David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University, was interviewed by journalist Myrna Petlicki of the Chicago Tribune for an article on the Lake Forest Center for Leadership joining Excelsior University. President Schejbal speaks on Excelsior’s history, the institution’s focus on strategic organizational partnerships, and the new academic pathways available to students through the Center for Leadership’s integration into Excelsior.
The Computer Science Skills You Need for a Successful Career
Ask someone what skills a computer science student needs, and the answer is often simple: Learn to code.
Coding is certainly important. Computer science students should graduate with strong technical skills and the ability to develop software solutions. But if we look at what makes someone successful over the course of a career, the answer is much broader.
Computer technology continues to reshape nearly every aspect of our lives. The professionals designing those systems need more than technical knowledge. They need to solve complex problems, communicate ideas, work with diverse teams, adapt to constant change, and understand the impact their decisions have on people and society.
The challenge for today’s computer science students is not simply learning the technologies of today. It’s developing the habits of mind and professional skills that will allow them to continue learning, adapting, and leading throughout their careers.
Here are 10 computer science skills that any student should be working to develop while earning their computer science degree.
- Problem-Solving and Computational Thinking
Computer technologies change constantly. That’s why the ability to think critically and solve problems remains one of the most valuable skills a computer science professional can possess.
What This CS Skill Includes
- Breaking complex problems into manageable parts
- Identifying patterns and relationships
- Designing efficient solutions
- Thinking logically and systematically
Why It Matters
Computer science is fundamentally about solving problems. Whether developing software, analyzing data, or building AI systems, employers value professionals who can think critically and develop effective solutions to complex challenges.
- Programming and Software Development
Programming remains one of the foundational skills of computer science. But just as important as understanding the syntax of a programming language is a strong grasp of the software development process.
What This CS Skill Includes
- Writing clean, maintainable, and reliable code
- Debugging and testing applications
- Understanding how software is designed, developed, and maintained
- Working with modern development tools
Why It Matters
Programming transforms ideas into reality. Strong development skills enable professionals to build applications, automate tasks, and create technologies that solve meaningful problems and drive innovation across industries.
- Data Literacy and Analysis
Data has become one of the most valuable resources in modern organizations. Computer science professionals increasingly work with large amounts of information and must be able to not only gather and understand data but also turn it into actionable insights.
What This CS Skill Includes
- Collecting, organizing, and interpreting data
- Working with databases and data systems
- Understanding statistical concepts
- Visualizing data
- Making data-informed decisions
Why It Matters
Organizations increasingly rely on data to guide decisions, making this skill valuable regardless of career specialization. The ability to ask good questions, evaluate information critically, and make informed decisions is becoming increasingly important in a data-rich world.
- Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Literacy
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday computer technology development. Students entering the workforce should understand the fundamentals of AI as well as other emerging technologies; however, this does not mean every graduate must become an AI specialist. Rather, they should understand how these technologies work, recognize their strengths and limitations, and evaluate their appropriate use.
What This CS Skill Includes
- Understanding AI fundamentals, machine learning, automation, and other emerging technologies
- Using AI-assisted development tools effectively
- Evaluating new technologies critically
- Adapting to technological change
Why It Matters
Learning today’s tools is an important part of earning a computer science degree, but that won’t be sufficient over the span of your career. You must also develop the ability to adapt as new technologies emerge. The professionals who thrive over time are often those who remain curious, open to change, and willing to learn.
- Ethical Reasoning and Responsible Technology Design
Computer science professionals increasingly find themselves making decisions that affect privacy, access, fairness, and even opportunity. The challenge is not simply determining what technology can do; it’s determining what we should do once it can—and ensuring that the people affected by those decisions have a voice in shaping them.
What This CS Skill Includes
- Evaluating the societal impact of technology
- Recognizing bias and unintended consequences
- Designing systems that are fair, secure, and accessible
- Balancing innovation with responsibility
Why It Matters
Technology shapes how people communicate, work, learn, and interact with the world. As a result, computer science professionals must consider the ethical and societal implications of their decisions and strive to create solutions that are trustworthy, inclusive, and beneficial to society.
- Cybersecurity Awareness
Cybersecurity is no longer a specialized concern reserved for security professionals. Every technology professional— regardless of whether their focus is software development, data analytics, artificial intelligence, or information technology–needs a foundational understanding of how to protect systems, applications, and data.
What This CS Skill Includes
- Understanding security principles
- Protecting data and systems
- Identifying vulnerabilities and risks
- Applying secure development practices
Why It Matters
Cybersecurity affects every organization. Understanding how to protect information and build secure systems helps prevent breaches, safeguard privacy, and maintain trust in digital technologies.
- Communication Skills
One of the most underrated skills in computer science is the ability to communicate effectively. Technology professionals frequently work with clients, managers, executives, and stakeholders who may not have technical backgrounds.
What This CS Skill Includes
- Explaining technical concepts to diverse audiences
- Writing clear documentation
- Presenting ideas and recommendations
- Bridging technical and nontechnical perspectives
Why It Matters
The best technical solution has limited value if others can’t understand its purpose, importance, or impact. Effective communication helps professionals collaborate with colleagues, influence decision-makers, and translate technical knowledge into meaningful outcomes. The ability to explain complex concepts clearly can often be the difference between a successful project and a failed one.
- Collaboration and Teamwork
The stereotype of the lone programmer working in isolation rarely reflects reality. Modern technology projects typically involve teams of developers, designers, analysts, project managers, cybersecurity professionals, and business stakeholders.
What This CS Skill Includes
- Working effectively in multidisciplinary teams
- Participating in agile and collaborative workflows
- Giving and receiving constructive feedback
- Contributing to shared goals
Why It Matters
The ability to collaborate effectively is an often-underrated workplace skill. It is often what allows good ideas to become successful solutions.
- Adaptability and Continuous Learning
Programming languages evolve, new frameworks emerge, and entirely new fields can develop within just a few years. Developing adaptability requires cultivating curiosity and becoming comfortable learning independently. A commitment to lifelong learning helps ensure resilience in a field where change is constant.
What This CS Skill Includes
- Learning new tools, languages, and frameworks
- Responding to industry changes
- Developing self-directed learning habits
- Embracing lifelong professional growth
Why It Matters
The computer technology landscape changes constantly. Professionals who remain curious and committed to learning are better positioned to seize new opportunities and navigate future career shifts. Perhaps more importantly, continuous learning encourages students to view education as something that extends beyond graduation—an ongoing part of their professional and personal development.
- Systems Thinking
One skill that often gets overlooked is systems thinking. Technology rarely operates in isolation. Software interacts with hardware, networks, organizations, policies, and people. Systems thinking encourages students to move beyond asking, “Does this work?” and begin asking, “How does this fit into the larger system, and who might be affected by it?”
What This CS Skill Includes
- Understanding how technologies interact within larger systems
- Recognizing connections between technical and human factors
- Evaluating trade-offs and dependencies
- Anticipating broader impacts of decisions
Why It Matters
Systems thinking helps professionals understand how software, hardware, data, people, and processes work together, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions.
Looking Beyond Technical Computer Science Skills
Computer science is often associated with technology, but at its heart it is about solving human problems.
Programming, software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity remain essential technical foundations. Yet the professionals who make the greatest impact are often those who combine technical expertise with communication, collaboration, ethical judgment, and a commitment to continuous learning.
The technologies students will work with a decade from now may not even exist today. The specific programming languages, tools, and platforms will change. What will remain valuable is the ability to learn, think critically, solve problems, work with others, and make thoughtful decisions about how technology should be used.
Beyond teaching technical skills, preparing students for the future is about helping them develop the judgment, adaptability, and sense of responsibility needed to thrive in a world where computer technology increasingly shapes how we live, work, and interact with one another.
Start Your Career with a Computer Science Degree from Excelsior University
A computer science education should indeed prepare students for their first jobs. But also the one that follows. And the one after that—preparing them for a lifetime of learning, growth, leadership, and meaningful contribution in a technological world. That is the guiding principle of Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program.
Excelsior’s flexible online format is designed for working adults balancing work, family, or other life commitments. Our student-centered approach includes robust support resources as well as Career Readiness to help graduates enter or reenter the workforce with intention. And with a choice of concentrations like Artificial Intelligence, Networking and Cloud Computing, Software Development, and Data Science, you can tailor the program to fit your career goals.
At Excelsior, you will build these 10 critical computer science skills while earning your computer science degree, but more than that, you’ll receive a well-rounded education that serves you over a lifetime.
Lake Forest Center for Leadership Joins Excelsior University
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Excelsior University and the Lake Forest Center for Leadership today announced an agreement that brings the Center for Leadership’s nationally respected leadership development programs into Excelsior’s academic degree pathways. The move is part of a broader agreement with the recently closed Lake Forest Graduate School of Management to create new opportunities for learners while ensuring continuity for leadership development programs, students, alumni, and employer partners. The addition of the Center for Leadership represents an early, defining step in Excelsior’s Constellation℠ strategy, a student-centric ecosystem of institutions, employers, and learning providers designed to expand access and remove barriers to opportunity for working adults.
The Lake Forest Center for Leadership will continue to operate at Excelsior, preserving the practitioner-led faculty model and curriculum, including its Pathway Programs, skill-building courses, and comprehensive leadership development offerings, that have defined the organization for more than 35 years. As part of Excelsior, Center for Leadership programs will give participants and client organizations a fuller continuum of learning, from leadership development through degree and certificate pathways.
The Lake Forest Center for Leadership moves to Excelsior University following the June 30 closure of the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. Excelsior also served as the preferred teach-out partner for students in the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management MBA program, offering a soft landing for learners to complete their studies at Excelsior’s School of Business and continued access to professional development opportunities through the Lake Forest Center for Leadership.
“Excelsior and the Lake Forest Center for Leadership share a common goal: to provide education and training that is designed for practical application and delivered by those with real-world experience,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “By welcoming Lake Forest MBA students to Excelsior and bringing the Center for Leadership into the University, we are continuing its legacy. Together, we expand access to professional and executive leadership development for individuals and organizations.”
“Leadership requires the courage to look ahead and make decisions that position an organization for what comes next. While we close this chapter of our MBA program with deep respect for our community, the Lake Forest Center for Leadership has joined Excelsior University to focus on practical, timely leadership development and continue serving individuals and organizations with the relevance and impact they need today,” said Carrie Buchwald, former president of Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.
For Excelsior, the addition of the Center for Leadership expands its portfolio with live, in-person, and hybrid program delivery to complement its established national online model and strengthens its presence in the Chicago-Milwaukee metropolitan area. For the Center for Leadership, joining Excelsior provides a sustainable foundation for future growth and broad reach through the University’s national platform.
# # #
Media Contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
About Excelsior University
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.
Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.
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.
About the Lake Forest Center for Leadership
The Lake Forest Center for Leadership provides practitioner-led leadership and professional development programs to executives and organizations across the Chicago metropolitan region. Built around a faculty model of experienced C-suite practitioners, the Center for Leadership offers Pathway Programs, skill-building courses, and comprehensive leadership development offerings designed for immediate, practical application.
Pub101 for Authors: Reflections on Our Inaugural Series
Melissa Chim, Excelsior University’s scholarly communications librarian, co-presented at the Open Educational Network (OEN) Engage Conference on July 22, 2026. The presentation, titled “Pub101 for Authors: Reflections on Our Inaugural Series,” provides an overview of Pub101, a series of learning sessions designed to serve as an orientation to open textbook publishing.
View slides from the presentation here.
Ghost Student Busters: Mitigating Fraudulent Application Risk
Fraudulent “ghost students” are increasingly exploiting admissions and financial aid processes and creating financial, operational, and reputational risk for higher education institutions. As application volumes rise and access expands, institutions need effective ways to detect and prevent this evolving threat without creating barriers for legitimate students. Lizz Petroski, executive director of student financial services, and Sarah Egerton, director of risk management and internal audit, presented with the University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA) to examine the risk landscape of ghost student activity and share how cross-functional mitigation strategies can strengthen controls and reduce application fraud risk in higher education.
View slides from the presentation here.
Excelsior University Launches the Largest Capital Campaign in Its History
View video from the Empower with Purpose campaign launch dinner here.
ALBANY, N.Y. – Excelsior University has launched the public phase of the largest capital fundraising campaign in its 55-year history. The Empower with Purpose campaign has already raised more than 80% of its $5 million goal, with $4.1 million secured.
The public phase of the campaign launched with a dinner at the Renaissance Albany Hotel’s Dewitt Ballroom on July 8, bringing together alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and community partners from around the country ahead of Excelsior’s Commencement ceremony. Funds raised through the campaign will support Excelsior’s promise to meet students where they are, especially those historically underrepresented in higher education.
“The Empower with Purpose campaign is a continued commitment to Excelsior University’s mission to expand access, create opportunities, and transform lives through education,” said Excelsior University President David Schejbal. “Strengthening the support systems that help learners begin, persist, and complete their academic journeys contributes directly to student success. Together, we can empower future generations to achieve their goals through higher education.”
Empower with Purpose campaign highlights to date include a $1 million legacy gift from renowned nursing educator and Excelsior emeritus professor Larry Purnell, the largest individual donation in the institution’s history; a transformational estate gift to support the College of Nursing and Health Sciences from Mary Beth Hanner; the establishment of 15 new endowed scholarships; immediate use funds from Arrow Financial Corporation, Broadview Federal Credit Union, CDPHP, High Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, J.O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, KeyBank, the Massry Family, M&T Bank, United Healthcare, Upstate Commercial Property Management, and more; and strong support from trustees and the Excelsior staff, faculty, and alumni community. These gifts are already providing support for new student scholarships, career readiness programs, military and veteran services, nursing workforce development including clinical partnerships, and engineering and technology program enhancements.
Learn more at www.excelsior.edu/empowerwithpurpose.
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners 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 in Albany, New York, 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.
Sarah Stone, Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology, 2024
Sarah Stone of St. James, Missouri, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology in 2024. She shares, “Upon completion of my degree, I accepted a position as the Missouri University of Science and Technology health physicist in the Environmental Health & Safety department.
Within two years of working in academia, I have become an active member within the Health Physics Society and volunteer in two groups: Public Information Committee and Women in Radiation Protection. I am also an atomic ambassador for Generation Atomic, where nuclear advocacy is a big focus. One of my advocacy avenues involves public postings on LinkedIn and Facebook. I have the nickname Your Friendly Neighborhood Health Physicist and am gaining followers each week.
I am still in the ‘early career’ phase, but I have many goals that I am chasing after, including certifications! Senior HP is a goal among many!”
Marc Sacco, Associate of Science in Nursing, 2008
Marc Sacco of Reading, Vermont, earned an Associate of Science in Nursing in 2008. Sacco is a nursing graduate, clinical nurse hypnotist, and recently published his latest book, A Man & A Machine: How a Human and an AI Built Two Films and Learned to Trust Each Other. After a 2023 bicycle accident left him with a traumatic brain injury disrupting the cognitive and language abilities that had defined both his nursing career and his earlier book, Verbal Medicine: The Language of Healing, Marc returned to creative writing through an unexpected six-week collaboration with Anthropic’s AI system, Claude. The result: two complete, WGA-registered feature screenplays, Gray Ops and The Corner of Fast and Easy, both of which are now competing nationally, as well as a book documenting the entire process. A Man & A Machine is available now on Amazon.
From Insight to Action: Why AI Must Drive Decisions, Not Just Insights
Priyo Chatterjee, Excelsior University’s chief analytics officer, published an article in CXOTech Magazine titled “From Insight to Action: Why AI Must Drive Decisions, Not Insights.” In the piece, Chatterjee discusses methods for utilizing artificial intelligence in higher education to create meaningful outcomes for institutions and students. The article provides an overview of Excelsior’s AI-powered Student Intervention Recommender, or StIR platform, and its focus on supporting a student-centric higher education ecosystem.
Excelsior University Celebrates 55th Commencement Ceremony
Albany, N.Y. — Excelsior University celebrated its 55th Commencement on Friday, July 10, at 11 a.m. at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. The Commencement ceremony brought together graduates of Excelsior’s online programs to commemorate their achievements in-person with University faculty and staff, family, friends, and supporters.
This year’s Commencement ceremony featured remarks from graduate speaker Kerry Treat Harrison, a Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare professional and mother of three, who shared the story of her journey to earn her Associate of Science in Nursing degree with the Class of 2026.
The event closed with the ceremonial passing of the Excelsior Alumni Torch from Excelsior Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) president Ruth Lown Turman and ALC member Jason DeLonais to graduate speaker Harrison. DeLonais was the first graduate to receive the Alumni Torch when Excelsior began this unique tradition in 2023.
The Class of 2026 includes 3,735 graduates from across the world. The graduates represent all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, as well as 11 other nations spanning five continents. A total of 1,0577 graduates are from New York state, including 129 from the Capital Region. The graduates range in age from 14 to 80, and the average age of the Class of 2026 is 36 years old. 38% of graduates are active-duty service members or veterans of the U.S. military, and 22 students earned more than one degree during the academic year. For more facts about Excelsior’s Class of 2026, view the Graduates at a Glance document.
“Commencement is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of Excelsior’s remarkable graduates. The Class of 2026 represents a wide range of learners from around the globe, and they share the common values that define Excelsior students: determination, resilience, and a passion for lifelong learning,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “For many graduates, earning this degree required balancing work, family, and service. They join more than 200,000 Excelsior alumni carrying their education forward into positive action in communities around the world.”
The event was livestreamed for those unable to attend. The video and all Commencement information is available at excelsior.edu/commencement.
# # #
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners 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 in Albany, New York, 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.
What Is Public Health?
Health sciences is a diverse field that offers numerous opportunities for specialization, among them public health. This branch of health sciences is focused on protecting and promoting the health of entire communities rather than just individual patients. It’s a particularly far-reaching field, encompassing everything from infectious disease control and maternal health to nutrition, environmental safety, and health equity.
The scope of public health has expanded to include immunization programs, health statistics, health education, health promotion initiatives, and community-based programs that support underserved and low-income populations. This means that the primary focus of public health is not treating illness but rather addressing the conditions that cause people to become ill in the first place. Its efforts help create healthier communities and contribute to local, national, and global well‑being.
Why Is Public Health Important?
Public health plays an essential role in improving community health by preventing disease before it occurs. This scientific pursuit has played a major role in increasing life expectancy through advances in sanitation, vaccination programs, and policies that have significantly improved community health. Through initiatives such as vaccination programs, health education campaigns, and disease surveillance, trained professionals help protect communities from health threats and improve the quality of life.
Public health intersects with various health care disciplines. For instance, physicians use epidemiological data to understand disease trends. Nursing professionals incorporate health promotion and patient education activities into their practice. Health care administrators rely on data-driven frameworks to allocate resources effectively.
Given its broad scope, public health offers health care professionals the opportunity to make a significant impact at both the individual and community levels. Together, these multidisciplinary approaches strengthen the health care system and improve health outcomes for entire communities.
A crucial point to highlight is that public health helps promote health equity. Unfortunately, many communities experience health disparities due to factors known as the social determinants of health. Since not everyone in a community has access to the same resources and opportunities, factors such as income, education, housing, health care access, and transportation can significantly affect health outcomes. Addressing these challenges is vital in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal health.
Is Public Health the Right Field for You?
As the health care industry continues to emphasize disease prevention, health equity, and population health management, demand for professionals in those areas is expected to grow. A career in public health is an excellent choice for individuals passionate about helping others and improving community well-being on a large scale. The field attracts those motivated by systems thinking and social impact. It’s well suited for individuals interested in areas ranging from health-related data and advocacy to health policy. This branch of the health sciences is ideal for strong communicators who can translate research into concrete actions and who want their work to benefit entire populations.
Which Degree Do You Need for a Career in Public Health?
There are various educational paths that can prepare students for careers in public health. A bachelor’s degree in health sciences with a concentration in public health offers flexibility and provides a broad understanding of health care systems, policies, and community health practices. In contrast, a bachelor’s degree in public health often offers more specialized coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, and population health, making it an excellent option for students interested in research or fieldwork. The right educational path ultimately depends on an individual’s career goals and interests, but either degree can open significant doors in the field.
Start Your Career in Public Health with Excelsior
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a career dedicated to protecting community health, Excelsior University can help you achieve your professional goals. Excelsior’s health sciences programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s health care environment. The University offers a Public Health concentration for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Both programs are offered online and provide the flexibility students need to balance their education with personal and professional responsibilities while preparing for rewarding careers in public health.
What You Can Do with a DBA Degree:
Careers and Opportunities
Earning your Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) can take you beyond day-to-day management jobs into leadership roles with greater influence, responsibilities, and rewards. You might choose to start a business, help others as a consultant, or work in academia. When you have a DBA degree, the jobs available to you are reserved for people who can handle greater challenges and take on complex business problems, leading with confidence and credibility.
Organizational leadership takes more than experience and technical expertise. That’s where earning a DBA becomes invaluable. The program is designed for experienced professionals who want more from their business career, adding advanced business knowledge and real-world lessons to their credentials.
The Value of a DBA Program
Earning a Doctor of Business Administration prepares you for influence at the top of organizations, in entrepreneurial roles, and in consulting and teaching. Unlike some other doctoral programs, the DBA focuses on the practical. You’ll learn how to interpret and use research and data, how to solve tough business problems, how to foster change and innovation, and how to lead and make effective decisions. It’s more than a credential; a DBA prepares you for a career with real impact.
How a DBA Degree Can Transform Your Career
Your reward for earning your DBA degree is a job that allows you to contribute to existing knowledge and not simply follow through on strategies created by others. If you want to generate new insights, map out innovative strategies, and lead an organization through change and fast growth, earning a DBA opens doors. You’ll be networking with other business leaders and expanding your influence in an organization and an industry.
Career Transitions
One common DBA degree career move is advancing to roles with more responsibility and influence. You’ll put research and data to use in solving tough business problems and planning for growth. Earning this degree prepares you to progress into decision-making executive roles, consulting, entrepreneurship, or academia.
Increased Salaries
A business career with greater responsibilities comes with greater financial rewards. If you possess a DBA degree, jobs tend to be higher paying. When pursuing promotions, lucrative consulting engagements, and leadership roles, you have a competitive advantage and the ability to command a higher salary and generous benefits.
Entering the Workforce with Your DBA Degree: Job Opportunities
Rewarding postdoctoral careers aren’t limited to top executive positions. You have a wide array of roles and industries to choose from. You’ll develop competencies in leadership, managing complex operations, big-picture thinking and decision-making, advanced information processing and synthesis abilities, interpersonal skills, and understanding cultural nuances and working effectively within them. Your earning potential varies widely by role, industry, geography, and organization; however, below are some benchmarks.
Chief Executive Officer
Top leadership at large and fast-growing companies is a common DBA degree career path. You’ll have tremendous influence and significant responsibility in these roles. Competition is fierce; earning this degree gives you an edge. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic pegs the median wage at $206,420.
Business Consultant
In this role, you’ll help organizations understand and solve problems, boost performance, and find growth opportunities. Your DBA gives you a competitive advantage and high earning potential. Payscale reports that total pay (salary, bonus, profit sharing, and commission) estimates for business consultants can be as high as $153,000 per year.
Business Professor
A DBA prepares you for leadership, research, and teaching roles at universities and colleges. The degree gives you the credentials you need to thrive in the field across specialization, from management to finance, accounting, marketing, logistics, and more. Job security is a plus in academia. The BLS pegs the median annual salary for postsecondary business teachers at $113,240.
Business Analyst
A business analyst is a research- and data-intensive role. You’ll use advanced statistics and analytical tools to uncover insights and advise organizational leadership on efficiency improvements, advantages to operational changes, and new opportunities. According to the BLS, the median annual salary in this role is $101,190.
Entrepreneur
The sky is the limit when it comes to earning potential in launching and growing new businesses. While achieving billionaire status is exceedingly rare, an entrepreneur role for someone with a DBA degree is a job with high earning potential. Salaries range from zero with sweat equity ownership to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Business owners with employees earn a median annual income of $110,000.
Excelsior University’s DBA Program
If you’re ready to move beyond your current role, the Excelsior DBA program will help you reach new levels. We have designed a program specifically for senior leaders, entrepreneurs, and consultants who want to pair their experience with advanced skills and abilities to take on tougher business challenges.
You can pursue the 60-credit program mostly online so you can continue working as you earn your degree. The flexible learning format, combined with individualized support, gives you all you need to succeed.
You’ll enjoy two in-person residencies, online coursework, and meaningful interaction with faculty and peers. Tailor your studies with concentrations like Data Analytics, Cybersecurity Operations, Enterprise Risk Management, Finance and Accounting, Healthcare Management, Organizational Leadership, and Strategic Sustainability.
You complete your degree with a dissertation that either solves a real organizational challenge or requires three interconnected papers on a specific aspect of your research focus. You have the support of faculty mentors, dissertation chairs, and committee members providing you with guidance from start to finish.
From greater influence to exciting new opportunities, the next chapter of your career is waiting to be written in Excelsior University’s DBA program.
