Forgotten Women in History: Unsung Heroines and Their Remarkable Stories
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
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
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 and Hannie Schaft
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.”
Jocelyn Bell Burnell
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.
Marthe Gautier
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.
Rosalind Franklin
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.
The Story Continues …
There’s no shortage of forgotten women in history: women who spoke when they were told to be silent, who stayed sitting when they were told to stand, and who never wavered when told they were wrong. If you like what you’ve read, we encourage you to dive deeper and discover what other secrets history has to offer.
A History Lesson Awaits
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Master of Arts in History for anyone interested in uncovering the untold stories that have shaped our world. Courses include:
Progressive Era
Third Reich and Holocaust
Native North America: Contact to Removal
American Revolution
Civil War
UT Permian Basin’s online MA in history program will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and research skills needed to not only contextualize the impact history has on society but also advance your career and share that expertise with others.
“Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
-Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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.
Who Are the Most Famous Female Judges?
These women have shaped the legal system through groundbreaking decisions and barrier-breaking careers:
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: U.S. Supreme Court Justice, gender equality icon
Sonia Sotomayor: First Latina U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Ketanji Brown Jackson: First Black woman on the Supreme Court
Jennifer Dorow: Presided over the Waukesha Christmas parade trial
Susan Kiefel: First female Chief Justice of Australia’s High Court
Belva Lockwood: First woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court
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.
1. Ruth Bader Ginsberg
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.
2. Sonia Sotomayor
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.
3. Ketanji Brown Jackson
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.
4. Jennifer Dorow
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.”
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.
Honorable Mention: Belva Lockwood
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Female Judges
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:
Who was the first female judge on the U.S. Supreme Court? The first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice was Sandra Day O’Connor, appointed in 1981.
How many women have served on the U.S. Supreme Court? As of 2025, six women have served on the U.S. Supreme Court. They are Sandra Day O’Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Amy Coney Barrett, and Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Who is the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court? Ketanji Brown Jackson made history as the first Black woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court on June 30, 2022.
What impact have female judges had on the U.S. legal system? Female judges have made significant contributions to the U.S. legal system, particularly in advancing gender equality and civil rights. Justices like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor have helped shape landmark rulings on issues such as reproductive rights, same-sex marriage, and the Affordable Care Act.
Who was the first woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court? Belva Lockwood became the first woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1880.
Shape the Future of Justice
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.
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%…
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.
1. Taylor Swift
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).
2. Zhang Xin
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.
3. Debbie Sterling
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.
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.
5. Jessica Alba
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.
6. Oprah Winfrey
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.
7. Whitney Wolfe Herd
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.
Build Your Own Story in Business
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.
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…
Most MBA graduates don’t end up in the C-suite by accident. They got there because of decisions they made long before they reached it, starting with the first one. A Master of Business Administration looks great on a resume, but it also gives you something more lasting: a strong foundation that evolves with you, from your first post-graduate role all the…
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!
1. Miguel Cordona – Doctorate in Education
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.
2. Benjamin Bloom – Doctorate in Education
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.
3. Gloria Ladson-Billings – Doctorate in Curriculum and Teacher Education
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.
4. Shaquille O’Neal – Doctorate in Education
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.”
5. Andrew Farley – Bachelor of Science in 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.
It’s Your Turn
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.
Earn Your Online Education Degree at UT Permian Basin
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.
Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders Track
MA in Special Education, Education Diagnostician Track
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.
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.
1. Oprah Winfrey
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.”
2. Michael Eisner
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.”
3. Steve Jobs
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.”
4. Conan O’Brien
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.”
5. Toni Morrison
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.”
6. Jack Ma
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.”
7. Arundhati Bhattacharya
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.”
8. Howard Schultz
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.”
Oh, the Humanities
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.
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.
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.
Career Benefits of Earning an Online Credential
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.
Identical Instruction and Credentials
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 Importance of Accreditation
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.
Impress Employers With an Online Credential From UT Permian Basin
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.
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.
How to Become a Spanish Teacher in Texas
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.
How to Become a Bilingual Educator in Texas
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
What Is Bilingual Education?
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.
Spanish Teacher Job Outlook and Demand in Texas
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish and Bilingual Teaching Careers
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:
What is bilingual education? Bilingual education involves teaching academic subjects in both English and a student’s native language. The goal is to help students become bilingual and biliterate, promoting cognitive and academic growth while ensuring that students are proficient in both languages.
What is the job outlook for Spanish teachers? The job outlook for Spanish teachers is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for high school teachers, including Spanish teachers, is expected to see 64,000 new job openings each year through 2033. Bilingual teachers, especially those in underserved areas, may see higher demand.
What are the benefits of being a bilingual educator? Being a bilingual educator comes with several benefits, including higher salary potential, more job opportunities, and job security. Additionally, bilingual educators have the unique ability to help students bridge cultural and language barriers, assist in English language acquisition, and make a significant impact on student achievement.
How can I become a certified Spanish teacher? To become a certified Spanish teacher in Texas, you must complete an educator preparation program (EPP) that specializes in languages other than English (Spanish). You will need to pass the required certification exams and apply for certification through the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
What skills are required to be a successful Spanish teacher? Successful Spanish teachers need strong communication skills, both in Spanish and English. They must also possess classroom management abilities, cultural competence, and an understanding of language acquisition methods. Patience, creativity, and adaptability are also essential skills.
What is the salary of a bilingual educator? Bilingual educators in Texas earn an average salary of $60,000 per year. This figure can vary based on factors like location, experience, and district-specific incentives. Many districts offer additional benefits, such as signing bonuses or special allowances for bilingual educators.
Reach Your Full Potential at UT Permian Basin
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.
Did you know that Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the world? It comes in as a close second only to Mandarin Chinese. In the United States alone, about 42 million people speak Spanish as their first language, and it’s one of very few languages that can help you communicate across multiple continents. It…
With a staggering 457 million people claiming Spanish as their first language, the Spanish language emerges as a cultural powerhouse that’s influenced the fabric of societies worldwide. Its impact spans from literature to education, influencing diverse and vibrant literary traditions while integrating into academic curricula worldwide. Today, we delve into the intricate interplay between language,…
If you haven’t yet begun a career, or are still in the early stages of one, it’s imperative to keep an eye on the horizon for changes and new skills that can turn emerging challenges into opportunities. Often, changes in the working world are connected to technological innovations, e.g., the expanding use of AI across…
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.
Building the Foundation for Your Success
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.
General Education at UT Permian Basin
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:
Communication
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.
History
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.
Language, Philosophy, and Culture
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.
Mathematics
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.
Life and Physical Sciences
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
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.
Creative Arts
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.
Social and Behavioral Sciences
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.
Become a Well-Rounded Professional at UT Permian Basin
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.
There’s nothing as heartbreaking as watching one of your most dedicated students try and fail to grasp a school subject. A student struggling with reading, writing, or math can be overwhelmed by feelings of frustration and embarrassment. They may feel helpless or avoid participating in class. They may even act out to draw attention away from their shortcomings. But what if their behavior is a response to an undiagnosed problem, one affecting one-third of students with disabilities?
A specific learning disability is a disorder of one or more psychological processes involved in language acquisition, manifesting as an “imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations.”
No wonder students with learning disabilities can have a hard time in class; their own psychological processes are working against them. Educators must be on the lookout for signs of the three types of specific learning disabilities: dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, which we explore in detail below.
#1 Dyslexia
Dyslexia impairs a person’s ability to decode, or associate letters and words with their corresponding speech sounds. Consequently, reading becomes slow and laborious, even for students who’ve mastered basic reading skills.
Dyslexia can also impair writing and spelling skills, and some students with dyslexia will mix up similar-looking letters like “b” and “d.” School-aged children with this learning disability may also struggle with:
Copying written language.
Expressing themselves in spoken language.
Noticing differences and similarities in letters and words.
Remembering sequences, such as the days of the week.
Sounding out unfamiliar words.
Living With Dyslexia
As a student, Daniel Britton was unable to read test questions and was forced to retake math and English courses multiple times, but he wasn’t lazy or a slow learner, as his teachers had suggested. He merely had a reading disorder.
Daniel went on to pursue a career as a graphic designer—a career he excelled at despite his condition—and gain international notoriety for designing a typeface that simulates reading with dyslexia. By removing about 40% of each letter, the typeface forces readers to slow down and experience the frustration and embarrassment a dyslexic person goes through with everyday reading.
Daniel believes that better learning conditions can be achieved if only there was greater empathy for people with dyslexia. “I would’ve liked to have had more options when I was younger,” he told CNN. “If it (my disability) was picked up earlier or treated correctly, who knows what I could’ve done.”
#2 Dysgraphia
Both dyslexia and dysgraphia are characterized by writing difficulties, but dysgraphia interferes with all aspects of writing, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Students with dysgraphia tend to write in an awkward position, gripping their pencil in a clenched fist.
For them, writing is a slow, frustrating, and sometimes painful experience. Their handwriting can be illegible—even to them—with inversed, reversed, incorrectly formed, or inconsistently spaced letters. Unable to organize and express their thoughts on paper, students with dysgraphia tend to run out of space on the page as their hand cramps and their words become scrawls.
Writing requires a broad range of skills, including phonemic awareness, fine motor coordination, and visual and auditory processing. These skills are acquired over a period of years, beginning in preschool with copying shapes and becoming automatic by the third grade.
School-aged children with dysgraphia who are unable to develop foundational writing skills due to the demands of letter formation will likely fall behind as writing assignments become increasingly complex. Deficient handwriting is associated with low self-esteem and poor social functioning, which can follow a student into adulthood.
#3 Dyscalculia
Referred to as “number dyslexia,” dyscalculia impairs a person’s ability to learn number-related concepts or perform calculations with symbols and functions. Without a clear understanding of numbers, students with dyscalculia must sometimes rely on finger-counting to perform even simple calculations. They may also struggle with:
Counting backward.
Memorizing basic calculations.
Performing mental math.
Recalling basic math facts.
Using math symbols.
Considering that most children receive their first smartphone (with a built-in calculator) around the age of 10, basic math skills may not seem as necessary as reading and writing skills. But dyscalculia impairs all areas where mathematical concepts are needed. Telling time, counting money, and remembering directions can puzzle and frustrate students with dyscalculia. Basic math skills are also needed when it comes to mastering complex mathematical concepts in higher grades, and like dysgraphia, dyscalculia can leave students disadvantaged in college and in their careers.
What do dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia have in common?
Specific learning disabilities are associated with several comorbidities. Not only are students with a learning disability likely to exhibit symptoms associated with another, but they also have increased rates of behavioral and emotional problems.
The prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders makes it all the more important to diagnose learning disabilities as early as possible.
Accommodating Students With Learning Disabilities
Although specific learning disabilities cannot be cured, they can be treated with special education services. With the proper support and accommodations, students can focus on their strengths, adapt to their disability, and succeed in and out of school. They do, however, need a professional who can intervene at the first sign of a learning disability.
Pursue a Master of Arts in Special Education
Are you interested in enriching the lives of students as a special educator? The University of Texas Permian Basin offers two online programs for teachers interested in working with students with learning disabilities:
Master of Arts in Special Education: Gain the knowledge and skills needed to integrate universally designed instruction into the classroom and foster an inclusive learning environment for students with special needs.
Accredited by the prestigious Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP), our online programs will help you become a more well-rounded educator, capable of reaching a broader range of students as a classroom teacher or special education professional. Apply now to one of our online MA in special education programs for the chance to help all your students, disabled or non-disabled, achieve their highest potential.
Bilingualism can come in handy for travel, work, and personal conversations. But did you know bilingual brains function better and longer? Bilingual people: Impressed yet? Let’s explore the cognitive advantages of a bilingual brain. How Does Being Bilingual Benefit Your Brain? Delayed Cognitive Decline People can stay sharp as they age by reading, playing word…
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…
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There’s at least one thing liberals and conservatives have in common: They care how their government spends their tax dollars. Facing intense pressure from all sides, the public sector is always innovating in the hopes of delivering effective, efficient services. As part of this effort, public and nonprofit organizations often adopt the competitive structure, culture, and management practices of private businesses. However, public sector innovation may benefit more from collaboration than competition.
What Does Innovation Mean for the Public Sector?
Public-sector innovation is a process through which “problems are defined; new ideas are developed and combined; prototypes and pilots are designed, tested, and redesigned; and new solutions are implemented, diffused, and problematized.” In this context, innovation is disruptive, breaking down barriers such as political oppositions, and leading to the adoption of new technologies and approaches. Improving an existing solution is not enough. To solve emerging and evolving problems, public and nonprofit organizations must be in a constant state of change.
While innovation is not a cure-all—integrated planning, resource allocation, and service improvements are all just as important—it can help governments make the most of limited resources. Here are several innovations that are transforming public and non-profit organizations.
Web 2.0
Web 2.0 tools provide numerous ways for governments to engage with the public—with admittedly mixed results. Twitter has become a go-to platform for politicians looking to rile up their bases. However, after an earthquake, hurricane, or other crisis, this same platform is used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to gather real-time emergency information from community members that inform response efforts. Social media platforms, along with blogs, wikis, crowdsourcing, and other Web 2.0 tools, allow agencies to promote transparency while encouraging people to participate and collaborate in improving public services.
Co-Production
Co-production is a process in which government and non-government organizations collaborate to improve public services. For example, health departments performed contact tracing at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, engaging with communities to provide them with the resources and services they needed. Licensed healthcare professionals were later asked to volunteer to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in their communities. New, creative solutions emerge when people with different perspectives and experiences are brought together, and it’s yet another example of how collaboration breeds innovation.
Public-Private Partnerships
Public organizations may not operate like businesses, but they can reduce costs and manage risks by forming public-private partnerships (P3s). The U.S. happens to be one of the largest—if not the largest—P3 market in the world for infrastructure projects, and there are countless opportunities across the country for for-profit firms to take on a project’s design, construction, and maintenance. Minority- and women-owned businesses are often given priority during the procurement process, helping to foster a collaborative, innovative environment.
Public vs. Private
Achieving goals while operating within a budget is a priority for any public entity, but unlike private businesses, public institutions aren’t driven by profits. They exist for the sole benefit of citizens, delivering services like healthcare, infrastructure, public transit, and public education. Although red tape can be counterproductive, bureaucracy can actually promote innovation by safeguarding against waste, instability, and corruption. Policies can be rewritten. A risk-averse private business that favors short-term profits over creativity and collaboration? That can be a harder problem to solve.
Improving Access
Not everyone has access to public services, especially healthcare. About 20% of the U.S. population live in rural areas and tend to have higher rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, and unintentional injury than their urban counterparts. Numerous factors contribute to the poor health outcomes of rural Americans, but the fact that only 11% of physicians practice in these areas doesn’t help. Telehealth has increased access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas, but government agencies must continue innovating if they are to provide equal access to these and other essential public services.
Innovation in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
The innovations we’ve discussed offer a glimpse at the focus of the UT Permian Basin course Innovation in Public and Nonprofit Organizations. This online course exposes students to innovative tools and practices, exploring such topics as performance measurement, collaborative innovation, and social entrepreneurship. By engaging with online lectures and discussions, students gain a deeper understanding of public-sector innovation in preparation for careers in emergency, financial, human resource, and public relations management, among others.
Earn Your MPA Online From UT Permian Basin
Innovation in Public and Nonprofit Organizations is offered as part of our online Master of Public Administration program. This 36-credit online program prepares students for leadership roles in public administration by teaching them how to address challenges in a practical, ethical, and politically savvy manner. In as little as one year, students can graduate with a career-enhancing graduate credential and an expanded skill set that will help ensure their success in fields including criminal justice, fine arts, healthcare, human services, public safety, or transportation.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s MPA program is entirely online and features asynchronous elements, allowing you to pursue your master’s degree while you continue to work, care for your family, and balance your personal and professional life. We also offer a variety of elective courses, such as Marketing Management, Healthcare Management, and Cultural Diversity in Education and the Social Sciences, so you can gear your studies toward your professional interests. At UT Permian Basin, every measure has been taken to offer you an online MPA program with as much value as possible.