Excelsior University introduces Executive MBA program 

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. — Excelsior University is now enrolling students in a new Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program, offering an innovative hybrid learning experience designed for seasoned professionals seeking to become stronger, more resilient, forward-thinking leaders. Students will participate in short, immersive, on-location educational opportunities planned in the metropolitan areas of Albany, Chicago, and St. Petersburg, Florida, while completing the rest of their coursework online. Students will graduate from the EMBA program in just one year with the leadership skills they need to move ahead in their careers.  

Excelsior’s EMBA program empowers students to excel in executive business leadership roles through a combination of flexible online learning and hands-on, in-person experiences. The program goes beyond the traditional online classroom by offering unique opportunities for students to develop professional skills and relationships through immersive cohort studies with industry experts in three cities. Each location will host distinctive projects and experiential learning programs designed to build a student’s network and leadership experience. Excelsior EMBA students will graduate as leaders with a holistic view of today’s dynamic, socially conscious business environment.  

“The EMBA program is a bold step forward for Excelsior University, embracing new methods of learning in the evolution of our mission to help adult students succeed professionally through education,” said Leah Sciabarrasi, associate dean of the Excelsior University School of Business. “Through this intensive, hybrid program format, students get the best of both worlds: the flexible world-class online education Excelsior is known for, and lasting in-person insights, relationships, and opportunities. We look forward to welcoming Excelsior’s first EMBA class to this exciting new program.” 

Eligible EMBA students will have a bachelor’s degree and more than five years of professional experience and management of people and projects.  

2024 has been a year of significant academic growth for Excelsior University. The institution also recently launched new Bachelor of Science degree programs in Computer Science and Public Health.  

For more information on the Excelsior University EMBA program and enrollment materials, visit https://www.excelsior.edu/program/executive-mba. 

View a video about the program here: https://players.brightcove.net/4276901727001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6362030391112.

# # #  

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 University kicks off Snacks for Students collection drive   

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y.  — Excelsior University’s community engagement group will partner with Albany High School and Troy High School for the third annual Snacks for Students collection drive. The initiative fights food insecurity in the classroom by collecting and donating healthy snacks to students each month of the 2024-25 school year. With the support of the Excelsior community, the community engagement group made the first Snacks for Students drop-off of 850 items to the two schools on Sept. 25.  

During the last school year, Excelsior University’s Snacks for Students program supplied five monthly deliveries to Albany and Troy High Schools. Driven by donations from Excelsior staff and faculty, Snacks for Students provides teachers with a variety of healthful items like granola bars, bottled water and fruit snacks to distribute as needed to help students focus on education instead of hunger.   

“Many teachers try to help ease hunger by making snacks accessible in their classrooms, but they are often unable to meet the demand themselves. The Snacks for Students program supports teachers and keeps students focused on their education,” said Zachary Patterson, chair of the community engagement group at Excelsior University. “We’re proud of the outpouring of donations from the Excelsior community and the incredible response from educators and students. We look forward to growing this initiative to serve more classrooms this year.” 

“Snacks for Students is an excellent application of Excelsior University’s strategic plan goal of becoming a multicultural organization that harnesses our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to make an impact in our broader community,” said Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, founding director of Excelsior University’s Center for Social Justice and chief diversity officer of Excelsior University. “Thank you to Albany and Troy High Schools for their partnership and to the Excelsior community engagement group for leading this impacting program.” 

Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. According to the USDA, nearly 34 million Americans, including 5 million children, lived in food insecure households in 2021. A survey conducted by nonprofit organization No Kid Hungry demonstrates that students struggling with food insecurity face significant barriers to academic success.  

Those interested in supporting the program may send donations directly to Excelsior for distribution via an Amazon Wishlist. Items can be set up using the “subscribe and save” feature for easy monthly contributions that are shipped directly to Excelsior’s mailroom. Snacks for Students deliveries will be made through June 2025. 

# # #  

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.  

Casey Frankoski Scholarship Fund at Excelsior University Reaches $25,000 Endowment Status 

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Albany, N.Y. – A memorial scholarship fund established by Excelsior University to honor the life of student and National Guard service member Casey Frankoski has surpassed the $25,000 donation threshold to become an endowment. By reaching this milestone, the Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Nicole Frankoski Endowed Scholarship will be funded in perpetuity and will remain open to additional contributions. The fund will provide financial support for active duty military and veteran students, with a focus on those pursuing degrees in public service or technology.  

“We are grateful for the generosity of our community. Together, Excelsior staff and our Capital Region neighbors quickly raised the donations to permanently endow the Casey Frankoski scholarship,” said Excelsior University president David Schejbal. “Just as Casey’s story will continue to inspire us all, her legacy of service will live on through this scholarship by providing educational opportunities to her fellow military students.” 

Casey Frankoski was 28 years old when she passed away in the line of duty on March 8, 2024. She was in her final class at Excelsior University to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. To honor her service and sacrifice, Frankoski was awarded a posthumous degree as part of the Class of 2024 and a scholarship fund was opened in her name.  

The Frankoski family has deep ties to the Capital Region and the Excelsior community. Casey’s father is a former faculty member of the University, and her aunt and former part-time nursing faculty member Lisa Frankoski walked on Casey’s behalf at Excelsior’s Commencement ceremony in July.  

After the scholarship fund was established, leadership staff from Excelsior University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences took on an active role in fundraising, encouraging donations of all sizes from University and Capital Region community members and organizations. In addition to funds contributed through the generosity of the Frankoski family, who made certain this scholarship would be endowed through their tireless efforts and personal investments, gifts from United HealthCare, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary 3773, the Excelsior University community, and many individuals helped the scholarship reach the $25,000 threshold. 

A Capital Region native, Frankoski enlisted in the National Guard in 2016. From 2018 to 2019 she was deployed to Kuwait, and upon returning home she graduated from Chief Warrant Officer school and flight school. While serving in the National Guard, Casey received many honors including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Service Medal, Basic Aviator Badge, and Basic Aviation Badge. In addition to her service in the National Guard, Frankoski was a volunteer firefighter and a member of the Environmental Conservation Corp. 

Donate to the Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Nicole Frankoski Endowed Scholarship at https://www.excelsior.edu/giving/in-memory-of-casey-frankoski/. 

# # #  

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.   

How Do I Advance My Nursing Career?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

A nursing career is a rewarding occupation that allows you to make a direct, positive impact on people’s lives. The job combines compassion, critical thinking, and hands-on care. Advancing your career in nursing can provide a wide array of opportunities for professional growth, personal fulfillment, and increased impact on health care.

Whether you’re seeking to deepen your clinical expertise, take on leadership roles, or explore specialized fields like research or education, there are numerous paths to elevate your nursing practice. Let’s explore how you can further your career.

5 Ways to Advance Your Nursing Career

Advancing your career can mean opening doors to higher earning potential, job security, and more specialized nursing jobs that can deepen your overall impact on patients. It also means staying at the forefront of health care innovations, gaining leadership skills, and increasing your ability to influence positive changes within the health care system. Here are some ways you can improve your career outlook:

  • Pursue specialized certifications. Nurses pursuing further certifications show that they’re willing to continue their education and increase their expertise. You can become a nurse specialist in areas like cardiac surgery, pediatric care, basic life support, or gastroenterology.
  • Network. Joining a professional nursing organization can help you make new connections in the nursing community. Through these connections, you can learn about the latest health care advancements, medical techniques, and even find out about available jobs. Some examples of nursing organizations include the American Nurses Association, the National Student Nurses’ Association, and the National League for Nursing. Don’t forget social media, too!
  • Find a mentor. Nursing is a complex and stressful profession. Having a mentor who can offer you advice and commiserate with you when you need to talk can be beneficial. Try checking with your employer or professional nursing organizations for mentoring programs.
  • Join a professional organization. Nurses who join professional committees or organizations may receive discounts on nursing conferences and assistance with career opportunities and advancement. Plus, joining a committee can be a great way to share your unique nursing perspective.
  • Further your education. Pursuing more educational opportunities can lead to higher salaries, more job opportunities, and the ability to specialize in a specific field. You can pursue advanced nursing degrees like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

How Can a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Advance Your Career?

As mentioned, furthering your education can greatly advance your career in nursing. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can provide countless positive outcomes. For instance, you can achieve greater career advancement opportunities because many employers prefer nurses with this degree. Research shows that hospitals with more bachelor’s-equipped nurses have better patient outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and reduced costs.

Furthermore, nurses with bachelor’s degrees can obtain higher salaries, land better job opportunities, and become nurse specialists. Bachelor’s-educated nurses can also achieve eligibility for advanced certifications and postgraduate education, obtain enhanced leadership abilities, and assume roles in nursing education or research.

Advance your nursing career with a degree from Excelsior University.

How Can a Master’s Degree Advance Your Nursing Career?

Like a bachelor’s, a master’s degree can also benefit your career. It can lead to more advanced nursing jobs, increased earning potential, higher-level leadership and management opportunities, the positional authority to influence health care policies, and much more. Let’s explore some specialized master’s degrees in nursing that you can pursue.

Nursing Education

A Master of Science in Nursing Education prepares nurses to teach and lead other nurses in traditional and nontraditional settings. With this degree, you can land nursing jobs like nurse administrator, nurse educator, clinical nurse specialist, public health nurse, nurse manager, or director of nursing.

Nursing Informatics

In a Master of Science in Nursing Informatics program, students study nursing, information technology, and data analytics to improve health care services. Some career fields you can enter with this degree include clinical informatics, educational health informatics, public health informatics, research in nursing informatics, and consumer health informatics.

Nursing Leadership and Administration

A master’s program in nursing leadership and administration prepares nurses for leadership roles and how to make important decisions that affect policy and overall organizational strategy. Some roles you can pursue with this degree include nurse administrator, nurse manager, director of nursing, and chief nursing officer.

How Do I Get Started?

How you improve your career as a nurse depends on what you want to focus on. If you want to focus on your education, consider enrolling in an upper-level nursing program as your first step. If you’re an LPN or LVN, this might mean earning your associate degree and/or obtaining your registered nurse license; if you’re an RN, this might mean pursuing your bachelor’s degree. Alternatively, you might consider joining an organization or networking to build a new foundation as your first step. Wherever you are in your nursing career, and whichever next steps you take, it’s worth it to continue growing, learning, and improving so you can take advantage of the field’s myriad opportunities.

Excelsior University Recognized by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense  

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Albany, N.Y. – Excelsior University was recently recognized as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Program Management Office. The CAE-CD designation acknowledges Excelsior’s institution-wide commitment to cutting-edge cybersecurity education. First awarded a CAE-CD in 2014, Excelsior’s current redesignation extends through 2029.  

Managed by the National Security Agency’s National Cryptologic University, the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program recognizes higher education institutions with CAE-CD designations as part of a collaborative cybersecurity education program that aims to strengthen national cyber defense by establishing strong standards for curriculum and academic excellence. Excelsior is one of 25 institutions in New York state that currently qualify for CAE-CD status. The University earned its redesignation through an in-depth assessment, meeting rigorous requirements which include maintaining high standards of academic distinction, developing cybersecurity competency among students and faculty, integrating cybersecurity practice across academic disciplines, and actively engaging in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education.  

“Redesignation as a CAE-CD institution reflects Excelsior University’s leadership in the national cybersecurity conversation,” said Scott Dolan, executive dean of Excelsior University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “This recognition assures current and prospective students that Excelsior’s cybersecurity curriculum meets the high standards of the National Security Agency, one of the largest employers in the field. As students enter or progress in the cyber defense workforce, this designation demonstrates that they are learning the crucial skills, concepts, and practices that will serve them professionally as they work to protect the security of individuals, organizations, and the nation. We are proud of the hard work of our faculty and staff in earning this prestigious recognition.”  

Excelsior University’s online, career-aligned, interdisciplinary bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Cybersecurity prepare students for advancement in the areas of cyber operations, cybersecurity management, cybersecurity technology, and nuclear cybersecurity, as well as for industry certification exams. Since 2017, Excelsior students have had the opportunity to practice what they learn by participating in the National Cyber League’s cybersecurity competitions. Through a series of challenges, students demonstrate their ability to identify hackers from forensic data, break into vulnerable websites, recover from ransomware attacks, and more. The National Cybersecurity Institute (NCI) at Excelsior University is an academic and workforce development center dedicated to assisting government, industry, military, and academic sectors meet the employment challenges within the cybersecurity workforce. Collaborating with both public and private industry, NCI is leading a coordinated effort to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive cybersecurity workforce and influence an informed leadership that implements cutting-edge education and policy. 

For more information on Excelsior University’s nationally recognized cybersecurity and technology programs, visit https://www.excelsior.edu/programs/technology. 

# # # 

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.    

ABOUT THE NATIONAL CENTERS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN CYBERSECURITY PROGRAM
The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program is managed by the National Security Agency, and housed within NSA’s schoolhouse, The National Cryptologic University. The National Cryptologic University designs, develops and delivers curriculum in cryptology, cybersecurity, language and leadership to members of the intelligence community. 

Excelsior University Associate Degree in Nursing Students Invited to Join National Honor Society  

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Albany, N.Y. – For the first time, students in Excelsior University’s associate degree in nursing (ADN) program will be eligible to join a national honor society. Excelsior was recently chartered as the Zeta Chi chapter of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing’s Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society, the only national honor society specifically for ADN students. Based on their exemplary academic credentials and classroom conduct, 168 Excelsior students were initially invited to provisional membership in the Zeta Chi chapter, with an additional 110 students recently invited as part of the honor society’s second cohort.  

“We are thrilled to introduce Excelsior’s first ADN honor society and to celebrate the initial round of student inductees,” said Kristy Rowley, Excelsior University School of Nursing department chair. “Honor societies strengthen the sense of belonging and community for students, and open new doors to professional networking and achievement. Alpha Delta Nu membership also presents exciting growth opportunities for Excelsior faculty as they connect more closely with students and other institutions through the honor society.” 

The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing approved the formation of a national honor society for ADN programs in 2012. To be considered for provisional membership, students must demonstrate integrity and professionalism in the classroom and earn a grade of B or better in each nursing course without a previous course failure. Students are invited to provisional membership after completing the Foundations in Nursing Practice course. If these requirements are maintained throughout the program, students are granted full membership in their final semester of study after completing their advanced clinical capstone class and an annual chapter project.  

Membership is optional for eligible students. In addition to networking opportunities, academic recognition, and portfolio-building, national honor society membership offers students access to potential scholarships for continuing education. Alpha Delta Nu is closely associated with the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for bachelor’s and graduate degree nursing students and presents an accelerated Sigma membership pathway to ADN students pursuing further study.     

Excelsior will host its first chapter meeting for provisional members later this month. An official induction ceremony will be held in summer 2025. Inductees will receive special Zeta Chi honor society pins and cords to be worn at their graduation ceremonies. 

For more information on Excelsior University’s ADN program, visit https://www.excelsior.edu/program/associate-in-science-in-nursing.   

# # # 

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.    

Presidents Forum: Navigating Higher Ed Mergers

Posted on by David Schejbal

Excelsior University president David Schejbal was featured as a guest on the Presidents Forum video podcast. President Schejbal discussed the challenges of higher education mergers and acquisitions in today’s turbulent landscape.

The Presidents Forum is a nonprofit membership organization of college and university presidents and chancellors as well as leading education stakeholders committed to reinventing higher education for the diverse student population of traditional, non-traditional, and adult learners. The organization is dedicated to the continuous reinvention of higher education and exploring transformative education models by sharing knowledge, implementing best practices, and making policy recommendations.

Watch the episode here.

What Can You Do with a Public Health Degree?

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Working in public health, you’ll be promoting and protecting the well-being of communities through education, supporting community health care facilities, and contributing to policies that guard against public health threats like infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and risky lifestyle choices, to name a few. And a public health degree is your key to a career in this fast-growing field.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Public Health Degree?

How long it takes to earn your degree depends on the degree level and whether you intend to be a full-time or part-time student. A bachelor’s degree in public health, which is your stepping stone into entry-level public health jobs, typically takes four years to complete for full-time students. You may be able to shorten that time if you start with credit from previous coursework, professional certifications, or other relevant experience.

Champion change and challenge the status quo with BS in Public Health from Excelsior University.

What Will You Learn in a Public Health Program?

The course of study varies by program; however, the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) provides core guidelines to ensure you have a background in present health challenges as well as those that are emerging. Accredited public health degrees will include courses in environmental health, health policies, disease prevention, and increasing equitable access to health care. Programs typically blend classroom learning in leadership, critical thinking, and real-world scenarios with in-the-field experiences.

After you complete general education and core courses and electives, you may have the opportunity to round out your degree with a concentration, such as Management or Health and Wellness.

Health and Wellness

If you want to be a community health advocate, choose this concentration. You will explore both the theory and practical application of health promotion skills that address physical, mental, and social wellness.

Management

If you’re more interested in an administrative, planning, or leadership role, choose a Management concentration for your degree. The courses you’ll take will prepare you for work in health care management, coordinating a complex array of stakeholders and resources, and leading initiatives that bring positive change to organizations and communities that promote better health.

What Are Some Public Health Jobs?

The occupations open to you in public health are varied. There are few limits, with new kinds of public health jobs emerging all the time.

Environmental Health Specialist

In this role, you’ll engage people at various types of worksites to identify health and safety hazards, develop practices and training that address these issues, and then follow up to make sure they’re working. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that both company and government health, safety, and environmental standards and regulations are met.

Health Care Data Analyst

Work at the crossroads of health care and technology to capture data and analyze it for insights that can help policymakers and decision-makers enact positive practices and make better choices. Whether it’s lowering health care costs, improving access to better care, or defining and sharing best practices, your role as a key knowledge worker helps the business side of organizations better achieve care goals.

Infection Preventionist

Preventing infections has always been vital, a necessity that made headlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your role will be to work in health care settings and identify potential sources of infection and then to design, implement, and monitor infection mitigation strategies. You’ll need to collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders and have a solid understanding of the science of infection prevention.

Health Program Administrator

You’ll be responsible for planning and directing health care services and coordinating care within a health care facility, which could be a community clinic, private practice, or hospital. Part of your job will require staying compliant with regulations, laws, and health insurance requirements. You’ll also need executive skills, like communication, budgeting, billing and accounting, resourcing, and managing and training staff.

Public Health Officer

In most cases, as a public health officer, you’ll work for a government agency, on a military base, or for a nonprofit organization ensuring the overall health of a community or an organization. A great deal of your work is in coordinating health care providers and institutions, resources, and regulators on programs and policies related to the physical and mental well-being of people in a given community or area.

Public Health Educator

Helping people within a community and those in public-facing institutions understand health issues and healthy behaviors is vital in promoting the well-being of a community. In public health education, you’ll collaborate with community groups, health professionals, and policymakers to gather information and then share it through education programs in public places, schools, and community centers.

Is There Demand for Public Health Grads in the Future?

Career prospects for people with a public health degree are bright. COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of public health, especially in a highly interconnected world where diseases can rapidly spread. Beyond roles in government and health care settings, private companies are investing in staff with this expertise, recognizing that a healthy workplace is more productive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects public health educator roles, for example, to grow by 7% through 2032, a faster pace than the average of all occupations.

How Can You Prepare for a Career in Public Health?

Now that you know what you can do with a public health degree and some of the public health jobs available, here are some tips for preparing for a career in the field:

  • Build your computer and technology skills. You will need to be proficient in communicating through spreadsheets, presentation software, and document creation apps.
  • Enhance your communications skills. You’ll need excellent written and verbal skills, and it doesn’t hurt to learn how to become a great presenter and interviewer.
  • Work on soft skills. Time management, working within a team, and solving complex problems set you up for success.
  • Start networking. The best jobs typically come through someone you know. Getting involved in the public health community will give you a running start on a rewarding career.
  • Consider volunteering. You’ll receive valuable work experience to complement your public health degree.

Get your Public Health Degree at Excelsior University

Earning a public health degree prepares you for a wide variety of exciting careers that are also personally rewarding. You’ll be able to make a large-scale impact, serving the greater good of the community, and will have a vital role in making sure that ideas, talent, and resources are put to the best possible use.

Ethical Hacking Practices in Cybersecurity

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

As cyberthreats grow in complexity and frequency, the need for robust security measures is more critical than ever. Ethical hacking proactively identifies and addresses vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. By simulating potential attacks, ethical hackers help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks, protect sensitive data, and ensure the continuity of their operations. Let’s explore ethical hacking and see what you must do to enter this rewarding and crucial job field.

What Is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical, or white-hat, hackers use the same techniques as malicious hackers to uncover and fix security vulnerabilities in networks or computer systems. White hats mimic how cybercriminals would break into a network and show what damage they could potentially do. Ethical hacking aims to help an organization improve its security systems.

Enhance your career as an ethical hacker with a cybersecurity degree from Excelsior University.

What Is the Difference Between Black-Hat and White-Hat Hackers?

The main difference between black hats and white hats is that white-hat hackers use their skills for ethical purposes, whereas black hat hackers engage in illegal activities for criminal reasons. There are also many other types of hackers who play various roles, but the main hackers to know are white hats and black hats. Let’s explore some of their main differences:

Black-Hat Hackers

  • Hack computer systems illegally and without permission
  • Work alone or in groups, often to profit by selling information to other criminals
  • Look for vulnerabilities in cybersecurity to cause harm and/or exploit for personal gain
  • Use malware to steal, corrupt, and extort
  • Also referred to as malicious hackers, unethical hackers, and crackers

White-Hat Hackers

  • Hack computer systems legally and with permission
  • Work for organizations and government entities
  • Look for vulnerabilities in cybersecurity to protect governments and organizations
  • Use penetration testing and other techniques to strengthen cybersecurity
  • Sometimes referred to as ethical hackers; in teams, can be referred to as sneakers, hacker clubs, red teams, or tiger teams
black hat vs white hat hackers

What Is Penetration Testing?

One of the techniques white-hat hackers use to help organizations discover their network’s vulnerabilities is penetration testing, or pen testing for short. Penetration testers simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit. This testing may include social engineering, phishing, and exploiting weak passwords. It can be conducted using approaches like black-box testing and white-box and gray-box testing. Pen testing helps organizations identify and fix security weaknesses, meet regulatory compliance, protect reputations, and improve security. Cybersecurity experts recommend penetration testing and support regulatory compliance.

How Can I Prepare for a Career in Ethical Hacking?

If you think a career in ethical hacking is in your future, the first step is pursuing the right education. An associate or bachelor’s degree in information technology, cybersecurity, or computer science is a good way to help you apply for entry-level positions, and a master’s degree can help you advance in cybersecurity. It’s also important to gain experience working as an ethical hacker in entry-level positions or internships.

Earning ethical-hacking certification can also help you become proficient in hacking techniques. Some popular industry certifications include Certified Information Security Professional (CISP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), and Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP).

Ethical hacking is an essential and dynamic field, offering vital services to protect organizations from ever-evolving cybercrime. As cyberthreats grow, the role of ethical hackers becomes increasingly crucial. With opportunities spanning various industries and the chance to work on the cutting edge of technology, a career in ethical hacking provides the satisfaction of contributing to a safer digital world.

What Can I Do with a Computer Science Degree?

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

When some people think of a “computer,” hardware may be what comes to mind. Maybe a screen, a keyboard, and power cords. But computers aren’t just those rectangular things we stare into at our desks all day. From traffic lights to thermostats and from airplanes to hearing aids, computers are the invisible brain inside most of the everyday items that shape everything we do. The same thing can be said for the professionals that help design, build, and improve these complex systems.

United by a shared passion for creativity, problem-solving, and technology, computer scientists are responsible for the software, algorithms, programs, and applications that make the world work. These highly skilled innovators can be found working in a huge swath of industries, and what you can do with a computer science degree is just as varied.

Is There Demand for Computer Science Grads in the Future?

As the technology in common systems and devices continues to advance, so will the demand for computer science professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to expand by 23% through 2032.

To meet this growing demand, the best way for you to prepare is with a degree, especially a program that helps you build a portfolio of projects that shows employers you have the skills to back up your credential. In many technology fields, experience has long been considered just as important as formal education, but the BLS’ 2023 Occupational Requirements Survey for computer and mathematical occupations found at least a bachelor’s degree was required for around 65% of all jobs in this category.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Computer Science Degree?

The amount of time it takes to earn a computer science degree depends on the level of degree you pursue combined with your course load. An associate degree in computer science can typically be finished in around two years of full-time study. A bachelor’s degree, which offers a more comprehensive education, prepares you for a wider range of careers in computer science, and takes approximately four years of full-time study to complete. At the graduate level, master’s degrees can be earned in one to two years of full-time study, and a doctorate in computer science can take as many as five years of full-time study to earn.

Start building you career in tech with a BS in Computer Science from Excelsior University.

What Will You Learn in a Computer Science Program?

At its core, computer science is about using computational principles to solve problems. Scientists analyze the needs at hand and design software systems, algorithms, or other solutions to meet them.

In a computer science program, you’ll learn a combination of foundational principals like programming fundamentals, mathematics, and computer architecture, as well as practical skills in software engineering, programming languages, and systems. A good program will also help you develop “soft skills” like communication, ethics, and collaboration, which are crucial to succeeding in the profession over the long term.

Most degrees also offer you the opportunity to concentrate your studies in one of computer science’s many in-demand specialties:

Artificial Intelligence

Study machine learning algorithms, how they work, and their common applications while critically examining the societal impacts and complex ethical dilemmas inherent to the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

Data Science

Learn how data preprocessing, analysis, and interpretation can uncover patterns, trends, and relationships and how data specialists use tools like statistical software packages and data visualization techniques to communicate insights effectively.

Networking and Cloud Computing

Discover the world of network engineers, cloud architects, and cybersecurity specialists as you build the skills to design, implement, and manage network infrastructures and cloud-based solutions.

Software Development

Examine the different architectures and design patterns that form the building blocks of effective software and then learn the technical skills needed to bring new applications to life.

What Are Some Computer Science Jobs?

From aerospace to international finance, most every industry relies on the expertise of computer scientists for the innovative technical solutions that keep their businesses running. This means that computer science jobs are in demand, competitively compensated, and varied enough to suit every specialty.

Business Systems Analyst

Bridge the gap between the worlds of business and IT by designing technology solutions that help operations run smoothly.

Software Engineer

Use engineering principles and coding skills to collaborate with other engineers, designers, and product managers to build and troubleshoot software.

Video Game Developer

Craft an engaging and immersive gaming experience by coding game mechanics, designing game worlds, programming user interfaces, and debugging errors.

AI Engineer

Build intelligent systems using expertise from software engineering and machine learning to design, develop, and implement artificial intelligence applications.

UX Designer

User experience (UX) designers champion the needs of the end user during an application’s design process. Their focus is on creating technology that’s not only functional but also enjoyable and user-friendly.

Get Your Computer Science Degree at Excelsior University

When you’re ready to power up your career in tech, Excelsior University’s BS in Computer Science is the flexible, online choice for those looking to both dive into practical learning and engage in thoughtful discussions about the ethical implications of technology. You’ll build new skills based in solid theory and then have the opportunity to choose a concentration in Artificial Intelligence, Networking and Cloud Computing, Software Development, or Data Science. Our expert faculty have curated a hands-on curriculum designed to create the next generation of confident, skilled professionals ready to build the future of computer science innovation.

Interested in learning more? Explore all of Excelsior’s technology degrees.