Scott Dolan, decano ejecutivo de la Facultad de Artes Liberales y Ciencias de la Universidad Excelsior, ha colaborado en un artículo del Consejo de Organizaciones sin Ánimo de Lucro de Forbes titulado «Líderes de organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro sobre modelos de ingresos innovadores para tiempos de incertidumbre». Dolan aborda la colaboración entre organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro para establecer alianzas estratégicas que puedan impulsar el crecimiento, al tiempo que se comparten infraestructuras y riesgos.
Python: el lenguaje de programación versátil y de alto nivel
Python es el lenguaje de programación preferido por los desarrolladores de todo el mundo. Es fácil de leer y comprender para las personas, y se puede utilizar en una amplia gama de aplicaciones, como el desarrollo web, la automatización, el análisis de datos e incluso la inteligencia artificial. La popularidad de la programación en Python ha fomentado una comunidad de apoyo muy activa y ha impulsado la creación de amplias bibliotecas de módulos de código ya escritos que agilizan el desarrollo. Si ustedpensando en dedicarse al desarrollo de software, aprender Python es un primer paso esencial.
¿Por qué es importante Python?
El rápido crecimiento y el uso generalizado del lenguaje de programación Python no son fruto de la casualidad. Estas características han impulsado su adopción en diversos sectores y aplicaciones:
- Legibilidad: La sintaxis de Python es casi tan fácil de leer como el inglés sencillo, lo que facilita la programación, reduce el número de errores y agiliza la depuración.
- Flexibilidad: Es uno de los lenguajes de programación más versátiles del mundo. Lo utilizan desarrolladores en los ámbitos de la inteligencia artificial y el aprendizaje automático, las aplicaciones web y móviles, el análisis de datos y la automatización.
- Fácil integración: usted utilizar Python junto con otros lenguajes de programación habituales, como C, Java y JavaScript, lo que resulta muy útil cuando usted interoperabilidad.
- Ecosistema ampliado: una comunidad de desarrolladores activa y solidaria usted ayuda usted y utilizar este lenguaje de programación. Una amplia biblioteca de módulos de código ya escritos permite añadir funciones habituales de forma rápida y sencilla, sin necesidad de escribir el código desde cero.
¿Para qué usted puede usted Python?
Las capacidades de Python como lenguaje de programación ofrecen herramientas para los desarrolladores, además de bibliotecas y el apoyo de la comunidad. usted utilizarlo para crear una amplia variedad de proyectos y en diversos ámbitos. Comenzó como un proyecto aficionado y debe su nombre a la comedia británica «Monty Python’s Flying Circus». El desarrollador neerlandés Guido van Rossum, creador de Python, quería un nombre que fuera breve, divertido y fácil de recordar. Desde sus orígenes en la automatización sencilla, la creación de scripts y el procesamiento de texto, ha crecido hasta dominar los siguientes campos:
Desarrollo web
Python es ideal para crear rápidamente sitios web escalables, seguros, con numerosas funciones y bien estructurados. Los marcos de trabajo como Django y Flask ayudan a los desarrolladores a organizar su código y a acceder a bibliotecas de herramientas y convenciones creadas en Python.
Aprendizaje automático
Python domina el aprendizaje automático, la inteligencia artificial y los modelos de lenguaje a gran escala. Es el lenguaje en el que se basan bibliotecas como PyTorch, scikit-learn y TensorFlow, que los desarrolladores utilizan para crear modelos predictivos, implementar algoritmos complejos y entrenar sistemas de inteligencia artificial.
Ciencia de los datos
Las herramientas para manipular datos, depurar conjuntos de datos y realizar análisis avanzados suelen crearse con Python. Pandas, NumPy y Matplotlib son algunos de los ejemplos más conocidos.
Desarrollo de aplicaciones
Python agiliza el desarrollo eficiente de aplicaciones de escritorio y móviles. Sus bibliotecas, sencillas y completas, facilitan a los desarrolladores la creación de software intuitivo y sin errores. Desde sencillas utilidades hasta programas con todas las funciones, es la opción más práctica.
Software de scripting y utilidades
Aquí es donde Python dio sus primeros pasos. Los desarrolladores descubrieron que era fácil de usar para automatizar de forma rápida y sencilla tareas repetitivas y utilidades básicas. Python permite gestionar archivos, administrar y supervisar el sistema, realizar procesamientos por lotes y mucho más.
Aprenda Python y comience su carrera profesional con Excelsior
Python es un lenguaje de programación moderno imprescindible. Dominar sus posibilidades abre las puertas a interesantes carreras profesionales en el ámbito tecnológico, en sectores en rápido crecimiento.
El desarrollo de sus habilidades en Python forma parte de la titulación de Grado en Informática de la Universidad de Excelsior. Este programa integral combina los aspectos técnicos de la programación, los algoritmos, las estructuras de datos y el desarrollo de software con asignaturas de humanidades en áreas como la redacción en inglés, las humanidades y las ciencias sociales y naturales, que usted ayudarán usted el pensamiento crítico, la comunicación y las habilidades analíticas necesarias para una formación completa y una carrera profesional exitosa.
Más allá de las aulas, Excelsior es conocida por apoyar a los estudiantes adultos y a los profesionales en activo con cursos 100 % en línea. Los amplios recursos de apoyo al estudiante y de preparación para la vida profesional usted ayudan usted sus responsabilidades con sus estudios y, posteriormente, a aplicar su formación a sus objetivos profesionales. La Universidad de Excelsior puede usted o avanzar en una carrera gratificante y orientada al crecimiento. Comience su andadura hoy mismo y descubra por qué Excelsior usted .
Por qué merece la pena cursar un MBA en la era de la IA
Una pregunta que me plantean con bastante frecuencia los futuros estudiantes, antiguos alumnos y socios del sector hoy en día resulta tanto oportuna como comprensible: ¿Sigue mereciendo la pena cursar un MBA en la era de la inteligencia artificial (IA)? Mi respuesta es un sí rotundo. Un Máster en Administración de Empresas no solo merece la pena, sino que ahora es más valioso que nunca. Sin embargo, las razones por las que merece la pena cursar un MBA están evolucionando.
La era de la inteligencia artificial no está restando importancia al MBA, sino que está dejando más claro su propósito. Muchas universidades que habían registrado un descenso en las matriculaciones en programas de MBA desde 2024 están experimentando un resurgimiento. A primera vista, esto puede parecer contradictorio, pero no refleja la realidad del mercado.
La realidad del mercado que afecta a casi todos los sectores es que la inteligencia artificial está transformando la forma de trabajar. Los análisis rutinarios, el procesamiento de datos e incluso algunos aspectos del apoyo a la toma de decisiones se automatizan cada vez más. Esto significa que las tareas básicas, que han constituido la base misma de muchas trayectorias profesionales tradicionales, se están reconfigurando o desapareciendo por completo. Sin embargo, este cambio pone de manifiesto algo fundamental: a medida que la inteligencia artificial se expande, aumenta el valor del criterio humano. Algunos ejemplos de ello son:
- La IA puede generar conocimientos, pero no puede definir el propósito.
- La inteligencia artificial puede optimizar las decisiones, pero no puede asumir la responsabilidad de las consecuencias.
- La IA puede procesar datos, pero no puede hacer que las personas actúen en función de la información obtenida a partir de dichos datos.
Las pruebas más recientes indican que la inteligencia artificial afectará de manera desproporcionada a los puestos de nivel inicial, mientras que los puestos directivos y de liderazgo seguirán siendo más resistentes y cobrarán cada vez más importancia. Los programas de MBA preparan a los estudiantes para estos puestos de liderazgo fundamentales del futuro. La paradoja central de la era de la inteligencia artificial es que, cuanto más potente se vuelve la tecnología de inteligencia artificial, más esencial se vuelve el liderazgo humano.
El valor de un MBA
Existe la idea errónea de que el Máster en Administración de Empresas (MBA) consiste principalmente en adquirir conocimientos empresariales en un ámbito concreto (liderazgo, gestión de recursos humanos, finanzas y contabilidad, marketing, etc.). Sin embargo, ese nunca ha sido su verdadero valor. El verdadero valor de un MBA reside en tres capacidades duraderas:
- El pensamiento estratégico en condiciones de incertidumbre. La inteligencia artificial se nutre de patrones del pasado. Los líderes deben tomar decisiones sobre el futuro. Los programas de MBA desarrollan marcos de referencia que permiten a las personas lidiar con la ambigüedad, evaluar el riesgo y tomar decisiones de gran importancia.
- Integración interdisciplinar. Las organizaciones no son meras hojas de cálculo, sino sistemas complejos formados por personas, incentivos, mercados y limitaciones. Los titulados en MBA aprenden a integrar las distintas funciones, vinculando las finanzas con la estrategia, las operaciones con la experiencia del cliente y la tecnología con la creación de valor.
- Liderazgo y responsabilidad. Quizás lo más importante es que los titulados en MBA están formados para liderar. No para gestionar tareas, sino para orientar a las personas, forjar una cultura y asumir la responsabilidad de los resultados.
Como se señalaba en un análisis de 2020, el valor perdurable del MBA reside en la formación de líderes capaces de integrar la tecnología, las personas y la estrategia, al tiempo que toman decisiones en situaciones de incertidumbre. No se trata de habilidades que la IA sustituya, sino de habilidades que la IA potencia.
¿Merece la pena el coste de un MBA?
Abordemos la cuestión más práctica: ¿merece la pena cursar un MBA desde el punto de vista económico? Los datos siguen siendo convincentes. Según el Graduate Management Admission Council, el salario medio de los titulados en MBA en Estados Unidos es de aproximadamente 125 000 dólares, frente a los cerca de 75 000 dólares que perciben los titulados universitarios. Muchos programas señalan que existen oportunidades de aumento salarial a los pocos años de la graduación.
Y lo que es aún más revelador, las empresas siguen valorando el título. Las encuestas indican que la mayoría de los responsables de selección de personal siguen considerando que los títulos completos de posgrado en administración de empresas son más eficaces que las titulaciones de corta duración para alcanzar el éxito a largo plazo. Sí, los costes son importantes. Sí, el rendimiento de la inversión varía según el programa y la trayectoria profesional. Pero la señal económica fundamental no ha cambiado: un MBA sigue siendo una de las vías más fiables para ascender profesionalmente y alcanzar una remuneración propia de puestos de liderazgo.
Cómo está cambiando la inteligencia artificial el mundo empresarial
La cuestión más importante no es si merece la pena cursar un MBA, sino si merece la pena cursar el tipo adecuado de MBA. Los programas modernos de MBA están evolucionando rápidamente en respuesta a la inteligencia artificial. En la Universidad de Excelsior, y en otras instituciones con visión de futuro, estamos observando tres cambios fundamentales.
1. La alfabetización en IA como competencia fundamental
Ya no se espera que los estudiantes se conviertan en científicos de datos. Sin embargo, deben comprender cómo funciona la IA, dónde genera valor y dónde entraña riesgos. La IA se está convirtiendo en una herramienta de apoyo a la toma de decisiones, y los líderes deben saber interpretar sus resultados, cuestionar sus supuestos y aplicar sus conclusiones de forma responsable. Deben hacerlo sin olvidar que, en última instancia, son responsables de presentar sus propias conclusiones, así como de la autoridad y la autoría de las decisiones tomadas. La IA no ofrece una vía de escape para eludir la necesidad de ser un experto en la materia.
2. Énfasis en las habilidades interpersonales
A medida que las tareas técnicas se automatizan, las capacidades humanas se convierten en factores diferenciadores. Entre estas capacidades se incluyen la comunicación, el razonamiento ético, el liderazgo en el cambio, la colaboración interfuncional y la defensa de la inclusión de ideas y opiniones diversas. No se trata de «habilidades sociales». Son capacidades estratégicas en una economía impulsada por la inteligencia artificial.
3. Aprendizaje aplicado y basado en la experiencia
Los mejores programas de MBA van más allá de la teoría. Sumergen a los estudiantes en problemas del mundo real, que a menudo implican la integración de la inteligencia artificial, la transformación digital y el cambio organizativo. Esto es fundamental porque, en la era de la inteligencia artificial, saber no es suficiente. Los líderes deben aplicar, adaptarse y actuar.
El futuro de los negocios pertenece a los líderes potenciados por la inteligencia artificial
El futuro no pertenece a quienes compiten con la IA. Pertenece a quienes lideran con la IA. Piense en ellos como líderes potenciados por la IA. Es aquí donde el Máster en Administración de Empresas adquiere un valor único. Un titulado en MBA, en el contexto actual, no es simplemente un generalista empresarial. Es:
- Un enlace entre los equipos técnicos y la dirección ejecutiva
- Un estratega que comprende tanto los datos como el contexto
- Un responsable de la toma de decisiones que combina el análisis con el criterio
- Un líder capaz de motivar a las personas para que se sumen al cambio
En otras palabras, el MBA prepara a las personas para convertirse en líderes potenciados por la inteligencia artificial. Estos son los profesionales que las organizaciones buscan activamente. Son personas capaces de aprovechar la inteligencia artificial no solo para mejorar la eficiencia, sino también para impulsar la innovación y el crecimiento.
Las ventajas infravaloradas de un MBA
Una de las ventajas más ignoradas de un MBA no es el aumento salarial inmediato, sino las posibilidades profesionales que ofrece. En una economía en rápida evolución, la capacidad de adaptarse es fundamental. Un MBA brinda acceso a múltiples sectores (consultoría, sanidad, tecnología, finanzas), flexibilidad para acceder a puestos de liderazgo y una titulación reconocida en todos los sectores y zonas geográficas. Incluso en un mercado laboral cambiante, las perspectivas laborales de los titulados en MBA siguen siendo relativamente sólidas, con tasas de empleo en torno al 85 % en los tres meses posteriores a la graduación. Y lo que es más importante, los titulados en MBA están siendo contratados cada vez más en campos emergentes, incluso en los propios sectores impulsados por la inteligencia artificial.
There is one aspect of the MBA that AI cannot replicate: human networks. Business is fundamentally relational. Opportunities often emerge not from applications but from connections. An MBA provides access to peer networks of high-performing professionals, faculty mentorship, alumni communities, and industry connections. These networks compound over time. They open doors, create partnerships, and accelerate careers in ways that no algorithm can replicate. In an increasingly digital world, trusted human relationships become more, not less, valuable.
A follow-up to the main question is, In what situations is an MBA not the right choice? An honest answer requires some nuance. An MBA is not universally the right path for everyone. If your goal is deep technical specialization in AI or machine learning, immediate entry into highly technical roles, or low-cost or short-term skill acquisition, then alternative pathways, such as a specialized master’s degree or certification, may be more appropriate. (Excelsior University can help with some of those paths, as well.) However, if your goal is to lead teams and organizations, transition into management, influence strategy and decision-making, and build long-term career mobility, then the MBA remains one of the most effective investments you can make.
MBA: A Degree in Leadership
A final perspective worth noting is that the MBA is really a leadership degree. This shift in thinking took time to set and, in part, contributed to periods of weakened MBA enrollments as prospective students questioned the return on investment and relevance of traditional business education. However, recent trends indicate a renewed recognition of the MBA’s core value, not as a purely technical or functional credential, but as a developmental pathway for leadership in increasingly complex and dynamic environments.
Now that this shift is more fully realized, the MBA is no longer just a business degree; it is a leadership degree for a complex, technology-driven world. Organizations today operate in conditions characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), requiring leaders who can synthesize information, make decisions under uncertainty, and guide organizations through continuous transformation. MBA programs are uniquely positioned to develop these capabilities by integrating strategic thinking, cross-functional decision-making, and leadership development into a cohesive learning experience.
AI will continue to evolve. Industries will continue to change. Roles will continue to be redefined. But organizations will always need individuals who can make sense of complexity, align people around a vision, make decisions when outcomes are uncertain, and very importantly, take responsibility for results. That is what MBA programs are designed to develop.
Returning to the primary question, Is getting an MBA worth it in the AI era? Yes! But not because it teaches you what AI already knows. Rather, it develops what AI cannot become: a leader. The Master of Business Administration prepares you to lead. And in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent machines, the need for thoughtful, capable, and ethical human leadership has never been greater.
If you are considering an MBA, the question is not whether AI will replace the degree. The question is whether you are prepared to lead in a world where AI is part of every decision. At Excelsior University, we believe the answer should be yes.
Profesión destacada: Enfermera itinerante
What Is a Travel Nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who is typically employed through a staffing agency and placed on short-term jobs in hospitals, clinics, or other care settings experiencing staffing shortages. This flexible career path allows nurses to explore new places, gain experience, and often earn higher-than-average pay. Travel nurses play an increasingly important role in offering quality patient care across a variety of environments.
What Does a Travel Nurse Do?
A travel nurse’s daily responsibilities vary depending on the assignment, specialty, and health care facility. However, most carry out basic nursing duties like assessing patients, administering medications, and assisting with treatment plans. They work with other health care professionals to ensure the best care and adapt to new teams and environments. Because they frequently change assignments, travel nurses must also be comfortable learning new electronic health record systems and adjusting to different workplace expectations.
What Are the Requirements to Be a Travel Nurse?
To become a travel nurse, you must earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Although you don’t need a bachelor’s degree necessarily to become a registered nurse, many employers prefer candidates with their baccalaureate. After completing your degree, you must pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain your license. Most travel nursing agencies also require hospital clinical experience (a year or more, typically) before accepting candidates. Additional certifications may be required depending on your nursing specialty, like Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact?
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement that allows registered nurses to hold one license that allows them to practice in several states without needing to obtain separate licenses. This is beneficial for travel nurses because it streamlines the process of working across state lines. It should be noted, however, that nurses must still follow the regulations of the state where they are practicing. Also, not all states participate in the NLC, so you may have to pursue additional licensure.
What Are the Benefits of Travel Nursing?
One of the biggest benefits of travel nursing is the opportunity for professional growth. By working in a variety of health care settings, nurses gain hands-on experience in new technologies, care techniques, and working with different patients. Nurses can strengthen their clinical skills and build their confidence and adaptability, making them more competitive in the job market and opening doors to advancement.
Another major advantage of travel nursing is the ability to explore new places. You can take on assignments in different cities across the country or even around the world. You can experience new cultures, meet people, and visit exciting places. Combined with flexible scheduling, this lifestyle gives nurses more control over their time.
Finally, nursing offers strong financial and job security benefits. Travel nurses often earn higher pay than staff nurses, along with perks like housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance options. Also, there is a constant demand for nurses, so there are always opportunities available.
What Is a Travel Nurse Salary?
Travel nurse salaries can vary widely depending on location, specialty, experience, and demand. On average, travel nurses tend to earn an annual average of $101,132, according to ZipRecruiter. Compare that to $93,600, which is the latest median annual wage for registered nurses, reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Assignments in high-need areas or during health care crises may offer even higher pay. Compensation packages may include additional benefits like housing stipends, travel reimbursement, and bonuses.
Advance Your Nursing Career with Excelsior
Starting your journey as a travel nurse begins with the right education. Excelsior offers flexible nursing programs designed to help students build the knowledge and skills needed for a successful nursing career. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to expand your opportunities, one of our programs—Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing—can help you build the skills employers value. Many travel nursing roles increasingly prefer or require a bachelor’s degree, making continued education a smart investment in your future.
Travel nursing offers an exciting blend of professional advancement and personal exploration. As demand for skilled nurses continues to grow, travel nurses remain essential in filling critical gaps in health care systems nationwide. Explore Excelsior’s nursing programs and resources to start down the path toward your dream career.
La inteligencia artificial y la edición de obras de referencia: una reflexión
Melissa Chim, scholarly communications librarian at Excelsior University, published the article “AI and Library Publishing: A Reflection” for Society & AI. The article discusses the impact AI has on open access publishing and authors’ rights.
Designing for the Learner-First Workforce
Excelsior University President David Schejbal spoke with Presidents Forum about Excelsior’s commitment to designing programs for working adults balancing multiple responsibilities. President Schejbal details how Excelsior’s learner-first workforce model supports long-term career advancement for students by reducing barriers to education and aligning programs with workforce demands.
When Federal Uncertainty Becomes a Barrier to Student Success
Sarah Egerton, director of risk management and internal audit at Excelsior University, published an article in the journal HigherEdRisk titled “When Federal Uncertainty Becomes a Barrier to Student Success.” In the article, Egerton discusses the challenges that colleges and universities serving military students face, particularly during federal government shutdowns and times of policy uncertainty. She makes recommendations for institutions to proactively plan for governmental volatility to protect these students’ educational pathways and mitigate institutional risks.
Clinical vs. Nonclinical Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science
The American health care system continues to evolve rapidly because of technological advancements, new health care policies, and the changing needs of the population. Health care organizations increasingly seek skilled professionals who can analyze complex challenges, make strategic decisions, and contribute to improving the quality of health care services.
A Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences offers students a strong foundation in health care systems, public health, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This degree opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities, including both clinical and nonclinical roles. Clinical roles involve direct patient care, whereas nonclinical roles focus on administrative, leadership, research, and education positions. Understanding the differences between these pathways can help students choose the career direction that best aligns with their professional goals.
Many graduates with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences enter the workforce after graduation, while others choose to pursue advanced degrees to expand their career opportunities.
Differences Between Clinical and Nonclinical Roles
Clinical roles involve direct interaction with patients and focus on patient care, treatments, and support for medical teams. These professionals work in environments such as clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and other medical facilities where patient care is the primary focus.
Nonclinical roles, on the other hand, support the health care system without providing direct patient care. Professionals in these positions often focus on improving health care delivery, managing health care organizations, conducting research, or developing health programs. Nonclinical professionals frequently work in areas such as health care leadership, administration, policy development, education, and research. Although they may not interact with patients daily, their work plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the American health care system.
Clinical Careers with a Bachelors’ Degree in Health Science
Many students use a health sciences degree as a stepping stone toward advanced clinical careers as physical therapists, physician assistants, and other roles requiring advanced degrees. In some cases, additional education, training, or certification may be required. However, several clinical or patient-focused positions are available to graduates with a bachelor’s degree in health science.
Some common clinical career paths include:
Health educator: These professionals develop and implement programs that promote healthy behaviors and the well-being of communities. Health educators may also participate in research projects aimed at improving public health outcomes.
Medical assistant: In this role, you’ll support physicians and other medical providers with patient care and help during medical procedures.
Medical technologist: At the intersection of health care and tech, medical technologists analyze bodily fluids, including blood and tissues, to help health care providers diagnose and monitor diseases.
Physical therapist aide: This clinical job involves assisting physical therapists in rehabilitation settings by helping patients perform exercises to recover from injuries and increase their mobility.
Nonclinical Careers with a Bachelors’ Degree in Health Science
Many professionals contribute to improving the health care system through leadership, research, and management. Some of the most common nonclinical roles you can land with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences include:
Medical office manager: In this important role, you’ll manage the daily operations of health care departments or organizations.
Health care consultant: This nonclinical role involves advising health care organizations on strategies to improve efficiency and overall performance.
Patient care coordinator: Although technically not clinical in nature, patient care coordinators nevertheless interface with the public, working with medical and administrative teams to ensure that patients receive coordinated and efficient services.
Clinical research coordinator: These nonclinical workers assist with clinical trials and research studies by recruiting participants and collecting and managing data.
Community health worker: In this role, you’ll support individuals and communities by providing education and guidance on accessing health care resources and improving health outcomes.
Choosing the Right Career Path
A bachelor’s degree in health science offers graduates significant flexibility when entering the health care workforce. Students don’t necessarily need to decide immediately whether they want to pursue a clinical or nonclinical career path, and many professionals transition between roles as their interests and experience evolve. Excelsior’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program offers a diverse, career-focused curriculum that prepares students for the full spectrum of jobs available in health care, with a choice of four concentrations to help students shape their degree paths to fit their interests and goals. What’s more, Excelsior’s flexible online courses and support from start to finish are designed to accommodate busy schedules, even if students already have work and family commitments. And it’s also worth noting that earning Excelsior’s BS in Health Sciences positions graduates to pursue an advanced degree, which can provide greater job security and financial stability.
When exploring career options, it’s important to consider personal interests, professional goals, and the type of impact one hopes to make in the health care system. Some individuals find fulfillment in working directly with patients, while others prefer roles in research, leadership, or management. Both clinical and nonclinical pathways play essential roles in supporting health care systems and improving patient outcomes. Regardless of the path chosen, graduates with a degree in health science are well positioned to make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of individuals and communities, and Excelsior is here to help mold those graduates into capable, versatile professionals and start them on their way.
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre la criminología, la justicia penal y la ciencia forense?
Criminology. Criminal Justice. Forensics. They all mean the same thing when it comes to fighting crime, right?
Not exactly.
The reality is more nuanced. Although they all share a common focus, criminology, criminal justice, and forensics are three distinct methods that help shape how our society thinks about, investigates, and addresses crime. Learning the differences between them can help us better understand the entire life span of a crime, from the individual responsible to the systems that help keep us safe.
What Is Criminology?
Criminology is an interdisciplinary field working to develop theories to explain the social, economic, and psychological reasons why people commit crimes. Spanning sociology, psychology, statistics, and public policy, criminology is predictive and preventative. Criminological research informs changes to social policy and law and then monitors how individuals interact with the changes over time.
The history of criminology has its roots in the Enlightenment in Europe, a period during the 18th century when humanistic ideals emphasizing tolerance, reason, and personal liberty were gaining strength over the authority of religion and royalty. Classical criminology of this time centered on examining the motivations of the individual as opposed to the details of the crime. Thinkers like Jeremy Bentham and Cesare Beccaria rejected corporal punishment in favor of social reforms and focused on the choices each individual has in opposition to the internal and external factors influencing them.
Modern criminologists are still studying the criminal implications of societal forces like poverty, childhood trauma, or addiction. Researchers look at longitudinal data on demographics and economics to identify trends in criminal activity and its impact over time, with an eye toward decreasing crime rates.
Criminologists do important work that helps us understand the interconnected reasons why crime happens, but they don’t arrest suspects, solve crimes, or gather crime scene evidence. Criminal justice professionals and forensics experts take over from there.
What Is Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice is a system of institutions and services that function as society’s day-to-day response to crime, as compared to criminology, which is a research-based field that explores the causes of crime in the long term.
The U.S. system is divided into the three pillars of law enforcement, courts, and corrections that manage the criminal process from investigation to rehabilitation. Police enforce laws, investigate crimes, and make arrests. Prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges ensure that legal due process is followed, determine culpability, and deliver sentences. Corrections, probation, and parole officers focus on punishment and behavioral change.
Criminologists may not necessarily work within the criminal justice system, but there is a symbiotic relationship between the work that they do. A criminologist might discover that a neighborhood has a high rate of juvenile delinquency because of a lack of after-school programs. Based on that research, local law enforcement might shift their policing toward diversionary programs for crime prevention and away from increasing arrest volume. In turn, the criminal justice system provides ongoing crime statistics such as arrest records, recidivism rates, and trial outcomes, which criminologists then analyze to refine their theories.
What Is Forensics?
At its essence, forensics is concerned with proving or disproving the involvement of a person, place, or thing in a crime by using chemistry, physics, and technology to analyze physical and digital artifacts. While criminology works on the theoretical why of crime, and criminal justice deals in the how of enforcing the law, forensic science is focused on the physical what. The role of forensics is to act as the bridge between the lab and the legal system, providing objective scientific evidence that can be used in court.
Evolving from the early days of fingerprinting and crime scene photography, modern forensics encompasses several fields, including DNA analysis, toxicology, forensic pathology, ballistics, and the newest forensic innovation of digital forensics, which recovers and analyzes data from encrypted phones, hard drives, or deleted emails.
Criminology vs. Criminal Justice vs. Forensics
Criminal behavior is complicated, and it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The challenge of preventing and addressing crime is a collaboration among professionals in criminology, forensics, and criminal justice, all working in parallel on different elements of the process.
Here’s a breakdown of the goals of each discipline, the tools they use, and where they work.
Essentially, if you’re analyzing DNA from blood spatter, you’re a forensic specialist. If you’re arresting the suspect, you work in criminal justice. If you’re researching why that specific neighborhood has seen a 10% spike in homicide, you’re a criminologist.
Start Your Career in Public Service at Excelsior
Anyone starting their career in public service needs empathy, attention to detail, and a nuanced understanding of people, processes, and politics.
While criminology, criminal justice, and forensics are distinct disciplines, they are all committed to serving the public good, and they are each writing parts of the same story about crime and society. Excelsior University’s BS in Criminal Justice program curriculum incorporates elements of all three, with courses like Criminology, Statistics, Criminal Procedure and Evidence, and Criminal Justice Administration so you can build the well-rounded base of knowledge employers are looking for. Which crime prevention career path you decide to take depends on where you want to make a difference within that story.
How Nonprofits Can Build Cross-Cohort Credibility Without Losing Focus
Scott Dolan, executive dean of Excelsior University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, contributed to a Forbes Nonprofit Council article titled “How Nonprofits Can Build Cross-Cohort Credibility Without Losing Focus.” Dolan discusses the importance of nonprofit leaders earning trust by listening to their communities and focusing on outcomes.
Dorothy Jean Tillman en Excelsior con motivo del Mes de la Historia de la Mujer
As an Excelsior University alumna and one of the youngest doctoral graduates in the nation, Dorothy Jean Tillman, BS ’18, represents what’s possible when passion meets opportunity. Her journey from child prodigy to global advocate for STEAM education inspires students of all ages to pursue their dreams, making her an inspired choice of keynote speaker for Excelsior’s 2026 Women’s History Month celebration.
Tillman shared her impressive academic journey in a special event titled “Leading the Change,” moderated by Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, Excelsior’s chief diversity officer and founding director of the Center for Social Justice. She credited a strong network of family, mentors, and community for helping her navigate challenges and discussed her focus on mental health well-being. Through her metaphor of “watering your garden,” she shared the importance of investing time and energy into the people, habits, and goals that help you succeed, rather than focusing on being distracted by external pressures.
Tillman also spoke about her work in expanding access to STEAM learning opportunities, stressing the importance of representation and inclusion of women and underrepresented groups. In the spirit of Women’s History Month, Tillman honored the trailblazers who came before her while encouraging the next generation to push boundaries, reminding the audience that achievement is most meaningful when it is used to uplift others and contributes to positive change.
Who Is Dorothy Jean Tillman?
Dorothy Jean Tillman began her higher education journey at just 10 years old, earning an associate degree from the College of Lake County. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University in 2018 at age 12. By 14, she had earned a master’s degree from Unity College, and at 17, she made national headlines as the youngest graduate of Arizona State University’s Doctor of Behavioral Health program.
Tillman’s doctoral research focused on reducing the stigma around college students accessing mental health services. Despite her impressive academic achievements, Tillman has described herself as “just a Gen Zer,” balancing her work with hobbies like dancing, painting, and spending time with friends.
The DorothyJeanius STEAM Leadership Institute
Tillman founded the DorothyJeanius STEAM Leadership Institute to create pathways for underrepresented students to succeed in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Since its launch, the institute has reached thousands of young learners through workshops, camps, and hands-on programming. It has distributed more than 3,500 at-home STEAM kits and engaged more than 5,000 participants globally.
The institute encourages students to discover their interests across disciplines. Impressively, 97% of participants have gone on to pursue STEAM-related degrees. Tillman’s work has extended internationally, including initiatives in South Africa, and she has also advised the Ghanaian government in STEAM efforts.
Showing Love for Her Alma Mater
Tillman credited Excelsior for the “invaluable support” she received and for being a key part of her success. “From my early days as a student, Excelsior nurtured my growth and encouraged me to push boundaries, ensuring that I had the tools and resources to succeed,” she said in her “Leading the Change” conversation with Aguilar. “I was profoundly grateful for the encouragement and mentorship that shaped my path, reminding me that true leadership involved not only personal achievement but also the responsibility to uplift others. So, sharing my story today is an opportunity to pay it forward.”
Tillman’s experience highlights how flexible, student-centered education can empower learners to achieve their goals, no matter their starting point. There is no single path to success, but with the right support and determination, extraordinary outcomes are possible.
La Universidad Excelsior ha recibido autorización para poner en marcha su primer programa de doctorado
ALBANY, N.Y. – Excelsior University has been approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to offer its first-ever doctoral program. Opening to enrollment this fall, Excelsior’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed to elevate the leadership skills of experienced professionals by pairing online coursework with immersive in-person residencies.
Founded in 1971 with a mission to provide educational opportunities and access to learners of all backgrounds, Excelsior has helped more than 200,000 students earn associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. NYSED’s approval for Excelsior to launch its first doctoral program marks a historic moment for the University, reflecting the expansion of academic scope symbolized by the institution’s 2022 transition from Excelsior College to Excelsior University.
“Approval from the New York State Education Department to offer our first doctoral degree program is a milestone for Excelsior and the learners we serve,” said Excelsior University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Chris Cassirer. “Beginning with the DBA, students can now find a clear pathway from pre-degree certificates through a doctoral degree in business at Excelsior. The DBA is the first of many new terminal degree offerings we plan to introduce in the years ahead, truly establishing Excelsior as a home for life-long learning.”
The DBA program is designed for professionals seeking to strengthen their strategic leadership, research, and consulting skills. The program will be delivered online with two brief, impactful in-person residencies. The hybrid format provides flexibility while ensuring valuable face-to-face networking, mentoring, and research support opportunities. The program equips students with advanced knowledge of business theories, research methods, and evidence-based practices, preparing them to become leaders in their fields.
“As Excelsior’s first doctoral program, the DBA represents a bold step forward for Excelsior University,” said Brian Allen, dean of Excelsior University’s School of Business. “The program builds on our foundational commitment to practice-ready education, combining the best of online and in-person learning to help leaders develop the skills they need to thrive as leaders in an ever-evolving business environment.”
The DBA will open to applications on Agosto 24, 2026. Interested students can complete an inquiry form to learn more at excelsior.edu.
Media Contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults 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, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.
Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.
Autorizada por la Comisión de Educación Independiente del Departamento de Educación de Florida (n.º de licencia 12928). Para obtener más información sobre esta institución, comuníquese con la Comisión en 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, número gratuito: (888)-224-6684.
