Python is the go-to programming language of developers worldwide. It’s easy for humans to read and understand, and it can be used across a wide range of applications, like web development, automation, data analysis, and even artificial intelligence. The popularity of Python coding has fostered an active support community and has driven the creation of rich libraries of prewritten code modules that speed development. If you’re considering a career in software development, learning Python is an essential first step.
Why Is Python Important?
The fast growth and widespread use of the Python programming language is no accident. These characteristics have propelled its adoption across industries and applications:
Readability: Python’s syntax is almost as easy to read as plain English, which makes coding easier, reduces the number of errors, and facilitates debugging.
Flexibility: It is one of the most versatile programming languages in the world. Developers in AI and machine learning, web and mobile apps, data analytics, and automation use it.
Easy integration: You can use Python with a variety of other common programming languages, like C, Java, and JavaScript, making it practical when you need interoperability.
Extended ecosystem: An active and supportive developer community helps you learn and use this programming language. A vast library of prewritten code modules makes adding common functions fast and easy without having to write code from scratch.
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What Can You Use Python For?
Python’s capabilities as a programming language offer tools for developers, along with libraries and community support. You can use it to create a wide variety of projects and domains. It started out as a hobby project and got its name from the British comedy Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Dutch developer Guido van Rossum, who created Python, wanted a name that was short, playful, and memorable. From its roots in simple automation, scripting, and text processing, it has grown to dominate the following fields:
Web Development
Python is ideal for quickly creating scalable, secure, feature-rich, and well-structured websites. Frameworks like Django and Flask help developers organize its code and access libraries of Python-built tools and conventions.
Machine Learning
Python dominates machine learning, artificial intelligence, and large language models. It’s the language of libraries like PyTorch, scikit-learn, and TensorFlow that developers use to build predictive models, implement complex algorithms, and train AIs.
Data Science
Tools for manipulating data, cleaning data sets, and performing advanced analytics are typically created with Python. Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib are some of the more well-known examples.
Application Development
Python speeds the efficient development of desktop and mobile apps. Simple and extensive libraries make it easy for developers to create user-friendly and bug-free software. From simple utilities to full-featured programs, it’s the practical choice.
Scripting and Utility Software
This is where Python got its start. Developers found it to be easy to use to quickly and simply automate repetitive tasks and basic utilities. Python handles file management, system administration and monitoring, batch processing, and more.
Learn Python and Start Your Career with Excelsior
Python is an essential modern programming language. Mastering its capabilities opens the door to exciting technology careers in fast-growing fields.
Developing your Python skills is part of earning a BS in Computer Science at Excelsior University. The comprehensive program balances the technical elements of programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development with liberal arts courses in areas like English composition, humanities, and social and natural sciences that help you with critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills necessary for a well-rounded education and a successful career.
Beyond the classroom, Excelsior is known for supporting adult learners and working professionals with 100% online courses. Extensive student support and career readiness resources help you balance your responsibilities with your studies and then apply your education toward your professional goals. Excelsior University can help you launch or advance a rewarding and growth-oriented career. Start your journey today and learn why you belong at Excelsior.
A question I hear quite often from prospective students, alumni, and industry partners today is both timely and understandable: Is getting an MBA still worth it in the age of artificial intelligence (AI)? My answer is an unequivocal yes! A Master of Business Administration is not only worth it; it is more valuable now than ever. However, the reasons why an MBA is worth it are evolving.
The AI era is not diminishing the MBA—it is clarifying its purpose. Many universities that had seen a decline in MBA enrollments since 2024 are seeing a resurgence. At first, this may seem counterintuitive, but that does not reflect market realities.
The market reality hitting nearly every industry is that AI is transforming how work gets done. Routine analysis, data processing, and even elements of decision support are increasingly automated. This means that entry-level tasks that have been the very foundation of many traditional career ladders are being reshaped or eliminated altogether. Yet this shift reveals something critical: As AI expands, the value of human judgment increases. Some examples of this include:
AI can generate insights, but it cannot define purpose.
AI can optimize decisions, but it cannot own consequences.
AI can process data, but it cannot lead people to respond to the information derived from processed data.
Emerging evidence suggests that AI will disproportionately impact early-career roles, while managerial and leadership roles will remain more resilient and increasingly important. MBA programs prepare students for these critical leadership roles of the future. The central paradox of the AI era is that the more powerful AI technology becomes, the more essential human leadership becomes.
The Value of an MBA
There is a misconception that the Master of Business Administration is primarily about acquiring business knowledge in a respective business domain (leadership, human resources management, finance and accounting, marketing, etc.). However, that was never its true value. The real value of an MBA lies in three enduring capabilities:
Strategic thinking under uncertainty. AI thrives on patterns from the past. Leaders must make decisions about the future. MBA programs develop frameworks that allow individuals to navigate ambiguity, assess risk, and make high-stakes decisions.
Integration across disciplines. Organizations are not spreadsheets; they are complex systems of people, incentives, markets, and constraints. MBA graduates learn to integrate across functions, where they connect finance to strategy, operations to customer experience, and technology to value creation.
Leadership and accountability. Perhaps most importantly, MBA graduates are trained to lead. Not to manage tasks, but to guide people, shape culture, and assume responsibility for outcomes.
As one 2020 analysis noted, the enduring value of the MBA lies in developing leaders who can integrate technology, people, and strategy while making decisions under uncertainty. These are not skills that AI replaces. They are skills that AI amplifies.
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Is an MBA Worth the Cost?
Let us address the most practical question: Is the MBA financially worth it? The data remains compelling. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, the median salary for MBA graduates in the U.S. is approximately $125,000, compared to about $75,000 for bachelor’s degree holders. Many programs report opportunities for salary increases within a few years of graduation.
Even more telling, employers continue to value the degree. Surveys indicate that a majority of corporate recruiters still view full graduate business degrees as more effective than short-form credentials for long-term success. Yes, costs matter. Yes, return on investment varies by program and career path. But the fundamental economic signal has not changed: An MBA remains one of the most reliable pathways to upward mobility and leadership-level compensation.
How AI Is Changing the Business World
The more important question is not whether the MBA is worth it, but whether the right kind of MBA is worth it. Modern MBA programs are evolving rapidly in response to AI. At Excelsior University, and across forward-thinking institutions, we are seeing three major shifts.
1. AI Literacy as a Core Competency
Students are no longer expected to become data scientists. However, they need to understand how AI works, where it creates value, and where it introduces risk. AI is becoming a decision support tool, and leaders must know how to interpret its outputs, question its assumptions, and apply its insights responsibly. They must do so while remembering they are ultimately responsible for presenting their own conclusions, authority, and authorship of decisions made. AI does not create a loophole for avoiding being a subject matter expert.
2. Emphasis on Human Skills
As technical tasks become automated, human capabilities become differentiators. These capabilities include communication, ethical reasoning, change leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and being a champion for the inclusion of diverse ideas and voices. These are not “soft skills.” They are strategic capabilities in an AI-enabled economy.
3. Applied, Experiential Learning
The best MBA programs are moving beyond theory. They are immersing students in real-world problems, which often involve AI integration, digital transformation, and organizational change. This is critical because in the AI era, knowing is not enough. Leaders must apply, adapt, and execute.
The Future of Business Belongs to AI-Augmented Leaders
The future does not belong to those who compete with AI. It belongs to those who lead with AI. Think of them as AI-augmented leaders. This is where the Master of Business Administration becomes uniquely powerful. An MBA graduate in today’s environment is not simply a business generalist. They are:
A translator between technical teams and executive leadership
A strategist who understands both data and context
A decision-maker who balances analytics with judgment
A leader who can align people around change
In other words, the MBA prepares individuals to become AI-augmented leaders. These are the professionals that organizations are actively seeking. They are the individuals who can harness AI not only to improve efficiency but also drive innovation and growth.
The Underappreciated Benefits of an MBA
One of the most overlooked benefits of an MBA is not immediate salary—it is career optionality. In a rapidly changing economy, the ability to pivot matters. An MBA provides access to multiple industries (consulting, health care, tech, finance), flexibility to move into leadership roles, and a credential recognized across sectors and geographies. Even in a shifting job market, MBA employment outcomes remain relatively strong, with employment rates around 85% within three months of graduation. More importantly, MBA graduates are increasingly being hired into emerging fields, even AI-driven industries themselves.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.”
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.
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.
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.
Make an impact in people’s lives with a BS in Psychology from Excelsior.
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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!
