of Washington study found AI resume screeners favored white male candidates over women and candidates of color, revealing deep flaws in some algorithms.
AI will shape the future of social work, but only when used carefully—and with plenty of human oversight.
With the right standards and regulations, using digital technology in social work can help workers reach more people, faster. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) lays out clear guidelines for tech use, reminding practitioners to assess digital access, reduce exclusion, and stay current with ongoing training.
The future of social work isn’t standing still, and neither are the people behind it. Whether helping a victims of a natural disaster find emergency housing or guiding a teenager through trauma on a video call, social workers today can meet people where they are. Many are mastering or even developing AI-powered resources, while others are exploring virtual reality.
At the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Washington, for example, social workers are using virtual reality headsets to walk veterans through their trauma in a controlled setting, allowing them to heal through immersive technology.
Through it all, one value stays constant: empathy. No matter how advanced technology gets, social work remains deeply personal.
Let’s recap the main insights:
In a world that moves fast and doesn’t always play fair, social workers are using technology to make sure no one gets left behind. Smarter tools mean faster help, clearer communication, and care that reaches further.
If you’re ready to take upgrade your career, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s entirely online Master of Social Work (MSW)* is designed for the realities of today’s tech-driven world. You can study on your schedule, from anywhere, and graduate with the skills to lead and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
Social work isn’t about paperwork or platforms: It’s about people. And the best way to help them? Stay human. Stay current. And when you’re ready to move forward, we’re here to help you take that next step.
*Currently engaged in the accreditation process.
It often starts quietly: A student hesitates before clicking “submit” on a campus counseling form. A parent waves off their anxiety as “just stress.” A veteran avoids therapy because they don’t want to seem weak. These moments share a common thread: stigma. It’s the belief that struggling with your mental health is something to hide—or…
When the final “ber” months roll around, the world wraps itself in holiday cheer. Families make travel plans, calendars fill with festive gatherings, and store shelves overflow with stocking stuffers and seasonal treats. But behind the twinkle lights and snow-covered commercials, the holidays can be a stressful time. According to the American Psychological Association, 41%…
A young single mother waits nervously outside her clinic, juggling work, childcare, and bills—and she’s just missed her appointment for food vouchers. Instead of being stuck on hold, she reschedules through an app and is instantly linked to support, without ever stepping foot in an office. The digital world has its flaws, but in social…