Adult Learners: The Benefits of Going Back to School

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

As an adult learner going back to school to earn a degree or to add to your credentials, you open new doors no matter what stage of life or career you鈥檙e in. At the same time, you might feel anxiety. You likely have more responsibilities, demands on your time, and financial pressures than you did when you were younger. As an adult learner, you might feel out of place on听campus.

That said, the numbers tell a story of real value in lifelong learning. Going back to school to earn a degree can help you advance in your profession, successfully change careers, or have the know-how you need to succeed in starting your own business. Adult learners saw up to a in their annual salaries, with the average annual gain being $7,500 a year over听peers.

If you鈥檙e thinking of your next steps, it鈥檚 never too late. Many universities offer online, hybrid, and executive track degree and certificate programs. Here are some reasons to consider going back to school to earn your degree as an adult听learner.

Higher Earning Power

Earning a degree pays off. According to a report by the , full-time, full-year workers with an associate degree earn $400,000 more over their careers than those with just a high school diploma. At $2.8 million in median lifetime earnings, workers with bachelor鈥檚 degrees can expect to pull in 75% more than their high school graduate counterparts. And master鈥檚 degree holders tack on another $400,000 with $3.2 million in median lifetime earnings, doubling the career earnings of full-time workers with only a high school听education.

Median lifetime earnings by education level from Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce

Advancement Within Your Current Career

Measuring your increased earning power is only part of the story when it comes to the value of going back to school. Adult learners tend to earn a degree or certificate for a specific career purpose that may not be measurable in income. Advancing to a higher role, making an advantageous lateral move, or adding to your job responsibilities in a rewarding way are other reasons why adult learners return to听campus.

Changing Careers

When you earn a degree, you establish your credibility in a new career area, increasing your chances of getting hired. As an adult learner, going back to school shows your commitment and enthusiasm for a new career path. Beyond a career change, if you are starting a new business, you can earn a degree and acquire valuable knowledge, experience, and network contacts to enhance your chances of听success.

Networking Opportunities

As an adult learner going back to school to earn a degree, you can open important doors for your next career steps. Professors act as mentors as much as instructors; they can connect you with industry contacts and opportunities. Many degree programs include career services and job-finding resources. You may be able to join professional associations at a discount. Alumni networks can also help you pivot careers or move forward in your current field. Some degree programs offer collaborative projects, mentorship opportunities, and internships that give you access to professional听communities.

Personal Fulfillment

As an adult learner, you鈥檙e more likely to have the maturity and life experience to take full advantage of a degree or certificate program. Beyond career advancement and earning potential, many adult learners report enjoying the intellectual challenge, the inspiration of pursuing a long-held passion, and the pride of achieving a goal. The personal growth and sense of satisfaction you can feel when you earn a degree is every bit as important as the financial and professional advancement it听affords.

Expanding Your Worldview

When you earn a degree or certificate, you expose yourself to new ideas, diverse perspectives, alternative ways of thinking, and exciting challenges. You interact with professors and classmates with different backgrounds and experiences. How you approach problems and make decisions will be enriched by your interactions in the classroom and with your academic community鈥攐n campus and听online.

Start the Next Step in听Your Career with听Excelsior

杏吧原创 has been serving adult learners for more than 50 years. We understand going back to school is a balancing act. That鈥檚 why our programs have flexible options, including eight-week and 15-week formats, as well as 100% online and hybrid learning formats. A generous transfer credit policy helps you earn your degree faster, taking into account previous coursework, military training, various certifications, and professional experience. We also offer financial aid, including scholarships and grants. With more than 40 degree and certificate programs in areas of study like business, health care, technology, and liberal arts, Excelsior is here to support your next steps and fulfill your听aspirations.

Alongside flexible degree options, Excelsior also supports adult learners through Career Readiness services that help connect education to meaningful career progress. Students receive career coaching, resume and interview support, employer webinars, and practical strategies for building professional connections. Whether you鈥檙e looking to advance in your current role, pivot into a new field, or reenter the workforce with confidence, Career Readiness provides the tools and guidance to support your next step.

Ready for more in your career and your life? Read more about tips for returning to college or contact our friendly admissions counselors to find out which 杏吧原创 degree program is right for听you.

Review and contribution by Camille Dumont.

Christopher听Alan Hirschler听elected as 杏吧原创 Alumni Leadership Council听first听vice president听

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

杏吧原创 Alumni Leadership Council first vice president Christopher Alan Hirschler

ALBANY, N.Y. 听鈥� 杏吧原创 today announced the election of听Christopher听Alan Hirschler听to the position of Alumni Leadership Council (ALC)听first听vice president.听In听his听leadership role with the 12-member council,听Hirschler听will help guide initiatives in alumni engagement and outreach, strengthen the network of听more than 200,000听Excelsior graduates, and act as听an听official representative of the University over the course of听his听term.听听

Hirschler, B.S. 鈥�98, of Sheffield Village, Ohio, is the dean of the Health and Wellness Sciences Division at Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio. Hirschler is also a听faculty member听at听杏吧原创. He is passionate about student success and encouraging alums to give back to their institution. Hirschler serves on several boards, and he is the author of听numerous听publications听and journal articles.听In addition to his 1998 Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from 杏吧原创 (then Regents College), he earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from SUNY Brockport and a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education from Cleveland State University. He holds the Master Certified Education Specialist credential and has earned certificates from Harvard, Yale, and Cornell.听听听

鈥淚 am truly excited to serve on the Alumni Leadership Council and to continue giving back to 杏吧原创 in this new way,鈥� said听Hirschler. 鈥淓xcelsior has had a profoundly positive impact on my professional听journey, and听serving alongside ALC members who听demonstrate听such pride in the University, as well as the dedicated and supportive staff, has been a highlight of my professional career. Giving back to Excelsior as both an ALC member and听a听faculty member teaching Public Health courses听has allowed me to build meaningful connections with alumni and current students alike. Engaging with听alumni听and听celebrating with graduates as they cross the stage has been incredibly rewarding.鈥�听

Hirschler is joined on the ALC leadership team by Ruth Lown Turman, president, and Christopher Martz Arima, second vice president. The council membership also includes Sena Amegbletor, Matthew Baumgartner, Annie L. Hough-Everage, Pamela Monk, Morgan CJ Morgan, Douglas Perry, Tony Spearman-Leach, and Samuel T. Watkins Jr. Made up of Excelsior graduates representing a wide range of professions and backgrounds, the ALC reflects the diverse nature of Excelsior鈥檚 alumni population.听听

Find more information on the ALC, including individual member biographies, here.听

Media contact 杏吧原创:
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446听

杏吧原创 杏吧原创听

杏吧原创 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.鈥�听

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 杏吧原创鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.听听听

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.听

Ruth Lown Turman elected as 杏吧原创 Alumni Leadership Council president

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

杏吧原创 Alumni Leadership Council president Ruth Lown Turman

ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥� 杏吧原创 today announced the election of听Ruth Lown Turman听to the position of Alumni Leadership Council (ALC)听president.听In听her听leadership role with the 12-member council,听Turman听will help guide initiatives in alumni engagement and outreach, strengthen the network of听more than 200,000听Excelsior graduates, and act as听an听official representative of the University over the course of听her听term.听听

Turman, B.S. 鈥�96, of Columbia, South Carolina, currently serves as senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve (UnitedHealth Group). Her experience spans health care, technology, and financial services, with a focus on proposal management, process design, and cross-functional leadership supporting complex federal and commercial programs. An active and engaged听alumna, Turman听previously听served听in roles听on the Alumni Leadership Council听as听secretary听and first vice president, contributing to initiatives focused on alumni engagement, recognition, governance effectiveness, and the development of enduring alumni legacies. As ALC president, she will emphasize stewardship of alumni resources,听operationalizing听effective alumni leadership practices, and strengthening connections between alumni leaders and the University community. Turman holds a Bachelor of Science from 杏吧原创 and听maintains听a strong record of professional and volunteer leadership. Her service includes past membership on the International Board of Directors of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals, reflecting a sustained commitment to mentorship, professional standards, and collaborative leadership.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to serve with such an experienced and passionate Alumni Leadership Council at this moment of tremendous momentum for Excelsior,鈥� said Turman. 鈥淢y own journey has been profoundly shaped by this community, and I鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity to support, celebrate, and elevate our extraordinary alumni, whose determination and commitment to lifelong learning continue to lift us ever upward.鈥�听

Turman is joined on the ALC leadership team by Christopher Alan Hirschler, first vice president, and Christopher Martz Arima, second vice president. The council membership also includes Sena Amegbletor, Matthew Baumgartner, Annie L. Hough-Everage, Pamela Monk, Morgan CJ Morgan, Douglas Perry, Tony Spearman-Leach, and Samuel T. Watkins Jr. Made up of Excelsior graduates representing a wide range of professions and backgrounds, the ALC reflects the diverse nature of Excelsior鈥檚 alumni population.听听

Find more information on the ALC, including individual member biographies, here.听

Media contact 杏吧原创:
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446听

杏吧原创 杏吧原创听

杏吧原创 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.鈥�听

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 杏吧原创鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.听听听

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.听

New slate of officers elected to 杏吧原创 Alumni Leadership Council

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Clockwise from top: Ruth Lown Turman, Christopher Arima, Christopher Hirschler

ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥� 杏吧原创 today announced the election of a new slate of officers to its Alumni Leadership Council (ALC). The group consists of Excelsior graduates Ruth Lown Turman, president; Christopher Alan Hirschler, first vice president; and Christopher Martz Arima, second vice president. In their leadership roles within the 12-member council, officers will help guide initiatives in alumni engagement and outreach, strengthen the network of more than 200,000 Excelsior graduates, and act as official representatives of the University over the course of their terms. 听

鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to serve with such an experienced and passionate Alumni Leadership Council at this moment of tremendous momentum for Excelsior,鈥� said听Turman. 鈥淢y own journey has been profoundly shaped by this community, and I鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity to support, celebrate, and elevate our extraordinary alumni, whose determination and commitment to lifelong learning continue to lift us ever upward.鈥�听

Ruth Lown Turman, B.S. 鈥�96, of Columbia, South Carolina, currently serves as senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve (UnitedHealth Group). Her experience spans health care, technology, and financial services, with a focus on proposal management, process design, and cross-functional leadership supporting complex federal and commercial programs. An active and engaged alumna, Turman previously served in roles on the Alumni Leadership Council as secretary and first vice president, contributing to initiatives focused on alumni engagement, recognition, governance effectiveness, and the development of enduring alumni legacies. As ALC president, she will emphasize stewardship of alumni resources, operationalizing effective alumni leadership practices, and strengthening connections between alumni leaders and the University community. Turman maintains a strong record of professional and volunteer leadership. Her service includes past membership on the International Board of Directors of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals, reflecting a sustained commitment to mentorship, professional standards, and collaborative leadership.听

Christopher Alan Hirschler, B.S.听鈥�98, of Sheffield Village, Ohio, is the dean of the Health and Wellness Sciences Division at Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio. Hirschler is also an adjunct faculty member for 杏吧原创. He is passionate about student success and encouraging alums to give back to their institution. Hirschler serves on several boards, and he is the author of听numerous听publications听and听journal articles.听In addition to his 1998 Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from 杏吧原创 (then Regents College), he earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from SUNY Brockport and a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education from Cleveland State University. He holds the Master Certified Education Specialist (MCHES) credential and has earned certificates from Harvard, Yale, and Cornell.听听

Christopher Martz Arima, B.S. 鈥�18, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an assistant district attorney with the Second Judicial District Attorney鈥檚 Office in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. A veteran and practicing attorney, Arima鈥檚 career bridges public service, legal advocacy, and education. Before joining the District Attorney鈥檚 Office, he managed his own law firm, Arima Law, and previously served as a public defender with the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in mediation, constitutional law, and criminal justice at 杏吧原创. A member of the American Bar Association, the New Mexico State Bar, the Albuquerque Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the Justinian Society, and the Young Democrats of New Mexico, Arima has served as Chair of the ABA Young Lawyers Division Committee on Criminal Justice and as liaison to the Committee on Homelessness and Poverty. Arima earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law (cum laude, with a Certificate in National Security and Counterterrorism Law), a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from 杏吧原创, and an Associate of Arts in Arabic from the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center.听

The council membership also includes Sena Amegbletor, Matthew Baumgartner, Annie L. Hough-Everage, Pamela Monk, Morgan CJ Morgan, Douglas Perry, Tony Spearman-Leach, and Samuel T. Watkins Jr. Made up of Excelsior graduates representing a wide range of professions and backgrounds, the ALC reflects the diverse nature of Excelsior鈥檚 alumni population.听听听听

Find more information on the ALC, including individual member biographies,听here.听

Media contact 杏吧原创:
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

杏吧原创 杏吧原创

杏吧原创 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.鈥�听

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 杏吧原创鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.听听

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.听

Two Fields, One Heart

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Tasha Cole鈥檚 nursing journey is one of passion, resilience, and the remarkable ability to give her heart and time to being a registered nurse in both cardiology and substance abuse听recovery.

Cole鈥檚 dual path didn鈥檛 happen by accident鈥攊t grew out of years of dedication. Cole, of Marietta, Pennsylvania, began her health care career in 2007 at an outpatient cardiology office. She did so well during her three-month internship that it turned into a permanent position. For seven years, she immersed herself in heart monitors, triage, and patient care. Then, in 2014, she made a bold transition into addiction services to serve another population in听need.

Today, Cole devotes herself wholly to both her roles. At the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, she works full time caring for patients recovering from open-heart surgeries and valve replacements. And at Acadia Healthcare, she works part time supporting patients working toward recovery from drug and alcohol听addiction.

The contrast between the two jobs is stark, but Cole embraces the challenge. 鈥淚n cardiology, I feel like it鈥檚 the critical thinking aspect of it. We really have to be paying attention to electrolytes and, you know, the hemodynamics of the patient,鈥� she explains. Working in addiction services takes a different approach. 鈥淭he mental health portion of it is a lot more significant than I deal with in the hospital,鈥� she says, referring to more interpersonal听interaction.

Called to Nursing Since Childhood

Cole鈥檚 dedication to patients recovering from addiction is deeply personal. Having family members who struggled with addiction, she understands the stigma her patients face. 鈥淸People with addiction] don鈥檛 always get [compassion] from the outside world, and they鈥檙e very quickly judged and ridiculed,鈥� Cole explains. Oftentimes, she explains, people with addiction problems are stereotyped as homeless, dirty, or lazy. That鈥檚 not always the case. Sometimes, they are struggling to get relief from an ailment with painkillers. What she does, Cole says, is to be there, day after day鈥攆or both heart patients and those in recovery. For her, it鈥檚 about restoring dignity and offering听hope.

Her specific call to nursing, Cole says, is rooted in her childhood. She often helped care for her younger siblings and watched her mother work as a . Her mother told her stories about building important bonds with her patients and how gratifying it was to take care of sick patients. 鈥淪he got so much joy out of helping others, and I wanted to feel that way, too,鈥� Cole says.

Becoming an was her first step, but earning a nursing degree felt out of reach for years. That is, until a mentor introduced her to 杏吧原创.

Cole鈥檚 mentor attended Excelsior while working full time and taking care of her children. She said the University鈥檚 flexible program made balancing her responsibilities more manageable. Cole took the plunge. As a full-time LPN, Cole found that Excelsior offered her just what she was looking for: a flexible online program that fit her schedule. 鈥淚t was like the first time I was doing an online anything 鈥� and, you know, I found that it wasn鈥檛 as hard as I thought it would be,鈥� she recalls. With the help of her academic advisor, she pushed forward. She graduated in April 2025 with an Associate in Applied Science in听Nursing.

She also proved she could dedicate her time both to her studies and her work, receiving the 2025 Robert E. Kinsinger Memorial Award for demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and for her involvement with the nonprofit sector. Cole鈥檚 community engagement, advocacy, and career experience, as well as her academic rigor, made her stand out among her peers. She volunteers at Central Outreach Wellness Center, offering culturally competent health care. She also works with the center to advocate for more equitable funding for addiction and mental health services from the local and state government.

Lessons That Transcend

Cole鈥檚 杏吧原创 education didn鈥檛 just fill in clinical knowledge gaps鈥攊t helped her find her voice, as a health care provider and as a person. She uses her knowledge from anatomy and physiology courses daily in her jobs and applies the confidence she gained to bring compassion into both听workplaces.

鈥淭hings that I鈥檝e learned with Excelsior are more like how to give compassion and like how to be a listening ear鈥攈ow to show these things without saying them, too,鈥� she says. She sees cardiology and substance recovery as interconnected: Just as the physical heart sustains the body, emotional healing sustains the听spirit.

For Cole, cardiology and addiction recovery are two halves of one purpose. Whether she鈥檚 monitoring a patient鈥檚 heartbeat or supporting someone going through withdrawal, she demonstrates that nursing isn鈥檛 just about science; it鈥檚 about dedicating yourself fully, even when it means giving your heart to two places at听once.

How to Start a Career in Electrical Engineering Technology

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Getting a degree is your first step in starting a career in electrical engineering technology. From there, you need to turn your education into a job and a rewarding professional journey. What comes after you graduate?

Choosing the right entry-level position in electrical engineering technology, getting hands-on technology experience, networking within the industry, and continuing to learn and stay current as technologies evolve are all part of building your career. This article explores your next steps and how to build on your academic foundation as you explore careers in electrical engineering technology.

Research Employers of Electrical Engineering Technologists

Starting out in the field of electrical engineering technology, you have many paths to grow in a rewarding career and to specialize in areas of particular interest. According to the , the largest employers in the United States in 2024 were as follows:

  • Federal government (13%)
  • Engineering services firms (12%)
  • Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturers (11%)
  • Makers of navigational, measurement, electromedical, and control instruments (7%)
  • Utilities (6%)

What can you do with an electrical engineering technology degree? You can find entry-level EET roles in design, assembly, testing, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Opportunities are wide-ranging, from working as an automation technician or telecommunications technician to putting your embedded systems experience or PLC programming skills to work. You could even choose a position in technical sales. Any of these roles would be a fitting place to start your electrical engineering technology career.

Get Certified

Earning an EET degree, especially one from an program that offers opportunities to develop hands-on experience with essential skills, is a good place to start. If you want to set yourself apart, open niche opportunities, or advance faster, consider adding a certification or two to your credentials. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

NICET (technologist certification): Offered by the , this certification validates engineering technology knowledge.

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) 鈥� FE Exam:听Graduates or students close to finishing an engineering or engineering technology degree from an ETAC/ABET-accredited program can take the (FE) exam to earn EIT designation. After gaining enough qualifying engineering experience, those who pass the FE can sit for the (PE) exam to become a Professional Engineer (PE).

Automation, control, and systems certifications:听The International Society of Automation offers two certification programs. The (CCST) is more appropriate for recent graduates, but you may eventually choose to earn the more advanced (CAP).

Energy and power management certifications:听The offers a variety or certifications for specialized energy roles, including those that don鈥檛 require work experience.

OSHA 10- and 30-hour training:听Many employers in utilities, construction, and industrial settings expect this .

NFPA 70E arc flash and electrical safety training:听This is for using personal protection equipment and safety regulation compliance. Other include Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP) and Certified Electrical Safety Worker (CESW).

The number of certifications is always growing as technology evolves. Beyond starting your electrical engineering technology career, you can pursue continuing education and add to your credentials. Some are offered by vendors such as Siemens, Rockwell, and Cisco. Others are offered by various associations like the , the , , or the .

Join the Community

Becoming a member of a professional organization at the start of your electrical engineering technology career has benefits that are well worth your time and money. You can:

  • Connect to a global network of industry leaders, peers, and mentors.
  • Develop your expertise as you raise your profile by attending conferences and local chapter meetings.
  • Access exclusive libraries of innovative research, industry insights, development trends, and evolving technical standards.
  • Receive career development opportunities, including workshops, mentorship programs, and leading various initiatives.

The is one of the larger associations, but it is just one of many. All the organizations behind the certifications we mention above are also logical places to start. You may choose to belong to a general community and then select one that focuses on the specialization that most interests you.

Your Career in EET Starts with 杏吧原创

Begin your electrical engineering technology career at an ABET-accredited university. 杏吧原创鈥檚 career-focused BS in Electrical Engineering Technology program ensures that you have not only a breadth of essential knowledge but also the technical expertise that employers seek. The program is offered in two formats: fully online and hybrid for students who live in or near St. Petersburg, Florida.

Excelsior鈥檚 100% online option offers the most flexibility, with courses conveniently available to you at any time via the student portal. The hybrid learning option includes in-person lab sessions taking place in the evening and/or on weekends. Hands-on experiences reinforce online learning, giving you the opportunity to apply lessons in real-world settings using industry-standard equipment and collaborating face-to-face with peers. Both learning options are part of the same ABET-accredited program and lead to the same in-demand bachelor鈥檚 degree.

Whatever your ambitions starting out in electrical engineering technology, Excelsior is here to help make them a reality. Learn how you can spark new opportunities with an EET degree or talk to an admissions counselor to help you take the first step toward your exciting new career.

A Conversation with Co-Authors of Foundations of Assessment: From Theory to Practice, a New Book from Routledge

Posted on by Joe Levy

Joe Levy, Excelsior’s associate vice provost of accreditation and quality improvement, was featured on the Leading Improvements in Higher Education podcast via the Center for Leading Improvements in Higher Education from Indiana University Indianapolis.

The episode features Levy and Natasha Jankowski, co-authors of Foundations of Assessment: From Theory to Practice, a recently released book from Routledge. Jankowski is director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Find more information on Foundations of Assessment: From Theory to Practice here:听

(Season 6, episode 1).

Jamie Fejeran, Master of Science in Health Sciences, 2018

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Jamie Fejeran of Las Vegas, Nevada, earned a Master of Science in Health Sciences in 2018. She shares, 鈥淓arning my MS in Health Sciences from Excelsior College marked the beginning of a dynamic career that has taken me through health information technology, practice management, and IT program and project management in the managed service organization (MSO) space鈥攁ll while balancing the responsibilities of being a mom.

As a mother, pursuing higher education and building a career in a fast-paced industry was challenging, but it fueled my determination to create a meaningful impact in health care. After graduating, I began my career in health information technology (HIT), where I worked on data management, electronic health record (EHR) implementations, and process optimization. This role allowed me to develop a deep understanding of how technology can enhance health care operations and improve patient outcomes.

My experience in HIT naturally led me into practice management, where I worked closely with providers and operational teams to ensure that health care practices ran smoothly. Leveraging my background in technology, I implemented workflow automation, data-driven decision-making, and operational efficiencies that directly improved both patient care and business performance.

As I continued to expand my expertise, I transitioned into IT program and project management roles within MSOs. In this space, I had the opportunity to lead large-scale technology deployments, manage cross-functional teams, and drive IT infrastructure improvements across multiple health care practices. The ability to bridge the gap between clinical operations and technology enabled me to create scalable, efficient solutions that support both health care providers and patients.

Balancing my career with motherhood taught me resilience, time management, and adaptability鈥攕kills that have proven invaluable throughout my professional journey. Looking back, I credit Excelsior College鈥檚 MS in Health Sciences program for providing the flexibility I needed to pursue my degree while raising a family, and for equipping me with the knowledge, critical thinking, and leadership skills necessary to excel in this field.

The flexibility of Excelsior鈥檚 program allowed me to build a career that aligns with my passion for both health care and technology, while also prioritizing my role as a mother. It gave me the skills to not only understand patient care but also to implement systems that enhance health care delivery on a larger scale. Today, as an experienced professional in health care IT and program management, I continue to drive innovation, efficiency, and digital transformation in the MSO space.

My journey is a testament to the versatility of an MS in Health Sciences, the power of perseverance, and the endless career opportunities available to those willing to explore the intersection of health care, technology, and leadership鈥攁ll while balancing the joys and challenges of motherhood.鈥�

Matthew Slezak, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 2004

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Matthew Slezak of Houston, Texas, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2004. He shares, 鈥淓xcelsior got me back into college. I had dropped out of Ohio State University (OSU) and worked in the tech industry for a while before deciding to change my life and pursue an MS at a top school. I was a wild child, and my whole family thought I was going nowhere. OSU told me I had 4鈥�5 years left to finish my degree鈥攏o thanks. My military coworkers introduced me to Excelsior College (as it was called at the time), which allowed me to apply DANTES exams to complete my junior and senior year requirements.

When my IT job relocated to North Carolina, I decided to move back into my mom鈥檚 house, quit the constant partying, and focus on finishing my degree. I used old-edition, cheap books, studied for 3鈥�4 months and took a year of tests over just a couple of weeks. Soon after, my degree was awarded! Back then, the total cost was only about $1,000鈥�$1,500.

The advisors at Excelsior were phenomenal鈥攖hey wanted you to earn your degree as quickly as possible. Before taking each DANTES exam, I confirmed with an advisor that it would count toward my BS. They placed me in the fastest program based on my existing credits (Liberal Arts) and ensured I took the right exams.

I applied to nearly every top school for my MS with a 2.8 GPA from OSU and about a 3.4 GPA at Excelsior. (Excelsior鈥檚 system of awarding grades based on DANTES exam scores helped raise my GPA, which I believe is unique to them.) Eventually, I was accepted into Rice University in Houston, Texas, for a professional master鈥檚 degree in environmental analysis鈥攁nd the rest is history. Of course, I was rejected by many schools, but don鈥檛 lose hope! Perfect your application essay and keep applying. Highlight your struggles鈥攆or example, I ran a painting business during college, which left little time for academics and caused my grades to drop at OSU鈥攁nd show how you鈥檝e changed and are now focused on your career. Emphasize how your grades improved once you committed at Excelsior, and secure strong professional recommendations that demonstrate you are more capable than your GPA suggests.

Since then, I鈥檝e been working in the energy industry (trading). I also completed a Finance and Accounting Certificate at Wharton during the same year in Pennsylvania. You can stair-step your way into better programs by completing a rigorous certificate at a top school to prove your capability before applying.

Excelsior used to post where alumni were accepted into graduate programs. At the time I applied, I saw graduates going to Harvard, Yale, and other top schools, which motivated me to pursue the Excelsior route. It truly worked out for me. I wish they still shared that information, so I鈥檓 sharing my story here in hopes of motivating someone else. You can do it!鈥�

Wanda Lopez, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, 2025

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Wanda Lopez of Wrightstown, New Jersey, earned an Associate of Science in Human Services in 2018 and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2025. She shares, 鈥淢y academic journey has been one of perseverance and growth, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement I received from the dedicated faculty, staff, and fellow students at Excelsior. Currently, I serve as a registered behavior technician, working primarily with individuals in the autism community as well as those with various disabilities. My mission is to create a meaningful impact not only through knowledge but through compassion, advocacy, and dedication. 杏吧原创 has provided me with the tools and confidence to pursue my passion for making a difference in the lives of others. I am proud to be part of this incredible community of learners and leaders.鈥�