The effects of COVID-19 continue to reverberate throughout the healthcare sector, even as infection rates across the United States have fallen since the height of the pandemic. Getting those numbers under control remains a high priority, alongside tackling major issues that in some cases grew out of the pandemic. Let’s look at three of the most pressing issues those working in healthcare leadership are facing now and examine how they’re addressing them.
1. Revamping Hiring and Retention Strategies
Many healthcare professionals, including those at the leadership level, are reaching retirement age and leaving the workforce. At the same time, the “great resignation” spurred in part by the COVID-19 pandemic has created further shortfalls in healthcare staffing. Healthcare leaders must now adjust the traditional workplace experience to attract new, younger candidates. This includes offering more benefits, greater flexibility, and access to additional resources to better cope with the inherent stress of medical careers and balance work and personal responsibilities.
The upside of these staffing challenges is more employment opportunities for professionals with the necessary qualifications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for medical and health services managers will increase by 28% between 2021 and 2031—much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. During the same time span, the BLS projects employment in healthcare professions overall to grow by 13%, a rate also much faster than the average for all occupations.
2. Keeping More Patients at Home
The pandemic compelled healthcare leaders to take a fresh look at traditional healthcare delivery methods, and many of them are now considering expanding home care options as a permanent solution, where possible. Home care includes a combination of virtual office visits, device-driven remote monitoring of patients, skilled nursing home visits, and home modifications such as the addition of ramps and rails. With many physicians confident that home care can be delivered at the same level of quality as facility-based care, home care could become the norm, especially for older adults with chronic conditions, as early as 2025.
3. Fortifying Cyber Security Capabilities
Cyberattacks are an ongoing threat to healthcare institutions and the patients they serve. The advent of smart medical devices—the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)—makes a hospital’s internal networks, cloud storage, and equipment only part of the equation. The IoMT technology used in remote monitoring equipment can also be hacked, interrupting care and potentially endangering the patient, in addition to raising the cost for their care.
Cyberattacks on the healthcare sector are on the rise. During 2021, more than 600 breaches were reported in the U.S. healthcare sector and more than 22 million patients had their private data compromised. Small- and medium-sized institutions are the most common targets. Under such threats, healthcare institutions are fortifying their cyber security capabilities. Market research shows that the cyber security market for the global healthcare industry reached nearly $13 billion in 2020, and that number is expected to more than quadruple by 2030.
Complex, Interconnected Issues
Home care can help alleviate issues caused by staffing shortages, but it also requires a greater investment in cyber security, since remote care technology is highly susceptible to cyberattacks. Understanding these connections, it’s easy to see why these issues are so front-and-center for healthcare leaders—and how they underscore the need for skilled professionals who can become healthcare leaders and tackle the problems that might emerge in the coming years. Through our AACSB-accredited College of Business, UT Permian Basin offers an online degree program that helps you build these healthcare leadership qualities.
Become a Healthcare Trendsetter
As a healthcare leader, you must foresee potential issues and make the right decisions to address those issues effectively. We can help you develop the required expertise with our online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Healthcare Leadership, an affordable program designed for students who hold an AAS-degree in a healthcare-related field.
Built on a general education foundation that incorporates courses in the humanities, mathematics, history, languages, and sciences, our program explores key leadership subjects both within and outside the context of healthcare organizations, including:
Occupational health and safety
Project management
Principles of management and marketing
Human resource management
Quantitative decision-making tools
Hone Your Healthcare Leadership Expertise Online
Our BAAS in healthcare leadership is delivered in an asynchronous, 100% online format that enables you to complete coursework at your own pace from practically any location on the planet. There are no required campus visits. You can earn your bachelor’s degree while giving professional or personal commitments the attention they deserve. All courses are led by the same renowned faculty who teach at our campus.
Become the healthcare leader you were meant to be! Apply now.
Future healthcare leaders are made here at The University of Texas Permian Basin, where we proudly offer an online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Healthcare Leadership and an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. Without question, both programs confer skills and credentials that are invaluable for anyone aspiring to a leadership role in healthcare. But there are some fundamental differences in the admission requirements, curriculum, and other aspects of these two programs. Let’s review those now to help you decide which program is right for you.
How The Two Programs Differ
Workforce vs. Workplace
Our BAAS in healthcare leadership equips future graduates to inspire and guide staff to deliver safe, effective, and efficient healthcare services. In our BBA in healthcare management program, you’ll find greater emphasis on managing the day-to-day business operations of a healthcare facility.
Prior Education Credentials
The BAAS in healthcare leadership program was designed for students who hold an associate degree in applied science (AAS) in healthcare fields such as emergency medical services, nursing, or radiology. You are not required to complete an AAS or other college-level degree before applying to our BBA in healthcare management, however, making this an accessible option for transfer and first-time college students.
Math-Focused Curriculum
Math proficiency is considered crucial for anyone who wishes to manage an organization, and both of our programs have a mathematics component as part of their general education requirements. As a business-oriented program, our BBA in healthcare management—like all our BBA programs—also covers statistics, accounting, finance, and data analysis among its required lower-level business courses. None of these topics are the focus of any BAAS in healthcare leadership course.
A Global Component
Our BBA in healthcare management includes courses in international management, international marketing, international finance, and global health nursing, from which you must choose one course. None of these courses are a required part of the BAAS in healthcare leadership program, however.
Bigger on Business
The BBA in healthcare management explores traditional business disciplines such as finance, management, accounting, marketing, and law in depth from healthcare and general business perspectives. The BAAS in healthcare leadership does not include dedicated finance or accounting courses, though it does introduce the topics in the required Quantitative Decision Tools (ITEC 3301) course.
What These Programs Have in Common
There are certain advantages that all our business programs share, and the BAAS in healthcare leadership and BBA in healthcare management are no exceptions.
Recognized Quality
Both programs are offered online through our AACSB-accredited College of Business. AACSB accreditation signifies that a college’s programs have undergone a rigorous peer-review process and have been verified as exemplifying the “highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, curriculum, and learner success.” Only 5% of business programs worldwide share this coveted designation. The University itself is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
A Flexible Learning Experience
Delivered in an asynchronous, 100% online format, our programs enable you to learn on your own schedule from just about anywhere in the world—from Athens, Georgia to Athens, Greece and beyond. You’ll find this especially advantageous if you have ongoing professional or personal obligations.
How to Choose the Right Program for You
You may already have a sense of the best program for you based on the differences discussed here, but two simple questions should help clarify your decision:
Coming into UT Permian Basin with an AAS? The BAAS in healthcare leadership is your program.
Want to build a broad healthcare business foundation as a UTPB freshman or transfer student? The BBA in healthcare management suits you best.
If you’re still uncertain which program you need, we recommend you speak with our online academic advisors, who are here to answer any questions you have and to help guide you toward the right decision.
Plentiful Job Prospects in Healthcare Leadership
Equipped with the applicable credentials and skills, you’ll be primed to take advantage of the tremendous growth that’s happening right now in healthcare leadership professions. Just look at what the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has to say on the subject:
The number of available medical and health services manager jobs is expected to grow by 28%—much faster than the average for all occupations—between 2021 and 2031. Offering a potential median annual salary of $101,340, these jobs include:
John Wainwright is a computer scientist and pioneer in the field of computer languages, but that’s not why he’s famous. On April 3, 1995, Wainwright ordered the book “Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies: Computer Models of the Fundamental Mechanisms of Thought” from a fledgling online bookseller. The book arrived with a packing slip that read “Thanks for shopping at Amazon.com!” Unbeknownst to Wainwright, he was the first non-employee customer of what would soon become the largest e-commerce company in the world.
E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, has grown and changed significantly since online retailers began opening their doors in the early 1990s. Back then, online shopping wasn’t a part of everyday life; it was as new and unfamiliar as email, instant messaging, and MP3 files. Let’s look back at the evolution of e-commerce and how it continues to shape our society.
The 1990s: Birth of the Web
The origins of e-commerce can be traced back to the 1948-49 Berlin Blockade, which saw West Germany ordering supplies using a system of electronic typewriters called telex. However, it wasn’t until the early 1970s that we began seeing innovations that would become staples of modern e-commerce, such as electronic funds transfer (EFT). At the time, e-commerce was little more than a convenient way to exchange documents within a company.
Everything changed with the introduction of the World Wide Web in 1991 and the web browser Mosaic, the precursor to Internet Explorer, two years later. These advancements provided the means for the public to search for and purchase products online. E-commerce transitioned to the internet soon after, and it wasn’t long before two of the world’s largest online retailers came on the scene: Amazon and eBay.
The Dot-Com Bubble
E-commerce exploded as internet service providers like AOL connected tens of millions of homes to the web. Excitement reached a fever pitch between 1998 and 2000 as investors poured money into internet startups. This era is known as the dot-com bubble, a period marked by many promising but ultimately unprofitable online companies. Notoriously, online fashion retailer Boo.com burned through $185 million in 18 months before going bankrupt. The bubble burst in 2000 but left behind a robust digital infrastructure that paved the way for modern e-commerce.
E-Commerce As We Know It Today
E-commerce sales worldwide amounted to over $4.9 trillion in 2021. By 2025, sales are expected to exceed $7 trillion. (Worldwide sales were a little over $1 trillion in the not-so-distant-past of 2014.) This explosive growth has been fueled by increased access to high-speed internet and the spread of smartphones, which are owned by over 5 billion people globally. Online shoppers, once at the mercy of dial-up connections, can now shop anywhere. They can roll over in the middle of the night, fumble for their phone in the dark, and place an order with a single click.
E-commerce is now a part of everyday life.
Amazon, Walmart, and eBay remain the largest e-commerce companies, but the way they conduct business is far more refined than it was in the early days of e-commerce. Websites are clean and responsive. Search engines make finding deals easy and even make recommendations based on a person’s search history. And customizable orders give buyers more options and more control over their online shopping experience than ever before.
Finding New Ways to Reach Buyers
This evolving ecosystem also offers new ways for companies to reach customers. Email, text message, social media, and influencer marketing campaigns are all normal facets of online retail marketing. Buyers are encouraged to leave reviews, opt into mailing lists, join loyalty programs, and post on social media, all to build an emotional connection between them and a brand. In this new ecosystem, there’s no right way but many possible ways to reach buyers, and they must all be accounted for if businesses are to thrive in this competitive environment.
Expand Your Knowledge of Digital Marketing
The evolution of e-commerce has led to an ecosystem where anyone can open an online shop and compete with leading retailers. Etsy is famous for its marketplace of one-of-a-kind items made by fledgling entrepreneurs. However, this diverse landscape of leading retailers and independent sellers means that any marketing strategy must be louder, bolder, and smarter to make an impact.
Earn an Online Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Marketing
UT Permian Basin’s College of Business offers an online undergraduate certificate in digital marketing. Accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), our online undergraduate certificate in digital marketing program will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to develop and implement brand, marketing, and social media campaigns.
In addition to exploring the many facets of e-commerce, our program looks at:
Digital Branding
E-Marketing
Digital Advertising
Digital Marketing Analytics
Social Media Marketing
This 12-credit certificate program can be completed in tandem with any of our undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs, such as our Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Attend UT Permian Basin online, and you’ll be able to enter the world of marketing with both a bachelor’s degree and an undergraduate certificate on your resume.
During the remainder of this decade, the U.S. healthcare industry is expected to undergo a tremendous expansion, with an anticipated growth rate of 16%. That translates to roughly 2.6 million new jobs in the U.S. alone. Globally, the healthcare market will have an estimated value of more than $300 billion by 2027 and exceed $665 billion before the end of the decade. A variety of factors impact the state of the industry, including aging populations; changes in insurance standards, regulations, and laws; increased competition; an evolving pandemic; and emerging medical technologies.
As a result of this rapid expansion, healthcare leaders will be in greater demand than ever before. Industry leaders will seek out individuals with the credentials and corresponding expertise to lead facilities, employees, and initiatives. This presents some promising career opportunities for professionals with the necessary qualifications and drive. It also presents the opportunity to make a much greater impact as a healthcare professional working in a non-medical role.
Healthcare Leadership Salaries and Job Growth
Here we review a pair of examples of management and leadership roles with generous salaries hovering around the six-figure mark and strong growth potential.
These professionals manage the multifaceted business end of healthcare organizations to enable medical professionals to deliver the highest quality of care.
Median earnings: $101,340 annually
Projected growth through 2030: 32%, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Vital to healthcare and numerous other industries, these professionals manage administrative employees, ensure the safety and compliance of their organizations, and supply them with all necessary materials and equipment.
Median earnings: $99,290 annually
Projected growth through 2030: 9%, or steady growth.
How to Build Your Healthcare Leadership Qualifications
The University of Texas Permian Basin is preparing future healthcare leaders to meet the demands of a booming healthcare industry. UTPB’s College of Business offers online bachelor’s degree programs that provide a firm foundation in general education disciplines complemented by essential courses focused on healthcare leadership. These bachelor’s degree programs will prepare you to take on coveted management and related roles in the industry:
As a healthcare manager, the decisions that you’ll make can impact the health of your patients, your community, and your organization. This AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)-accredited program will give you the foundation you need to confidently make the right choices for all of those who depend on your leadership in roles including:
Meet the needs of your patients, employees, and your organization with leadership-level financial aptitude and quantitative decision-making, budgeting, and resource allocation expertise. This program is ideal for AAS-degree holders in emergency medical services, nursing, radiology, and other healthcare-focused fields and will equip you to thrive in rewarding careers including:
Facility Director
Health Services Manager
Operations Manager
Practice Administrator
Project Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
Prepare for Your Healthcare Leadership Role Online
No matter which of our online healthcare bachelor’s degree programs you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy the flexibility of an asynchronous, 100% online format. That means you can complete coursework on your own schedule from just about anywhere in the world, without compromising your professional and personal commitments. No campus visits are required. However, you’ll still benefit from the expertise of our renowned faculty, as both programs are led by the same acclaimed educators who teach at our Odessa, Texas campus.
Fill the rapidly expanding need for healthcare leaders with an industry-respected credential from UT Permian Basin.
Businesses face various risks that can affect their operations, such as fluctuating energy prices or shifting regulations. To avoid falling victim to these potential challenges, it’s crucial to proactively manage them.
Energy companies that operate internationally or deal in global markets are exposed to exchange rate risks. The value of currencies can fluctuate, and such changes can affect the profitability of international transactions. For example, if an energy company in the U.S. buys oil priced in a foreign currency, a change in exchange rates could increase the cost of that oil. Hedging strategies and careful financial planning are often employed to mitigate this risk.
#3 Economic Uncertainty
Economic uncertainty can have a direct impact on energy prices, demand, and investments. Recessions, inflation, or changes in consumer spending can reduce the demand for energy. In turn, this can lead to lower prices or financial strain for energy companies. Economic instability can also lead to increased costs, particularly in sectors like energy, where infrastructure investments are necessary.
#4 Technological Innovation
While new technologies, like wind turbines and solar panels, offer potential for efficiency and cost savings, they also introduce risks, such as unexpected failures or the potential to disrupt traditional energy markets. Energy companies must manage the integration of new technology while ensuring reliability and cost-effectiveness.
#5 Portfolio Diversification
To manage risk, energy companies often diversify their portfolios, investing in a variety of energy sources (such as renewable energy, oil, and natural gas) and geographic regions. Diversification helps to spread the risk, so if one market or energy source experiences a downturn, other segments may offset the loss. This strategy helps ensure a more stable financial position.
#6 Natural/Environmental Concerns
Natural disasters and environmental challenges, such as climate change or pollution, can disrupt energy production and damage infrastructure. Companies must address environmental risks through sustainable practices and compliance with environmental regulations to minimize operational setbacks.
#7 Government Regulations
Energy companies must comply with government regulations that affect everything from pricing and taxes to environmental standards. Changes in policy or regulation can create financial or operational challenges, and failure to comply may result in penalties or legal issues.
The 3 Key Stages of Effective Energy Risk Management for Businesses
Taking appropriate steps toward decreasing or eliminating risks.
How to Build Expertise in Energy Risk Management: Top Graduate Programs to Consider
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers graduate-level online programs that can help you hone your expertise in energy management as you build broader skills and key credentials for a stronger career.
Online Master of Science in Energy Business
Developed specifically for energy business professionals, this 30-credit program leverages UT Permian Basin’s longstanding connection with the energy industry to provide a firm grounding in financial principles.
Our MS in energy business includes courses that examine risk management, including:
This new 30-credit program caters to one of the most sought-after business concentrations. Tailored toward training current and future executive managers, the MS in finance program includes a balanced and intuitive approach to areas of financial management including corporate financial strategy, investments and electives such as real estate and financial planning. This program also gives the students the ability to select energy classes as electives.
Our online Master of Science in Finance includes courses that explore risk management from corporate and energy perspectives:
Online Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance
This 33- to 42-credit program explores financial management in depth to help you develop career-critical operational acumen and leadership skills. A highly marketable degree, this MBA provides a strong financial management emphasis while also exploring accounting and investments.
Our online MBA in business administration with finance focus includes courses that explore risk management from energy industry and other perspectives:
Online Master of Business Administration with Certificate in Energy Business
This 36- to 45-credit program examines core business areas such as risk management, marketing, accounting, and finance analytics from general and energy industry viewpoints. Our MBA with Certificate in Energy Business boasts a stackable credential option, a unique advantage which enables you to simultaneously earn a Graduate Certificate in Energy Business. That’s two valuable graduate credentials you can complete in about the same amount of time it takes to finish the MBA on its own.
This online program includes courses that examine risk management, including:
The energy industry faces constant change, from shifting regulations to new technologies and environmental concerns. If you’re going to manage these risks, you’ll need specialized knowledge in finance, strategy, and energy markets. UT Permian Basin’s online graduate programs combine quality, flexibility, and affordability to help you build the expertise energy companies need right now.
Our programs hold AACSB accreditation, a distinction earned by only 5% of business programs worldwide. You can complete your master’s degree in as little as four semesters through our 100% online format. Study at your own pace from anywhere—no campus visits required. You can start in spring, summer, or fall and learn to forecast supply trends, navigate exchange rate risks, and integrate new technologies: the real-world skills that help energy businesses identify and address their biggest challenges.
Give your energy industry career a vital boost. Apply now to one of UT Permian Basin’s master’s degree programs.
Hospital bills that threaten to bankrupt families. Clinics struggling to keep their doors open. No matter which side of the exam table you’re on, healthcare costs are rising fast. Costs for everything from medical supplies to staff wages are on the rise—and it’s quickly adding up for hospitals and clinics around the country. In 2023…
Even before COVID sent millions of professionals home to work in their pajamas or athleisure, some companies offered work-from-home or hybrid options. Today, remote work has become increasingly popular with professionals: 97% of remote employees report wanting to work that way the rest of their careers. And fewer companies are posting office-only jobs. Currently, about…
Not all heroes wear capes. Sure, doctors and surgeons wear scrubs—the unofficial capes of modern medicine—but what about the people working behind the scenes? The ones making sure our hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems runs smoothly every day? They might not always get the glory, but they’re far from undervalued, especially in today’s job market….
Financial analysts provide essential financial guidance to businesses and individuals alike. Let’s examine some of the duties they perform to see why financial analysts are so highly valued and why it pays to pursue a career in this lucrative role.
Job Duties of a Financial Analyst
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the role of financial analysts is to “guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to attain profit.” Essentially, they assess the amount of money going out and coming in and recommend ways that their clients can spend less money and make more of it. Of course, they don’t just guess at these. Financial analysis is a data-driven field that relies on the use of specialized tools to identify historical and future financial trends. A financial analyst’s duties include:
Suggesting which investments their clients should make.
Monitoring business and economic trends.
Reviewing a client’s current and past financial situations.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a company’s leadership team.
Reporting their findings to clients.
Financial analysts are highly valued because their expertise can guide clients toward greater profitability. They often use data gleaned from accountants and may themselves have an accounting background, but the two jobs are not identical. Financial analysts take a broader look at the financial picture, concentrating their attention on trends to determine a specific financial direction, while accountants tend to focus on their clients’ or employers’ daily financial data.
Rewards and Opportunities for Financial Analysts
According to the BLS, median annual pay for financial analysts in 2021 was $81,410. Future job growth is expected to be steady, with approximately 41,000 financial analyst jobs to be added annually in the United States from 2020 to 2030. Opportunities for those possessing the desired skills and credentials will be plentiful.
Employers prefer to hire or promote financial analysts who have a master’s degree. A graduate degree not only helps a candidate stand out from the competition but also enables them to enjoy higher compensation and employment rates. The BLS reports that master’s degree holders earn about 18% more than those whose highest education credential is a bachelor’s degree. Further, master’s degree holders are more likely to be employed than those who hold an undergraduate degree alone. A Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance can help a financial analyst establish a more satisfying, successful career!
Why Earning an MBA in Finance Online Makes Good Financial Sense
If you want to pursue a career as a financial analyst, you’ll need solid credentials. UT Permian Basin’s online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance comes highly recommended. This convenient online UTPB program is offered through our AACSB-accredited College of Business, a revered distinction shared by only 5% of business programs worldwide and awarded after a rigorous peer-review process that ensures accredited business schools “meet the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, curriculum, and learner success.” Recognized internationally for its university rankings, U.S. News & World Report also named our MBA program among its “10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs” in 2022.
When you consider our online program’s prominent accolades, competitive tuition rate, and professional benefits, it’s clear that an MBA in finance from UTPB may be the wisest investment you can make in your financial analyst or related career. But the advantages don’t stop there.
Terminally Qualified Faculty and Curriculum
The faculty of our online MBA with a concentration in finance is made up of distinguished doctoral-level business professionals—the same accomplished business veterans who teach an identical high-quality curriculum at our Odessa, TX campus. With their guidance, you’ll master critical financial management skills that will empower you to:
Evaluate and interpret many forms of financial information.
Think strategically.
Navigate various facets of investment, accounting, and economics.
Make ethical choices for a corporate entity.
Apply your expertise in numerous professional roles.
A Program That Works on Your Schedule
Our MBA in finance program is delivered in a 100% online, asynchronous format that offers tremendous flexibility for busy individuals in any stage of their career. You can access and complete coursework 24/7 from virtually any location on the planet. Earning a career-enhancing MBA need not interfere with your current professional responsibilities or personal commitments.
Need some time before beginning your master’s degree? You can choose from six start dates throughout the year. And once you commence your studies, you can finish your degree and add a respected MBA in finance to your resume in as little as 15 months.
If you’re considering earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA), you may already be aware that adding an MBA to your resume can be a career-defining accomplishment. But what does that mean in terms of real-world benefits?
If you’re earning an MBA from The University of Texas Permian Basin online, we can confirm that there are many benefits for your career and beyond. Below we’ll discuss seven of the most compelling reasons aspiring business leaders should consider applying to UTPB’s online MBA program.
Accreditation
When it comes to the quality of a university program, accreditation matters. For business schools, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is widely recognized as the preeminent accrediting body. The AACSB’s website defines AACSB accreditation as signifying “a business school’s commitment to strategic management, learner success, thought leadership, and societal impact.” Only 5% of business programs worldwide are awarded AACSB accreditation, which speaks to the high standards and discerning nature of the organization. UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program is offered through our AACSB-accredited College of Business, so you know you’re going to get a quality education that employers respect.
Affordability
UTPB strives to keep tuition for our programs competitive so that a life-changing education can remain accessible. In fact, we’ve been recognized publicly for our affordability. U.S. News & World Report included our MBA program on its “10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs” list for 2022. In addition, our online program saves you the costs associated with commuting, such as gas, tolls, and parking permits.
Significant Career Potential
“An MBA … is a smart choice for someone who aspires to become a C-suite executive overseeing multiple divisions of a business,” MBA and marketing agency founder Laura Troyani told U.S. News & World Report. With business leadership roles come not only greater responsibilities but the potential for higher compensation and better job security. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirms that master’s degree holders earn about 18% more than those who hold a bachelor’s degree alone. Further, the same BLS report reveals master’s degree holders have higher employment rates.
Having an MBA on your resume can enable you to pursue a variety of rewarding career paths, including:
Our online MBA is an accelerated program composed primarily of eight-week courses. Plan out your semesters ahead of time with the help of your UTPB academic advisor and you can complete this distinguished online master’s degree in as little as one year. We also allow you to start your program any semester of the year. You don’t have to wait until fall to begin as you may be required to do with some other programs!
Unequaled Convenience
Designed with the busy professional in mind, our online MBA program enables you to earn your degree at your own pace. You can keep up with any work and personal commitments you may have while completing your MBA coursework from just about any location in the world, 24/7. The 100% online, asynchronous format of our program is what makes this possible.
Broad Expertise
An MBA is sometimes referred to as a generalist degree, meaning it encompasses a wide range of business specializations. When you earn your MBA online from UT Permian Basin, you’ll build vital negotiation, strategy, and other leadership skills as you expand your expertise in areas including:
Management
Accounting
Energy Business
Finance
Marketing
Analytics
International Business
Equipped with this broad business knowledge, you’ll have the “big picture” perspective needed to lead an organization.
Abundant Networking Opportunities
In business leadership or in just about any career, networking is a key element for success. The ability to meet and converse with like-minded professionals can yield more plentiful employment and partnership opportunities for you. While there are no campus visits required in our online MBA program, you’ll enjoy rich engagement and collaboration with classmates and faculty alike through a variety of interactive online tools that facilitate networking. In addition, you can stay connected to your classmates and school community through UTPB’s alumni network and Texas Exes, the alumni network for the entire University of Texas System.
Experience the benefits of earning an online MBA from UT Permian Basin for yourself! Apply here.
If you’re thinking about becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), there’s more to it than just passing the exam. Each state has its own specific path to licensure, including education, testing, and experience requirements.
The good news? Texas doesn’t require U.S. citizenship or even in-state residency to become a CPA. That means you can live almost anywhere and still qualify—unlike some states with stricter requirements.
So, if you’re ready to take the first step toward a respected and rewarding career in accounting, here’s exactly how to become a CPA in Texas.
#1 Complete Your CPA Education Requirements in Texas
In Texas, you must earn an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA). You must also complete at least 150 semester hours of courses approved by the TSBPA, which includes several other semester hour requirements, before you can apply to take the CPA exam.
#2 Pass All Four Sections of the CPA Exam
The next step in becoming a CPA in Texas is to study for and pass the CPA exam. As of 2024, the exam consists of four parts, each lasting four hours. Though some changes are made nearly every year to the exam, significant changes were made in 2024. Now, all people taking the exam must pass three core sections and choose from one of the following three discipline sections:
Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): This discipline is ideal for those interested in financial analysis, reporting, and data interpretation.
Information Systems and Controls (ISC): This option is best for CPAs who want to work at the intersection of accounting and technology.
Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): A strong fit for those drawn to tax preparation, planning, and strategy, this discipline focuses on individual and business taxation and ethics.
One important fact to note is that the CPA exam is in a uniform format, meaning the content and structure are the same exam from state to state, though requirements do vary by jurisdiction, such as work experience, education, and residency. In addition, passing this exam is a major step toward becoming a CPA, but it doesn’t make you a licensed CPA.
#3 Meet Licensure Requirements and Apply
Texas CPA licensure requirements include working under the guidance of a CPA for one year and passing a TSBPA-mandated professional conduct exam. Though there is extra effort involved in becoming a licensed CPA, the advantages are considerable. Licensed CPAs earn up to 15% more than other accountants. CPA is a widely respected title and having it on your resume can help you stand out among other employment candidates.
Pursue a Texas-Based Education for Your Texas CPA Career
As we’ve discussed, education is the first step on the path to becoming a CPA. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited College of Business offers 100% online programs that provide the foundation you’ll need to enter this rewarding field. Each online course features the same curriculum used in our campus-based courses and is led by the same acclaimed faculty and CPAs. Your program choice will depend on your current education level.
Haven’t Earned a Bachelor’s Degree? Start Here.
A bachelor’s degree is usually a minimum requirement to be hired as an accountant. Our online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting can prepare you for an accounting position or an associated position. During our program, you’ll learn how to use the tools required to evaluate and remedy accounting issues affecting energy, government/non-profit, healthcare, and other specialized sectors critical to our economy.
Recently Earned a Bachelor’s Degree? Start Here.
Our online Master of Professional Accountancy program offers courses covering all of the topics required for CPA certification in Texas. Adding this degree to your resume can give you an advantage in your job search. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some employers give preferential treatment to job candidates holding a master’s degree in accounting. You may be able to complete this highly valued degree in as little as one year.
Experience Flexible Online Learning for Your CPA Career
The 100% online, asynchronous format of both programs makes earning your degree a flexible experience. If you’ve got adequate internet access, you’ve got program access! You can complete coursework on your own schedule from practically any location in the world. This is especially beneficial if you have ongoing professional and/or personal commitments. Whether you live in Tennessee or Tasmania, state board requirements and our online program format mean geography needn’t stop you from becoming a Texas CPA.
Begin your path to becoming a Texas CPA by earning an online degree from UTPB!
In recent decades, accounting has unfortunately become synonymous with scandal in the world of big business. While the vast majority of companies use legal and ethical accounting practices, many of those involved in scandals are or were major players with household names. This cast an unfortunate shadow over a very important and legitimate profession. What causes accounting scandals? Greed is a factor, though…
In the modern business enterprise, accountants are expected to understand data analytics, forensic accounting, and risk management, among other highly sought-after skills. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies—like the software used to track financial transactions—can make accountants’ lives easier, but with each passing year, these technologies are taking over an increasing number of accounting tasks from trained…
It’s tax season. Your spreadsheets are a mess, your coffee’s cold, and it’s month-end close—again. Enter blockchain technology: a secure system that delivers real-time updates, lets you safely share data … and makes your job much easier in the process. Not exactly sure what blockchain is? Don’t worry! You’re in the right place. Let’s break…
The multifaceted energy industry is growing by the day. The Permian Basin has been setting records for crude oil production. At the same time, the green energy economy is expanding rapidly, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) reporting that renewable capacity is on pace to “[account] for almost 95% of the increase in global power capacity through 2026.” It’s fair to say that in a bustling and dynamic field like energy, managers have many responsibilities to meet, and the need for well-trained managers in this field will continue to grow. Let’s learn more about these managers now.
What Energy Industry Managers Do
Manager is a broad term that can refer to many different roles in energy or in any industry. Energy managers may oversee day-to-day operations from a headquarters, work at production sites, or be responsible for procuring new business. While the specifics of this role will vary depending on the organization you work for, we’ve summarized some typical duties below. Many of these will apply to more than one type of management role, while others are more focused in scope.
According to multiple online employment resources, on any given day, energy managers might be called upon to:
Ensure energy production goals are met.
Find ways to increase energy production.
Verify that personnel are following established safety protocols.
Secure contracts with various vendors, clients, municipalities, etc.
Perform energy market analysis.
Career Potential for Managers in the Energy Industry
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many management roles include the potential for salaries of up to six figures. In addition, some coveted positions are expected to experience steady to above-average growth between 2020 and 2030. Take these examples from the BLS website:
Pathways to an Energy Industry Management Position
If you’d like to move up within your current organization, additional levels of training and education are often required. If you’re pursuing a new position, having a specialized graduate credential on your resume can distinguish you from other candidates. UT Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited College of Business offers two online graduate-level credentials that can help you advance your energy career:
The prestige of an MBA can elevate virtually any business career. Our program explores key areas including finance, marketing, accounting, analytics, and risk management from general business and energy industry perspectives. It also offers a stackable credential option. Choose energy specialty courses to earn a companion credential, a Graduate Certificate in Energy Business, in about the same time it would take to finish your MBA alone—as little as four semesters! When you’re finished, you’ll add two valued graduate credentials to your resume. BLS data shows that master’s degree holders earn nearly 20% more than bachelor’s degree holders.
If you’re not ready to start a master’s degree program but have already earned a bachelor’s degree, a stand-alone Graduate Certificate in Energy Business enables you to quickly acquire new professional skills and credentials. This 12-credit, four-course program complements your existing business expertise with specialized energy business knowledge. You can earn your certificate in as little as two semesters.
Programs That Work on Your Schedule
Our energy business MBA and graduate certificate programs are delivered asynchronously, allowing you to conduct your studies from virtually any location, 24/7. You won’t find a more convenient educational opportunity. Both programs are built on a robust curriculum and taught by acclaimed UT Permian Basin faculty, translating the quality you expect from a UTPB program to the online format.
Discover firsthand what it’s like to be a successful manager in the energy industry! Our online energy business graduate programs provide the skills and credentials you need.
A Master of Business Administration brings with it tremendous prestige and countless potential career benefits. That’s why so many degree holders take pride in saying, “I’m an MBA.” It’s a degree that can define your professional expertise and underscores your dedication to reaching higher. For many professionals, a graduate degree is a pathway to coveted leadership roles within their current company or with a prospective employer.
Arguably the most valued business credential, an MBA doesn’t just come in one “flavor.” There are concentrations or specializations within business that are often the foundation of an MBA program. With different programs available, and a more rewarding career awaiting you, determining which program you want to join is often easier said than done.
Picking an MBA concentration begins with asking yourself a few questions:
What are your areas of interest?
Finance? Accounting? Marketing? If you’re unsure, a general MBA, which examines all the aspects of business, may be your best bet. If you start a general MBA program and then realize you want to switch to another concentration, you can do so by completing a Graduate Change of Program Request. Many of the core courses are the same across UT Permian Basin’s online MBA programs, so you may be able to keep the credits you’ve already earned toward the degree.
No matter which concentration you choose, the commonalities among our MBA programs will give you a comprehensive understanding of how today’s business world operates. Business is becoming increasingly data driven, with analytics applications providing data that enables managers to make informed business decisions. Each one of our MBA programs has an analytics course as part of its curriculum. Another integral part of that curriculum is International Business, which addresses the complexities of conducting business in our global marketplace. All successful business professionals must have a firm grounding in these topics.
If you’re already interested in a specific area of business before applying to one of our MBA programs, you’ll probably want to choose the program with that concentration. However, there’s another question you may want to ask yourself first:
Where is the demand in the business world?
Factors like demand and compensation for professionals with specialized MBA degrees merit consideration as part of your MBA decision-making process. Consider information published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) regarding projected growth from 2020 to 2030 in a few MBA-related job sectors:
Jobs for market research analysts will grow by 22%, or 163,600 jobs—much faster than the average for all occupations. Concentration: Marketing
Jobs for financial managers will grow by 17%—much faster than the average for all occupations—with a median annual salary of $131,710. Concentration: Finance or Energy Business
Marketing managers will experience 10% growth with a median annual salary of $133,380. Concentration: Marketing
Jobs for accountants and auditors will experience a steady 7% growth rate, or close to 100,000 jobs. Concentration: Accounting
UT Permian Basin’s Online MBA Programs
UT Permian Basin offers five online MBAs, four of which feature concentrations that enable you to focus on an area of interest:
You can complete this 36-45-credit program in as little as four semesters and add two respected credentials to your resume.
Benefits of Our Online MBA Programs
Regardless of which MBA program you decide upon, you’ll be able to enjoy many of the same benefits during your studies and beyond. These include:
AACSB Accreditation
When you choose UT Permian Basin for your MBA, you can be sure you’ll get a top-quality education. Our College of Business’ business administration programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). A designation shared by only 5% of business programs worldwide, AACSB accreditation is your assurance that our program was founded on and maintains the highest academic standards.
Online Convenience
UT Permian Basin’s online programs offer unmatched convenience and flexibility. The online format enables you to complete coursework on your own schedule, 24/7, from just about any location in the world. Your professional and personal commitments need no longer keep you from going back to school for a graduate degree.
Affordability
UT Permian Basin is widely acknowledged as having some of the most affordable tuition rates among accredited higher education institutions.
Higher Salary and Employment Potential
According to the BLS, master’s degree holders earn almost 20% more than those who have only a bachelor’s degree. In addition, the BLS reports that individuals who’ve attained higher levels of education are also more likely to stay employed. It can literally pay to have an MBA!