Excelsior College Announces Commencement 2022

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Excelsior College Announces Commencement 2022

 Albany, New York—Excelsior College is excited to announce it will hold an in-person Commencement ceremony on Friday, July 8, 2022, in Albany, N.Y., at the Times Union Center (planned to be renamed as MVP Arena in 2022).

Graduates from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 are invited to join the Class of 2022 at this special celebration. The new location of the Times Union Center allows space for graduates from all three years as well as their loved ones to attend.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Commencement in-person again and to extend the invitation to three years of Excelsior graduates,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. “The Times Union Center provides the space needed for our graduates and their families who travel to Albany, N.Y., from around the country and the world for Commencement after completing their degree online.”

Excelsior College is the largest, fully online college in New York state and boasts students from all 50 states and more than 20 nations. A return to an in-person Commencement in 2022 allows graduates the opportunity to connect with fellow graduates, faculty, and staff. For those unable to attend, the event will be live streamed with engagement opportunities. All Commencement information will be shared at https://www.excelsior.edu/commencement.

“Commencement is one of the most important moments of an individual’s life, whether they’re embarking on a new career path or after working toward a degree to expand their current career opportunities. It’s a day that will be remembered and cherished for the rest of their lives, and it’s something that deserves an in-person ceremony and celebration when possible,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “As an Excelsior alum myself, I’m truly thrilled that Albany County has the honor of hosting next year’s Commencement and the talented group of graduates at our county-owned arena, a facility with the size and resources needed for a truly memorable and safe event.”

Available B-Roll Footage: https://bcove.video/3nmzRNY

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 Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

 ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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.

 

 

 

SEFCU Donation to Veteran Scholarships Honored on National Philanthropy Day

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York- Excelsior College is honored to announce a $25,000 donation by SEFCU to fund veteran scholarships. The generous donation will fund up to 25 scholarships for veteran students in New York State attending Excelsior College with financial need.

On this National Philanthropy Day, Excelsior recognizes SEFCU’s philanthropy to Excelsior and the entire community. This is a day to celebrate the impact that philanthropy has on organizations and society, and SEFCU plays a key role in giving in the Capital District.

Fifteen percent of Excelsior’s students are veterans. Named a “Best for Vets” school 11 times, Excelsior College has made it a priority to ensure that all veterans, as well as servicemembers, have access to the resources and education they need. With SEFCU’s donation, Excelsior will award annual scholarships to veteran students from New York State to help remove the burden of tuition cost, enabling students to focus on their academic pursuits.

“Excelsior is committed to serving veteran students and providing them with the resources needed for academic success,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. “With SEFCU’s generous contribution, we will be able to offer much needed financial support to help our veteran students pursue their college degree.”

Supporting military veterans is a core focus of SEFCU’s philanthropy. The credit union supports programs that assist veterans with basic needs such as food security, clothing, adequate housing, healthcare, and supportive mental healthcare. In addition, SEFCU supports programs that assists veterans with higher education, career training, and small business development.

“While we can never truly repay our veterans for their selflessness, service, and sacrifice, it is an absolute honor to help these American heroes pursue their educational goals and prepare for the future,” said SEFCU President and CEO Michael Castellana. “At SEFCU, we are humbled and honored to offer financial support to veterans studying at Excelsior. We believe every day should be Veterans Day, and through their support and commitment to our vets, at Excelsior College, we know it is.”

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Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

 ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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.

 

 

 

What Does a Career in Homeland Security Look Like?

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established in 2002 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Today, the department employs nearly a quarter-million people in the United States across 22 different federal departments and agencies. Those looking for a career in homeland security can choose jobs that range from airport security and border patrol to cybersecurity and immigration services.

DHS has a budget of $12.8 billion and is the third-largest Cabinet department, behind only the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs. In addition, state, county, and city agencies offer many homeland security-related positions.

Homeland security has created a boom in jobs for those who “protect and provide,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS includes emergency management directors and other homeland security-related professions in this group.

An online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management prepares graduates for careers in this expanding, challenging industry. Homeland security attracts people who want to dedicate their professional life to keeping citizens safe during natural disasters, pandemics, and terrorist attacks, as well as to secure the nation’s borders.

Careers in Homeland Security

Students pursuing a degree in homeland security enjoy diverse career opportunities. DHS employees secure borders, airports, seaports, power grids, computer networks, and waterways in the U.S. They also research and develop security technologies, respond to natural disasters and terrorist assaults, and analyze intelligence reports.

The federal government groups almost two dozen agencies under the DHS umbrella. Some of the most well-known include:

  • Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
  • Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS)
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
  • Secret Service
  • S. Coast Guard (including careers for civilians)

DHS also oversees the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). The center operates as an inter-agency organization that trains the next generation of law enforcement officers.

A career in homeland security can refer to an assortment of jobs in many agencies. That’s why students often focus on one area, such as emergency management. In addition to jobs with FEMA, they work for local governments as an emergency manager, hazard mitigation officer, emergency preparedness coordinator, public safety manager, or emergency services director.

Some large private companies also employ professionals with a degree in homeland security to develop and oversee emergency management and risk assessment plans. Hospitals may also employ emergency management professionals.

Careers in homeland security often appeal to those with some experience in law enforcement or the military.

Salaries for Homeland Security Jobs

With the variety of jobs in homeland security, the job growth and salary depend on the specific homeland security career path. However, the BLS and other government agencies provide salary and job growth data for homeland security-related fields that offer an idea of the salary potential.

  • Emergency management director: $76,250
  • Security guards, including transportation security: $31,080
  • Border patrol officer: $49,508 to $78,269 starting salary, according to CBP
  • Emergency management specialist at FEMA: $91,202

Building a Foundation in Homeland Security

At Excelsior College, core courses in the online BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need to direct first responders, emergency operations at utility companies, community health groups, and security businesses.

Students gain the skills to manage natural disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Students also learn one of the most important parts of the job: developing plans that guide governments and businesses to prepare for disasters. This includes having strategies for prevention, preparation, response, risk mitigation, and recovery.

Preparation management aims to reduce disruption to normal business and services and minimize the risk of injuries and property damage.

Careers in homeland security offer college graduates a stable, growing field of work. The many options available provides graduates a better chance to find a career that matches their talents and interests.

 

Success in Facilities Management

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

After 25 years working in general construction in upstate New York, Lawrence Warner of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, packed up his bags in 2014 and moved to Florida to pursue a career in facilities management. Thanks to his Associate in Applied Science from Excelsior College and his determination to succeed, he has never looked back.

 

Warner’s career in construction ranged from forklift operator to purchasing manager at Lincoln Logs in Chestertown, New York, followed by 26 years of construction project management. After more than two decades in that career, he followed his son and daughter to Florida. He relocated with no job prospects but with the hopes of starting a new life. A friend at Paradigm Precision in Stuart, Florida, a manufacturer of gas turbine engines, was the connection to Warner’s next career. He started at Paradigm Precision as a second shift supervisor before moving into a first shift facilities manager position. He hadn’t expected to land in that kind of a role, but it fit. “Basically, I kind of fell into it. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, I guess, when I moved down,” he says and notes he was going to try for a job in construction, but when this opportunity came up, he couldn’t pass up the new challenge.

 

After going through training and correspondence courses, Warner realized the next logical step was to earn his degree. “My experience and value I could give to the company was to go further and get my degree in technical studies,” he says. Warner began looking around at online colleges to fit into his busy schedule and came across Excelsior. He had already taken a few courses in the 1980s with Adirondack Community College, a partner institution with Excelsior, and discovered the credits would transfer toward his degree. “It just worked out well, where I was able to have flexibility when I could spend my time doing it [my studies] during lunch hours at work, after work, on weekends—it just worked out well,” recalls Warner. He earned his Associate in Applied Science in Technical Studies in September 2020.

 

The curriculum in the associate degree program matched well with the job in facilities management. “Literally every course tied directly back into my day-to-day work. I found it very fulfilling. I literally could go out into my shop in the facility and find something exactly to what they were talking about and dig into it further…,” Warner explains.

 

In July 2021, Warner and his family saw some big changes. Not only did they sell their house in Port St. Lucie, but they also purchased a new one in Coral Springs near Fort Lauderdale and Warner landed a new job in the same city as a facilities manager for Sheltair Aviation. There, he is responsible for private airline facilities at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, and Pompano Beach Airpark. Warner oversees the maintenance of all hangars, offices, private jet terminals, etc.

 

One of Warner’s first projects was conducting a kaizen blitz, an action meant to achieve important goals, to ensure 11 hangers at the Fort Lauderdale locations are in working order, and if not, to make the appropriate adjustments. After only being in his role for a few weeks, Warner said he felt at home. “I think my favorite part is just the excitement of so many opportunities for improvement and starting over again…it’s kind of exciting to see that I can take everything that I’ve learned from prior training and Excelsior College and apply it towards what I’m doing here.”

 

Lifelong learning and continuous improvement are part of Warner’s mantra. He has already completed certification in Level 1 infrared thermography and is working on four certifications with the International Facilities Management Association. “I’m not really taking a pause at learning,” says Warner. “I wouldn’t take a pause on the degree, and now I’m working on some other credentials. They certainly can help me in my career.”

Why the Nation Feels So Involved in the Death of Gabby Petito

Posted on by Emily Miller

Every day in the United States, there are countless victims of domestic violence, whether it’s physical or emotional abuse. Generally, these stories are not the headlines in the news. So why were so many people captivated by the Gabby Petito case?

According to an Insider.com article, in the past 10 years alone, 710 indigenous peoples—mostly girls—have gone missing in the same area that Petito did. In the week she was killed, two other women were killed at a campsite not far from her in Grand Teton National Park. There are many factors that may account for the attention the Petito case is receiving over others, including the 10 bodies found as a result of the investigative efforts of her case. As a social media strategist, I am exploring the link that social media plays in building an emotional connection between Petito and the public.

Many young adults take cross-country backpacking trips, but before the rise of social media, it wasn’t something others could follow in real-time. Petito had a dream to be a travel blogger and a social media influencer. She had an Instagram account with almost 1 million followers and a YouTube channel that was created to show her life and travels with 68,000 subscribers. She created a unique hashtag, #vanlife, and chronicled her journey in detail. Her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, also revamped his accounts to show a different perspective on their life together and their trip. To the outside world who followed their social media channels, they were a young, happy couple.

Social media is now giving us even more access to their lives through the release of police body camera footage and individual’s accounts of interactions with them. In many instances, the third-party takes from social media create doubt and tell a very different story than what Petito and Laundrie portrayed on their own digital presence. After it was reported that Petito was missing, a few people took to TikTok to tell their stories of what they may have seen or the interactions that they had with both Petito and Laundrie. These people also reported sightings to authorities, but their posts made for even more fodder in the social media world as updates and conspiracy theories started swirling. As of the time Petito’s body was discovered on September 19, 2021, video content on TikTok with the hashtag #gabbypetito had more than 663.5 million views.

This type of highly emotional content can turn viral quickly, and with that, it creates a following and a community of engaged followers and contributors. Communal efforts and online conversations further spur interest and engagement. Much of this content can be deemed clickbait, a piece of content attractive enough to get viewers to click to view. It amounts to social media rubbernecking. In the same way you can’t look away when you see an accident on the side of the road, social media has made it easy to closely examine details and stories and make even casual followers feel like a detective or lawyer examining evidence and testimony.

The line between in-person relationships and those formed and existing solely online is becoming increasingly blurry. The online relationships may also be one-sided, where the viewer becomes attached to and invested in a media personality who doesn’t return the emotion. This phenomenon is called parasocial relationships.

Social media has facilitated the growth of parasocial relationships, a term coined by sociologists Donald Horton and R. Richard Wohl in 1956. In the times of COVID-19, with so many in isolation and following social distancing guidelines, the number and depth of parasocial relationships has only increased. Individuals who are taking to publicizing the Petito case via their personal social media accounts or waiting for additional updates have become somewhat of a movement for advocacy to the general public. These individuals may feel as though they are “helping” and working together for a greater good, which creates a deeper perceived psychological bond with the influencer.

This is not unlike cases we’ve seen for years, where the general public becomes seemingly obsessed with finding the answers, think of Jon Benet Ramsey or Elizabeth Smart. In many cases, the increased public awareness can lead to tips and information to help solve cases. In others, it just makes for increased gossip and frenzy. While users of social media outlets are doing some good in investigations, they are increasing the rise and frequency of parasocial relationships and blurring the lines between what is reality and what is a façade.

They are also shining a light on social issues. The Petito case, like other cases, did in the past (for example, Chris Watts and Lacy Peterson) has raised awareness of domestic abuse. As the case unfolds, the social media community can use the awareness to spotlight the issue and connect others to nonprofit organizations assisting men and women in need. They can use this moment of attention for a longer-reaching impact.

Excelsior College Walks with Team UNBROKEN in New York City Veterans Day Parade

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York—Excelsior College is proud to walk in the New York City Veterans Day Parade on November 11 with the courageous men and women of Team UNBROKEN.

Team UNBROKEN is an adaptive adventure racing team comprising combat-wounded veterans as well as civilians with life-altering injuries or illness. They competed for the first time together in 2019 for the “World’s Toughest Race” featured on Amazon.

“Team UNBROKEN is honored to be participants in this year’s NYC Veterans Day Parade,” said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gretchen Evans, founder of Team UNBROKEN and trustee of Excelsior College. “Team UNBROKEN believes that disabilities do not define who we are or what we can accomplish. We race and advocate to demonstrate to others like us that what is within us is stronger than anything in our way.”

Named a “Best for Vets” school 11 times and with more than 72,000 alumni who are military servicemembers and veterans, Excelsior College has a strong military and veteran alumni community and student population. Veterans and military students represent 51 percent of Excelsior’s student population. Some Excelsior alumni who are veterans are walking with Team UNBROKEN in the parade.

“Excelsior students demonstrate a grit and determination that speaks to the fortitude showcased by Team UNBROKEN,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. “We are honored to support the team and walk beside them as we honor all veterans.”

The parade will take place on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, stepping off between noon and 12:30 pm ET. Parade details: https://parade.uwvc.org/parade-update/

Available B-Roll Footage:

Video Player

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Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

 ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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 College Relaunches Online Veteran Resource Center

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York — Excelsior College has updated and relaunched the
Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center, an online resource center for veterans. The veterans center provides resources not only for education but also for career, health and wellness, and transition to civilian life.

Veterans and military students represent 51 percent of Excelsior’s student population, and this center is designed with them in mind. However, the Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center is also available for the entire Excelsior community and the public.

“In recognition of the unique needs of veterans, Excelsior is pleased to relaunch the Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center,” said James Lettko, chief operating officer of Excelsior College and retired U.S. Army brigadier general. “We are committed to serving the veterans in our Excelsior community and supporting all U.S. veterans.”

Named a “Best for Vets” school 11 times, Excelsior College has made it a priority to ensure that all veterans, as well as servicemembers, have access to the resources and education they need.

“In honor of my father’s 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force and with deep gratitude to all veterans and military servicemembers who defend our great nation and democratic values, my family and I are so pleased to support the relaunch of the Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center to pay it forward to our veterans and Excelsior College, which has demonstrated such an abiding commitment to them,” said Bryanne Hamill, alumna and former trustee of Excelsior College. “Having observed first-hand the sacrifices of our veterans—putting country above all else—we owe it to them to provide them the tools, including education, to ensure their success thereafter.”

The online resource center can be accessed at https://www.excelsior.edu/veterans/.

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Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

 ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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.

 

 

Accelerate Your Career with MS in Health Care Administration

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

With the explosive growth in health care in recent years, the need for skilled administrators to oversee medical operations is stronger than ever. Consequently, there is increasing demand for those with the knowledge and skills to successfully guide hospitals, doctor’s’clinics, and other medical facilities.

The job of health care administration presents complex challenges. For example, a hospital administrator must ensure an adequate and steady supply of needed medical equipment and maintain training programs to keep staff educated on the latest clinical options. At the same time, they are responsible for keeping the hospital financially healthy. All the while, administrators must also navigate an ever-changing regulatory environment.

An online Master of Science in Health Care Administration prepares students for success. The best programs help students develop a deep understanding of evidence-based health practice. Excelsior’s program prepares graduates to lead and motivate health care teams, research electronic documents, analyze and propose new policies, and solve health care challenges.

High Demand for Qualified Health Care Administrators

Health care now employs more people than any sector of the economy. In that context, it is easy to understand why health care administrators are in such high demand.

 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data-driven employment projections call for a 32 percent increase in the number of “medical and health service managers” in the next decade, with more than 133,000 people joining the profession.

Overall, health care administration salaries have increased by 10 percent to 20 percent in the past decade. The average salary in the profession as of May 2020 was $104,280.

Health care administrators can work in any health care facility, including outpatient, ambulatory, primary, and inpatient care facilities. Health care administrators are often employed in hospitals, physician clinics, nursing or elder care facilities, home health care organizations, rehabilitation centers, and mental health organizations.

Job titles for graduates with an MS in Health Care Administration include clinical manager, department head, executive administrator, health care project manager, and patient relations director.

What You Learn in an MS in Health Care Administration Program

The Excelsior College online MS in Health Care Administration focuses on the business side of health care. Students learn how to oversee operations at outpatient, ambulatory, primary, and inpatient care facilities.

Learning outcomes in the program include:

  • Developing effective communication strategies
  • Applying leadership techniques to solve organizational challenges
  • Integrating principles of risk management and quality improvement
  • Implementing financial management and human resource practices
  • Applying ethical standards to resolve policy and legal issues
  • Analyzing contemporary issues impacting health care

Courses in the program cover diverse topics in the field. Subjects include health service outreach communication planning, medical licensure and certification, human resource management, health care finance and payment systems, health care policy analysis, and community access to public and private health care services.

Graduates of the Excelsior College program can go on to earn certifications in different areas of health care. They include Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), Certified Medical Manager (CMM), Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (cHAP), and Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM).

The Excelsior MS in Health Care Administration program does not require students to take the GMAT or GRE to enter. Students can transfer up to 18 credit hours from other accredited institutions into the program.

What Can I Do With a Psychology Degree?

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

For anyone interested in psychology, a question that quickly arises is: “What can you do with a psychology degree?” The answer if, of course, that an interest in psychology leads to many career paths.

Psychology is a rare degree that gives graduates valuable skills needed in many different careers. Most people associate psychology graduates with careers in counseling, but they are employed in many other fields. Career fields include but are not limited to social work, market research, human resources, teaching, and labor relations. Working as a counselor provides opportunities to work in a variety of settings, including schools and workplaces.

The online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program from Excelsior College prepares graduates for success in any field or organization that benefits from psychology expertise.

Counseling Jobs in Psychology

Students completing their education at the graduate level with a psychology degree have many counseling career options. Among the many examples is working with a nonprofit organization in disadvantaged neighborhoods providing counseling to individuals or groups. Some psychologists also work in schools at all grade levels, while others are employed by businesses, providing direction on structuring a positive work culture. Many psychologists work within the criminal justice system, counseling inmates and others impacted by the system, including crime victims.

Interested in what makes people tick? Learn more about Excelsior’s BS in Psychology.

While many psychologists work in counseling, which requires earning a master’s degree, the American Psychological Association points out that because “psychology touches every aspect of our lives,” the career opportunities are almost limitless.

Social Worker

Social workers focus on assisting the poor and underserved in getting health care, healthy food, and finding work. It’s a demanding but rewarding job. The insight psychologists have into human behavior is extremely valuable in this profession.

Market Research

In marketing, the idea is to influence human behavior, convincing people to buy products or services. Psychologists have insight into what people want in certain areas and, with access to market research data, can help organizations shape marketing strategy.

Human Resources

Whether at a management or specialist level, psychologists in human resources understand both individual and group behavior. As noted by Psychology Today, one of the main duties of a human resources department is to “maintain good performance and behavior” of an organization’s employees. Psychology graduates offer expertise in this area.

Organizational Psychology

This includes duties that go beyond counseling employees. A psychologist, for example, might create a questionnaire to determine the best applicant for a job. They might also work with employees in-house and match the right person to the right job in an organization.

Teaching

With a background in psychology, teachers can better understand what drives student behavior. It also provides strategies for how to connect with students and improve student-teacher relations.

Labor Relations

Psychologists can be good negotiators. They understand how people think and why they behave the way they do. That makes them useful in the often intense negotiations between management and employees. They also have insight into how to find compromises that both sides will find acceptable.

Excelsior College BS in Psychology

In the Excelsior College BS in Psychology program, students learn about the biological, social, and cognitive origins of behavior. They receive a broad background in scientific principles and ethical practices.

Core courses in the program include:

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Research Methods
  • History and Systems
  • Research and Writing

Students also take intermediate and upper-level courses in:

  • BiopsychologyLifespan Developmental Psychology
  • Mind, Body, and Health
  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Educational Psychology

Graduates emerge able to discuss the key concepts, principles, and themes of psychology, use scientific reasoning to interpret psychology phenomena, apply ethical standards to psychology practices, and apply psychological content and skills to career goals.

A degree in psychology prepares graduates for success in a variety of careers. Whether as the first step toward earning a master’s degree and becoming a counselor or to help inform excellence in other disciplines, a bachelor’s in psychology allows graduates to put the latest theory and practices of psychology to work in a career field of their interest.

 

From Lobbyist to City Attorney

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Mark Lambert’s love of law began when he was a child, watching “Perry Mason” reruns. The courtroom drama series caused Lambert to pursue what became a decades-long career in law — a career that began after he earned a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College. From there, he worked his way from a lobbyist to his current position as city attorney of Ames, Iowa.

Lambert graduated from high school in 1979 and attended several colleges, including Des Moines Area Community College and Drake University. He completed some courses, but it was also at Drake that Lambert found a book in the library called “Bear’s Guide to Non-Traditional College Degrees.” Excelsior College was listed as a highly touted option, and Lambert decided that it was the pathway for him.

After Lambert earned his Bachelor of Arts from Excelsior in 1989, he worked at a public-policy consulting firm before starting law school at the University of Iowa Law School in 1992. He graduated in 1995 and began his law career as a lobbyist at the Iowa Legislature. In 2000, Lambert became the executive director of the Iowa Environmental Council, a nonprofit coalition of the environmental and conservation organizations of Iowa. “We were a lobbying entity trying to impact policy of the state environmental issues,” explains Lambert. After a year, the governor of Iowa appointed Lambert to the Iowa Utilities Board, which regulates electric, natural gas, telephone, and other utilities in the state. When his term was up after four years, he became an administrative law judge.

In 2013, Lambert became the assistant city attorney in Ames, and in 2017, he was promoted to city attorney. “The common element to all those [jobs] was having a law degree, which I would never would have had if I hadn’t gotten my bachelor’s degree first to get into law school. So, I’ve always been very thankful for Excelsior, because I would have gotten there eventually, in terms of finishing my bachelor’s, but I was able to do it at a much faster pace, and probably at a lot less money,” says Lambert.

Lambert has always loved the concept of public service and looks for ways to be helpful. “I’ve always felt that government is there to help people, not to harm them, and so I try to kind of make the world a better place, even if it’s just a little bit, even just in the city, and even if it’s only for a few people or one person. If I can make things easier for them, then I just feel good about that,” says Lambert.

He cites several examples of how he has helped better his community. Lambert recalls, as an administrative law judge, making a ruling reversing the Iowa Department of Human Services’ decision ordering single mothers to pay back monies from the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Lambert discovered the department was citing the wrong federal law, so he wrote a ruling to reverse its original decision. “And suddenly, you know, the state changed their mind and said, ‘now you don’t have to pay it back.’ I was very proud of that.”

Recently, as city attorney, Lambert completed all the legal paperwork for an inclusive playground for kids with all levels of physical ability to be built in Ames. “Even though there are a lot of people who made that happen, I felt really proud about that, because it’s a wonderful thing and it’s going to be there for decades to come.”

Lambert has come a long way from watching “Perry Mason” reruns. Reflecting on his long career in law, he remains grateful for what got him started on his path. “I’m just so thankful I stumbled upon Excelsior, and it just made a huge difference in the rest of my life.”

More from Mark Lambert

What are the most important traits or skills someone needs to succeed in a law career?

“I would say dedication and persistence…And brains help. You know, being smart helps. But being persistent I think is more important than that. And being honest. I’ve encountered a lot of people in my life who would have been in much better shape if they had just been honest.”

What do you think your prime piece of advice would be for someone pursuing law?

“I would say, first of all, finish your bachelor’s degree. And secondly, talk to some people who have been through it, talk to some lawyers about how to apply, contact a law school, talk to the admissions office about what you need to do to apply to law school, and then go through those steps and apply.”

Enter a Fast-Growing Industry – How to Get a Cybersecurity Job in Government

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

About Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity field is growing fast. Each day, there is a new article or news story about a cyber hack, breach, or other cybersecurity-related problem. Since these issues are on the rise, so is the need for experts in the industry. The constant threat of cyber hacks affects every business and every industry. Cybersecurity professionals are needed across the workforce, including in government. Do you enjoy solving problems, looking at data, and want to support your city, state, or federal government? A job in cybersecurity will let you do all of this.

What is cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, systems, and programs from digital threats. Threats and attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, taking money from users, or interrupting business processes.

Why a Cybersecurity Job and Why Now

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in cybersecurity is projected to grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the average for all occupations. As cyberattacks grow in frequency, experts in the field are needed to create innovative ways to prevent hackers from stealing information or creating network problems. IT (information technology) security-related jobs produce higher salary expectations than other information technology jobs. This is because there is a huge skills gap in the cybersecurity field – meaning there are more positions available than there are skilled workers.

If this interests you, a cybersecurity job in government is a great path to take. Cybersecurity a rewarding and challenging field, and a job in the government sector comes with good benefits and advantages not found in other businesses. In addition, a bonus of working in cybersecurity is that most cyber jobs can be done from home.

Fastest Growing Cybersecurity Jobs in Government

Below are the top three fastest-growing cybersecurity jobs in government:

• Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts plan and execute security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. If a cyberattack does occur at an organization, analysts lead the response and recovery plan. Qualified candidates will have at least a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or cybersecurity. Become an information security analyst for CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), and you will be working at the forefront of the cybersecurity challenges facing our nation.

The median annual salary for information security analysts is $103,590.

• Information Technology Security Engineer

An IT security engineer (also known as a cybersecurity engineer) identifies threats and vulnerabilities within a system and then develops solutions to defend against all types of cybercrime. They are a critical team member for creating security policies and procedures. Qualified candidates will have a bachelor’s and a master’s in cybersecurity.

The median annual salary for an IT security engineer is $125,000.

• Forensic Computer Analyst

Forensic computer analysts investigate the causes of data breaches and cyberattacks when they happen, and work with government agencies to protect against them before they occur. Most forensic computer analysts work in government, law enforcement, or private firms. A big part of their role is to testify in court and relate the evidence found during investigations. Qualified candidates will hold at least a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology; however, a master’s degree is becoming more preferred for this role.

The median annual salary for forensic computer analysts is $99,730.

Education for a Cybersecurity Job

Most jobs in this field require at least a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or computer science. However, for some roles, and if you are looking to advance in your career, a master’s degree in any of these fields may be required. On average, master’s degree holders earn $1 million more over a lifetime than those with only a bachelor’s degree.

At Excelsior College, you can complete your bachelor’s in cybersecurity or information technology, as well as complete a master’s degree in cybersecurity. These programs prepare you to protect an organization’s cyber assets by teaching you techniques to prevent, detect, and recover from cyber incidents. Get started on your cybersecurity degree today!

Democracy and Assessment: Building A Better Future Panel Discussion at the IUPUI Assessment Institute Virtual Conference 2021

Posted on by André Foisy

https://assessmentinstitute.iupui.edu/index.html

This session sponsored by the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment provides space for assessment practitioners to explore the relationship between assessment and democracy while engaging in dialogue on the history of assessment and consider alternative assessment conceptions to assessing democratically-related learning outcomes beyond civic engagement. Building upon the work begun in a four-part webinar series exploring democracy and assessment, re-imagining democratically focused learning outcomes, and re-thinking means to assess those outcomes, this session provides an update and entry point to the conversation on how assessment can proactively support a Democratic society.