Career Spotlight: Market Research Analyst

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

You just finished dinner at your favorite restaurant. The waitress hands you the receipt and asks you to complete a quick survey. You say 鈥淥k!鈥� and shove the receipt in your purse. Later, you get an email from the restaurant thanking you for dining with them and asking you to take a quick survey. You give in and take the three-minute survey. You assume a computer collects all the information, but who is analyzing the data and making suggestions for a better experience? That is where a market research analyst comes in!

Albert Einstein has been quoted as saying, 鈥淚f we knew what we were doing, it wouldn鈥檛 be called research.鈥� A career path as a market research analyst helps to answer questions we didn鈥檛 even know were questions or problems. If you are goal-driven and strive to find solutions, this position might be for you!

What is a market research analyst?

A market research analyst studies the market to improve service and find potential buyers of the particular product or service they are researching. Market research analysts find the answers to important questions companies have. They help companies look for what products or services people want, who their audience is, and what price point people are willing to purchase a product or service at. The research can be done in many ways, including surveying current customers or reviewing comparable products and market trends.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), market research analysts jobs are expected to grow 22 percent by 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Companies are more aware of the importance of data and market research to ensure successful outcomes, so they are creating new positions and hiring people with strengths in data and research to join their marketing departments. The largest employers of market research analysts are management, scientific, and technical consulting services, finance, insurance, wholesale trade, publishing industries, and education. In 2021, according to BLS, the average salary was reported at $63,920 per year.

What does a market research analyst do?

While their tasks can vary day to day and industry to industry, the goal of a market research analyst is simple: to help companies understand their audience, market their products effectively, and drive sales.

Typically, market research analysts do the following:

  • Measure the effectiveness of marketing programs and strategies.
  • Gather data on consumers, competitors, and market conditions.
  • Create methods for collecting data, such as surveys, questionnaires, and opinion polls.
  • Monitor marketing and sales trends.
  • Compile reports for leadership and clients.
  • Analyze data and understand statistical software.
  • Convert complex data into information leadership and clients can understand and use to make informed decisions.

    • Also, if you consider yourself an Microsoft Excel expert or are willing to learn, this job is for you! A big part of a market research analyst鈥檚 job is to interpret data for their clients or leadership team. They spend a lot of time making charts, graphs, infographics, and other visual aids to present their findings.

    What skills and education does a market research analyst need?

    Most market research analyst positions require at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business, marketing, communications, social sciences, or a related field. Leadership positions in market research tend to require a master鈥檚 degree as well, and years of experience. A strong knowledge base of research methods, statistics, and marketing are essential for this position.

    Check out the top qualities hiring managers are looking for in a market research analyst:

  • Analytical and communication skills: Understanding large amounts of data and information is imperative. It is equally important to present the data and findings in a way that clients and leadership can understand.
  • Critical-thinking skills: Market research analysts must assess all information to make informed decisions on strategy.

    • Hiring managers also look for someone who is detail-oriented, has strong interpersonal skills, and can work well with a team. If this sounds like you, check out the bachelor鈥檚 degree in business at 91直播 to support your market research career path plan!

    Career Spotlight: Public Health Officer

    Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

    What Is the Role of a Public Health Officer?

    Are you passionate about working in the public health field? A public health officer ensures regulations are put in place for health care organizations. Most of the time, this work can go unnoticed to the general public, but it is extremely important for the success of our health care system.

    Public health officers concentrate on the overall health of communities and organizations, rather than focusing on individual patients. They work with health care institutions, organizations, and other resources to ensure the health care system follows health codes and safety practices. There are both military and civilian roles for public health officers, giving you various fields and specializations to choose from.

    Public Health Officer Job Description

    Public health officers can work in a variety of settings and, because of that, their job duties can vary. Overall, public health officers educate the public on specific health risks and create programs to encourage healthier lifestyles and decrease the risk of illness, infection, and disease. They can also work on policy regulations at the state and federal levels. Here are a few responsibilities of a public health officer across all fields:

  • Manage resources of health care institutions and government agencies to ensure the success of community health.
  • Research behavioral causes or diseases, environmental issues, and more.
  • Direct prevention programs for the specific industry in which they work.
  • Access the effectiveness of risk reduction actions and other interventions.
  • Create precautionary health reports for leadership and the general public.
  • Educate members of the health care system on precautionary medicine and potential health risks.
  • Implement health service delivery systems to enhance the health of a specific community.

    • Where Do Public Health Officers Work?

    A public health officer is an essential member of the health care field and is needed in a variety of industries. Check out some common sectors in which public health officers work.

    Military Bases

    Public health officers in the U.S. military system are stationed at military bases around the world.

    Common job responsibilities for public health officers at a military post include:

  • Evaluate potential threats including food services and cleanliness.
  • Identify potential outbreaks or epidemics by monitoring patterns in illness.
  • Recommend preventative health actions and report other public health issues to leadership.

    • Local, State, and Federal Governments

    Local, state, and federal governments hire public health officers to create public health initiatives. Common job responsibilities for public health officers at the local and state government levels include:

  • Monitor community health systems and public health.
  • Work as a liaison between local health care providers, community health care, and social services agencies.
  • Oversee health care employees, including public health nurses, health inspectors, and epidemiologists.
  • Work for specific agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Homeland Security, and the Food and Drug Administration.

    • Nonprofit Organizations

    Most nonprofit organizations hire public health officers to be advocates for the specialization in which they focus on.

  • Promote general healthy living and create strategies for fighting specific diseases.
  • Analyze statistics and recommend solutions.
  • Focus on health concerns affecting specific populations.
  • Advocate for health care reform and health-related laws.

    • Public Health Officer Qualifications and Education Requirements

    Depending on where you plan to pursue your career as a public health officer, the qualifications can vary. In most scenarios, a graduate degree in public health, medicine, or a related field is required as well as commissioned officer training if you are planning to enter the military. Successful public health educators are great communicators, have strong analytical skills, and are experts in their field. The average public health officer salary is $60,619 per year, according to salary.com. Take a look at Excelsior College鈥檚 graduate certificate program in public health equity. In this program, you will learn how to leverage data to promote health equity and make a difference in any industry you decide to enter.

    Career Spotlight: Public Health Educator

    Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

    What is a public health educator?

    Have you seen the signs in the pharmacy that list reasons to get the flu shot? Or the 鈥渨ash your hands鈥� sign in the school bathroom? If so, chances are a public health educator was involved in producing it. Public health educators work in all areas throughout health care, including in the public and private sectors, government agencies, hospital settings, and more. Their main role is to educate and advocate for their community. Combine your passion for public health, health care, and helping people by becoming a public health educator today.

    What does a public health educator do?

    Public health educators focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and providing health education to groups of people. Depending on the industry, public health educators may work with large family units, small communities, and other groups of people. They work with these communities to determine their needs, promote healthy initiatives, and provide information on health risk prevention.

    Job responsibilities for public health educators vary depending on the organization where they work. The main goal of public health educators is to effect change within their community by promoting a healthier lifestyle.

    Check out the general job duties for public health educators that cross all industries:

  • Assess, study, and research the needs of the community.

    • The first step is always to assess the needs of the community. This can include looking for areas where health is suffering, areas that lack health knowledge, and areas that use poor health practices.. Public health educators also must look at the resources available to the community and ask if certain paths are feasible.

  • Promote and plan health education

    • .
    Once the needs of the community have been identified, it is important that public health educators put together a plan to address any health care-related issues. This plan should include key stakeholders, a budget, a timeline, and the necessary resources. A clear path and goal should be created to ensure the project is feasible.

  • Implement a health education plan.

    • Public health educators put a health education the plan into action. This responsibility allows them to provide the education the community needs to improve their lifestyles. This can be one of the most rewarding parts of the job, as they are out in the community, making a difference.

  • Serve as a resource for the community.

    • It is important to be available to the community . Members of the community should be able to contact public health educators to ask questions, get answers, and inquire about resources they may need.

  • Stay up to date with the latest health trends.

    • Public health educators are the expert in their community and members may come to them with questions and concerns. For this reason, it is important to keep up with the latest health trends. Continued research and professional development are necessary for this field.

    Where do public health educators work?

    Public health educators can work in a variety of settings depending on the community and organization they serve. There are many jobs available at the state, local, and federal government; in hospitals, schools, outpatient facilities, and other family service agencies. Because of the nature of the job, public health educators can spend a lot of time traveling within the community they serve and constantly communicating with members to ensure health care education improvement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is expected to grow 17 percent by 2030. The emphasis on promoting health behaviors, particularly based on the concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, is already increasing the demand for public health educators in the workforce.

    How to become a public health educator

    Most, if not all public health educator positions require at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in health care, health sciences, public health, or a related field. This will allow you to get your foot in the door with an entry level position. To advance your career, a graduate degree and quality work experience will set you up for success. A certificate in public health equity is a great addition to your education as it focuses on public health issues across the world. This not only will create leadership opportunities for you, but it will also increase your earning potential. The average salary for public health educators is $ $53,466 per year, according to Salary.com.

    The general public and the world rely greatly on public health educators. Take your next step toward this career and earn a graduate certificate in public health equity today.

    Career Spotlight: Wellness Coordinator

    Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

    What is a wellness coordinator?

    Do you have a passion for fitness and health, and want to turn your passion into a career? If you find yourself stuck in a job that isn鈥檛 for you and live a healthy lifestyle, a wellness coordinator role might be for you. Wellness coordinator positions are popping up across all industries. You might see a wellness coordinator on your corporate human resources team, at an after-school program, or maybe even at the gym you go to! The goal of a wellness program stays the same for any industry: it is to promote a healthy lifestyle. Wellness coordinators use their knowledge of fitness, health, and nutrition to promote and provide a healthy lifestyle for the employees or community members of the organization they are employed by.

    What does a wellness coordinator do?

    Wellness coordinators plan fitness and wellness programs and services. Wellness coordinators can work in a variety of different settings, including corporate offices, fitness centers, hospitals, and more. This means job duties vary depending on the industry.

    Job responsibilities for any wellness coordinator role can include:
    鈼� Manage recreational fitness facilities to ensure a safe and clean environment.
    鈼� Provide group discussions or meetings on certain health topics, including managing your existing conditions, self-care seminars, smoking cessation programs, etc.
    鈼� Prepare wellness programs such as first-aid training, blood drives, and informational presentations.
    鈼� Supervise staff, including fitness instructors, assistants, and nutritionists.
    鈼� Coordinate fitness groups in the workplace such as a lunchtime walking group.
    鈼� Promote a healthy lifestyle within the organization鈥檚 community.

    Wellness coordinators are also responsible for staying up to date with health care, fitness, and nutrition trends. In some jobs, a wellness coordinator may be asked to research and analyze a specific community to identify their needs. Wellness coordinators can also be an advocate for employees to improve health resources and policies within the company.

    How to become a wellness coordinator

    People who find themselves in wellness coordinator positions come from all different backgrounds. It is, however, important to practice what you preach, meaning living a healthy lifestyle must be a priority for you. Experience promoting a healthy lifestyle is also a bonus; maybe you joined a health club or participated in a nutritional program. These experiences are valuable to the role of a wellness coordinator.

    Lastly, continuing your education is always a good idea! Whether you are a career changer or have been working in the health care field for years, a graduate certificate in nutrition would definitely set you up for a successful career as a wellness coordinator.

    Career Spotlight: Public Health Analyst

    Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

    Public Health Analyst Job Description

    A public health analyst desires to improve the health and well-being of the community in which they serve. They often work tirelessly behind the scenes to reform and improve different public health areas. If you鈥檝e ever watched the news report on infectious disease, learned about climate change, or listened to doctors, nurses, or public health professionals speak, then you likely were hearing information that a public health analyst prepared.

    From the spread of COVID-19 to the impact of polluted water on certain populations, the public health industry faces many challenges on a daily basis. Public health analysts play a key role in facing these challenges. The main goal of a public health analyst is to address and resolve the challenges that their organization works on.

    Public Health Analyst Roles and Responsibilities

    A public health analyst is a vital member of society because they help to improve critical health programs. While the challenge or health program a public health analyst focuses on varies depending on the organization they work for, the job responsibilities tend to be similar.

    Public health analysts:

  • Collect and analyze data, such as health records, research documentation, etc.
  • Report findings from policy analysis and research.
  • Review and evaluate public health legislation and regulations.
  • Create a plan to improve public health organizations and then report goals, benchmarks, and statistics.
  • Write policies for key public health issues.

    • Public health analysts work with government agencies, health care organizations, and elected officials to improve health policies and programs. Public health initiatives usually depend on what is going on in the world. They can include vaccination programs, policies to encourage community health education, or health programs for a niche group of people. Public health analysts have been essential in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Most commonly, you can find public health analysts working in hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and research centers, as well as for the state and federal government.

    Public Health Analyst Education and Salary Levels

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of public health professionals is expected to grow 14 percent by 2028, which will add around 1.9 million new jobs to the field. In the United States, the average salary for a public health analyst is $67,692 per year. Those in entry-level positions with less than one year of experience can expect to earn about $10,000 to $15,000 less than the average salary. However, experienced public health analysts can expect to earn double the average salary.

    Your education and experience will allow you to grow within the public health field, which in turn, will increase your chances of earning a higher salary. A bachelor鈥檚 degree in public health, health sciences, or a related field is typically the minimum requirement for a career as a public health analyst. Depending on the career and job you are looking for, some employers may require a graduate degree. Employers also look for candidates with relevant work experience that can translate into their new position.

    These are some of the top skills employers look for in a great candidate:

  • Analytical skills: Public health analysts need to be proficient in collecting and analyzing data.
  • Communication skills: Analysts work with other people, each with a different level of knowledge on the topic they are collaborating on. It is important to be able to effectively communicate findings and recommendations to coworkers, officials, and the general public.
  • Leadership skills: Analysts manage health program projects, so they must be able to lead and manage the project to success.
  • Expert in their field. Depending on the field in which an analyst works, they must understand the public health policies and programs that are relevant to them.

    • How to Become a Public Health Analyst

    If you are interested in becoming a public health analyst, the online Certificate in Public Health Equity at 91直播 will prepare you for a successful career. This is a 15-credit certificate program that can take less than one year to complete. This degree will give you the skills you need to make data-driven decisions, provide public health education, and improve the overall health of the general public. Get started today!

    Career Spotlight: Pediatric Nurse

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Caring for the sick and injured and taking care of infants and children sounds like a win-win, doesn鈥檛 it? Well, if you enjoy nursing and working with children, a career as a pediatric nurse might be perfect for you.
    Pediatric nurses are registered nurses or advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in working with children from infancy through adolescence. They provide direct patient care, specialized support for patients, administer immunizations, treat illnesses, and also serve as a source of support for parents. Because they work with infants, tweens, and teens, they constantly need to adjust health care plans to meet each child鈥檚 needs.
    Pediatric nurses have a range of duties. Keep reading to learn about many of them.

    What Does a Pediatric Nurse Do?

    Although the specific duties of pediatric nurses vary, one thing is the same: working with children. Depending on the work setting, some responsibilities of a pediatric nurse may include:

  • Administering vaccines
  • Assessing patients鈥� conditions
  • Performing diagnostic tests and analyzing results
  • Monitoring vital signs
  • Taking blood and urine samples
  • Providing therapeutic and rehabilitative care
  • Providing emotional support, such as when a child is undergoing a serious medical procedure
  • Teaching patients and families how to manage illnesses

    • In addition, it鈥檚 important for pediatric nurses to understand how to interact with children. It is necessary for them to help children feel safe because hospital settings can sometimes feel confusing and scary. In addition, sometimes children often have a hard time communicating what is wrong with them, so pediatric nurses must learn how to talk to children, ask the right questions, and ease their fears. Many pediatric nurses earn the trust of young children by telling stories, playing games, telling jokes, and even holding hands.

    Care for your community and your career with 91直播鈥檚 BS in Nursing

    Where Does a Pediatric Nurse Work?

    A benefit of becoming a pediatric nurse is that there are a variety of employment settings to choose from. According to the Institute of Pediatric Nursing, these are some workplaces where you can find pediatric nurses:

  • 30.3 percent work in children鈥檚 hospitals
  • 28.3 percent work in children鈥檚 hospitals associated with a major medical center
  • 11.7 percent work in outpatient centers
  • 9.9 percent work in community hospitals
  • 5.1 percent work in an outpatient primary care
  • 4.8 percent work in a major medical center
  • 2.4 percent work in a school setting

    • Other settings include home care, urgent care, and rehabilitation centers.

    Types of Pediatric Nurses and Pediatric Nurse Specialties

    You may think that pediatric nursing only means one thing. In reality, there are many opportunities for specialized work. Here are some specialties in pediatric nursing:

  • Pediatric Registered Nurse鈥擳hese nurses collaborate closely with physicians and other nurses to provide specialized health care to children. They treat common illnesses and injuries, and also work with other health care providers to provide patient education.
  • Pediatric Oncology Nurse鈥擳hese nurses are part of a pediatric cancer team. They provide comprehensive care to pediatric patients with cancer, and will often perform cancer research.
  • Neonatal Nurse鈥擳hese nurses provide specialized care to newborn children in the neonatal intensive care unit. They care for newly born children, including those born prematurely or who have special needs.
  • PICU Nurse鈥擳hese nurses care for critically ill pediatric patients. They collaborate with surgeons, physicians, and other health care professionals to provide treatment and care for children with severe injuries.
  • Palliative Pediatric Nurse鈥擳hese nurses work with a team to provide care for children who are dying or have a life expectancy under one year due to a serious illness or injury.
  • Labor and Delivery Nurse鈥擳hese nurses work in obstetric units, emergency rooms, and medical centers, and are responsible for assisting with the safe delivery of newborn children.

    • Steps to Becoming a Pediatric Nurse

    If becoming a pediatric nurse seems like something you鈥檇 like to pursue, there are a few steps you need to take before you become one. First, you must become a registered nurse, which you can do after earning your associate degree through 91直播; gain experience as a registered nurse; obtain further experience by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; and pass the National Certification Examination for Certified Pediatric Nurse. There are three credentialing centers from which you can earn your certification: Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, American Nurses Credentialing Center, or National Certification Corporation.
    There are certain skills that are necessary if you want to become a pediatric nurse. In addition to gaining the medical knowledge, a pediatric nurse must be kind, sensitive, have a sense of humor, and be able to engage with children on their level.
    According to Salary.com, the average pediatric nurse salary in the United States is $75,000.
    If becoming a pediatric nurse sounds right for you, consider pursuing an education in nursing today.

    91直播 Offers an Affordable College Degree Thanks to Transfer Credits

    Posted on by Excelsior Staff

    About 60 percent of four-year college graduates have transferred from one school to another at some point during their academic journey. The question isn鈥檛 if most students will transfer; the question is how colleges will treat them when they do.

    91直播 has long prided itself as an affordable online college that offers transferring students opportunities to apply previous educational credits and military experience toward earning a four-year degree. It鈥檚 part of the Excelsior鈥檚 commitment to grow and evolve to meet opportunities for delivering education and the changing needs of adult learners.

    That commitment is seen in Excelsior鈥檚 $510 cost per credit鈥攍ess than the national average 鈥� for all online bachelor鈥檚 courses. It is also reflected in generous credit transfer policies that reward students for past achievements. The following looks at some of the ways Excelsior offers affordable college degrees by accepting transfer credit.

    Excelsior College鈥檚 3+1 Program

    One of the most popular credit transfer programs offered by Excelsior gives the opportunity to continue studying at their community college while working on their bachelor鈥檚 degree. Called the 3+1 Program, it allows community college students a unique pathway toward earning an affordable online degree. This program involves four steps:

    • Earn an associate鈥檚 degree at an accredited community college (usually 60 hours)
    • Contact an 91直播 admissions counselor to determine credit requirements for the bachelor鈥檚 degree the student wants to earn
    • Begin work on a bachelor鈥檚 degree by taking additional courses – as many as 30 credits – at a community college, at the community college鈥檚 tuition rates
    • Earn a minimum of 30 upper-level credits from Excelsior College through online courses or independent study for credit by exam to
      complete a bachelor鈥檚 degree

    Online Degree Programs With Generous Credit Transfer Policies

    Students interested in attending 91直播 can see the benefits of the school鈥檚 transfer credit policy in the individual programs. Here are three examples:

    Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management

    In this degree program, students can transfer up to 113 credits into the program. The median number of accepted credits is 50. Students can also receive credit for some health care licenses and certifications. Transfer credits typically require a minimum grade of C-. Students can have credits earned for the professional business core from as long as 20 years ago.听 The degree requires students to earn 120 credits for graduation.

    Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts

    accepts up to 113 transfer credits. The median number of accepted credits is 79. Students can also receive credits for military training. Undergraduate credits require a minimum grade of C-. There is no time limit on when students earned the credits. The degree requires students to earn 120 credits to graduate.

    Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management

    The BPS in Business and Management program accepts up to 113 transfer credits. The median number of accepted credits is 76. Students also can receive credit for military training. All undergraduate transfer credits must have a grade of at least C-. There is no time limit on transfer credits for this program. Students need to earn 120 credit hours to graduate.

    A generous credit transfer policy is one of many ways Excelsior seeks to meet the needs of adult learners. By allowing students to 鈥渟tart with more鈥� when it comes to credits, the college rewards adults for what they have learned and offers them the opportunity to realize their academic goals sooner.

    91直播 Commences a New Journey as It Aims to Help Even More Adult Students Benefit from Its Career-Solving, Industry-Validated Model

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York 鈥� Numerous polls, before and after disruptions caused by the pandemic, show that over half of Americans believe it is essential for them to get training and develop new skills. Yet labor experts say Americans still struggle to obtain these credentials, creating a mismatch between applicants and open jobs.

    Responding to this situation and other forces, 91直播 today officially adopts the university designation and redoubles its efforts to serve as a lifelong learning home for students. Excelsior leaders say their online approach serves as a national model for offering adult students more credit, helping them finish degrees sooner and keeping their education affordable.

    In fact, nearly 15,000 alumni have earned more than one degree at Excelsior in its over 50-year history. In the early 2000s, Excelsior was among the first institutions to develop and offer courses via fully online instruction.

    Herman, a senior leader in the U.S. Army, has earned two degrees from Excelsior. When he found Excelsior, he says he found an institution to support his lifelong learning and that took care of him as a person. Herman, who had previously attended other colleges but had not completed a degree, transferred credits to Excelsior, received credit for his military training, and took the Excelsior courses he needed to earn a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2019. Three months later he was re-enrolled, and in July 2021, he earned a Master of Public Administration. 鈥淎s I went to Excelsior, I felt like I was bringing out a better version of myself every time I achieved that success.鈥�

    David Schejbal, PhD, president of Excelsior, says, 鈥淲e are education problem-solvers. Recently rated a top institution in return on investment for students, 91直播 provides students with career-focused learning solutions. We help students meet their goals quickly, affordably, and efficiently, with strong support from faculty and staff who are the best in the business. Whether students are thinking short term or long term, Excelsior is the first choice and forever home for transformative education.鈥�

    In 2021, 55% of Excelsior graduates reported career advancement and 70% reported pay increases. Excelsior ranks in America鈥檚 Top 10 Online Colleges 2022, reported by Newsweek, out of 150 colleges and universities offering online degree programs.

    Industry-Validated Learning
    Leading organizations in every sector partner with 91直播 to accelerate talent growth, meet new and strategic needs, and build their management team. These partners include General Electric, American Nurses Association and others. Students have the knowledge, skills and experience employers are looking for, and the credentials employers trust.

    Excelsior offers more than 37 degree programs across six areas of study: business, health sciences, liberal arts, nursing, public service and technology. Dedicated academic advisors and faculty members foster and promote academic success as students work toward career advancement and achievement of life goals.

    With the change to university, 91直播 is also unveiling a new logo and branding today. The logo incorporates an upward-facing arrow that symbolizes the trajectory it provides to students and a building symbolizing Excelsior as their educational home.

    # # #
    Media Contact 91直播:
    Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

    ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
    91直播 is an accredited, not-for-profit online university focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The university 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 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

    What is Nuclear Engineering?

    Posted on by Excelsior Staff

    Nuclear engineering is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on researching and developing the processes, equipment, and systems to harness energy from nuclear reactions. Nuclear engineers work in various careers, from using radioactive material for medical equipment to developing nuclear reactors for ships, submarines, and weapons.

    Nuclear power is a critical component in the future of energy for the United States and the world. Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology typically secure jobs with companies and utilities using nuclear energy to generate electricity.

    For example, Excelsior鈥檚 bachelor鈥檚 degree program in nuclear engineering technology provides a pipeline to nuclear engineering jobs at the power generation company Exelon.

    What is the History of Nuclear Engineering?

    Nuclear engineering began in 1939 when German chemists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann split a uranium atom. According to Live Science, Lise Meitner, an Austrian-born physicist who worked with the chemists, later documented the process of nuclear fission, or the release of energy from the splitting of atoms.

    Nuclear power came into prominence in the U.S. in the 1940s. Warned by leading scientists, including Albert Einstein, that Germany had plans to develop a powerful weapon, the U.S. launched the Manhattan Project. The project culminated with the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan, ending World War II.

    During the Manhattan Project, a team led by Italian physicist Enrico Fermi built the first nuclear reactor at the University of Chicago, named Chicago Pile No. 1, which demonstrated the viability of harnessing energy from a controlled nuclear chain reaction. Another reactor built in Hanford, Washington, produced plutonium for weapons.

    According to , the group of physicists, engineers, and mathematicians who worked on the project 鈥渨ere the ancestors of today鈥檚 nuclear engineers.鈥�

    Nuclear Power in the Modern World

    Today, nuclear power accounts for about 13 percent of the world鈥檚 electricity, according to numbers reported by Live Science. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of December 2021, there were 55 commercially operating nuclear power plants with 93 nuclear power reactors in 28 U.S. states. The World Nuclear Association reports there are about 440 nuclear power reactors operating in 32 countries.

    About a third of all nuclear engineers work in electric power generation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reports that 18 percent of nuclear engineers work for the federal government, the largest employer of nuclear engineers. The second biggest group (15 percent) works in scientific research and development, while the third largest (10 percent) works in manufacturing. According to the BLS, nuclear engineers make an annual median salary of $116,140.

    Job duties for nuclear engineers vary depending on where they work. However, typical tasks include:

    • Designing and developing nuclear equipment
    • Directing the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants
    • Writing the detailed instructions for nuclear plant operations
    • Gathering data from nuclear accidents to determine how to avoid such accidents in the future

    Nuclear engineering technology attracts many U.S. Navy veterans who have experience in nuclear-powered vessels. The online Excelsior College nuclear engineering technology program is a perfect fit for those with Navy experience or who already work in the nuclear industry.

    Program Outcomes and Curriculum

    Graduates from the Excelsior program have expertise in reactor operations, health physics, quality assurance, chemistry, instrumentation, and control related to nuclear engineering technology. Students choose between two technical concentrations: nuclear cybersecurity and nuclear leadership.

    The BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology program includes courses in:

    • Introduction to Computers
    • Health Physics and Radiation Protection
    • Radiation Measurement Lab
    • Atomic and Nuclear Physics
    • Thermodynamics
    • Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics
    • Electrical Theory
    • Power Plant Components
    • Fundamentals of Reactor Safety
    • Reactor Cire Fundamentals

    Students graduate ready for success in this field that has blossomed since its origins in the 1930s and 1940s. With the growing importance of nuclear energy to the world鈥檚 energy supply, a degree in nuclear engineering technology can open the door to the best jobs in the industry.

    Difference between BS in Business and BPS in Business and Management

    Posted on by Excelsior Staff

    Business students who aspire to management careers have a variety of business programs to choose from at the undergraduate level. While there鈥檚 no one pathway to leadership roles in business, it helps to understand the differences between two common degrees: the Bachelor of Science in Business and the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management.

    Both programs prepare graduates for leadership positions in their industries. However, they are different in approach. Excelsior College offers both programs online. Learning online makes it more convenient for working adults to earn a degree and take the next step in their careers.

    BS in Business vs. BPS in Business and Management

    A BS in Business and a BPS in Business and Management provide students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in management. Both offer students the chance to make themselves more marketable, making them strong candidates for jobs with more responsibility and higher pay.

    Here鈥檚 an overview of both online programs offered by Excelsior College.

    BS in Business

    A Bachelor of Science has a near 50/50 split between business and core liberal arts courses. Graduates learn a broad foundation in liberal arts and business that prepares them with technical business skills and 鈥渟oft skills鈥� like communication and collaboration.

    Students learn about business accounting, finance, economics, data analysis, and how to work effectively with a team in a culturally diverse workplace. At Excelsior College, students can choose from concentrations that include finance, general accounting, general business, logistics management, management of human resources, and marketing.

    BPS in Business and Management

    A Bachelor of Professional Studies focuses less on the liberal arts and more on courses geared toward a business management career. The curriculum includes coursework in critical business disciplines like accounting, employee relations, financial management, business communication, project management, marketing, leadership, management practice, and global commerce. Graduates emerge with the skills to apply business concepts and functions to strategic decision-making in real-world business situations.

    What Jobs Can You Get with a Business Degree?

    Both degree programs provide graduates with the skills they need to become leaders. Either degree gives working professionals more opportunities for promotions and higher salaries. In addition, the acquired skills and knowledge can open doors to new careers.

    Job site Indeed.com potential jobs graduates can get with a business degree and the current national salary for each.

    • Client services manager ($55,222). A client service manager develops procedures and trains staff to follow the established guidelines.
    • Sales representative ($59,594). Sales reps contact new and existing customers to talk to them about products or services they might be interested in.
    • Office manager ($42,187). Office managers organize business operations, procedures, maintenance, prepare payroll, and approve supply requests.
    • Human resource manager ($69,206). HR managers oversee employee recruitment, hiring, retention, training, development, and governance.
    • Business manager ($63,999). A business manager is a catch-all title that encompasses jobs like unit or department heads. They typically manage a team of employees, operations, and a budget.
    • Marketing manager ($61,136). Marketing managers oversee operations and employees in a marketing department. In that role, they help achieve business goals by identifying new potential markets for a company鈥檚 products or services.
    • Logistics manager ($61,227). A logistics manager oversees a company鈥檚 supply chain, ensuring efficient transportation of goods and management of inventory.

    The BS in Business and the BPS in Business and Management online programs offer professionals the chance to earn a degree that opens the door to better career opportunities. With the convenience of online learning, there has never been a better time to boost your career by earning an undergraduate degree.

    You鈥檝e Graduated College鈥擭ow What?

    Posted on by Excelsior Staff

    After years of hard study, you鈥檝e reached your goal and earned a college degree. It鈥檚 one of the sweetest moments in life, a culmination of hard work and commitment that for many people began in their teens. But now comes the big question:

    What do you do after college?

    Many opt to go straight into a job. And when you earn an online degree from Excelsior College, you鈥檝e got plenty of career support from faculty, staff, and advisors.

    But many people prefer not to jump immediately from the classroom to the workplace. Fortunately, they can choose from many opportunities that offer them life experiences rather than a full-time job. These experiences can help you make a better decision on what career to follow or give you time to discover your passion and talents.听

    Also, many of these opportunities are just fun. Who couldn鈥檛 use more of that?听

    What To Do After College (Other Than Work)

    College graduates stand at a point in life where they can go in many different directions. Many want to enter (or stay in) a 9-to-5 job immediately because a college degree opens the door to higher pay and better opportunities.

    However, that鈥檚 not the case with everyone. Many Excelsior College graduates have personal goals they want to reach with a degree. Some want experiences after graduation unlike anything they鈥檒l find working an office job. And why not? You鈥檝e earned the right to make the choice that鈥檚 right for you.

    Keep your goals going. Explore Excelsior鈥檚 graduate degrees and certificates.

    Take a Gap Year

    This is the traditional path people take after graduation (or sometimes the year between high school and college). A gap year provides time for exploration and travel, often to travel to another country and experience a different culture. There are also plenty of opportunities in the United States to travel to a new place and experience a different culture. In either case, a gap year provides an opportunity for new experiences and the chance to meet new people.

    Pursue Your Passion

    The time after college graduation is perfect for following a passion. An excellent way to accomplish this is with an internship or part-time job. It鈥檚 much easier to work in the film industry, book publishing, theater, wildlife conservation, on political campaigns鈥攐r wherever your passions take you鈥攚ithout having to land a full-time job. Many people end up settling into careers before exploring what they genuinely love. An internship or volunteering affords you the opportunity to explore a passion and see if it鈥檚 a fit for you. Internships and part-time positions also can turn into full-time jobs.

    Go to Graduate School

    Why not take time to focus your skills in one area and earn a master鈥檚 degree? This opens the door to the top jobs in their career field for many people. The job site Indeed earning a master鈥檚 degree 鈥渁 fantastic option for those who know they need a postgraduate education to meet their long-term career goals.鈥� There are also many affordable graduate programs available online.

    Teach Abroad

    One of the best ways to travel to other countries is working as an English as a second language teacher. Language schools in other countries rarely require teaching experience or a degree in education鈥攁 bachelor鈥檚 degree in any subject will do. Teaching abroad allows students to develop another skill set while enjoying the experience of a different country and culture.

    Become An Entrepreneur

    If the theme of many of these choices is 鈥渢ake a chance while you can,鈥� then it especially applies to becoming an entrepreneur. It takes time to ramp up a new business. The time before settling into a 9-to-5 job and a career is the perfect time to focus entirely on starting your own business and deciding whether it鈥檚 the right path for you. Many people who get a taste of becoming their own boss never work again for anyone else.

    Volunteer for Peace Corps

    Volunteering is an important part of life at any time, but the time after graduation is one where you can focus on it exclusively. The Peace Corps works to improve lives in other countries. In the U.S., options include AmeriCorps and Teach for America.

    Hopefully, these ideas provide a good starting place for those trying to decide what to do after college. The working world is always there, waiting. But having the time after graduation to meet new people, expand your skills, experience a new culture, and follow your passion is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

    New York Towns Opting Out of Cannabis Retail?

    Posted on by Gretchen Schmidt, JD

    The deadline for New York state municipalities to opt-out of legal cannabis retail has officially passed. As of early January, . While a significant portion of towns decided to stay on the sidelines, municipalities can opt in at any time. But what is holding towns back from rolling out at the dawn of the state鈥檚 new industry? There are multiple reasons, from community fears to complete opposition to the plant.

    Easing the minds of community members unsure about legal cannabis means informed decision-making, community engagement, and proper regulations must be at the forefront of New York鈥檚 industry.

    By electing to opt out, municipalities may miss out on several benefits of the new industry. These municipalities will forfeit direct benefits from an influx of new industry jobs, which could generate prosperity for local businesses as well as municipal tax revenue. Opting out also comes with its own set of risks, as communities lose out on millions in tax revenue and opportunities to shape the industry.

    What are the concerns and consequences?

    Cities That Opt-out Lose Out on Revenue

    Some cities have already missed out on millions of dollars of revenue by opting out in their respective state. For example, Colorado Springs could have netted between had it chosen to opt in. However, the city has declined retail sales of cannabis since Colorado legalized cannabis in 2012.
    Missing Out on Increased Real Estate Value
    One study suggests opting out could impact real estate value. According to Clever Real Estate, between April 2017 and April 2021, in states that adopted legal recreational cannabis compared to states without legal recreational cannabis programs. Additionally, they found cities with more dispensaries positively correlated with higher home values. While more research is needed to definitively link cannabis sales with increasing real estate value, this study demonstrates a more direct impact for residents to consider.

    Considering on a local level that increased property value brings increased property tax, towns with cannabis businesses may receive extra capital that could go to fund local programs such as education and libraries, and public works like water and construction.

    What are the fears communities have about opting in?

    Teen Access to Cannabis

    Communities have notable concerns about allowing recreational cannabis businesses. One apprehension is that opting out will keep the community and its children safer.

    Some parents believe opting in could lead to a rise in teen cannabis use. In states with legal cannabis, studies have revealed cannabis . Opting in regulates who is able to sell cannabis, meaning those shopping in a legal dispensary will be asked for proof of ID to verify age upon purchase.

    Cannabis-Impaired Driving

    Another common fear is that cannabis-impaired driving will increase the prevalence of car accidents. Cannabis is stored in the body for significantly longer periods of time than other drugs, sometimes with cannabis remaining detectable for the body for weeks after consumption. Cannabis pharmacology is complex, and we still don鈥檛 understand how we can adequately measure impairment.

    There is currently no evidence that legalizing cannabis creates more of a risk of impaired drivers. In fact, some preliminary evidence points to the opposite. However, significantly more work needs to be done between scientific research and public policy.

    What good could opting in do?

    Opting in Creates an Opportunity to Resolve Racial Disparities

    Opting in may mitigate racial disparities that presently exist in cannabis arrests. Statistics show that Black Americans are more likely to be arrested for cannabis offenses than White Americans. Legalization provides an important opportunity to challenge that disparate standard by reducing arrests and reducing existing racial inequalities. Communities that opt in have the opportunity to redirect funds to encourage community development opportunities to bolster local workforces and educational attainment.

    Reduce Exposure to Harmful Substances with Regulatory Testing

    Opting in may also decrease exposure to potentially harmful cannabis crops. Before it reaches dispensaries, cannabis plants are upheld to strict regulations, undergoing rigorous quality testing for markers such as heavy metals and mold, and it is barred from exhibiting high pesticide counts. Undergoing rigorous lab testing mitigates the chances of exposure to harmful chemicals that may be found in under-regulated substances.

    How Can Elected Officials Get the Right Information?

    Making evidence-based decisions requires just that 鈥� evidence. Fortunately, we now have numerous years of data after various states have implemented legalization measures. This can help us share facts and guide the direction on how to make policy decisions.

    Most communities are guided by elected officials who vote on these decisions. To get detailed data and address concerns surrounding cannabis, elected officials can get in touch with experts to strategically plan and create policy to effectively serve their communities.

    Community governments that chose to opt in will also be able to make appropriate resolutions in using a new source of tax revenue to organize programs to tackle teen cannabis use and invest in measures that make constituents safer.

    Right now is a pivotal moment in the infantile New York industry, and citizens across the state need clear education to understand the budding market. Elected officials should devise plans using information from states and communities that already have a legal framework. They should also look to researchers, doctors, and grassroots activists who have been working on the ground level for years.

    Get Community Members Involved

    Finally, elected officials should involve community members in navigating these decisions. Communities that choose to opt in will be able to generate recommendations to empower citizens to make better decisions for themselves and their neighbors. Opting in can also facilitate the introduction of harm reduction measures. To boost confidence in their leadership and in their communities, elected officials can engage all their resources to ensure their communities stay safe while a market is properly built.

    Conclusion

    Cannabis legalization is here to stay in New York, and municipalities are facing numerous concerns that have led many to opt out of retail operations at its onset. Opting out could cost towns massive revenue opportunities, continued racial disparities, and would keep community members from vital support to tackle issues like impaired driving and teen cannabis use.

    Being involved in the retail market from the beginning will offer advantages for New York municipalities. An opportunity exists for communities to roll out a retail program alongside cannabis legalization to help shape the market and reflect community values. Opportunities for further education and information are available. Excelsior鈥檚 Cannabis Control certificate can educate you on the complexities of the cannabis industry and its accompanying regulations.