Can you believe how much education has evolved over the past couple of centuries? One hundred years ago, schoolteachers were being sued for teaching evolution. People of color were prevented from attending white schools. And corporal punishment was widely accepted at public schools across the nation.
Seriously, it’s been a ride.
Special education has undergone a transformation of its own. Today, we look back to see how students with disabilities were treated throughout the past two hundred years.
For most of human history, people with disabilities were often viewed as less than complete humans, and their cruel treatment reflected the prejudices society held against them. To avoid ridicule, their families often hid them from the public eye.
Before the 1800s, education was well out of reach for people with disabilities.
Then, in 1817, Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc shook things up by starting a formal education program for deaf students at the Connecticut Asylum. Next, Sam Howe founded the Perkins School for the Blind in 1834, opening the doors to education for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Things took a turn for the worse around 1860. America was on the verge of a Civil War, with lines drawn on the issues of race and genetics. Sadly, this period saw a decline in educational opportunities for people with disabilities.
States passed school attendance laws, isolating students with disabilities from their nondisabled peers. Often students with disabilities weren’t educated at all out of fear they would blend into society and have children.
At the time, only about one in every ten children in need of special education received the help they needed.
After World War II, the world had had enough of eugenics and the horrific acts committed by Nazi Germany, which resulted in the deaths of nine million people deemed “undesirable.” Medical breakthroughs in identifying and treating disabilities also played a big role in shaping public perceptions.
Starting in the 1960s, laws were enacted to protect people with disabilities, including students. Take the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968, which requires that federal buildings, including schools, be accessible to people with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires that schools provide accommodations for students with disabilities on par with those provided to their nondisabled peers.
The law that most profoundly shaped the experience of modern students with disabilities, however, is the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) of 1975, later known as the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).
Under IDEA, children with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education. And that’s not all. Students with disabilities receive an Individual Education Plan (IEP), a program developed to meet their unique educational needs. In decades past, families may have hidden their children from society. Today, parents are an integral part of their child’s education, working with general and special education teachers to ensure that the best educational decisions are being made.
“Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society,” states IDEA.
A Classroom Where All Students Are Welcome
Students with learning disabilities like dyslexia, intellectual disabilities like autism spectrum disorder, or physical disabilities like muscular dystrophy can now only be removed if their disability is severe enough to warrant special schooling. They will forever have a place in the classroom.
In the 2022-23 school year, over two-thirds of children with disabilities were in regular classrooms for at least 80% of their school day. Students with and without disabilities now share a similar educational experience. They might need extra support, but for the most part, students with disabilities are getting the same lessons, reading the same books, and taking the same tests as nondisabled students.
More can be done to protect the rights of students with disabilities, but considering the challenges of the past, we can only marvel at how things have changed.
As we continue to witness a progressive shift in how students with disabilities are treated, we must empower educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to foster inclusive learning environments.
That’s where we come in.
Here at UT Permian Basin, we’re shaping a brighter future for education by empowering educators like you with all the tools and knowledge they need to create inclusive, welcoming classrooms.
We offer several online programs that will empower you to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to shine in school and beyond:
Our programs’ coursework is as rigorous as it is rewarding, and you’ll get hands-on experience as you explore innovative teaching methods.
Here’s the best part: You’ll learn to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities while cultivating a culture of acceptance and understanding in the classroom. Graduates emerge as advocates for inclusion and champions of diversity in education.
Ready to join us in shaping a world where all students’ abilities are celebrated? Apply to one of our online MA in special education programs to take the first step toward making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities.
History is written by the winners—at least, that’s what internet trolls always say. More often than not, history is written by men.
Across all historical periods, there are remarkable women whose stories have been ignored or cast aside. Today, we’ll be looking at an extraordinary group of women whose courage, resilience, and genius shone too brightly to be lost to the shadows of history. Join us in celebrating, and most importantly remembering, these unsung heroines and the indelible mark they left on society.
Kathrine Switzer had some men clutching at their pearls when she became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1967. Switzer entered as “K.V. Switzer,” and when race organizer Jock Semple realized that Switzer was a woman (gasp!), he assaulted her.
“Get the hell out of my race and give me those numbers,” Semple yelled after trying to snatch her bib and before getting blocked by Switzer’s then boyfriend, Tom Miller. Pictures of the incident spread, and the Boston Marathon started accepting female runners in 1972.
Claudette Colvin was the first black woman arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery, Alabama bus—nine months before Rosa Parks.
Colvin nearly became the subject of a federal suit to desegregate Alabama’s bus system, but local civil rights leaders (led by Martin Luther King Jr.) ostracized her. Colvin believed this was because her skin tone was too dark and because she became pregnant at 16. NAACP Secretary Rosa Parks became the face of the movement, but Colvin’s refusal stands as a reminder of the power of saying “no.”
Freddie and Truus Oversteegen didn’t have a typical upbringing, spending their formative years in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands. In 1941, a commander with the Haarlem Resistance Group recruited the sisters, who had been spreading anti-Nazi newspapers and pamphlets for the Dutch resistance. “Only later did he tell us what we’d actually have to do: sabotage bridges and railway lines,” said Truus, “and learn to shoot, to shoot Nazis.”
The sisters were joined by another young woman named Hannie Schaft, and together, the trio took on sabotage and assassination missions against Nazis and Dutch Collaborators in what could only be described as a Quentin Tarantino movie come to life. On at least one occasion, Truus seduced an SS officer, leading him into the woods to be shot by resistance members.
Sadly, there’s no happy ending to this story. Schaft was captured by the Nazis and executed in 1945. The sisters were devasted by the loss of their best friend and did their best to move on after the war. “We did not feel it suited us,” Truus said of being an assassin. “It never suits anybody, unless they are real criminals.”
In 1967, then-graduate-student Jocelyn Bell Burnell was the first to notice the anomaly. She was also the first to argue the significance of the strange squiggles in the night sky. Still, her adviser Antony Hewish received all the credit for the discovery of pulsars: a subset of rotating neutron stars that send out pulses of radiation at regular intervals.
The discovery was announced via a paper in Nature, and wouldn’t you know it, Hewish’s name was the first listed in the study. Burnell’s was second. Hewish received the 1963 Nobel Prize in physics for the discovery, but Burnell wasn’t bothered. In fact, she was thrilled that the Nobel Prize had been awarded to someone studying physics. Besides, she’d go on to receive about every other honor for the discovery.
For decades, French physician Marthe Gautier was denied the spotlight for her role in the 1958 discovery of trisomy 21: an extra copy of chromosome 21 that causes Down syndrome.
The way Gautier tells it, she shared patient samples with her male colleague Jérôme Lejeune, who offered to have them photographed. Six months later, Lejeune authored “Human Chromosomes in Tissue Cultures,” taking credit for the discovery while listing Gautier as the second author and misspelling her name. The French National Institute has since defended Gautier, stating that Lejeune’s participation in the discovery was unlikely to be of great importance.
James Watson and Francis Crick are renowned for the discovery of the DNA double helix, but now it’s believed they only made the discovery after stealing data from physical chemist Rosalind Franklin.
Watson was shown an X-ray image of DNA taken by Franklin, without her permission. Known as Photograph 51, the image is “the philosopher’s stone of molecular biology.” Popular culture will have you believe that Franklin couldn’t understand the significance of the image, while Watson understood it at a glance. Uncovered documents reveal that Franklin was an equal contributor to the discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure.
Want to study the past in a way that sharpens your research, writing, and critical thinking skills? UTPB’s online MA in history was built for that next step.
Sources:
https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/kathrine-switzer/
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/29/us/forgotten-womens-history.html
https://www.science.org/content/article/after-more-50-years-dispute-over-down-syndrome-discovery
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/974222?form=fpf
https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2018/09/08/she-made-discovery-man-got-nobel-half-century-later-shes-won-million-prize/
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01313-5
https://www.history.com/news/dutch-resistance-teenager-killed-nazis-freddie-oversteegen
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/claudette-colvin-refuses-to-give-up-her-seat
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/feb/25/claudette-colvin-the-woman-who-refused-to-give-up-her-bus-seat-nine-months-before-rosa-parks
Imagine being told you can’t do something—by law, by tradition, by those close to you—and doing it anyway. Even today, women face greater barriers to recognition and authority than men. Yet throughout history, countless women stepped beyond traditional domestic roles, often at great personal risk. This article highlights nine of the countless important women who…
“Our country has deliberately undertaken a great social and economic experiment, noble in motive and far-reaching in purpose.” -Herbert Hoover Today, speakeasies are stylish bars hidden away behind bodegas, coffee shops, and laundromats. Ordering a cocktail is as easy as walking up to the bar, and while some places still require a password, you can…
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…
Becoming a judge takes grit, intelligence, and years of legal work. For women, the path is often even steeper. Despite the barriers, though, trailblazing women have risen to the highest courts in the nation, shattering the status quo and making history along the way.
From Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Ketanji Brown Jackson, these female judges didn’t just interpret the law; they changed it.
These women have shaped the legal system through groundbreaking decisions and barrier-breaking careers:
These influential women have not only shaped landmark legal decisions but also redefined what it means to lead in the highest courts of the land. Below, we take a closer look at how each one helped shape legal history.
As a law student, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and her female classmates were often discriminated against and excluded from sections of the library. Not that that stopped her from graduating at the top of her class.
Still, finding work was nearly impossible. “In the fifties, the traditional law firms were just beginning to turn around on hiring Jews. … But to be a woman, a Jew, and a mother to boot, that combination was a bit much,” said Ginsberg. Nevertheless, she persisted, becoming the second woman and the first Jewish woman to serve on the Supreme Court after her confirmation on August 3, 1993.
Ginsberg’s tenure as a Supreme Court justice was legendary. “The notorious R.B.G,” as she was affectionately called, was an unwavering advocate for gender equality and women’s rights until her death on September 18, 2020.
Sonia Sotomayor became the third woman, and first Latina, to serve on the Supreme Court after she was confirmed on August 9, 2009. Sotomayor grew up in the Bronxdale Houses, a South Bronx housing project. As a child, she loved reading Nancy Drew mysteries, and she was inspired by the adventurous sleuth to follow a path of learning, ultimately leading to a career in law.
Sotomayor had over three decades of experience at almost every level of the judicial system before sitting on the Court. Hailed as “one of the ablest federal judges currently sitting,” Sotomayor has ruled to uphold the Affordable Care Act and ruled to legalize same-sex marriage.
Ketanji Brown Jackson spent much of her childhood listening her father read legal cases as he studied for law school. She was inspired to follow in his footsteps, but her journey was not without its challenges. Sharing her plans to attend Harvard with her high school guidance counselor, she was advised not to set her “sights so high.”
Jackson graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and cum laude from Harvard Law School. Her law career spans over two decades, and while serving on the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia, she issued over 500 opinions on cases. On June 30, 2022, Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming the first Black woman to sit on the Court.
Waukesha County Circuit Judge Jennifer Dorow stepped into the national spotlight when, in 2022, she presided over the high-profile trial of Darrel Brooks Jr., who was convicted for killing six people during the Waukesha Christmas parade. Throughout the trial, Dorow received fan mail, even a telegram, praising her for her expertise and calm demeanor.
Dorow ran for the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2023. She lost, but when asked about legislating from the bench, she gave this insightful answer: “It’s the role of a judge to apply the law as written to the facts of the cases that come before us, to never prejudge those cases, to be fair and impartial and in our government.”
Judges play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, both here in the U.S. and abroad. Susan Kiefel, Australia’s first female High Court chief justice, recently retired after 16 years. Australian Women Lawyers President Astrid Haban-Beer said that Kiefel “presided over tough times at the court” and did so “masterfully.”
While many of her male contemporaries received a private education, Kiefel studied law part time while working as a legal secretary. Kiefel would simply say she did the best she could. Still, she’s happy that her journey can inspire others to pursue a law career.
After her husband’s premature death, Belva Lockwood graduated from law school—only receiving her diploma after appealing to President Ulysses S. Grant—and moved to Washington D.C. to become an attorney: something thought impossible for a woman in the 19th century.
When she applied for admission to the Supreme Court Bar in 1876, the motion was denied. “None but men are admitted to practice before [the Court] as attorneys and counsellors,” announced Chief Justice R. Waite. In November 1880, Lockwood became the first woman to argue before the Supreme Court, paving the way for Ruth Bader Ginsberg and other women on the Supreme Court.
In addition to the esteemed female judges already mentioned, here are some frequently asked questions that highlight key milestones and contributions of women in the U.S. judiciary:
If you want to make a lasting impact in the field of political science, have you considered pursuing a degree in the field? The University of Texas Permian offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, an entirely online program designed to empower the next generation of legal professionals. Our program will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to serve communities, influence policy, and navigate the complexities of the political system.
Add to the legacy of empowered women shaping the future of the legal landscape. Apply to UT Permian Basin.
Sources:
https://americanwritersmuseum.org/ruth-bader-ginsburg-quotes/
Other articles you may be interested in:
From Congress to the White House to the Supreme Court, America’s political institutions shape every part of our lives. They decide how much you pay in taxes, whether your vote counts, and what rights you have. But are they working the way they’re supposed to? What Is a Political Institution? Political institutions are the organizations…
When people picture women who reshaped American politics, Ruth Bader Ginsburg often comes to mind first—and for good reason. RBG changed how the law sees gender equality from the inside of the Supreme Court. But here’s the thing: she wasn’t in Congress. Long before women were reliably winning elections—long before it was even legal for…
Ever wonder how elections actually work? The answer lies in electoral systems. Not to be confused with the Electoral College, an electoral system is a set of rules for casting and counting votes and determining who wins. Different countries use different methods to choose their leaders. Some systems can declare a winner with just 34%…
Women hold only 11% of CEO positions at Fortune 500 companies, despite making up half of the global population. That gap is real, and it’s still closing too slowly.
The women on this list didn’t wait for the playing field to level out. They built something anyway, and in doing so, made the path clearer for everyone who comes after them.
Here are seven highly successful business women blazing the trail for future generations.
Taylor Swift is a force of nature. Swift’s success comes from her business savvy, eye for marketing, and willingness to invest in herself.
Her “Eras Tour,” which paid homage to the singer-songwriter’s illustrious career, brought joy to hundreds of thousands of attendees and boosted the U.S. economy by nearly $5 billion. We can’t wait to see what she does next (assuming we can get tickets).
Growing up under a communist regime, Zhang Xin’s life was dull, monotonous, and gray. Gray buildings. Gray uniforms. There were even sandstorms that turned the sky gray. Xin and the company she cofounded, property developer SOHO China, are credited with bringing lights and colors to the city of Beijing.
After becoming “the woman who built Beijing,” Xin went on to found the New York-based film production company Closer Media.
As an engineering student, Debbie Sterling was outnumbered by her male counterparts. Asking herself, “why should boys have all the fun?”, Sterling set out to change the status quo.
Enter GoldieBlox: an innovative toy company with a mission to ignite girls’ passion for science and engineering. GoldieBlox has been a smash hit, becoming the first small business to be featured in a Super Bowl ad.
Sara Blakely was looking for the perfect undergarment to pair with white pants. Armed with only a pair of scissors, she made her own from a pair of pantyhose. From that moment of invention came SPANX.
SPANX now has retail shops around the world, and Blakely can be counted among the world’s youngest self-made female billionaires.
Jessica Alba was at the top of her acting career when, in 2008, she gave birth to her daughter Honor and decided to take her life in a new direction.
Alba launched The Honest Company in 2012, a wellness brand specializing in eco-friendly products. Alba was willing to pivot in her career and dared to imagine a better life than the one she had.
Winfrey was born poor in rural Mississippi. From her humble beginnings, she built a media and business empire, developing and hosting “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” starring in “The Color Purple,” and creating multimedia production company Harpo Productions. She remains an inspiration and a powerful force across multiple industries.
Whitney Wolfe Herd created not one tech giant but two, cofounding Tinder and later its rival, Bumble.
With Bumble, Wolfe Herd wanted to change the gender dynamics of dating, inspired by the advances women had made in the workforce. She took the dating app public in 2021, making her the youngest female CEO to take a U.S. company public.
The women on this list came from different industries, backgrounds, and starting points. What they shared was a willingness to take what they knew (or what they wanted to know) and build something with it.
A business degree won’t hand you a billion-dollar company, but it gives you the foundation to make smarter decisions, navigate challenges, and lead with confidence. UTPB’s AACSB-accredited College of Business offers fully online programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level—built for people who are ready to get moving without putting their lives on hold.
Undergraduate options:
Graduate options:
Take the lead. Apply to one of UTPB’s online business programs and find the right fit for where you want to go.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissahouston/2023/12/01/what-taylor-swift-teaches-women-about-business/?sh=6e5aada2310a
https://www.etonline.com/jessica-alba-shares-why-she-stopped-acting-at-the-top-of-my-career-162904
https://goldieblox.com/pages/our-story
https://spanx.com/pages/about-us
https://closermedia.com/xinzhang
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/11/from-factory-worker-to-real-estate-billionaire-soho-chinas-zhang-xin.html
https://www.businessinsider.com/meet-bumble-ceo-whitney-wolfe-herd-net-worth-family-ipo-2020-9
Are you authoritative? Intuitive? Experienced? A natural-born leader whose direct reports would follow off a cliff? That’s a phenomenal start, but these days, it’s only half the equation. Modern business leaders need a seamless blend of high-level human skills and data analytics skills. In competitive markets, professionals with both are known as dual-threats. Data skills…
According to the World Health Organization, 99% of the global population breathes polluted air. Yet we’re surrounded by clean, sustainable energy sources. Despite coal and natural gas being the most widely used energy sources, the urgency of climate change and resource depletion is making the shift to clean energy increasingly essential. In 2023, about 23%…
Some of the best career growth strategies for BBA graduates are building experience intentionally, developing leadership habits early, and expanding your skills before you need them. That’s the blueprint. But here’s how it usually plays out. Most graduates start in roles like “marketing coordinator” or “financial analyst trainee.” That’s normal (and honestly, a good thing). Those early roles are where you…
Teachers and educators have an incredible influence on their students, whose futures can depend on a teacher’s passion and persistence. Yet there exists a cohort of educators whose influence extends beyond the classroom walls. Armed with education degrees, these educators have harnessed their knowledge to shape policies, ignite change, and inspire students everywhere.
Many have even inspired other educators to follow in their footsteps.
As we explore the lives of these five influential figures, we’ll delve into the stories of researchers, educators, and celebrities who’ve not only excelled academically but have also become powerful catalysts for change. Join us as we celebrate these educators turned visionaries!
Secretary of Education Miguel Cordona has made headlines, calling for the end of the “toxic disrespect” thrown at school teachers and staff and emphasizing strong pedagogy, high standards, and authentic assessment. Undoubtedly, Cordona has a long road ahead in realizing these goals, but if his experience and expertise are any indication, he’s more than up to the task.
A lifelong educator, Cordona has two decades of experience as a public-school educator in Connecticut, where he served as an elementary school teacher, school principal, and Commissioner of Education. As Secretary of Education, he continues to champion for students, only now his influence extends far beyond his classroom.
Today we know how critical a child’s early years are for their success in school and later life, but decades ago, that wasn’t the case. Benjamin Bloom was among the first to recognize the connection, going as far as to present his research to President Lyndon B. Johnson and testify before Congress. Bloom’s work led to the creation of Head Start in 1965, an early education and preschool program that provides services related to early learning and development, health, and family well-being at no cost to eligible children and their families.
A legal scholar and professor, Gloria Ladson-Billings has dedicated her career to the successful instruction of Black students, with her research focusing on pedagogy. Advancing black student success is as important today as it was when Ladson-Billings began her work over three decades ago, given the persistent achievement gaps by Black students compared to their white counterparts. She believes, and a body of research supports, that culturally relevant teaching methods can improve academic outcomes, engagement, and attendance and help students, particularly students of color, see themselves as capable learners.
Superman, Big Shamrock, Shaq Daddy: Shaquille O’Neal was a dominant force throughout his 19-year NBA career. While any fan can rattle off his career statistics, a lesser known aspect of the NBA star is his success off the court, particularly when it comes to education.
In 2012, O’Neal graduated with a doctorate in education focusing on organizational learning and leadership. He followed that up in 2018 by becoming a National Board of Directors member for Communities in Schools, a national organization dedicated to connecting students with community resources and helping them achieve their goals in school and life.
While not an educator (we apologize for violating the sanctity of this listicle), O’Neal’s selfless devotion to student achievement is unquestionable. “Every kid, no matter where they’re from or how much money their parents make,” said O’Neal, “deserves the opportunity to get a good education.”
A student-first leader, Andrew Farley serves as the principal of Brookfield East High in Wisconsin, where he’s implemented numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing students’ lives. Among these is the Principal’s Cabinet, in which 50 student leaders reflect on core values and set goals to realize the school’s mission, resulting in the addition of a 30-minute resource block to the students’ daily schedule and the funding of a $700,000 Learning Commons/Library renovation project.
From solving operational challenges to creating more peer mental health supports, Farley has gone above and beyond in his role as a high school principal, and for his efforts, he was named the 2024 National Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
The people on this list, whether a renowned researcher or an award-winning principal, have devoted themselves to education. For them, education is not only a means to success and influence. It’s a way to give back to their communities and provide school children with the chance to excel academically and experience the same level of success later in life.
If you’re interested in continuing your education, The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online education degree programs that can help you advance your career and become an influential force for change within the classroom and maybe even within the field of education.
Our online education degrees include:
We also offer an online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and an online Superintendent Certification program for educators interested in becoming administrative leaders.
Ready to get started? Apply to one of our online education programs. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll end up on your own list of influential educators.
Sources:
https://www2.ed.gov/news/staff/bios/cardona.html
https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/15/us/benjamin-bloom-86-a-leader-in-the-creation-of-head-start.html
https://naeducation.org/our-members/gloria-ladson-billings/
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-should-culturally-relevant-teaching-look-like-today-gloria-ladson-billings-explains/2022/04
https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/people/andrew-farley-brookfield-east-high-school-brookfield-wi/
The humanities cover a wide variety of subjects, including communications, history, languages, and literature. In short, this broad field focuses on the study of the human experience and the expression of that experience.
Students pursuing a humanities degree, whether studying art or anthropology, learn new ways to engage with the world around them, gaining critical thinking, research, and writing skills in the process. These versatile degrees can lead anywhere—but don’t take our word for it.
What can you do with a humanities degree? Here are eight influential people who majored in the humanities. As you’ll see, the greatest journeys can have the humblest beginnings.
We start with the one and only. Oprah earned a degree in communication and performing arts from Tennessee State University in 1986. After graduation, she came onboard the failing talk show “AM Chicago.” The show was soon renamed, and it wasn’t long before “The Oprah Winfrey Show” was the highest-rated television talk show in the U.S. The talk show spawned a media and business empire, including the successful Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
On education, Oprah has said, “Education is the way to move mountains, to build bridges, to change the world. Education is the path to the future. I believe that education is indeed freedom.”
Michael Eisner graduated from Denison University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Theatre in 1964. Eisner dreamed of writing a Broadway play but struggled to find work out of college. Such is the life of a writer.
After landing a gig as an NBC clerk, Eisner began to scale the corporate ladder at ABC and Paramount. He later served as the chairman and CEO of Walt Disney Productions from 1984 to 2005, during which time he oversaw the Disney Renaissance.
On the humanities, Eisner said, “Literature is unbelievably helpful, because no matter what business you are in, you are dealing with interpersonal relationships. It gives you an appreciation of what makes people tick.”
Steve Jobs famously dropped out of college to found Apple, but for the brief time he was enrolled, he majored in creative humanities, so he earns a spot on this list on a technicality.
From humble beginnings (Jobs and Stephen Wozniak built the Apple I out of a garage), Jobs wound up running a trillion-dollar tech giant. Jobs was one of the first to recognize the potential of personal computing, and under his leadership, Apple would revolutionize how we engage with technology with such releases as the iPod and iPhone.
Jobs credited the humanities for Apple’s success: “It’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough. It’s technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields the results that make our hearts sing.”
Conan O’Brien majored in American history and literature at Harvard University. His humanities education served him well throughout his storied career, as evidenced by his boundless Civil War knowledge.
After graduating, O’Brien moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television, and after writing for “Not Necessarily the News,” “Saturday Night Live,” and “The Simpsons,” he got a chance to be in front of the camera with “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” O’Brien was the name in late night until “Conan” went off the air in 2021. He gave these parting words during his final episode: “My advice to anyone watching right now — and it’s not easy to do, it’s not easy to do, but try; try and do what you love with people you love. If you can manage that, it’s the definition of heaven on Earth.”
Author Toni Morrison was an avid reader at a young age. Morrison graduated from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in English before earning a Master of Arts in English from Cornell University. She went on to become one of the most celebrated novelists in history, writing such classics as “Beloved” and “The Bluest Eye.” In 1993, she became the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Morrison told her students: “When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else.”
Jack Ma is known for co-founding Alibaba.com, one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Less known are the many challenges he faced on his journey.
In 1988, Ma graduated from China’s Hangzhou Normal University with a BA in English. He failed the entrance exam not once, but twice and received over 30 job rejections after graduating. He taught English, managed a small translation company, and sold flowers, books, and clothes on the side. The man can hustle. Ma’s break came in 1999 when, along with 17 friends, he co-founded Alibaba.com.
The former English teacher shared this with his employees: “I told my son, ‘You don’t need to be in the top three in your class. Being in the middle is fine, so long as your grades aren’t too bad.’ Only this kind of person has enough free time to learn other skills.”
Arundhati Bhattacharya, the first woman chairperson of the State Bank of India, retired from her position in 2017, wrapping up a 40-year career in India’s financial sector. Under her leadership, the 212-year-old bank successfully transitioned to the digital age. Many thought her corporate journey was at an end, but she’s now Salesforce’s India CEO.
Bhattacharya studied English literature at Lady Brabourne College in Kolkata, India, but she attributes her success to being a lifelong learner. To a packed audience at her 2018 TEDx Talk, she said, “Approach every situation with a questioning mind and a learner’s humility and you can’t go wrong.”
Howard Schultz graduated from Northern Michigan University with a BS in communications in 1975. Schultz then moved from New York to Seattle and in 1981, joined Starbucks as director of operations and marketing. At the time, the fledging company had only four stores. Four! A year later, Schultz was in Italy, drinking the finest coffee and wondering how to bring the Italian coffeehouse experience to America.
Schultz retired as Starbucks’ CEO in 2018 to become chairman emeritus. By then, Starbucks had grown to nearly 30,000 stores in the U.S. and abroad. “It took years before I found my passion in life,” the coffee magnate said, “but getting out of Brooklyn and earning a college degree gave me the courage to keep on dreaming.”
A humanities education provides insight into human culture, history, literature, philosophy, and art. As illustrated by the famous, influential people on this list, you can go far by understanding and appreciating what makes us all human.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers several online humanities degrees. Undergraduate students can pursue a bachelor’s degree in:
Graduate students can pursue a:
Humanities degrees can lead to a variety of career paths, including roles in education, writing, research, cultural institutions, media, public relations, and more. Critical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness are skills highly valued in any career field, and these are only some of the skills gained while earning a humanities degree.
Visit our Program and Courses page to learn more about the humanities degrees offered online at UT Permian. When you’re ready, click apply!
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Oprah-Winfrey
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Eisner
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steve-Jobs/Saving-Apple
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Conan-OBrien
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/toni-morrison
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jack-Ma
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-asia/salesforces-arundhati-bhattacharya-on-lifelong-learning-and-talent-reinvention
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/authors/arundhati-bhattacharya/
https://stories.starbucks.com/leadership/howard-schultz/
No one thinks they’re joining a cult.
They think they’ve found community. Purpose. Answers. Maybe even a new version of themselves. For many people, the early stages of cult recruitment don’t feel threatening at all. They feel warm, validating, and deeply personal.
That’s part of what makes cults so psychologically powerful. They often appeal to ordinary human needs: belonging, certainty, identity, and meaning. Over time, that sense of connection can shift into something more controlling, especially when a group begins isolating members, demanding loyalty, punishing doubt, or making life outside the group feel dangerous.
Understanding the psychology of cults can help explain why people join, why they stay, and why leaving is often far more complicated than outsiders assume.
The psychology of cults focuses on how certain groups use influence, belonging, control, and fear to recruit and retain members. Many cults appeal to people’s need for community, purpose, identity, or certainty, then gradually use tactics like love bombing, isolation, obedience to authority, and manipulation to make leaving feel difficult or dangerous.
Let’s start with a definition of “cult” from the APA Dictionary of Psychology as a baseline:
“n. 1. a religious or quasi-religious group characterized by unusual or atypical beliefs, seclusion from the outside world, and an authoritarian structure. Cults tend to be highly cohesive, well organized, secretive, and hostile to nonmembers.”
Most cults share some common traits:
Cults recruit new members anywhere you might expect to meet new people: social media, discussion groups, community clubs, events, and the like. These are typically nonthreatening, public situations that would not cause anyone to be suspicious. Cult recruiters get to know as much as they can about people and identify individuals who may be receptive to meeting a group of the recruiter’s friends at dinner or another social event. Though the chosen targets are generally unaware, these seemingly innocent gestures are the first steps to being drawn into a cult.
People who are drawn into cults are often looking for belonging, stability, meaning, or relief from a difficult life situation. Cults may target people experiencing:
This doesn’t mean cult members are weak or foolish. It means skilled recruiters typically know how to recognize emotional needs and offer acceptance at exactly the right moment.
Once the potential recruit is in the presence of cult members, typically still oblivious to the group’s agenda, they are showered with love and validation. This tactic, referred to as “love bombing,” makes the recruit believe they’ve found what they’re looking for and more likely to return for group activities in the future. This is critical in the early stages of cult indoctrination since the recruit is not yet under their influence and needs to feel secure.
As they indoctrinate new members, many cults separate them from their families, friends, and jobs, slowly remaking their identities to suit the group. They may force recruits to surrender their money, belongings, and bodies to the cult’s leader and other members. Sometimes they compel new members to marry people they just met. They may use punishment, deprivation, and other tactics to wear them down.
These efforts, which sometimes include threats, make new members dependent on and afraid to leave the group. Fully indoctrinated members often engage in behavior they never would’ve considered in their former lives.
While every group is different, cults and high-control groups often share warning signs. These may include:
These warning signs don’t always happen immediately. In many cases, control builds gradually after a person has already formed emotional ties to the group.
Here are just a few groups that have drawn significant attention to the dangers of cults:
Charles Manson directed his “family” of runaways and other troubled individuals to start a race war by murdering several people in Los Angeles. There were eight victims in all—including pregnant Hollywood actress Sharon Tate—but the group claimed to have murdered and disposed of the bodies of many more.
Perhaps less known than some other cults, yet one that operated virtually in the open in Manhattan’s upscale Upper West Side, this group began as a psychoanalytical institute in the 1950s but evolved into a coercive sex cult that lasted for decades and counted famous artists among its membership.
Reverend Jim Jones ran the Peoples Temple in several California locations before moving the congregation to Guyana and establishing the “Jonestown” commune. The temple’s methods came under increasing scrutiny, and upon an unwelcome visit from a U.S. Congressman, Jones ordered his congregation to drink Flavor Aid (often misattributed to Kool-Aid) laced with valium and cyanide. Many victims were children, and many adults were forced at gunpoint. More than 900 people died that day.
Marshall Applewhite, leader of Heaven’s Gate, was convinced that an extraterrestrial spacecraft was hiding behind the recently discovered Hale-Bopp comet and that members of his group would be taken to a higher level of existence by that spacecraft following their deaths. As the comet passed close to Earth, 39 members of Heaven’s Gate drank vodka mixed with phenobarbital, placed plastic bags over their heads, and died.
Outwardly a self-help organization, Nxivm was secretly a sex cult assaulting women, branding the initials of founder Keith Raniere on them, and blackmailing them. The organization operated partly on a pyramid scheme structure, with “masters” recruiting “slaves” who would eventually recruit more “slaves” as subordinates. The case also drew attention for the involvement of “Smallville” actress Allison Mack, who recruited women for Raniere.
Hundreds of members of the Kenya-based Good News international church willingly starved to death at the direction of their leader, Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who himself abstained from the slow suicide. Mackenzie claimed to have determined the date on which the world would end, and purportedly wanted his followers to go to heaven in advance of the apocalypse.
Motivation. Physiology. If you’re fascinated by what drives people and want to acquire the top skills today’s employers are seeking, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is an affordable, convenient way to start or further your college career. Explore diverse applications and perspectives of psychology as you complete a respected credential that can lead to a variety of rewarding professional roles. During the program, you’ll have the opportunity to create a pro-social cult for the betterment of yourself and others.
See more program details or apply now!
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-mind/202106/understanding-cults-the-basics
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/manson-family-leslie-van-houten-parole-killings-b1063884.html
https://www.insider.com/why-people-join-cults-according-to-therapist-who-treats-survivors-2020-9
Psychology is one of the broadest academic fields, and one of the most versatile. It spans everything from courtrooms to corporate offices, from childhood development to competitive sports. With so many specialties (and subspecialties), it can be tough to know where to even start. So exactly how many branches of psychology are there? The field is…
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 notion that education is the key to a successful career is as true today as it was when school libraries were using the Dewey Decimal System. What has changed, however, is how students are attending—or should we say logging into—college classes.
Watching a recorded lecture while on lunch break, stirring a simmering risotto, or keeping an eye on a toddler is increasingly becoming students’ preferred method for earning an academic credential. Over one-third of college students were enrolled in at least one online college course in 2019, and this was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet the convenience and growing popularity of online degree and certificate programs have left many wondering how valuable online credentials actually are, especially employers.
There’s no question that employers favor college-educated professionals, with many requiring a four-year degree at a minimum. If someone performs their role well, does it matter how they earned their academic credential?
Employers are more interested in the competencies a credential denotes than where it originated. By enrolling in online courses, professionals can gain access to resources that may otherwise be unavailable based on their schedule, location, or finances (e.g., expert instruction, up-to-date course content, and a supportive learning environment). In addition, traditional and online programs are often led by the same faculty members who teach the same course content, giving employers even more reason to embrace graduates of online programs. This convenient, cost-effective platform produces more qualified candidates in a tight labor market. All in all, it’s a net gain for employers.
Graduates of online programs often receive the exact same credentials awarded to their on-campus counterparts. Since these credentials make no mention of being “online,” employers tend to initially overlook where they originated (39% of HR managers spend less than a minute on their first look at a resume), and there’s no need for applicants to distinguish between an online and traditional credential on their resume. “The education, knowledge and experience you have in a field of study is what you want to showcase on your resume,” confirmed PrincetonOne President and CEO Dave Campeas. “The true test of your expertise and knowledge will come during the interview.”
If an employer asks during an interview why you pursued an online credential, be honest. When they hear how you deftly balanced online education and personal and professional responsibilities, they’ll likely be supportive and that much more impressed. However, as is becoming the case with all academic credentials, employers will double-check that your online degree or certificate came from a legitimate institution.
The credential marketplace has been inundated with badges, licenses, apprenticeships, and micro-credentials in recent years, with nearly one million unique credentials offered in the U.S. alone—967,734, to be exact. Don’t get us wrong; employers are bullish on online education, but now they’re faced with determining the legitimacy of all academic credentials, and they’re not alone.
Aspiring students must be on the lookout for the rising number of bad actors backed by fake college accreditation agencies. Julie Uranis, vice president of online and strategic initiatives for the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, perfectly sums up the problem. “I could have a credential in cybersecurity,” said Uranis, “but if I got it from an entity that previously was focused on food handling, you have to worry about whether they’re qualified to teach that subject matter.”
The goal of accreditation is to ensure that the quality of education and training offered by institutions of higher education is acceptable in quality, and it remains the most reliable way to ensure a credential didn’t come from the online equivalent of a mall kiosk. A list of reliable institutional accrediting agencies can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website. Among this list, you’ll find the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the educational accreditor that awarded UT Permian Basin its accreditation. This institutional recognition by SACSCOC confirms our commitment to quality and integrity and to providing effective programs, both online and on-campus, that meet the Commission’s rigorous standards. Rest assured, an academic credential from UT Permian Basin is the real deal.
Will employers notice your online credential? That depends. Did you earn it from UT Permian Basin?
UT Permian Basin is one of the top-ranked online colleges in Texas, empowering students through accredited online programs, affordable tuition rates, and a collaborative online learning environment. Over five thousand students from all over the world entrust us with helping them prepare for fulfilling careers, and we’re not about to let them down. We offer numerous online undergraduate and graduate programs, all of which offer instruction of the highest quality and many of which are accredited by specialized accrediting organizations.
Each of our online programs is designed to provide everything you need to accelerate your career. Whether you’re studying microeconomics in our online BBA in management program or democratization in our online MA in history program, you’ll be working toward a prestigious credential. More importantly, you’ll gain invaluable skills that will serve you long after a stellar interview. When an employer looks over your resume and sees that you’ve earned an academic credential from UT Permian Basin, you can relax knowing that your education has prepared you for every question they could ask.
Browse our catalog to find the bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or graduate certificate that’ll be the highlight of your resume. When you’re ready, we look forward to welcoming you as UT Permian Basin’s latest Falcon.
Sources:
https://www.usnews.com/higher-education/online-education/slideshows/10-things-employers-think-about-your-online-degree
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/12/26/education-credential-certificate-scams/
Spanish is among the most popular global languages and is the most common non-English language spoken in the U.S., with over 41 million residents speaking Español in their home. Native and non-native Spanish speakers have a distinct competitive advantage in their careers, and Spanish-speaking teachers can choose career paths that would be impossible for their monolingual colleagues to pursue.
As we explore these pathways, offering you a glimpse into your potential future in education, try to keep in mind that your foreign language skills can support Spanish and English learners alike. The most rewarding teaching position may be one where you help all students, regardless of their native language, learn two languages at once.
Pivoting to a career teaching Spanish to primary or secondary school students is perhaps the most obvious use of your talents. To become a certified Spanish teacher in Texas, you’ll need to complete a Texas-approved educator preparation program (EPP), specifically a languages other than English (Spanish) program. Classroom teachers in Texas will recognize the certification process. Once you’ve completed the EPP and applied for and passed your certification exam, you’ll have to submit a state application to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Then it’s only a matter of applying to teaching positions.
Nobody likes being put in a box, so don’t think you’re obliged to teach Spanish just because you’re fluent in the language. It’s worth noting, however, that this career path will leave you with few other options unless you plan on earning a doctoral degree or becoming fluent in another language. (21% of high school foreign language classes focus on French.) Before long, your career will have once again plateaued. Fortunately, there’s another path you could take: one that would let you devote your language skills where they’d be needed and appreciated most. We’re of course talking about bilingual education.
To become a bilingual educator in Texas, you’ll have to complete a Texas-approved bilingual program and pass the appropriate certification exams, including the Texas Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT). These prerequisites may seem similar, identical even, to those required of Spanish teachers, but they offer a unique opportunity for career advancement. By joining an EPP at a prestigious college, you’ll have the opportunity to earn your graduate credential and work toward becoming a dual-certified educator.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Master of Arts in Bilingual Education program will help you meet some of the TEA’s certification requirements, thereby helping ensure your success when it comes time to apply for bilingual certification. As a graduate student, you’ll explore theories of language acquisition, challenges encountered in bilingual and English as a second language (ESL) education, and methods for teaching school subjects in Spanish. Upon graduating, you’ll be prepared to work closely with native English speakers and English language learners (ELL) and, let’s not forget, that much closer to passing the BTLPT and earning your dual certification
A bilingual classroom is like any other that teaches science, math, reading, and other traditional subjects. The difference is that these subjects are taught to ELLs in both English and their native language. Dual-language classrooms take this idea a step further by having ELLs taught alongside native English speakers in the hopes that all students will achieve functional bilingualism and biliteracy.
Critics of bilingual education question how ELLs can learn English when so much of their school day is devoted to studying Spanish. “[O]ur data shows that proficiency in literacy in the child’s first language is a very good indicator of how well that child is going to eventually learn English,” said JoAnne Negrin, supervisor of bilingual education for Vineland Public Schools. ELLs taught in a bilingual setting retain and build upon their language skills and are shown to have improved outcomes in the areas of reading, empathy, and school performance, among others.
Bilingual educators help students regardless of their native language, background, or culture, which explains why they’re in such high demand. Over 30 states have reported a shortage of bilingual, dual-language, and English as a second language (ESL) teachers.
The need for bilingual teachers is so great, in fact, that federal funding may cover some or all of the cost of their education. For example, graduate students in our online MA in bilingual education program may be eligible to receive a Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant of up to $4,000 per year.
Texas school districts are also known to offer signing bonuses and additional incentives to teachers, especially those who are bilingual. Considering that educators make nearly 65,000 per year on average there’s no better time to pursue this career.
Spanish language skills, while appreciated in traditional language education, are treasured in bilingual education. Now is the time to leverage your strengths and follow a career path that will reward you for your proficient bilingualism and devotion to teaching, and you can do so by earning a master’s degree from UT Permian Basin.
If you’re considering a career as a Spanish or bilingual educator, you likely have questions about the job outlook, certification process, and the benefits of this rewarding path. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions from aspiring teachers:
UT Permian Basin’s online MA in bilingual education program was designed with the busy schedule of educators in mind. Online courses will give you the flexibility needed to complete coursework on your schedule, while our practicum course will provide the real-world experience you needed to transition smoothly into a career teaching in bilingual settings. The cross-cultural communication skills imparted by our program are also transferable to careers outside of education that promote diversity and cultural competence, enabling you to pursue new opportunities if you so choose. There’s no telling how far a master’s degree will take you.
Become a pillar of support for English- and Spanish-speaking students. Apply to our online MA in bilingual education program to earn a graduate credential that will help you reach a broader range of students and secure your future in the field of education.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2013/09/20/us/hispanics-in-the-u-s-/index.html
https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/the-invisible-burden-some-bilingual-teachers-face/2020/02
https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/11/29/497943749/6-potential-brain-benefits-of-bilingual-education
https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/initial-certification/becoming-a-classroom-teacher-in-texas
https://www.fox4news.com/news/fort-worth-isd-offering-hiring-bonuses-up-to-69k-for-first-time-teachers
What if you or someone you love were experiencing a medical emergency but were unable to communicate with the people trained to help you? You’d be unable to tell those healthcare professionals what symptoms you were experiencing or what other conditions you might have that they’d need to know before treating you. Nightmare situations like…
If you have a passion for learning languages and are fascinated by other cultures, have you considered turning those interests into a career? As a Spanish major at UTPB, you’ll not only dramatically improve your Spanish-speaking abilities but also sharpen other must-have language skills that are highly sought-after in today’s job market. Join us as…
About 41 million people speak Spanish in the United States. Worldwide, that number jumps to 595 million. It’s the official language of 21 countries and territories across four continents. How Can a Spanish Major Help Your Career? Spanish language skills are certainly handy for social situations and travel. But more importantly, Spanish fluency and cultural…
When senior year of high school rolls around, all anyone can talk about is where they’ll be attending college. One friend was accepted here, another was rejected there. As admissions decisions are being made in colleges across the country, how many seniors are rushing home to check their mailbox for the letter?
We don’t blame them. Every academic decision they’ve made has led to this moment, when they finally find out which college colors they’ll be wearing. And although college hopefuls understand that attending college is a rewarding experience, not all of them fully understand why.
College develops students into well-rounded individuals, capable of critical thinking and clear communication, and prepares them to succeed in all aspects of their lives, including their careers. As part of a core curriculum, general education is essential for helping students become enlightened, engaged citizens. Yet many wonder why general education courses are required—and you may be wondering the same. Rest assured, the real-world benefits of general education courses are well worth the credit hours.
Critics of general education believe that the purpose of higher education is to instill students with exclusively work-related skills. However, focusing on one area of study to the detriment of others is not a practical approach. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average baby boomer holds about 12 jobs throughout their lifetime. COVID-19 and the Great Resignation are sure to increase this number for younger generations. Given the number of hats students are likely to wear throughout their careers, colleges and universities focus on providing a diverse set of foundational skills students can apply to any career.
Despite the diversity of roles most individuals take on throughout our professional lives, there remains immense pressure for students to declare their major and career intentions from now until the end of time. Considering that one-third of undergraduates switch their major within three years of enrollment, providing students with a narrow set of work-related skills may not prove beneficial in the long run. A Gallup survey of over 2,000 college graduates found that those who aligned their work with their interests, values, and strengths were three times more likely to find purposeful work, and those who did find purpose in their work were ten times more likely to prosper.
General education ensures you have the fundamental skills needed to succeed in college and life, regardless of your intended area of study. Even if you’re certain of your academic goals, these basics are the foundation upon which you’ll build specific work-related skills. They could even spark an interest in a new career path—one where you do what you love.
Most colleges require a certain number of general education courses as part of the core curriculum, and The University of Texas Permian Basin is no different. Consisting of 42-47 semester credit hours, our General Education Core Curriculum covers the following foundational areas:
A sterling resume can only take you so far if you’re unable to articulate your knowledge and experiences. Communication courses will help you develop your oral, written, and visual literacy skills and express your ideas clearly regardless of the subject matter or setting.
By studying the past, you’ll learn about the complex interactions between individuals, communities, states, and nations that make the U.S. what it is today, and you’ll gain a new perspective on your role in society.
Culture has a tremendous impact on the human condition. Understanding and appreciating how people are shaped by their customs and beliefs is key to becoming a well-rounded individual who excels in any work or social situation.
Deepen your understanding of logic, patterns, and quantitative relationships in courses like College Algebra. Although you may have a supercomputer in your pocket, these skills are irreplaceable in countless careers, especially those in the STEM fields.
There’s a universe of natural phenomena that seems impossible to explain — that is, until you dive into the science. Biology and geology courses explore Earth and its diverse lifeforms, down to the microscopic cells that sustain everyday life.
Political science courses, like our history courses, instill a deep sense of civic responsibility by exploring issues affecting the world around us. Take an in-depth look at U.S. politics, exploring political institutions and parties as well as their philosophical foundations.
Artistic expression is human creativity given form. By looking at works of art through a critical lens, and by learning how music, paintings, and sculptures uniquely convey ideas, you’ll develop new ways to engage with different forms of expression. Who knows? You could even find your next creative passion.
Courses like psychology and sociology look at how scientific methods can be used to shed light on what makes us human, exploring the root causes of our behaviors and their effect on society and culture. When you notice the obscure mechanisms influencing life, you’ll be better able to navigate its twists and turns.
General education ensures that UT Permian Basin graduates can communicate effectively, think critically, and reach informed conclusions, among other skills essential for learning and thriving in any field. Given its importance, core instruction is provided to all UT Permian Basin students, whether they’re online or on campus.
At UT Permian Basin, you can satisfy the general education requirements by enrolling in one of our many online undergraduate programs. We also accept transfer credits from accredited institutions. Designed to be convenient and affordable, our online courses can help you gain essential skills, meet degree requirements, and become a more well-rounded individual without burdening you as you prepare for the next stage of your life.
Ready to become a Falcon? Browse through our course and program catalog, and when you’re ready, apply to become UT Permian Basin’s latest undergraduate student.
Sources:
https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/agency-publication/miscellaneous/elements-of-the-texas-core-curriculum/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brandonbusteed/2019/04/10/whats-the-purpose-of-college/?sh=143c0691354e
