Why You Should Earn a Psychology Degree

Publicado el por Jenna Kerwin

Psychology is the study of how people think, feel, and behave—both individually and in groups. While many people associate it with clinical work like therapy, that’s only one of many career paths. With a psychology degree, graduates can work in fields such as business, education, health care, research, and human services.

The Benefits of Getting a Psychology Degree

Earning a psychology degree equips you with a deep understanding of human behavior and the skills to make a meaningful impact in many settings. You can develop expertise in areas such as mental health and well-being, research, communication, and problem-solving. These skills can be applied to helping individuals manage stress and overcome challenges, contributing to research and innovation, or supporting organizations in improving workplace performance. Here are some additional benefits of earning a psychology degree.

Gain Diverse Career Opportunities

With a psychology degree, you can specialize in a career in psychology that matches your interests. You can pursue roles in clinical practice, counseling, education, research, or more. Alternatively, research psychologists study human behavior and mental processes to help advance science.

Beyond traditional psychology roles, though, a psychology degree also prepares you for careers in fields like marketing, human resources, and business. In marketing, you can apply your understanding of human behavior to investigate consumer trends and create marketing campaigns. In human resources, psychology graduates can help in recruiting and training employees. Other career paths may include roles in sales, customer experience, community outreach, or nonprofit work. These are fields where strong communication, empathy, and analytical skills are necessary.

Explore the Human Condition

Psychologists study the workings of the human mind to gain insight into why people act the way they do, as well as to promote well-being and positive change. This understanding of the human condition is also valuable in many other occupations. Professionals in health care, social work, education, criminal justice, marketing, user experience (UX) design, and public relations all rely on insights into human behavior to do their work. Professionals with a psychology degree have a deep knowledge of how people think and interact. They can improve patient care, support communities, design innovative products, shape public messaging, or inform policy decisions.

Make a Difference in People’s Lives

Many people enjoy careers where they can make a positive impact on others, and psychology is an excellent field for doing just that. Because it focuses on thoughts, emotions, and behavior, some graduates pursue roles as counselors, social workers, therapists, and other health professionals. At the same time, making a positive impact can also happen outside a therapy setting. Psychology graduates can apply their knowledge in nonclinical roles such as human resources, where they support employee well-being and workplace culture; marketing and communications, where they better understand and connect with audiences; and UX design, where they create more intuitive and accessible products. Others work in fields like education, criminal justice, public health, and community outreach.

Can You Find an In-Demand Job with a Psychology Degree?

Many careers in psychology have strong job outlooks, making them a solid choice for students seeking in-demand roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6% between 2024 and 2034—faster than the average for all occupations. At the same time, a psychology degree can also lead to strong job opportunities outside of traditional psychology careers. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in human resources, marketing and market research, UX design, sales, project management, public relations, case management, and community outreach.

Start Your Psychology Education with Excelsior

If you’re interested in studying the human mind or helping others improve their lives, Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program might be the right choice for you. After earning a psychology degree from Excelsior, you’ll have a solid understanding of core psychology concepts, human development, cognition, memory, intelligence, personality theories, and psychological disorders, positioning you for a wide range of careers. If you choose to become a psychologist, pursuing counseling or research roles, for instance, your next step after earning your bachelor’s degree is graduate school, as you’ll likely need a master’s or doctorate. However, fields like human resources, marketing, education, and more are open to graduates with a psychology degree, with many entry-level positions only requiring a bachelor’s.

Psychology degrees are among the most versatile you can earn. With so many paths to pursue, it’s not hard to find one that’s right for you. And with Excelsior’s flexible online courses and robust support resources, you can earn your degree without disrupting your busy life. Contact an admissions representative today to learn more!

Technician vs. Technologist vs. Engineer: Different Roles in Electrical Engineering

Publicado el by Anveeksh Koneru

In the field of electrical engineering technology (EET), job titles like technician, technologist, and engineer are often used interchangeably—but they reflect different levels of education, responsibility, and career paths. Understanding these differences helps people looking to enter the industry to confidently pursue a career that aligns with their skills, goals, and credentials. Here, we’ll examine the responsibilities, education requirements, and skill sets associated with all three roles, plus a few examples of real-world job titles.

What Does an Electrical Technician Do?

EET technicians focus on the hands-on installation, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical systems and equipment.

  • Typical education: Technician roles usually require at least an associate degree or certificate in electrical or electronics technology. Many employers prefer a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology.
  • Skill set: In this role, you’ll need strong practical skills, including competence with tools, diagnostic equipment, and wiring.
  • Examples of EET technician positions: Electrical technicians, field service technicians, and maintenance technicians are common roles that employers are looking for.

What Is a Technologist?

EET technologists apply engineering principles to solve practical problems, bridge the gap between technicians and engineers, and often supervise or manage technical teams.

  • Typical education: Roles for EET technologists usually call for a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology.
  • Skill set: Technologists require skills in systems-level thinking, applied design, data analysis, and project management.
  • Examples of EET technologist positions: Electrical technologist, test technologist, systems integrator, and automation and controls engineer are typical titles you’ll see in job postings.

What Does an Electrical Engineer Do?

Electrical engineers design new systems or technologies, perform advanced analysis, and often work in R&D or conceptual development roles.

  • Typical education: To become an engineer, you’ll need a bachelor’s or advanced degree in engineering (preferably in electrical engineering). This role sometimes requires licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE).
  • Skill set: Theoretical modeling, innovation, and systems design are examples of skills you need as an EE.
  • Examples of electrical engineer positions: Electrical engineer, design engineer, and systems engineer are common job titles you might have as an EE.

Start Your Career in Electrical Engineering Technology with Excelsior

At Excelsior University, we help students understand the differences between roles in EET so they can pursue the education path that best aligns with their goals. For those interested in technician-level roles, courses such as Blueprint Reading, Personal Protection Equipment for Electrical Work, and Electrical Theory build a solid foundation. And our ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology program prepares students for technologist roles with an emphasis on applied knowledge, simulations, and real-world scenarios, such as power systems, electronics, control systems, and communications.

Although Excelsior’s BS in Electrical Engineering Technology program is not designed to lead directly to PE licensure in most states, graduates can still grow into engineering roles over time, especially through experience, certifications, or graduate education. Students can qualify to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam during their senior year or after graduation, and after six years of industry experience, they can take the PE exam.

At Excelsior, we believe in career readiness, lifelong learning, and upward mobility. Many students start as technicians, earn their degree online while working, and move into technologist or even engineering-related positions over time. Through a combination of flexible courses, robust support, and experienced faculty, Excelsior University has been helping students of all ages and backgrounds achieve their goals for more than 50 years. If you’re ready to start or advance your career in electrical engineering technology, learn why you belong at Excelsior.

How to ATS-Proof Your Resume

Publicado el by Camille Dumont

If you’ve been applying for jobs and not hearing back, your resume may not be making it past the first review. In many cases, that review happens before a hiring manager ever sees your name. Understanding how applicant tracking systems work is one of the most important resume tips you can apply. When you know how your resume is being evaluated, you can present your experience clearly, use language intentionally, and position yourself more strategically.

What Is an ATS?

An ATS, or applicant tracking system, is software employers use to collect, organize, and sort job applications. Instead of manually reviewing every resume from the start, organizations rely on these systems to manage volume efficiently. Although applicant tracking systems were once more common among large corporations, organizations of many sizes now use them. Their purpose is not necessarily to eliminate candidates immediately, but to categorize applications and highlight those that most closely align with the job description.

What Do Applicant Tracking Systems Look For?

Although each ATS is different, most are programmed to scan resumes for alignment with the job posting. They recognize structured sections, specific terminology, and consistent formatting.

This means clarity matters. The way you label sections, describe responsibilities, and present skills influences how your information is categorized within the system.

Most applicant tracking systems look for:

  • Skills that match the job description
  • Relevant terminology used in the posting
  • Job titles and level of responsibility
  • Education, certifications, and credentials
  • Clear section headings, such as Work Experience and Education
  • Accurate spelling and consistent formatting

Keywords should only be used when they reflect real experience. The strongest resumes use language to validate what you have actually done, not to suggest qualifications that are not there.

5 ATS-Friendly Resume Tips to Help You Stand Out

Optimizing your resume does not require complicated design. In fact, simplicity works in your favor. These resume tips focus on alignment, structure, and accuracy so your qualifications are recognized by both applicant tracking systems and hiring managers.

Resume tips for optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems

 

Resume Tip 1: Align with the Job Description

Review the job posting carefully and identify the skills and responsibilities that genuinely match your background. Use the same terminology when it accurately reflects your experience. If you have led projects, say that. If you have not, do not force language into your resume. Tools like Jobscan can help you see where your resume aligns, but no tool replaces thinking carefully about your experience and tailoring your resume with intention.

Resume Tip 2: Use Standard Section Headings

Applicant tracking systems are designed to recognize common headings such as Work Experience, Education, and Skills. Creative titles may confuse the system and cause information to be miscategorized. Keeping your structure straightforward ensures your resume is parsed correctly and organized in a way a hiring manager can easily review.

Resume Tip 3: Keep Formatting Simple

Avoid text boxes, graphics, multiple columns, and unusual fonts. Many ATS platforms cannot read complex designs accurately. A clean single-column format with standard bullet points improves readability and helps ensure that your information is captured correctly.

Resume Tip 4: Focus on Results

Instead of listing responsibilities alone, highlight measurable outcomes. Quantifiable results such as improved efficiency, increased enrollment, or reduced processing time demonstrate impact. Results strengthen your resume for both applicant tracking systems and hiring managers because they show evidence, not just activity.

Resume Tip 5: Proofread Carefully

Spelling errors and inconsistent terminology can prevent important skills from being recognized. Review your resume thoroughly before submitting it. Reading it aloud or asking a trusted colleague to review it can help catch mistakes that software and hiring managers will notice.

3 Pitfalls to Avoid

Just as important as knowing what to include is understanding what can weaken a resume. These common mistakes can limit how effectively your application performs within an applicant tracking system.

Pitfall 1: Using Graphics or Images

Visual elements such as logos, icons, or charts may look polished, but most applicant tracking systems cannot interpret them. If critical information is embedded in a graphic, it may not be processed at all. Keep essential content in text format.

Pitfall 2: Overusing Keywords

Including keywords without demonstrated experience can create problems later in the hiring process. Repetition alone does not strengthen your application. Use terminology strategically and only when it accurately reflects your background.

Pitfall 3: Ignoring Instructions

Employers may specify preferred file types or formatting guidelines. Failing to follow directions can create unnecessary barriers. Review application instructions carefully before submitting your resume.

Your Resume Is Only One Part of the Strategy

Optimizing your resume for an ATS is important, but it isn’t the only factor in securing an interview. Networking, thoughtful follow-up, and connecting with professionals inside an organization can increase your chances. When possible, consider identifying someone within the company who can offer insight into the role. Your resume opens the door; professional outreach and relationship building often help you move through it.

Start Your (Next) Career with Excelsior

A strong resume matters, but expanding your knowledge and skills can also increase your opportunities. For more than 50 years, Excelsior University has helped working adults earn degrees through flexible programs designed to fit real life.

Whether you’re looking to start a career in a new field or strengthen your position in your current one, Excelsior offers more than 40 flexible, career-focused programs. Students have access to comprehensive Career Readiness resources that support resume development, interview preparation, and professional growth.

Whether you’re considering going back to school or exploring different areas of study, the right education can strengthen your qualifications and position you more competitively in today’s job market.

Ever Upward: Brian Pervis and the Power of Teaching

Publicado el por Jenna Kerwin

During his capstone project in his master’s program, Brian Pervis realized something important: Education, when done well, has a lasting impact on direct practice. “That’s when I realized I wanted to teach,” he says. “Not just content—but confidence, competence, and critical thinking.”

In Enero 2022, Pervis joined Excelsior University as a part-time faculty member, then transitioned to full-time teaching, and now serves as a department chair in the School of Nursing. Now in his fifth year, he oversees several important associate nursing courses that hundreds of students take each year.

Pervis earned his Associate of Science in Nursing in 2009 and passed the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse on his first attempt. Leveraging transfer credit from his associate degree, he also earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts with Excelsior in 2009, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing Education in 2011. The journey to becoming a department chair began more than 20 years ago when he became an emergency medical technician at his mother’s suggestion.

Called to Education

He enjoyed the fast-paced atmosphere of being an EMT and helping others, but he wanted to pursue a different career. So, he became a licensed practical nurse in 2001 and began working for various health care networks in New Haven, Connecticut. Still, the urge to learn and grow nagged at Pervis. A visiting representative of Excelsior University—then College—to Pervis’ workplace convinced him to “give it a shot.” Three degrees later, Pervis not only supervises but also teaches several nursing courses, like NUR 104 and NUR 105.

“The part that I like about teaching … is the students,” he says. “They’re trying to get better and better themselves—LPN students that are going up to become RNs … [and then] going further to get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. We’re also seeing paramedics that are transitioning to becoming nurses.” He adds that it becomes personal when students reach out to thank him for his mentorship and teaching.

That connection is especially evident during Commencement ceremonies, which Pervis describes as his favorite moments of the year. In a mostly asynchronous learning environment, Commencement is where virtual relationships become personal. “When you see students, they say, ‘Hey, you’re Dr. Pervis.’ It’s that personal connection. And they’re so thankful. They’re so grateful,” he says.

Having attended multiple Commencement ceremonies as a student, he also understands the excitement. “It gives me butterflies,” he admits. “I know what they’re going through. I know how meaningful this is.”

Adult learners, Pervis also notes, often juggle work, family, and school, so he says it’s important to believe you can get to that finishing line. In fact, he says, dedication is a defining trait of successful Excelsior students. He tells his own: “Be dedicated to your studies. Don’t take the shortcut. Take the long way. … Students who are truly dedicated, that show up every day, they put the work in—you’re going to leave Excelsior better than [how] you came in.”

Meeting Students Where They Are

Pervis’ deep understanding of the adult learning experience has helped him reimagine how clinical and laboratory skills are taught in the distance-learning model. For instance, in the nursing lab courses, students demonstrate skills such as head-to-toe assessments or IV administration by recording themselves practicing on consenting family members or friends. Faculty members then provide detailed feedback aligned with structured rubrics.

“We don’t see too many people doing that right now because it meets the student where they’re at,” explains Pervis. “It allows the students [to perform] in the comfort of their home.”

Pervis’ commitment to teaching also shapes how he views higher education’s future. For instance, the use of artificial intelligence continues to expand, and today’s students must learn how to responsibly interact with it. “It’s more about responsible AI use because health care systems are using AI,” Pervis says. “And if we don’t adapt to that, our students are going to be behind. So we have to kind of understand that and kind of gear ourselves towards that.”

Needing to adapt is why Pervis believes lifelong learning is essential, not optional. “We have to get better. We have to adapt to the changes. So, you have to be a lifelong learner.”

Preparing the Next Generation of Nurses

Believing in lifelong learning means putting ideas into action, and Pervis takes that message straight to students. Recently, Camille Dumont, associate director for Career Readiness at Excelsior University, featured Pervis in a Career Café—an interactive webinar connecting students and alumni with career resources and professionals across industries.

During the session, Pervis challenged attendees to think intentionally about their futures. “What kind of nurse do you want to be remembered as?” he asked. “Do you want to be this nurse or that kind of nurse? So, just answer that question. It’s going to help you determine your career path.”

Pervis talked about how nursing careers are layered and that growth requires planning, humility, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. He touched on how depth matters more than speed; it’s important not to rush your development. Pervis also discussed how success in nursing also means building your reputation thoughtfully, exploring entrepreneurship strategically, and protecting your well-being.


Pervis reminds students that learning is not confined to degrees earned or titles achieved. It is a mindset and a belief that growth is always possible. And with education, you can transform not only your career but also lives. “[Students] are going to be the future leaders. My job is going to be gone,” he reflects. “So, dedicate yourself to your studies and everything that you’re doing. … You can make an impact on education, society, and your family—and just change it right the way you want to see it be changed.”