The Healthcare Industry Boom: Why Healthcare Leaders Are Needed More Than Ever
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.
When you hear the word “accountant,” who comes to mind? Someone balancing spreadsheets and filing taxes? If so, you’re on the right track. But there’s more to it. Within the field of accounting, one credential stands apart: the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). While both accountants and CPAs manage finances, advise clients, and ensure the accuracy…
Picture this: You’re a junior accountant, and your manager asks you to tweak a report to make the numbers look better. The request sounds harmless enough—just a small tweak—but you know it’s not above board. Now you’re stuck. Do you follow orders and risk crossing an ethical line, or do you push back and risk…
Video calls. Robot vacuums. Voice assistants. Thirty years ago, we only saw this technology in cinema or on TV. Today, they’re billion-dollar industries. Many of the technologies now reshaping how we live and work first appeared in movies or on TV. While most viewers were happy to lose themselves in the narrative, an enterprising few…
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 2 to 4 years.
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!
Women hold only 8.2% of CEO positions at large corporations, despite making up half of the population. But don’t let that get you down. Women are making strides in the business world. We have a long way to go until female entrepreneurs are on equal footing with their male counterparts, but there are an increasing…
From tax evasion to money laundering, when it comes to unraveling financial mysteries, forensic accountants are the unsung superheroes. Combining their investigative and problem-solving skills with their prowess in data analysis, they’re able to solve the seemingly unsolvable. But how do they do it—and what do they do, exactly? Today, we’re doing a little sleuthing…
It might feel like just yesterday that the CPA exam was made up of four fixed sections, offering little flexibility for your individual career goals or interests. But the exam has gone through some major updates in recent years. From new licensure paths and continuous testing windows to ongoing format tweaks, the 2025 CPA Exam…
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!
No one likes to admit it, but we’ve all been drawn into purchasing a product or service by the subtle techniques advertisers use. Most of the time you may not even be aware of these efforts, but many of these tricks have been around for years and transitioned seamlessly from traditional advertising into the digital realm. Some, however, have been created specifically for digital platforms. Here are seven examples that may sound familiar to you:
Trick #1: Make You Believe in Ghosts
Have you ever been astonished by the number of followers a brand has on social media? To generate interest, some companies have created ghost followers—primarily fake accounts or bots—that deceptively drive up their follower numbers. This is done to make a brand seem more popular than it is. It’s human nature to be curious about something that’s popular, so those high numbers may draw your attention—and even make you a follower. It should be noted that social media platforms have banned such deceptive tactics.
Trick #2: Get You to Work for Them for Free
When products become “hot,” sometimes their brand identity follows suit. While you may wear Nike shoes because you find them comfortable for walking and running, you may also want others to know that you’re wearing them. Companies often make that easy to do, with large, distinctive logos that are immediately recognizable. When you’re so enamored with a brand that you’ll also wear a t-shirt featuring their name and logo, the company has achieved an advertising goal. Congratulations, you’re a walking billboard for them. You’re providing a service that they also pay ad agencies a lot of money for—but don’t expect a paycheck!
Trick #3: Make You Confuse Advertising for Entertainment
One way TV advertisers get you to pay attention is to tie their content in with content you’re already watching, e.g., the Super Bowl. Football- or sports-themed commercials featuring superstar athletes make the commercials seamlessly blend with the game and keep you in your seat. Advertisers logically surmise that, if you’re watching the game, you have an affinity for sports. Companies that market children’s products also commonly make their TV spots resemble the programming during which they air, e.g., animated shows.
Trick #4: Display a Price and Immediately Lower It
You see it inside apps, on web pages, in emails, and on the direct snail mail that arrives in your mailbox. The price says “$400,” but it’s crossed out. Underneath it, another lower price, “$299” for example, is displayed. That is ostensibly a good deal, but it may compel you to purchase something you didn’t want or to pay a higher price than you’d planned (say, $250 max) for the same product. Often, what the advertiser has done is artificially inflate the price up front to make the actual price they’ll charge you seem irresistible.
Trick #5: Manipulate Numbers to Manipulate You
There may be another reason behind this $299 price tag. The company marketing this product or service may have originally planned to charge you $300 but brought it down to $299 to make their price more appealing. When an item costs hundreds of dollars, does one dollar really make that big of a difference with consumers? Many times, the answer is yes. Seeing a price of $299 moves the product from the $300 range to the $200 range in the mind of the consumer. It’s instantly much cheaper! In actuality, it’s not, but that’s human psychology. The same tactic is used in grocery stores daily, often in the cent range rather than the dollar range, e.g., a can of peas for $0.99.
Trick #6: Use “Experts” to Get You to Buy Something
That man in a lab coat trying to recommend a pain reliever for you is probably an actor or a model, not a doctor, unless the ad specifies otherwise. You may see that same “doctor” appear minus the lab coat in stock photography libraries.
Trick #7: Gain Your Interest in Products That Don’t Exist
Discover all of today’s advertising and marketing tricks through UT Permian Basin’s online programs. Our AACSB-accredited College of Business offers two online undergraduate credentials that can launch your marketing career or propel it to new heights. Both programs are presented in a flexible online format that enables you to complete coursework on your own schedule from just about anywhere. No campus visits are required. Choose from:
You don’t need to love spreadsheets to succeed in accounting (but it does help). Behind every balance sheet and tax return, however, is a professional who’s strategic, detail-oriented, and trusted to keep finances on track.
So, what makes a great accountant? Whether you’re aiming for the CPA exam or stepping into business finance, here are the top six skills that can shape a thriving accounting career.
#1 Tech-Savvy Accounting Tools & Platforms
Modern accounting has moved far beyond pen, paper, and calculators. Today’s professionals rely on powerful, computer-based accounting systems and specialized software to manage everything from data entry and reporting to auditing and forecasting.
Cloud accounting, in particular, is transforming how firms operate—offering real-time access to financial data, increased collaboration, and enhanced security. To stay competitive in the field, accountants must be comfortable adopting new technologies that drive accuracy, efficiency, and insight.
#2 Strategic Business Insight
Accountants working within organizations need more than number-crunching skills. They need a clear understanding of how the business operates as a whole.
As cross-functional collaboration becomes more common, employers increasingly expect accountants to communicate with multiple departments and align their financial expertise with broader organizational goals. A strong grasp of overall business strategy gives accountants the insights to support smarter decision-making across the company.
#3 Sector-Specific Accounting Expertise
Accountants who wish to work in a specific field such as healthcare or residential housing may increase their employment potential by expanding their expertise through courses focused on that particular field.
For instance, within each sector, there are distinct financial regulations, reporting standards, and challenges. Specialized knowledge allows accountants to deliver more accurate and strategic guidance. This added layer of expertise not only makes you more marketable but can also position you as a valuable, niche expert in your field.
#4 Problem-Solving
When problems arise, whether they’re regulatory concerns for a business or a complex tax scenario, accountants must be able to think on their feet and devise effective, timely solutions. Strong problem-solving skills don’t just prevent mistakes; they build trust and long-term value.
#5 Time Management
Accountants juggle multiple priorities on any given day, and during peak times like tax season, their calendars can feel like a high-stakes game of Tetris.
Strong time management skills are essential for several reasons, including:
Staying organized
Meeting strict deadlines
Keeping projects moving without compromising accuracy.
Falling behind can lead to missed filings, reporting errors, or unhappy clients, so the ability to prioritize and plan effectively is key to thriving in this fast-paced profession.
#6 Clear and Effective Financial Communication
Accounting may be rooted in numbers, but success in the field also depends on how well you communicate them. Whether you’re explaining a tax issue to a client or presenting a budget forecast to leadership, the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, understandable language is critical. Strong written and verbal communication builds trust, reduces confusion, and ensures that clients and colleagues can act confidently on your advice—even if they’ve never opened a spreadsheet in their life.
How to Build These Skills: Online Accounting Degree Options
If you’re ready to turn these essential skills into a lasting career, the right education can make all the difference. The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for aspiring accountants through our AACSB-accredited College of Business. These skill-driven programs prepare you for numerous rewarding roles within the accounting profession.
Where available, we’ve provided earnings information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for careers associated with these degrees below.
BBA in Accounting Haven’t earned your bachelor’s yet? Our online BBA in Accounting is a smart first step.
Our program provides the foundational skills to analyze and resolve accounting problems within specialized areas, including healthcare, governmental and non-profit organizations, energy, and other important sectors of the economy using the latest tools.
Our program gives you the flexibility to choose from one of two tracks to align with your professional aspirations:
The CPA track is intended for students who intend to pursue a public accounting career.
The non-CPA track consists of general accounting studies and is designed for students who wish to work in a related business role.
Many students complete our accounting MBA program in as little as four semesters and go on to work in a variety of careers. Potential career paths include financial manager (BLS annual earnings estimate: $161,700) and financial analyst (BLS annual earnings estimate: $101,910). Having a master’s degree can also help you compete for leadership positions.
Master of Professional Accountancy If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree and are certain you want to achieve CPA certification, our online Master of Professional Accountancy is your program. Online courses cover all the CPA exam topics, making it essential for exam preparation.
Many students finish our professional accountancy master’s program in 2 to 4 years and graduate with the potential to become a certified public accountant (BLS annual earnings estimate: $81,680) or even chief financial officer (BLS annual earnings estimate: $105,350). According to the BLS, some employers prefer candidates who’ve earned a master’s degree, and with the added credential of a CPA license, there’s no telling where your career can take you.
Earn Your Degree, On Your Terms
Each of our online accounting degree programs features the same curriculum as its campus-based version and is taught by the same distinguished faculty and CPAs.
Our programs are delivered asynchronously, which enables you to complete coursework on your own schedule, around any professional or personal responsibilities you might have. And since they’re presented online, you can access our programs from any location in the world with internet access. Distance is never a barrier to you earning an accounting degree from UT Permian Basin.
Learn the skills you need to succeed as an accountant or in a related field with a respected degree from UTPB!
When you hear the word “accountant,” who comes to mind? Someone balancing spreadsheets and filing taxes? If so, you’re on the right track. But there’s more to it. Within the field of accounting, one credential stands apart: the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). While both accountants and CPAs manage finances, advise clients, and ensure the accuracy…
Picture this: You’re a junior accountant, and your manager asks you to tweak a report to make the numbers look better. The request sounds harmless enough—just a small tweak—but you know it’s not above board. Now you’re stuck. Do you follow orders and risk crossing an ethical line, or do you push back and risk…
You’ve always been an analytical thinker. A problem solver. Maybe a math whiz, too. There’s a career that matches your strengths. Certified Public Accountants—or CPAs—excel in these qualities. Let’s explore why a CPA is no ordinary accountant and what it takes to become one. Want to Be a CPA? Here’s What You Need to Know …
What does the year ahead hold for marketing? For starters, some changes spurred by the pandemic and others born from technological and/or sociological evolution. Let’s look at a few anticipated marketing trends for 2022 now:
Tossing the Cookies
Cookies have always left a bad taste in the mouths of some internet users who didn’t appreciate being “followed” around the internet. Google is removing third-party tracking cookies from its Chrome browser in 2023 (postponed from 2022) and doesn’t plan to replace them with an alternate feature. Other major web browsers have already banned these cookies, which track users from website to website and deliver ads that align with users’ interests based on those sites. The new 2023 target date means marketers will spend a good portion of 2022 ramping up alternative tactics such as first-party cookies, which eliminate privacy concerns by enabling users to opt in.
Offering Artificial Assistance for Real People
The use of artificial intelligence in the customer service experience is on the rise. This shift doesn’t replace customer service agents, but rather helps them complete their jobs more efficiently.
Sticking (Mostly) to Virtual Events
Webinars and other types of virtual events have been around for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic helped illustrate the value and cost-savings of these events. Individuals and organizations can save significant money on airfare, lodging, rental space, and other costs related to holding in-person events when a virtual option is feasible. With some people preferring in-person events and others opting for virtual attendance, marketers can please both audiences by holding hybrid events.
Shrinking Influence
While using influencers for marketing is not new, their price tag and credibility have come under increasing scrutiny. Many marketers are considering moving to micro-influencers whose follower bases are more compact but typically very loyal.
Making a Difference With Nonprofits
Philanthropy is becoming increasingly important to consumers. Marketers are taking note of this trend and aligning their efforts with organizations and causes that matter to their targeted consumers.
Moving From a Funnel to a Flywheel
The traditional “sales funnel” approach, which focuses on getting individual customers through the sales cycle, is being replaced by a reengagement model known as Flywheel, which puts more value on keeping customers once they are acquired.
Posting More Shorts
With short-form video finishing out 2021 as a major attraction for social media users, marketers are expected to increase their video content output.
Becoming More Inclusive
Marketing efforts will more clearly speak to multiple demographics in an increasingly diverse consumer pool.
Stay Ahead of Marketing Trends Through Online Learning
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited College of Business offers two online programs that can keep you abreast of the latest marketing trends and position you to prosper in a related career:
Today’s marketing is data driven. When you earn an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from UT Permian Basin, you’ll look at data about consumer behavior and demographics to help you develop targeted, effective marketing strategies. Our undergraduate degree prepares you to market a product or service using traditional (direct mail, print ads, broadcast media, etc.) and digital (social media, email, SEO, influencer) channels. Along the way, you’ll hone communication and strategic thinking skills that can help you excel in many professional roles.
Digital or internet-based marketing has become essential to the success of just about every organization. Compared to most traditional marketing methods, digital marketing can save an enterprise money, hit the public eye more quickly, and target a specific audience more easily. To meet the growing need for digital marketing proficiency among today’s business and marketing professionals, UT Permian Basin has developed a 12-credit online, undergraduate digital marketing certificate program. As a student, you’ll explore digital marketing’s unique advantages and learn how to use the latest tools of the trade.
Add Two Career-Enhancing Credentials to Your Resume
All the courses that comprise our stand-alone digital marketing certificate are also available as electives for the BBA in marketing degree. Choose your electives carefully and you can earn both the certificate and the degree in the same amount of time it takes to complete just the degree! You can then apply that combined expertise in many marketing specialties, including:
Brand management
Digital marketing/social media marketing
Marketing research
Product management
Sales management
Advertising & promotion
Earn Your Credentials on Your Schedule
Our BBA in marketing degree and digital marketing certificate are delivered in a 100% online, asynchronous format that enables you to complete coursework at your own pace from practically anywhere in the world. We offer the flexibility to earn important education credentials as you continue to meet your professional and personal obligations. You can finish most individual courses in just eight weeks!
UT Permian Basin’s online marketing programs prepare you to be a successful marketer no matter what trends may lie ahead. Apply today!