What Can I Do With a Psychology Degree?

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

For anyone interested in psychology, a question that quickly arises is: 鈥淲hat can you do with a psychology degree?鈥� The answer if, of course, that an interest in psychology leads to many career paths.

Psychology is a rare degree that gives graduates valuable skills needed in many different careers. Most people associate psychology graduates with careers in counseling, but they are employed in many other fields. Career fields include but are not limited to social work, market research, human resources, teaching, and labor relations. Working as a counselor provides opportunities to work in a variety of settings, including schools and workplaces.

The online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program from Excelsior College prepares graduates for success in any field or organization that benefits from psychology expertise.

Counseling Jobs in Psychology

Students completing their education at the graduate level with a psychology degree have many counseling career options. Among the many examples is working with a nonprofit organization in disadvantaged neighborhoods providing counseling to individuals or groups. Some psychologists also work in schools at all grade levels, while others are employed by businesses, providing direction on structuring a positive work culture. Many psychologists work within the criminal justice system, counseling inmates and others impacted by the system, including crime victims.

Interested in what makes people tick? Learn more about Excelsior鈥檚 BS in Psychology.

While many psychologists work in counseling, which requires earning a master鈥檚 degree, the American Psychological Association that because 鈥減sychology touches every aspect of our lives,鈥� the career opportunities are almost limitless.

Social Worker

Social workers focus on assisting the poor and underserved in getting health care, healthy food, and finding work. It鈥檚 a demanding but rewarding job. The insight psychologists have into human behavior is extremely valuable in this profession.

Market Research

In marketing, the idea is to influence human behavior, convincing people to buy products or services. Psychologists have insight into what people want in certain areas and, with access to market research data, can help organizations shape marketing strategy.

Human Resources

Whether at a management or specialist level, psychologists in human resources understand both individual and group behavior. As , one of the main duties of a human resources department is to 鈥渕aintain good performance and behavior鈥� of an organization鈥檚 employees. Psychology graduates offer expertise in this area.

Organizational Psychology

This includes duties that go beyond counseling employees. A psychologist, for example, might create a questionnaire to determine the best applicant for a job. They might also work with employees in-house and match the right person to the right job in an organization.

Teaching

With a background in psychology, teachers can better understand what drives student behavior. It also provides strategies for how to connect with students and improve student-teacher relations.

Labor Relations

Psychologists can be good negotiators. They understand how people think and why they behave the way they do. That makes them useful in the often intense negotiations between management and employees. They also have insight into how to find compromises that both sides will find acceptable.

Excelsior College BS in Psychology

In the Excelsior College BS in Psychology program, students learn about the biological, social, and cognitive origins of behavior. They receive a broad background in scientific principles and ethical practices.

Core courses in the program include:

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Research Methods
  • History and Systems
  • Research and Writing

Students also take intermediate and upper-level courses in:

  • BiopsychologyLifespan Developmental Psychology
  • Mind, Body, and Health
  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Educational Psychology

Graduates emerge able to discuss the key concepts, principles, and themes of psychology, use scientific reasoning to interpret psychology phenomena, apply ethical standards to psychology practices, and apply psychological content and skills to career goals.

A degree in psychology prepares graduates for success in a variety of careers. Whether as the first step toward earning a master’s degree and becoming a counselor or to help inform excellence in other disciplines, a bachelor鈥檚 in psychology allows graduates to put the latest theory and practices of psychology to work in a career field of their interest.

 

From Lobbyist to City Attorney

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Mark Lambert鈥檚 love of law began when he was a child, watching 鈥淧erry Mason鈥� reruns. The courtroom drama series caused Lambert to pursue what became a decades-long career in law 鈥� a career that began after he earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree from Excelsior College. From there, he worked his way from a lobbyist to his current position as city attorney of Ames, Iowa.

Lambert graduated from high school in 1979 and attended several colleges, including Des Moines Area Community College and Drake University. He completed some courses, but it was also at Drake that Lambert found a book in the library called 鈥淏ear鈥檚 Guide to Non-Traditional College Degrees.鈥� Excelsior College was listed as a highly touted option, and Lambert decided that it was the pathway for him.

After Lambert earned his Bachelor of Arts from Excelsior in 1989, he worked at a public-policy consulting firm before starting law school at the University of Iowa Law School in 1992. He graduated in 1995 and began his law career as a lobbyist at the Iowa Legislature. In 2000, Lambert became the executive director of the Iowa Environmental Council, a nonprofit coalition of the environmental and conservation organizations of Iowa. 鈥淲e were a lobbying entity trying to impact policy of the state environmental issues,鈥� explains Lambert. After a year, the governor of Iowa appointed Lambert to the Iowa Utilities Board, which regulates electric, natural gas, telephone, and other utilities in the state. When his term was up after four years, he became an administrative law judge.

In 2013, Lambert became the assistant city attorney in Ames, and in 2017, he was promoted to city attorney. 鈥淭he common element to all those [jobs] was having a law degree, which I would never would have had if I hadn鈥檛 gotten my bachelor鈥檚 degree first to get into law school. So, I鈥檝e always been very thankful for Excelsior, because I would have gotten there eventually, in terms of finishing my bachelor鈥檚, but I was able to do it at a much faster pace, and probably at a lot less money,鈥� says Lambert.

Lambert has always loved the concept of public service and looks for ways to be helpful. 鈥淚鈥檝e always felt that government is there to help people, not to harm them, and so I try to kind of make the world a better place, even if it鈥檚 just a little bit, even just in the city, and even if it鈥檚 only for a few people or one person. If I can make things easier for them, then I just feel good about that,鈥� says Lambert.

He cites several examples of how he has helped better his community. Lambert recalls, as an administrative law judge, making a ruling reversing the Iowa Department of Human Services鈥� decision ordering single mothers to pay back monies from the Children鈥檚 Health Insurance Program. Lambert discovered the department was citing the wrong federal law, so he wrote a ruling to reverse its original decision. 鈥淎nd suddenly, you know, the state changed their mind and said, 鈥榥ow you don鈥檛 have to pay it back.鈥� I was very proud of that.鈥�

Recently, as city attorney, Lambert completed all the legal paperwork for an inclusive playground for kids with all levels of physical ability to be built in Ames. 鈥淓ven though there are a lot of people who made that happen, I felt really proud about that, because it鈥檚 a wonderful thing and it鈥檚 going to be there for decades to come.鈥�

Lambert has come a long way from watching 鈥淧erry Mason鈥� reruns. Reflecting on his long career in law, he remains grateful for what got him started on his path. 鈥淚鈥檓 just so thankful I stumbled upon Excelsior, and it just made a huge difference in the rest of my life.鈥�

More from Mark Lambert

What are the most important traits or skills someone needs to succeed in a law career?

鈥淚 would say dedication and persistence鈥nd brains help. You know, being smart helps. But being persistent I think is more important than that. And being honest. I鈥檝e encountered a lot of people in my life who would have been in much better shape if they had just been honest.鈥�

What do you think your prime piece of advice would be for someone pursuing law?

鈥淚 would say, first of all, finish your bachelor鈥檚 degree. And secondly, talk to some people who have been through it, talk to some lawyers about how to apply, contact a law school, talk to the admissions office about what you need to do to apply to law school, and then go through those steps and apply.鈥�

Enter a Fast-Growing Industry – How to Get a Cybersecurity Job in Government

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

杏吧原创 Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity field is growing fast. Each day, there is a new article or news story about a cyber hack, breach, or other cybersecurity-related problem. Since these issues are on the rise, so is the need for experts in the industry. The constant threat of cyber hacks affects every business and every industry. Cybersecurity professionals are needed across the workforce, including in government. Do you enjoy solving problems, looking at data, and want to support your city, state, or federal government? A job in cybersecurity will let you do all of this.

What is cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, systems, and programs from digital threats. Threats and attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, taking money from users, or interrupting business processes.

Why a Cybersecurity Job and Why Now

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in cybersecurity is projected to grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the average for all occupations. As cyberattacks grow in frequency, experts in the field are needed to create innovative ways to prevent hackers from stealing information or creating network problems. IT (information technology) security-related jobs produce higher salary expectations than other information technology jobs. This is because there is a huge skills gap in the cybersecurity field 鈥� meaning there are more positions available than there are skilled workers.

If this interests you, a cybersecurity job in government is a great path to take. Cybersecurity a rewarding and challenging field, and a job in the government sector comes with good benefits and advantages not found in other businesses. In addition, a bonus of working in cybersecurity is that most cyber jobs can be done from home.

Fastest Growing Cybersecurity Jobs in Government

Below are the top three fastest-growing cybersecurity jobs in government:

鈥� Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts plan and execute security measures to protect an organization鈥檚 computer networks and systems. If a cyberattack does occur at an organization, analysts lead the response and recovery plan. Qualified candidates will have at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in information technology, computer science, or cybersecurity. Become an information security analyst for CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), and you will be working at the forefront of the cybersecurity challenges facing our nation.

The median annual salary for information security analysts is $103,590.

鈥� Information Technology Security Engineer

An IT security engineer (also known as a cybersecurity engineer) identifies threats and vulnerabilities within a system and then develops solutions to defend against all types of cybercrime. They are a critical team member for creating security policies and procedures. Qualified candidates will have a bachelor鈥檚 and a master鈥檚 in cybersecurity.

The median annual salary for an IT security engineer is $125,000.

鈥� Forensic Computer Analyst

Forensic computer analysts investigate the causes of data breaches and cyberattacks when they happen, and work with government agencies to protect against them before they occur. Most forensic computer analysts work in government, law enforcement, or private firms. A big part of their role is to testify in court and relate the evidence found during investigations. Qualified candidates will hold at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology; however, a master鈥檚 degree is becoming more preferred for this role.

The median annual salary for forensic computer analysts is $99,730.

Education for a Cybersecurity Job

Most jobs in this field require at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or computer science. However, for some roles, and if you are looking to advance in your career, a master鈥檚 degree in any of these fields may be required. On average, master鈥檚 degree holders earn $1 million more over a lifetime than those with only a bachelor鈥檚 degree.

At Excelsior College, you can complete your bachelor鈥檚 in cybersecurity or information technology, as well as complete a master鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity. These programs prepare you to protect an organization鈥檚 cyber assets by teaching you techniques to prevent, detect, and recover from cyber incidents. Get started on your cybersecurity degree today!

Democracy and Assessment: Building A Better Future Panel Discussion at the IUPUI Assessment Institute Virtual Conference 2021

Posted on by Andr茅 Foisy

https://assessmentinstitute.iupui.edu/index.html

This session sponsored by the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment provides space for assessment practitioners to explore the relationship between assessment and democracy while engaging in dialogue on the history of assessment and consider alternative assessment conceptions to assessing democratically-related learning outcomes beyond civic engagement. Building upon the work begun in a four-part webinar series exploring democracy and assessment, re-imagining democratically focused learning outcomes, and re-thinking means to assess those outcomes, this session provides an update and entry point to the conversation on how assessment can proactively support a Democratic society.

Accelerate Your Career with MS in Management Degree

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Business graduates face a competitive market where every job opening typically attracts hundreds of applicants. The situation motivates many undergraduates to continue with their studies and earn a Master of Science in Management.

An MS in Management prepares students to lead teams, departments, and entire organizations successfully. Graduates enter the workforce with advanced management skills, including developing employees, overseeing projects, handling financial accounting, managing organizational change, and exhibiting strong communication skills.

Honing these skills makes MS in Management graduates attractive candidates for leadership positions and helps them stand out from the job applicant crowd. That鈥檚 one reason The Economist MS in Management programs are increasingly popular with business students. Women, in particular, are enrolling in these programs.

What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Management?

Earning an MS in Management usually happens earlier in a professional鈥檚 career than earning an MBA. Most people enroll in MBA programs after gaining experience in their field. Most MS in Management students enroll shortly after finishing an undergraduate program.

Enrolling in an online business degree program provides an opportunity for students to put their managerial knowledge into practice and gain experience on the job. After graduation, students are ready to take on a host of top-level jobs in diverse business areas.

Jobs available to graduates include the following listed below. The salary figures come from the (BLS) as of May 2020.

C-Suite. A master’s degree in management prepares candidates for success in CEO, CFO, CISO, and other C-suite positions. ($107,680)

Director of Digital Marketing. Digital marketing is critical to success in the modern world of marketing. Those with a combination of business talent and digital marketing skills are perfectly suited for leadership in this important area. ($141,490)

Financial Manager. Financial managers work at the center of every operation, from small and medium-sized businesses to giant corporations. ($134,180)

Human Resource Manager. This is another position that has become increasingly important for business success as HR managers work closely with department heads and executives to attract the talent a company needs. Many employers now require HR managers to . ($121,220)

Management Analyst. Often working as consultants, management analysts methods of making an operation more efficient and profitable. ($87,660)

What You Learn in an MS in Management Program

Earning an advanced management degree helps students sharpen the unique, complex blend of skills essential for success in business leadership. These skills include learning strategies for managing teams, using project management tools and techniques, developing business problem solutions, and using strategic analysis to continuously improve a program.

At Excelsior College, students can choose a concentration in the MS in Management program: General Business Management, Human Resource Management, or Organizational Leadership.

No GMAT is required to apply for the program. Students can transfer up to 15 credits earned at other accredited institutions. Core courses in the program cover ethical leadership, strategic talent management, business communication, global business environments, and organizational behavior.

Earning an MS in Management provides students with a proven pathway to working in management and playing an important role in developing business strategy. If you’re ready to earn your master鈥檚 degree online, Excelsior is a choice that can immediately bolster your career outlook.

Excelsior College to Host Webinar on Cannabis Cultivation and Sustainability

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Albany, New York 鈥� Excelsior College today announced the hosting of an upcoming cannabis webinar, Croptober: Navigating the Business of Cannabis Cultivation and Sustainability. This webinar showcases Excelsior鈥檚 continued expertise in cannabis curriculum, which aligns with its Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control.

This webinar will focus on regulatory and business aspects of cannabis cultivation. Questions to be considered include:

  • How does a business decide between having an indoor vs. outdoor grow?
  • How does a company advocate for or against home grow without alienating potential customers?
  • How do cultivation facilities incorporate environmental sustainability?
  • How do these businesses maintain compliance in an ever-changing regulatory environment?

The webinar will take place on Thursday, October 28 at noon ET. The panel discussion will be approximately 30 minutes, followed by a 15-minute Q&A. You can register for this event .

The event will be moderated by Jennifer Rumble, director of the , and panelists will include cannabis industry experts Allan Gandelman, founder of the ; Amanda Reiman, PhD, MSW, founder of ; Michael Sassano, CEO of ; and Shawn Cooney, founder of & .

鈥淚 look forward to moderating a lively and informative discussion on some of the most widely examined topics in the cannabis space,” said Jennifer Rumble, event moderator and director of the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition. 鈥淚t鈥檚 imperative we focus on educating the leaders of tomorrow鈥檚 cannabis industry, so we can create an industry that is long-lasting and synergized with Mother Earth.鈥�

 

# # #

Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

Media Contact NisonCo:

Zane Bader, zane@nisonco.com, 470-342-5440

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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, 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.

 

ABOUT MODERATOR

Jennifer Rumble, croptober moderatorJennifer Rumble

Jennifer Rumble has partnered for more than 25 years with clientele from a variety of industries to create and implement compelling PR platforms that facilitate communications and brand building. She has vast experience within consumer tech, sports marketing, cannabis, healthcare, finance, and investor relations sectors. Rumble assists clients to acquire, develop, and articulate brand identities, leading to the design and execution of programs that ultimately build brand equity and drive company growth. She serves as director of the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition (SCC) and vice chairperson for ASTM International’s sustainability subcommittee under cannabis committee D37.

听

ABOUT PANELISTS

Allan Gandelman, croptober panelistAllan Gandelman

Allan Gandelman is the co-founder and president at Head & Heal, New York Hemp Oil, and Main Street Farms. He has been an organic vegetable farmer for 10 years. In 2017, Allan began experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease. When traditional methods of care did not work for him, he tried CBD鈥攁nd finally found the relief he was looking for.

Because of this experience, he decided to add hemp to their crop rotation in 2018. Allan is the founder and president of the New York Cannabis Growers and Processors Association鈥攁n organization of cannabis producers, processors, and industry partners committed to an economically viable, consumer-conscious cannabis industry. NYCGPA worked closely with NYS legislature for the last three years to help pass the recent Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act legalizing cannabis in New York state.

 

Amanda Reiman, croptober panelistAmanda Reiman

Amanda Reiman, PhD, MSW, is the founder of Personal Plants, a multimedia platform designed to support the home cultivation and processing of therapeutic plants. After receiving her PhD from UC Berkeley, Dr. Reiman was the director of research and patient services at Berkeley Patients Group and the manager of Marijuana Law and Policy for the Drug Policy Alliance. Dr. Reiman is an internationally recognized cannabis expert and public health researcher. She has written for/been quoted in The Huffington Post, New York Times, Washington Post, and Playboy as well as numerous peer-reviewed academic journals and several textbooks.

Also an expert in cannabis policy on the local, national, and international level, Dr. Reiman was the first chairwoman of the Berkeley Medical Cannabis Commission and also sat on the Oakland Cannabis Regulatory Commission. She sits on the Board of Cannabis Doing Good and the Cannabis Travel Association International and is a member of the Ganjier Council.

Michael sassano, croptober panelistMichael Sassano

Michael Sassano is the CEO and chairman of the Board for Somai Pharmaceuticals, a European company centered in extraction, manufacturing, and formulation of pharma-grade GMP-certified cannabinoid products throughout the European Union. The current focus of the company is building scalable high-output manufacturing facilities in various strategic countries as Europe develops its market. As the continent ultimately comes online, Somai will be positioned as one of the top global pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors of medical-grade cannabinoid products. Prior to this role, Sassano founded Solaris Farms, which became one of the largest and most technologically advanced cannabis cultivators in Nevada.

 

 

shawn cooney, croptober panelist Shawn Cooney

Shawn is the founder of Cloud Farming and Corner Stalk Farm and has been growing the highest-quality produce for Bostonians using Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) for the past eight years. Cloud Farming plans to add hemp and cannabis to its wide range of products, rounding out its enterprise line and cementing a diverse sustainable business profile. Cooney is a serial entrepreneur with proven ability to create products and technology ahead of market demand. Successful exits with three tech startups attest to his commitment, vision, and drive. Cooney has presented to many large national and international conference audiences and has received multiple 鈥淏est Of鈥� finalist awards. He is the co-founder of the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition (SCC) and chairman for ASTM International’s sustainability subcommittee under cannabis committee D37.

Excelsior College and University of Washington Continuum College Partner to Offer Students More Opportunities

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Excelsior College and University of Washington Continuum College Partner to Offer Students More Opportunities

听Albany, New York 鈥� University of Washington Continuum College is partnering with Excelsior College to offer students with digital marketing and Python programming certificates an opportunity to convert those professional certificates to credit in an Excelsior degree program.

When Continuum students complete either certificate, they can transfer as many as 9 credits into certain Excelsior Bachelor of Science or Master of Science programs. In addition to earning degree credit, partnership benefits give Continuum graduates discounts on tuition.

Excelsior students and alumni will have the opportunity to enroll in UW certificate programs to continue their lifelong learning. Through this partnership, both institutions are creating a larger learning ecosystem for their students.

Excelsior College was founded in 1971 as the Regents External Degree Program, which evaluated credit earned from college courses, proficiency examinations, military educational programs, and the assessment of knowledge gained from experience and nontraditional approaches to education to help students achieve degree completion. While evolving to offer degree programs fully online, Excelsior has maintained its commitment to aggregating credit for previous learning accomplishments and awarding credit for approved workplace and military training, health care credentials, and industry certifications.

鈥淭he collaboration between University of Washington Continuum College and Excelsior College will allow students flexibility in customizing the best learning experience to meet their needs and an opportunity to build on prior learning,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. 鈥淭his partnership can make degree completion more accessible to students, and I am pleased to welcome Continuum as a partner.鈥�

University of Washington Continuum College offers job-specific education for people from all backgrounds at every age, every career stage, and every income level. Its award-winning professional certificates, short programs, and advanced degrees empower people to create better lives and provide employers听with听exceptionally skilled听workers, creating a more knowledgeable community.

鈥淲e believe in the power of education to improve people鈥檚 lives,鈥� said Rovy Branon, vice provost of Continuum. 鈥淥ur Python programming and digital marketing certificates give people transferrable skills that can boost their careers. This promising new partnership with Excelsior gives a supercharged boost, creating a bridge between credentials and a degree that can open the door to professional and personal advancement.鈥�

More information about the partnership is available at excelsior.edu/uw.

 

# # #

Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

听ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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, 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.

 

 

Excelsior College鈥檚 Graduate Research Symposium

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York鈥擡xcelsior College welcomes select graduate students and recent alumni to present their original research at the annual online Graduate Research Symposium on Thursday, October 14. The theme for this year鈥檚 symposium is Embracing New Frontiers: Innovation, Resilience, and Technology.

Transformative and empowering, the symposium offers those attending an intellectually stimulating and professionally enriching experience. The keynote speaker is Excelsior instructor Kelley Cronin, a nationally renowned expert in homeland security and emergency management and author of several books in these areas. Ethn茅 Swartz, a professor in the Department of Management at the Feliciano School of Business of Montclair State University, is the invited speaker.

鈥淲e have an interesting event of invited speakers and graduate presentations,鈥� said John Caron, provost of Excelsior College. 鈥淥ur students embraced the challenge of the theme: innovation, resilience, and technology, and I am excited for them to share their research.鈥�

Student presentations include: 鈥淏lockchain Technology: Current Applications and Future Potential,鈥� 鈥淥ncology Smoking Cessation Program; Commit to Quit,鈥� 鈥淭echnology in the COVID Response,鈥� and 鈥淭he Making of a Highly Reliable Organization.鈥� At the conclusion of the event, the Ever Upward Prize will be awarded to the outstanding graduate presentation from the symposium.

 

# # #

Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

听ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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, 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.

 

 

 

What Accounting Jobs Can I Do Without an Accounting Degree?

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

It is no surprise that a degree in accounting can lead to a career as an accountant (makes sense, right?) However, there are ways to work in the accounting profession without a degree in accounting. A bachelor鈥檚 degree in business management can provide the flexibility and level of accounting you are interested in. The core concepts of a business management degree can cross many different career paths, including positions in financial management, business analysis, consulting, and more. This degree will allow you to use your skills to succeed in any field of business.

Other Career Options

A bachelor鈥檚 degree can help you excel in any career path. Check out some career opportunities where accounting is a component, but an accounting degree is not necessary.

鈥� Communications Specialist

A communication specialist develops plans to maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. This is usually done through writing emails, social media posts, news releases, and more. Depending on the organization you work for and your role, you may communicate with consumers, investors, reporters, other organizations, or other employees. As a communications specialist, you may work with spreadsheets, reporting, research, budgeting, and other accounting-related processes. A desirable candidate will excel in problem-solving, organization, and project management.

The median annual wage for communications specialists is $62,810.

鈥� Business Analyst

A business analyst conducts market research to recommend ways to improve an organization鈥檚 efficiency. They are advisors to an organization, with the main goal of increasing profit, reducing costs, and keeping the organization running smoothly. All industries need business analysts to be successful; therefore, there are options to work in many fields, such as higher education, health care, government, small businesses, and more. You will use accounting skills in this career because of its focus on analytical research and data analysis.

The median annual wage for business analysts is $87,660.

鈥� Financial Examiners

A financial examiner ensures companies follow laws that govern institutions handling monetary transactions. They work closely with accountants to review balance sheets, evaluate the risk level of loans, and assess bank management. As a financial examiner, you may work in risk management evaluating the health of financial institutions. In this area, fraud investigations play a significant role. Financial examiners must have strong analytical and math skills, as well as be detailed-oriented and possess good project management skills.

On average, financial examiners earn $81,430 per year.

鈥� Sales Representatives

A sales representative sells goods or services for the organization they are employed by; they are the main point of contact between a business and customers. A sales representative needs to meet financial and product goals, communicate effectively with clients, and identify new markets and customer leads. Good organization skills, project management skills, and problem-solving skills are necessary for this role. Depending on what industry you work for, analytical and math skills are also key.

On average, sales representatives earn $59,930 per year.

Benefits of a Business Management Degree

At Excelsior College, you can earn a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management with a concentration in accounting. The program includes courses in accounting, financial management, project management, marketing, leadership, business communication, and more. This flexible program gives you a snapshot of various business concentrations and prepares you for a business career in any field. Specific to accounting, this program will teach you how to interpret a financial statement and how to use financial management concepts and tools, and equip you with the major concepts and theories of accounting for real-world context.

Get started with Excelsior by contacting an admissions counselor today.

Career Spotlight: Forensic Science Technician

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

Mystery novels excite you and true crime TV has always been your guilty pleasure. You are the problem solver of your friend group, and nothing haunts you. Does this sound like you? Then a forensic science technician job might be for you. As a forensic science technician, you will be able to combine your hobbies and passions with your career. Learn what it takes to become a forensic science technician and see if this career path fits you.

What Is a Forensic Science Technician?

As a forensic science technician, you will aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Depending on your role, you can work in a laboratory setting or on crime scenes.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some duties of a forensic science technician include:
– Determine what evidence should be collected and how
– Take photographs and make sketches of the crime scene and evidence
– Record observations, including location, or position of evidence
– Collect and preserve evidence, such as weapons, fingerprints, and bodily fluids
– Perform chemical, biological, and microscopic analyses of evidence taken from crime scenes

In addition, forensic science technicians consult with experts in specialized fields, such as toxicology and odontology. As a technician, you can specialize in certain techniques or sciences, or you can perform all the duties listed above as a generalist.

How Do You Become a Forensic Science Technician

Forensic science technicians typically need at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in natural sciences, forensic science, biology, or chemistry. Some programs may specialize in specific areas such as pathology, DNA, or toxicology. When enrolled in a natural sciences program, students should take classes related to forensic science to better prepare themselves for a technician position. According to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, many candidates for a forensic science technician position will have a bachelor鈥檚 degree in natural sciences, followed by a master鈥檚 degree in forensic science.

Not only is at least a bachelor’s degree required, but all technician positions require on-the-job training; do not worry, you will not just be thrown into a crime scene and expect to know what to do!

Top Qualities of a Forensic Science Technician

Not everyone can become a forensic science technician. It takes a lot of skill and a certain type of person to work with criminal activity.

Check out the top qualities employers look for in candidates:

鈥� Communication skills: As a technician, you will draft reports and testify in court. You work with many other experts in the field, including law enforcement officials, scientists, and other specialists.
鈥� Detail-oriented: You must be able to notice minor changes at a crime scene or in a lab to truly analyze and collect evidence.
鈥� Problem-solving skills: Your whole job is focused on solving the problem at hand. You will use scientific tests and methods to help officials solve crimes.
鈥� Math and science skills: This is where your degree in natural sciences will come in handy! You will need an understanding of statistics and other sciences to analyze evidence.

Job Outlook for Forensic Science Technicians

According to the BLS, employment in this field is expected to grow by 14 percent by 2029; this is much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage is $60,590. Most forensic science technicians work for the local or federal government; however, there are other jobs in medical and testing laboratories as well. State and local governments are expected to hire more technicians as their caseloads increase. As science and technology expand, more information is expected to be available in a timelier manner. As a result, technicians will become even more valuable than before, which means an increase in open positions. Do not wait to follow your dreams; become a forensic science technician today. Chat with an 杏吧原创 admissions counselor to get started.

Career Spotlight: Nursing Informatics Specialist

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

Nursing is the United States鈥� largest health care profession, with more than 3.8 million registered nurses nationwide. One reason nursing is such a popular profession is because there are so many fields to go into. Nurses can be found working at private practices, in acute care, in public health agencies, in nursing homes, in schools, and more. When people think of nurses, most think of people working in a hospital caring for the sick or the nurse you see once a year at your annual physical; however, there are many other options for nurses, including nursing informatics specialists.

Nursing informatics combines the need for patient care with the insights of health informatics and technology. While this role is still relatively new, it is a fast-growing field. According to the American Nurses Association, a nursing informatics specialist oversees the integration of data, information, and knowledge to support decision-making by patients and their health care providers. They help to create, develop, and implement health care technologies to deliver the best and most efficient health care services to patients. As a nurse informatics specialist, they have a different and invaluable view than that of software and technology developers. They understand what nurses need to do their jobs effectively and accurately and which information is important to patients and other health care providers鈥攁ll while also understanding the technology side.

Earn your MS in Nursing Informatics and combine a passion for patient care with powerful data science.

Roles and Responsibilities

Nursing informatics is a high-level technical role, where each day you will use data and technology to monitor programs, systems, and different patient-care initiatives. While the role will vary based on the position, job level, and organization, below are some of the general duties you will find across the field.

鈥� Implement, optimize, and use systems
鈥� Train nurses and other health-care staff on new systems
鈥� Act as a bridge between nursing and information technology departments
鈥� Analyze data to ensure systems are working properly
鈥� Educate other health-care professionals on how technology can improve patient-care outcomes
鈥� Research the latest systems and give suggestions for new tools

A nursing informatics specialist is not your typical nursing job, but it plays a critical role in patient care. It is important to note that as a nursing informatics specialist, you are not likely to provide hands-on patient care. You might not report to the nursing department, and you are likely to not have anyone reporting to you. While most nursing jobs have no option to work from home, with this role you can. According to the survey gathered in 2020, 45 percent of nurse informaticists work remotely.

What Are the Education Requirements?

At the very least, you will need a bachelor鈥檚 degree to work as a nurse informatics specialist. It is recommended and most jobs require a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At Excelsior College, you can earn your bachelor鈥檚 in nursing fully online, which allows you to continue to work full-time and spend time with your family and friends. It is important to note that a lot of jobs also require a master鈥檚 degree. According to the HIMSS survey, 66 percent of nurse informatics specialists have a master鈥檚-level degree. Even more so, 27 percent reported they had a master鈥檚 specifically in nursing informatics. A master鈥檚 will put you ahead of the game in this career field, and allow you to move into leadership roles.

Excelsior College has many nursing degrees to choose from, including a master’s degree in nursing informatics. This degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to make an impact in patient care, safety, and operational effectiveness. Check out the expert faculty, course catalog, career outcomes, and more on the website.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to payscale.com, nursing informatics specialists earn $85,714 on average annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that this field is projected to grow by 8 percent by 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The need for informatics specialists is much higher than the number of people qualified for the position.

Now more than ever, nursing informatics specialists are critical to the success of health care and the battle with COVID-19. Bonny Kehm, faculty program director of the MS in nursing program at Excelsior says, 鈥淣ursing informatics focuses on use of data-driven information, technology, and communication in the delivery of health care. The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has led to a surge in the need for logistical coordination and communication. Informatics will facilitate speedy coordination in vaccine distribution and administration to millions of Americans to help gain control of the deadly virus. The use of informatics by highly trained nurses has never been more important or vital, especially as distribution and administration of the vaccines is stalled. We have developed the tools to fight this virus. We must now quickly develop the personnel and tactics to take up the fight. That starts with nurses trained in the use of informatics and analytics. Armed with data and logistics training, nurse informaticists are vital to the future success of the COVID-19 vaccination plan, distribution, and administration.鈥�

Earning your degree in nursing informatics will set you up for a long and successful career in health care.

Assessment in the Time of COVID with Natasha Jankowski, Ph.D., Executive Director, National Institute of Learning Outcomes Assessment.

Posted on by Andr茅 Foisy

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-mwjht-fa4ec7?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=w_share

Erin and Andr茅 interview Dr. Natasha Jankowski, then of NILOA and now of AEFIS, about life as an assessment professional during covid and beyond. We talk equity, music, self-care, and leveraging uncertain times into meaningful change in our profession.