The Ever-Evolving Fields of Criminology, Forensics, and Criminal Justice

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Criminal justice, criminology, and forensic science are fast-changing fields, with demand for expertise continuing to grow. Our interconnected and mobile world, along with societal change and rapidly advancing technology, are influencing the nature of crime. Changes in its causes and consequences, perpetrators, and how law enforcement and legal systems respond are multiplying and coming faster than ever. Technical advances are driving improved processes and policing.

Here’s a quick overview of how innovations, and especially areas like digital forensics, cybercrime technology, and machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), are transforming how crimes are investigated and solved. When considering what you can do with a criminal justice degree, understanding the trends can help you plan your future.

State-of-the-Art Technologies Used in Forensics

The field of forensic science has seen rapid advances and increasing use of technology across all areas. The innovations cover how evidence is identified, preserved, analyzed, and presented. Companies may use it to help recover from an attack. Prosecutors may use it to get perpetrators off the street. And it may be used to prevent future attacks.

Here are some of the newest innovations:

  • IBIS (Integrated Ballistic Identification System) is a repository for sharing, comparing, and automating the identification of firearm and tool marks on ammunition.
  • BPA (bloodstain pattern analysis) software helps investigators reconstruct crime scenes.
  • LC-MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) facilitates analyzing complex biological samples to identify the presence of drugs.
  • Sensitive detection methods are able to find minute quantities of a wide variety of substances, even identifying specific genes.
  • Nanotechnology is a related area for examining substances at a molecular level.
  • Carbon dot powders use fluorescents to make it possible to see fingerprints under ultraviolet light, making low contrast and smudged prints easier to read.
  • The Foldscope is a disposable paper microscope providing low-cost and portable field analysis for on-the-spot examinations.
  • AI is used to detect fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and other corporate white-collar crimes.
  • Cloud forensics enables the collecting, sharing, and collaborative analysis of data and evidence.
  • Blockchain technology to identify and trace transactions and digital assets is being used to fight fraud, money laundering, and ransomware.
  • Quantum computing is in its infancy but presents powerful opportunities for decrypting data, performing advance simulations, and more.
Lead the fight against cybercrime with a BS in Criminal Justice from Excelsior University.

Common Cybercrime Investigation Techniques and Tools

The explosion in the volume and types of cybercrime affects both businesses and their customers—and is a massive national security risk. Investigating cybercrime attacks involves advanced digital forensics and the collaboration of company staff and leaders, law enforcement agencies, and government regulators.

Digital forensics is the art and science of identifying a potential cybercrime, how it started, who perpetrated it, how it was done, and the impacts it had. Common tools include:

  • Digital forensics software, such as EnCase, Forensic Toolkit (FTK), and Autopsy, for recovering data and analyzing exploits through metadata and network logs
  • Network analytics such as Wireshark, tcpdump, and Netscout for monitoring traffic, dataflow, and patterns
  • Malware tools like IDA Pro, OllyDbg, and Binary Ninja to reverse engineer malicious code and therefore understand how it works and possibly discover its source
  • Password discovery utilities like Cain and Abel, John the Ripper, and Hashcat to get passwords out of encrypted files and databases
  • Data recovery tools like EaseUS, Stellar, Disk Drill, and AnyRecover to recover from theft, sabotage, lockouts, and other data loss cyberattacks
  • Social media tools like Hootsuite, Followerwonk, and Mention can track suspects’ posts and gather evidence

How Does Machine Learning and AI Contribute to Criminology, Forensics, and Law Enforcement?

Predictive policing is made possible through the adoption of machine learning to process massive volumes of data. Machine learning, which is a type of AI, can find patterns and connections in data and even make predictions and suggest probabilities to power preventative action. Machine learning tools never get tired and stay accurate as they churn through data. They perform tasks with speed and precision that humans could never match.

The top advantages of including machine learning in the digital forensics arsenal include:

  • Accurate crime prediction to make it possible to efficiently allocate resources and stop crime before it starts
  • AI used to slash the time it takes to investigate crimes, speeding up investigations and reducing labor costs
  • Use of AI by medical examiners to pinpoint the cause and manner of death
  • Faster and more precise DNA analysis
  • Advanced video and image analysis, which make it possible to sort through millions of images and videos to capture potential perpetrators
  • Predicting crowd behavior and managing crowd dynamics
  • Effectively capturing data and evidence for successful prosecution of criminals
  • Ultimately enhancing the safety of communities

Why Is Digital Forensics Important?

Technology advances in the fields of criminology and criminal justice and innovation in digital forensics are revolutionizing how authorities prevent, discover, and solve crimes. Whether you work as in digital forensics, criminology, or cybersecurity, having technology expertise is mandatory, and a background in computer science is invaluable.

For cybercrime and other kinds of criminal investigations, for preventing and recovering from attacks, and for providing evidence that could lead to the capture of bad actors, a career in criminal justice is both challenging and rewarding. And Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program opens the door to this dynamic and exciting field. You’ll learn about the latest tools and techniques to become a valuable member of any team. Starting your career here, you can make your mark in securing communities, advancing technology, and supporting justice.

What Can You Do with a Technology Management Degree?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Technology management, or the management of technology (MOT), is a component of enterprise resource management (ERM) that involves integrating technology to align with business goals. ERM refers to efficiently managing an organization’s resources. MOT involves managing engineering, research and development, information systems, and the commercialization of innovations. Pursuing a degree in technology management can help you thrive where technology meets business, making your mark in today’s tech-driven world.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Technology Management Degree?

If you want to pursue a technology management degree, you might wonder how long it’ll take to reach your goal. Most programs take two to four years to complete, but this depends on what kind of program you enter and whether you’re a part-time or full-time student. For full-time students, some associate degree programs can be completed in as little as two years, bachelor’s programs can be completed in four years, and master’s programs can be completed in 15 months.

Online programs can help you reach your goals in 18 months to two years if you prefer to take the virtual route.

Make your mark in the tech world with a technology management degree from Excelsior University.

What Will You Learn in a Technology Management Program?

In a technology management degree program, you’ll gain practical skills in IT infrastructure, emerging technologies, project management, and strategic planning. These programs equip you with the skills needed for the tech-driven business world, emphasizing innovation, data-driven decision-making, cybersecurity, and technology governance. You’ll also develop research, development, and organizational leadership skills, preparing you for various roles in the field. There are several concentrations you can choose from when you pursue this degree. Here are a few of them:

Electrical Technology

This concentration covers electrical components’ design, assembly, testing, maintenance, and enhancement while balancing management and leadership strategies to address technological challenges. Students study power systems, electronics, and energy management; explore emerging technologies like renewable energy systems, smart grids, and IoT applications; and manage electrical projects with attention to reliability, safety, and risk.

Information Technology

In an information technology program, students are prepared to design, assemble, test, and maintain computer circuitry and hardware, analyze and solve IT challenges, and apply standard IT practices to develop computer-based applications for business or military purposes. Students also learn to integrate IT strategies with business goals, address ethical and regulatory considerations, and develop leadership skills.

Nuclear Technology

A Nuclear Technology concentration combines nuclear science with strategic management to tackle energy, health care, defense, and industry challenges. Students learn to design, operate, and maintain nuclear processes, including radiation shielding, detection, and power systems, while covering safety, compliance, and equipment testing. The program explores medical, industrial, and energy applications of nuclear technology, advancements in materials and waste management, and emerging trends like small modular reactors (SMRs).

Renewable Energy Technology

In this concentration, students study renewable energy technologies and strategic management to address global energy challenges. Students gain expertise in solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal systems while exploring the political, economic, and cultural factors shaping the industry. Students also learn about energy storage, distribution, and project management, which prepares them to lead large-scale renewable energy projects and drive sustainable energy solutions.

What Are Some Jobs You Can Get with This Degree?

With a technology management degree, you’ll have numerous career opportunities to explore, with myriad settings in which you could apply your hardware and software knowledge. Let’s explore a few jobs you can land with this versatile degree.

Supply Chain Analyst

A supply chain analyst manages, analyzes, and improves a company’s supply chain by using data to enhance production, transportation, and inventory processes. They analyze supply chain data, conduct inventory assessments, coordinate with staff, and maintain vendor relationships. They also collaborate with other departments, monitor route schedules, and seek out opportunities to optimize supply chain operations.

Electrical Equipment Operator

These professionals manage construction and maintenance machinery to dig, pave, compact, and piledrive. They handle maintenance issues, transport equipment, and materials, and perform manual labor like digging and hauling. They work on construction sites and are usually licensed and trained.

Network Manager

Network managers design, implement, maintain, and secure computer networks, including LANs, WANs, and cloud-based systems. These professionals plan network infrastructure, monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure security by enacting protocols to prevent unauthorized access. They also provide technical support, manage backups and recovery plans, optimize performance, and predict network needs for upgrades.

Information Technician

IT technicians install, maintain, and troubleshoot an organization’s technology systems, including hardware, software, networks, and devices. They resolve technical issues, manage network access, perform system backups, and provide user training. Information technicians need a strong understanding of computer systems, hardware, and networking, as well as problem-solving and communication skills.

Get your Technology Management Degree at Excelsior University

If you want to enter the world where technology meets business, consider pursuing a technology management degree with Excelsior University. The Bachelor of Professional Studies in Technology Management emphasizes the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values required for students to meet the demands of today’s workforce.

Contact an admissions counselor to get started on your path today.

Career Spotlight: Nurse Case Manager

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Case management in health care involves assessing, planning, coordinating, and monitoring services to meet an individual’s health and wellness needs. The goal is to ensure appropriate patient advocacy. Nurse case managers assess needs, develop plans of care, schedule appointments, and provide effective collaboration among health care professionals, providers, and patients. By educating patients and families and streamlining care, nurse case managers help individuals achieve their wellness goals efficiently.

For registered nurses seeking to apply their expertise outside the examination room, this career offers an opportunity to improve patient outcomes through coordination and advocacy.

What Does a Nurse Case Manager Do?

Nurse case managers evaluate patient medical histories, assess health needs, and identify existing support networks. They conduct interviews with clients, design treatment plans, schedule appointments, and explain health care options to patients, families, and caregivers, and they act as liaisons between patients, health care providers, and insurers. Case managers also educate patients and their families on health-related matters. Additionally, they maintain documents, review test results with physicians, and support health care aides.

Pursue a career in nurse case management with a bachelor’s in nursing from Excelsior University.

What Skills Do You Need in Case Management?

Are you interested in becoming a nurse case manager? To be successful in this field, you must possess specific skills and traits. Among these are:

  • These types of nurses need to understand patient needs to best advocate for them in case management.
  • Communication skills. These nurses need to be able to use written and verbal communication to coordinate patient services and work with health care providers, clients, and insurers.
  • Problem-solving skills. Case managers sometimes need to be good critical thinkers to devise the best course of action for patients.
  • Organizational skills. Nurse case managers need to manage their time effectively and coordinate treatment plans smoothly to best fulfill their job duties.

How to Become a Nurse Case Manager

To become a nurse case manager, you must become a registered nurse. This involves earning your associate degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing the NCLEX-RN examination.

It’s also a good idea to become certified in case management. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Nursing Case Management certification and the Accredited Case Manager certification are two options that would benefit you in pursuing your career in case management and patient advocacy.

Career Spotlight: Neonatal Nurse

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Nurses are like heroes of the medical world, constantly offering compassion and expert care to patients in times of need. A nurse’s work is demanding and challenging, and one area that can be as rewarding as it is demanding is neonatal care. Neonatal nurses tend to the tiniest patients: the newborns who arrive too soon, too small, or with critical conditions. Let’s explore what makes this nursing field so unique.

What Does a Neonatal Nurse Do?

Neonatal nurses specialize in newborn care. It’s important to note that some neonatal nurses care for healthy infants in well-baby units, while others, known as NICU nurses, who work in the neonatal intensive care unit, care for infants with medical problems. Work environments are divided into four levels. Let’s break them down:

  1. Level I Well-Baby Unit: This unit is a nursery in a hospital where newborns at 35–37 weeks’ gestation receive routine care immediately after birth. Infants born at less than 35 weeks’ gestation are cared for until they can be transferred to a different location. Pediatricians, family physicians, and nurse practitioners usually work in these units.
  2. Level II NICU: Neonatologists, neonatal nurses, and Level I health care providers work on Level II units to care for moderately ill infants born at 32 weeks’ gestation or older who need close monitoring of vital signs and weight and administration of IV fluids and medications.
  3. Level III NICU: Level III units provide sustained life support and comprehensive care for infants born at gestational ages and weights with critical illnesses. Pediatric practitioners, neonatologists, nurse practitioners, neonatal nurses, pediatric surgeons, pediatric anesthesiologists, and other providers with specialties work in this unit.
  4. Level IV NICU: This regional NICU unit is the highest level of neonatal care and has the capacities of all other units as well as the capabilities to care for newborns needing major surgery or procedures for congenital heart defects and cardiopulmonary failure. These units can also provide extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Make a difference in a newborn’s life with a nursing degree from Excelsior University.

What Skills Do Nurses Need in This Specialty?

Nurses in this critical specialty must possess certain traits and skills to care for such small and delicate patients and their families. Some of these traits include:

  • Ability to provide family support
  • Compassion
  • Critical thinking
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Ability to teach and provide knowledge
  • Empathy and the ability to nurture
  • Effective communication skills

How Much Do These Nurses Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023, registered nurses made a median annual salary of $86,070, and the profession is expected to grow 6% from 2023-2033. For RNs who go on to become neonatal nurse practitioners, as of October 2024, those nurses commanded a median annual advertised salary of $144,128, according to Lightcast. That means you have a chance for significant financial growth if you make a career of this nursing specialty.

Do All Neonatal Nurses Work in the NICU?

Not all neonatal nurses work in the NICU. Neonatal nurses work with newborns; some are responsible for healthy infants, whereas others care for infants with medical complications. The specific nurses who care for infants who need critical care are the ones who work in the NICU.

What Is It Like to Work in the NICU?

Working in the NICU is a fast-paced environment where every moment matters, requiring nurses to manage critical equipment and monitor subtle changes in the most fragile patients. Every detail, from adjusting oxygen levels to offering kangaroo care, plays a vital role in a baby’s healing journey. These nurses also serve as a lifeline for families, providing education, comfort, and emotional support. Nurses collaborate with specialists and continuously learn to adapt to new technologies to give each baby the best chance at life.

Nurses in this specialty find deep purpose in their work, knowing they play a pivotal role in protecting and nurturing vulnerable lives. If working in newborn care is your calling, consider earning your bachelor’s degree in nursing and starting on your career path to a rewarding career as a neonatal nurse.

How to Capitalize on Cannabis Control with an MBA

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

The past decade of slow and steady cannabis legalization across the United States has turned what was once considered the Wild West into an established industry primed for skilled leadership. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) can help you capitalize on this growing market by developing the skills and entrepreneurial spirit needed to navigate the complicated world of cannabis control or even start your own cannabis business.

How Can an MBA Prepare You for a Career in Cannabis Control?

A business degree is a valuable asset in the cannabis business, particularly as the industry continues to mature. Excelsior University’s MBA offers a Cannabis Control concentration that gives you the opportunity to dive deeper into some of the specific facets of business administration in the cannabis industry. Here are more ways an MBA prepares you for a career in cannabis control.

Develop Core Business Skills

An MBA provides a solid foundation in analysis, budgeting, and forecasting—essential knowledge considering the unique challenges of banking and taxation in the industry.

Learn Marketing Strategy Development

Advertising, branding, and customer acquisition plans are crucial for success in the increasingly competitive market, which still features a direct-to-consumer product at the dispensary level.

Master Supply Chain Management

Mastering the supply chain, inventory control, and quality assurance is vital for efficient cannabis operations in a highly regulated environment.

Understand Regulations and Compliance

An MBA isn’t a law degree, but it can help you understand the legal and political landscape and develop the skills to navigate strict compliance requirements and cannabis licensing.

Accelerate your career in the cannabis industry and beyond with Excelsior University’s MBA.

What Jobs Can You Get with a Cannabis Specialization?

From cultivation to retail to logistics and licensing, there are jobs across the spectrum of the industry that you can get with a cannabis specialization.

Dispensary Manager

Dispensary managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a cannabis retail location, including staff management, inventory control, and service.

Compliance Manager

A cannabis compliance manager is responsible for ensuring that a business operates within federal, state, and local regulations such as those around cannabis licensing. This includes training staff, communicating with regulators, and managing risk.

E-Commerce Manager

An e-commerce manager is the driving force behind a brand’s online presence and sales. In the cannabis control industry, this also means being aware of local and state regulations that shape how cannabis products can be marketed, sold, and shipped.

Cannabis Control Industry Outlook

On January 1, 2014, Colorado because the first U.S. state to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana. Ten years later, Pew Research Center reports that 74% of Americans now live in a state where marijuana has been legalized for either medical or recreational use.

Industry growth has been recent and rapid, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which Fortune Business Insights reports accelerated both cannabis sales and changes in legislation that relaxed regulations in states with legalized use and even criminal penalties in states without it. They also project the industry to continue to grow to a market valuation of $444.34 billion by 2030.

How to Get Started in the Cannabis Business

Getting your start in the cannabis business may look different depending on what part of the cannabis control industry you’re interested in. Even if you’re familiar with how a dispensary works, you’ll have to commit yourself to continuing education on consumer trends, different plant strains, and cultivation techniques. In addition to product education, a firm understanding of business fundamentals and the skills you build in an MBA program are essential.

Regardless of what career path you pursue, you’ll need to understand the cannabis laws in your area. Regulations vary significantly by state—and even by county. It’s important to remember that cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, which impacts banking, taxation, and interstate commerce.

And don’t forget the importance of people. Networking is important to building a career in any industry. Cannabis-focused conferences, online communities, and networking events are great places to connect with others in the business.

Learn more about how you can become a leader in the industry with Excelsior University’s MBA program and Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control.

Traditional Marketing vs. Digital Marketing

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

The pair of sneakers advertised in the magazine in your dentist’s office; the 15-second ad about a new weight loss medicine popping up as you scroll on Facebook; the picture of a faraway beach, as well as the travel agency that can get you there, on the bus passing on the street—all of these are examples of marketing. Marketing involves promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service that customers desire.

Traditional marketing and digital marketing are the two types of marketing that businesses use to connect to their consumers. Let’s take a closer look at them.

What Is Traditional Marketing?

Traditional marketing as we know it can essentially trace its roots back to the 1950s, when television gained massive popularity. As opposed to newspapers and other print media, companies could reach larger audiences in their homes with television. As you might have guessed by now, this type of marketing involves any offline, nondigital method to advertise products and services. Some specific examples include:

  • Print marketing. This involves advertising in newspapers, magazines, brochures, posters, etc.
  • Broadcast marketing. Television and radio advertising can reach greater audiences than other traditional means.
  • Direct mail. Some businesses send letters, catalogs, etc. directly to consumers.
  • Outdoor marketing. Examples of outdoor advertising are billboards, banners, ads on public transportation, and signs.
  • Cold calling. Another popular traditional marketing strategy involves reaching out to consumers via phone calls.

Key components of traditional marketing are that it usually involves tangible products and is targeted to a specific geographic area or audience.

What Is Digital Marketing?

On the other hand, digital marketing uses the internet and other digital strategies to reach consumers. This type of marketing has become increasingly popular with the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), AI in marketing, and the overall ability to connect faster and easier with others. This type of marketing includes:

  • Content marketing. This refers to developing and sharing content in blogs, videos, infographics, etc. for lead generation.
  • Social media marketing. Promoting products and branding efforts using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and more can be effective.
  • Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. PPC includes running ads on platforms like Google, Meta, and Bing to drive more traffic to your product or service.
  • Search engine optimization (SEO). Optimizing your website content, as well as making it easier to engage with, can result in improved search engine rankings and lead generation.
  • Mobile marketing. This involves reaching consumers through applications, SMS, or push notifications.
  • Affiliate marketing. This means collaborating with industry experts, social media influencers, and other third-party members to promote your product in exchange for compensation.
  • Analytics. You can measure the success of digital marketing campaigns through digital analytics tools like Google Analytics to track consumer behavior, return on investment (ROI), and overall campaign performance.

Which One Is Better Suited for Your Business?

What type of marketing works better for your business depends on the audience you want to reach and what kind of product or service you’re selling. Traditional marketing can effectively reach audiences who are less engaged with the internet; however, communication with consumers is usually one-sided. With digital marketing, campaign success can be easier to evaluate, but strategy and creativity are required to stand out in an already crowded online space.

Combining digital and traditional marketing can be the most effective way to reach consumers. Using both strategies together is called integrated marketing. Successful businesses use various traditional and digital marketing techniques in harmony to reach their target audience.

What Skills Do You Need for a Career in Marketing?

If you’re ready to enter the world of marketing, take note: You need a degree in marketing, business, or a related field to get started, and it also would benefit you to possess certain traits and skills, including:

  • Good communication
  • Creativity
  • Attention to detail
  • Adaptability
  • Leadership skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Project management
  • Analytical knowledge
  • Social media knowledge

Are you ready for a career in marketing? Get started with a business degree and be prepared to use traditional and digital marketing in your branding and lead generation efforts.

Disparities, Inequities, and Injustices in Populations With Pain: Nursing Recommendations Supporting ASPMN’s 2024 Position Statement

Posted on by Brian Pervis

Brian Pervis, department chair, School of Nursing, recently published a new article in Pain Management Nursing titled “Disparities, Inequities, and Injustices in Populations With Pain: Nursing Recommendations Supporting ASPMN’s 2024 Position Statement.” The article follows up on Brian’s earlier publication, “Disparities, Inequities, and Injustices in Populations With Pain: An ASPMN Position,” examines the disparities marginalized groups face in pain assessment and management, and offers nursing recommendations that align with the 2024 Position Statement of the American Society for Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN).

Read the article here. 

Making Degrees More Accessible Through Innovation and Cost Control

Posted on by David Schejbal

Excelsior University president David Schejbal was interviewed by Presidents Forum for a video podcast titled “Making Degrees More Accessible Through Innovation and Cost Control.”  President Schejbal discusses the future of higher education in the podcast, emphasizing the enduring value of college degrees while highlighting innovative approaches to accessibility and affordability.

Watch the podcast here.

Career Spotlight: Digital Forensics Analyst

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

If you enjoy the intellectual challenge of solving puzzles and seek a career where you can have a positive impact on society while serving justice, consider a career as a digital forensics analyst. You will find diverse career paths, job security in a high-demand field, and competitive salaries. Given the always-evolving nature of cybercrime and threats that continue to explode in number and variety, this career choice will keep you engaged and well rewarded throughout your career.

What Is Computer Forensics?

The field of computer forensics deals with the recovery, analysis, documentation, and safeguarding of cybercrime evidence on computers, networks, and other data storage devices.

Computer forensics involves investigating how a cybercrime was committed, as well as the extent of the exploit; analyzing malware and other types of analysis; calculating losses incurred; helping with an effective incident response; assessing threats; and, ideally, finding out who conducted the incursion.

Corporate investigators, regulators, and law enforcement may be involved. It’s possible the evidence you recover will be used in criminal and civil court, requiring you to also understand chain-of-custody issues. Your findings will further inform improvements to cyber defense measures.

Advance your career in computer forensics with a cybersecurity degree from Excelsior University.

What Does a Digital Forensics Analyst Do?

Your role as a digital forensics analyst will generally be to discover, analyze, and investigate digital security breaches. You’ll support corporate and law enforcement investigations and will contribute to mitigating vulnerabilities in the future.

When it comes to your core tasks as a digital forensics analyst, the details vary depending on your industry and seniority. Typical work responsibilities in computer forensics include:

  • Checking log files and analyzing data for evidence of the intrusion, methods used, and the identity of the cybercriminals
  • Using dynamic analysis, diving deep into the intrusion to chase down new information
  • Performing file signature analysis, file system forensic analysis, volatile data analysis, bit-level and binary analysis, and malware analysis
  • Reporting findings required by the applicable cybersecurity frameworks and regulations
  • Recovering data and restoring data integrity whenever possible
  • Discovering the clues that intruders leave in source code, malware, system configurations, and more
  • Supporting incidence response teams
  • Strengthening your organization’s cybersecurity protections against future attacks
  • Conducting threat assessment audits for known risks

How Much Do Digital Forensics Analysts Make?

Given the high demand for people with the skills to work as a digital forensics analyst, you can command a salary ranging from $62,720 as the lowest advertised salary to $161,536 in the 90th percentile of earners. The median annual advertised salary is $104,192, according to Lightcast in October 2024.

What Skills Will You Need?

You’ll need to develop competencies in computer forensics, network defense, compliance with security frameworks, system administration testing and evaluation, and threat analysis.

It’s vital to have knowledge of software, operating systems, network technologies, forensic tools, and the tactics, techniques, and procedures of threat actors, including obfuscation techniques.

Once you have evidence, you’ll need to know how to analyze it while preserving evidence integrity.

Skill in reporting data and implications to internal teams, cybersecurity frameworks, and regulators will help prevent future losses and may save your organization from hefty fines.

How Can You Start Your Career in Computer Forensics?

Your career as a digital forensics analyst in the field of computer forensics starts with education. We invite you to explore the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program at Excelsior University.

Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or digital forensics. Higher-paying positions and leadership roles typically require a master’s degree. Because the field of cybercrime is evolving so fast, you may wish to continue your education with cybersecurity certifications such as Certified Computer Examiner, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified Ethical Hacker, and others.

Gaining practical experience in law enforcement, at private firms specializing in cybersecurity, with digital forensics labs, and on in-house corporate cybersecurity teams will help you build skills. With a commitment to formal and informal learning, you can build a rewarding career as a digital forensics analyst.

Career Spotlight: Video Game Developer

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Working as a video game developer, you’ll have an important creative role in one of the fastest-growing areas of entertainment. Working as a game developer is an incredibly interesting and rewarding career where you can combine creativity, technical know-how, and a passion for strategy and storytelling.

Video games, once a niche hobby, are a global phenomenon that go beyond entertainment. Professional competitions, esports, and corporations working to gamify key functions to better engage employees and customers are examples of how video games are shaping how we consume entertainment, interact, and learn. Today, more than 190 million people in the U.S. play video games—with even more overseas. It’s a growing field.

What Does a Video Game Developer Do?

Before we talk about what you might do in this role, it’s worth answering the question, What is game development?

In brief, game development is a process for creating video games played on game consoles and computers—one of the many exciting career paths open to people with a degree in computer science. It involves game design; building the game engine; crafting a player user experience; creating objectives, strategies, and characters; scripting; and creating game play implements. Gamers today also expect stunning visuals and fully developed worlds made realistic through environment design, sound effects, and music.

So, what does a game developer do? The answer depends on the type of gaming company you work for. In smaller companies, you’ll cover everything, but in big companies, you’ll most likely specialize. You might work for a company that develops games or for outside consultants and contractors. Common tasks include:

  • Designing games and ideating game concepts
  • Programming and coding the game design, characters, environment, movements, etc. into a playable game
  • Prototyping, testing, improving, and finishing the gameplay
  • Working together with designers and artists, producers, technologists, and marketing experts
  • Cross-platforming games to work on different consoles and computer operating systems
  • Improving and expanding games with mods and in-game purchases
  • Specializing in developing games for a specific system, a type of game, or even a specific game element, such as user interfaces or environments
Start a career in video game development with a computer science degree from Excelsior University.

What Kinds of Developers Are There?

Working as a game developer means you have a choice of types of roles and work environments. Some of these include:

Game Developer

These roles are for developing games for a specific platform such as Xbox or Nintendo.

Second-Party Developer

Some companies develop games for a specific platform but don’t work directly for the company that owns the platform.

Third-Party Developer

Other companies are independent of consoles and console companies, such as Electronic Arts, developing games for all environments.

Indie Developer

Small, innovative independent game studios are thriving, both creating mass-market successes like Minecraft and indie game niche hits like Kingdom Come: Deliverance.

How Much Does a Video Game Developer Make?

How much video game developers can make depends on many factors. For example, according to Lightcast in October 2024, mobile game developers earned less than general game developers, with a median advertised salary of $83,328 compared to $100,224. But when you get to the highest paid, in the 90th percentile, the dynamic flips. Mobile game developers earn an annual advertised salary of $187,264, compared to $156,544 for the highest-paid general game developers.

How Can I Get Started?

Education is the starting point of breaking into the game development field. Earning a computer science degree is a requirement for most jobs. From there, take advantage of career services, networking, and attending conferences. You can also start building your portfolio and making a name for yourself by offering open-source contributions and participating in game jams. The important thing is to take the first steps.

If you want to bring your creative visions to life, build immersive worlds, entertain people with compelling storylines and strategic dilemmas, and enjoy a collaborative environment, working as a video game developer is worth considering. Explore technology degree programs at Excelsior University.

Career Spotlight: Receptionist

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

At the front of any office is someone who greets customers and manages a variety of communication duties. This person is a receptionist, and they are responsible for interacting with people who visit the business and for completing various administrative tasks, including answering calls, organizing files, managing records, and scheduling appointments. You can find receptionists in almost every industry, from health care to law enforcement. They work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, hotels, law offices, schools, real estate companies, banks, and many other locations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023, receptionists earned a median salary of $35,840 per year, with the highest 10% of earners making more than $47,000 annually. About 137,800 receptionist positions are expected to open up each year through 2033.

Entry Level Job with an Associate Degree in Business

If you’re interested in becoming a receptionist, you can do so with only a high school diploma; however, an associate degree will get you higher pay and help you stand out on your resume. Read on to explore more about this career.

Kick-start your career with Excelsior's AAS in Administrative and Management Studies.

What Do Receptionists Do?

Receptionists are responsible for a variety of tasks and responsibilities, from answering telephones to scheduling meetings. They typically do the following:

  • Answer, screen, and forward telephone calls
  • Greet customers and other visitors
  • Copy, file, and maintain records
  • Receive, sort, distribute, and prepare mail
  • Ensure the reception area is neat and tidy
  • Provide information about the business
  • Follow safety procedures and control access via the reception desk
  • Order office supplies
  • Update calendars and schedule meetings
  • Arrange travel and accommodations and prepare vouchers
  • Maintain the general office filing system
  • Coordinate internal and external events
  • Manage the availability of meeting and conference rooms
  • Supervise office services such as cleaners and maintenance staff

How to Become a Receptionist

Most entry-level receptionist positions usually require a high school diploma. Other employers may prefer you have a higher degree, like an associate degree in business or a related field. It’s important to check with your potential employer to make sure you have the right level of education.

It may also be a good idea to receive training in various entry-level jobs, including as a restaurant host, a bank clerk, or a volunteer in a community nonprofit. When you’re hired, you may also receive on-the-job training specific to the company so you know how to use its equipment and understand the inner workings of the office.

Additionally, though not required, a certificate may help you stand out from other job candidates and add to your knowledge. The Certified Front Desk Representative certificate and the Certificate in Reception and Office Support are two of the many available certification courses that can prepare you to perform a receptionist’s tasks efficiently and accurately.

Receptionist Educational Requirements

As mentioned, many receptionists usually have at least a high school diploma. An associate or bachelor’s degree in administrative services, business, communications, office management, or a related field will give you an edge over your competition.

Excelsior’s Associate in Applied Science in Administrative and Management Studies prepares you to be a receptionist as well as other business supporting roles like secretary, administrative assistant, inventory manager, customer service representative, facilities supervisor, personnel associate, and resource coordinator. Training includes common software like Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You’ll learn about  strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis and gain knowledge on human resource management, recruitment and hiring, and how to approach various legal and ethical workplace issues.

How to Become a Good Receptionist

In addition to the appropriate education and on-the-job training, there are certain qualities that can make you stand out as a good receptionist. Successful receptionists lean on the following traits and skills:

  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Emotional strength
  • Typing skills
  • Technical skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Customer service
  • Organization
  • Empathy

If becoming a receptionist sounds like a good fit for you, contact an Excelsior University admissions counselor about earning the business degree that will help you achieve your career goals.