Distance Learning Systems (DLSI)

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Cyber security specialists help to maintain the integrity of a company’s computer networks and systems. These specialists provide and enforce the security of a computer network through testing as well as virus protection and regular updates. Communication skills are necessary for cyber security specialists because they must be able to articulate and explain necessary precautions to other team members and departments across their company. Occasionally, these specialists re-certify the security of applications and the server. They troubleshoot company-wide security threats and implement creative solutions.

Careers in Cybersecurity include, but are not limited to Information Security Analyst, Security Management Specialist, Chief Information Security Officer, Cyber Crime Analyst, Cybersecurity Architect, Cryptologist, Computer Systems Analyst, Cybersecurity Software Developer

Job Spotlight: Information Security Analyst

These professionals defend computer networks and systems by predicting security breaches in order to protect the integrity of the company. They may often test their software and programs by trying to infiltrate their own systems. The information security analyst is responsible for protecting all sensitive information within a company. With the rise in hackers and data breaches sweeping throughout companies and the government, there’s a greater need to keep personal information safe from cyberattacks.

Information security analysts have three main focuses of operation:

• Risk assessment – identifying problems an organization might face
• Vulnerability assessment – determining an organization’s weaknesses
• Defense planning – installing protections, such as firewalls and data encryption programs

 

Cyber Crime Analyst

Cybersecurity architects help develop security hardware and software based on their analyses of security threats. They may also install security infrastructure and education employees.

If you’re considering a degree in cybersecurity, the industry is booming and it’s a great time to get a foot in the door. Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand across many sectors and are expected to keep growing. Information security analyst careers, for instance, are expected to grow 32% between 2018 and 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is significantly higher than the average national growth rate for all occupations, which is +5 percent.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

 

Is a Cybersecurity degree a good fit for me?

Do you have an interest in not only technology but the preservation of data? Have you always enjoyed puzzles and mysteries? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a career in cybersecurity may be a great fit for you! With a vast array of cybersecurity careers, your options are limitless and you’re bound to find the perfect fit for you! Now, what’s your next step? Earn that cybersecurity degree!

It may seem as though every aspect of college is stressful: the transition from high school to upper-level education, choosing a major, study session, and exams. All of these things can be pretty daunting, especially when it comes to deciding how many classes to take. Gauging how much you can handle as a student is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Take it from me! I was able to earn my Bachelors of Arts in English in just 3 years! If you’ve never attended college before, or are struggling with your course load, ask yourself these questions to help you with your next semester scheduling.

When is your expected college graduation date?

Depending on your degree, you should have an expected graduation date. This is dependent on whether you are planning on earning a two or four-year degree. If you have previously taken college credits in high school or at another institution, that may have an impact on your expected graduation date as well. It doesn’t matter what your college plan is—as long as you have a plan. Your timeline is extremely important to understand and adhere to. Try to plan your semester schedule according to when you hope to graduate. Make sure your goal is attainable, as to not discourage you and put you even further behind. Many colleges recommend taking around 15 credits per semester, which totals 120 credits after four years. Most bachelor’s degree programs require 120 credits to graduate.

What classes will you be taking, and how many credits are they worth?

An extremely beneficial thing you can do for yourself is to track your college classes and their credits. You can do this yourself, however, your academic advisor or school website may have resources for you. Some schools even show you your progress as you complete classes! Many colleges have some sort of “degree audit” that students can complete online, which shows what classes you have taken, how many credits you’ve earned, and what you have left to complete. If your college or university has such a thing, use it!

In addition to tracking classes, make sure you use your biggest resource, your advisor! They may have a course plan for people with your major and how you can meet your graduation goals. They may have course plans for cutting your graduation time by a semester or even a whole year! Your advisor may also have recommendations for online companies or schools that you can take web-based classes to again, speed up your expected graduation date. This may not be ideal for everyone, and sometimes classes are only offered in the fall or spring (or they get filled/canceled before you can take them). But having a general idea of what classes you need to take can save you a tremendous amount of time and grief scheduling classes and tracking your credits in the future.

In the end, taking the recommended 15 credit hours per semester maybe your best option if you want to graduate on time. However, if you want to graduate early, or want to go to school part-time, meeting with your advisor will help you track your credits and make a plan for graduation!

When getting ready to go back to college after, in most cases, some much-needed time off is always a huge step! First and foremost, that is a great decision! If you feel like you’re ready, you definitely are. There’s nothing wrong with taking some time off, everyone is on their own journey. If you’ve received credits from a previous institution, you will want to make sure you can make as much of it count toward your degree as you possibly can. Before your new degree-granting institution can inform you of how many credits will transfer in, you must first obtain and submit your transcripts. Not sure where to start? Not a problem! Below you will find the answers to any questions you may have.

 

What is a college transcript?

Goodwin University defines a college transcript as an official document that provides an inventory of courses and grades earned by a student throughout their academic career. Transcripts will also include the year credits were earned, course codes, and student information to verify identity.

 

How do I get my transcript(s)?

The school you last attended is always the best place to start when looking for your transcript. Your transcript can be requested in person, by mail, or online. Calling the school is always your best option, however, if you’re unable to get ahold of an employee at the school, ordering them online is easy as well. Go to your school’s website and it should have a place on the home screen titled “Order Transcript”. If you no longer know your student ID, you should be able to select “Forget Username/Password” and you will receive an email on how to reset these items.

 

How do I know if I need an official or unofficial transcript?

Official transcripts are certified by the college and mailed to the receiving institution in a sealed envelope. This ensures that the transcript is unaltered and assures the receiving institution of its validity from the originating source. Official transcripts are usually only needed for formal college or job applications.

Unofficial transcripts can be downloaded and/or printed out by you or the college. An unofficial transcript is typically not accepted when formally applying to a college or job, but it allows you to review your transcript and work with an academic counselor to better understand how to transfer that credit.

 

How long does it take to get your transcript?

Unofficial transcripts typically will be sent to you by email. Once you receive your unofficial transcripts, you can download and/or print right away once you follow the college’s online instructions. For official transcripts, money institutions require a multi-day processing time, followed by a wait associated with shipping the physical copy to your home. You may also be able to pick up your transcripts from the university but always call ahead to be sure.

 

Do transcripts cost money?

Depending on the university, there may be a way your transcripts will be free. Many schools will give you access to your unofficial transcripts, at no fee to you. They may also offer a few copies of your official transcripts for little to no charge. However, official transcripts may also have a price of $10-$30. If you owe the university any money, they may also have the right to withhold your official transcripts until those fees are paid off.

Many, but not all, universities offer accreditation. Accreditation is recognized at different levels: national and regional. In fact, 85% of colleges and universities recognize regional accreditation. When you complete a course that is regionally accredited, they are essentially accepted at universities across the nation as prestigious and quality academia. Any credits taken at a regionally accredited school will be accepted by virtually any other regionally accredited institution. However, regionally accredited institutions may not accept credits from nationally accredited schools.

What is accreditation?

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation defines academic accreditation as the review of the quality of higher education institutions and programs. In the United States, accreditation is a major way that students, families, government officials, and the press know that an institution or program provides quality education.

There are multiple kinds of accreditation but there are two main categories.

Regional

Regional accreditation is often thought of as the highest level of post-secondary education. There are six regional accrediting agencies, and each serves a specific geographic region of the United States. They accredit postsecondary institutions and primary and secondary schools.

National

“National accreditation typically applies to specialized vocational schools, technical schools, religious institutions, or for-profit schools. This kind of accreditation accounts for less than 6% of all schools.” Regionally accredited institutions are reluctant to accept transfer credits from nationally accredited institutions, mainly because they haven’t met the stringent standards of faculty qualifications, library resources, and other guidelines.

When it comes down to it, regional accreditation is always better.

Accreditation is an indication of the quality of education, along with the transferability. Regional accreditation is held to the highest standard, therefore is the most widely accepted.

If you plan on going to school, a regionally accredited institution is the way to go. If you would like to transfer to another school, regionally accredited credits are almost guaranteed to transfer anywhere. Lower accreditation might equate to wasted time and money. Nothing can be more frustrating than taking a step backward and having to repeat classes you already worked so hard to pass.

No matter where you’ll be attending college, read up on all your prospective schools’ accreditation and make the right choice for yourself and your future.

Whether you’re putting off working on your assignment until later tonight, or you’re rushing to start and finish a research paper by tomorrow, every student, at every level, has experienced procrastination at some level. Rather than stressing yourself out, find ways to boost your focus and get the tasks at hand done. Try some of these options to get back on track and get those assignments and projects done!

1. Focus on your sleep. This is an essential step in order to have optimal energy throughout your day. Studies show that getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night can help improve focus throughout your day. If you’re not getting the recommended amount of sleep per night, try scheduling out your day to where you’re in bed at a reasonable time. Power naps in 20-minute increments are also a good way to catch up on any sleep you may have missed overnight!

2. Now it’s time to get organized. If you don’t already have a planner or calendar, it’s a great tool to have, in fact, it’s essential to most successful students. Start by making a list of things you want to get done by the end of the day. Try filling your to-do list with small, easy to handle goals, and then move on to your due dates and assignments. This will help you visually see when assignments are due, and help you manage your time.

3. Caffeinate yourself! A single cup of coffee before or while you are studying may give you the extra burst of energy and focus that you’re needing. Over caffeinate, and you may be too jittery to concentrate so remember moderation is key.

4. Meet goals, get rewarded: Make a checklist of goals you would like to accomplish along with a way to reward yourself for meeting those goals. This could be a 30-minute study break to watch an episode of your favorite show, or even just your favorite snack. You’ve earned this!

5. Get moving: Taking breaks is a critical part of staying motivated. Depending on the weather, you can take a quick walk around your neighborhood, or even just around your house. Even just four or five minutes of walking will help clear your head and give your eyes a break. Make sure you keep your walk under 30 minutes in order to avoid further procrastination.

6. Exercise is another great way to take a break from your academic tasks. A short fifteen to thirty-minute workout will get your blood flowing and clear your mind. You may even feel you can concentrate better!

7. Don’t forget to breathe. Meditation, breathwork, and reflection are all non-physical ways to improve your concentration and help relieve any fears or stressors in your mind. Take the time to research some of these methods, so you know what to do in times when stress becomes overwhelming.

8. Make a great playlist! This can contain any music you want. Music that relaxes you or music that pumps you up is always great options. If you’re unsure of how to go about doing this, many streaming platforms and even youtube have music playlists dedicated to specific moods. A quick search and you’re sure to find something that works great for you!

9. Change location: If you’ve made a special spot to study that you love, by all means, stick with it! However, if your go-to study space is somewhere you dread visiting, switch it up. Move to a spot by a window, a new coffee shop with great ambiance, or even your local library. Whatever works best for you is what you should stick with, until you find a new spot that you like even better! Make it interesting!

10. Give yourself a time limit! If you’re someone who works better under pressure, setting a timed goal to finish assignments may be a great option for you! Remember this may not work for everyone, so definitely don’t continue this method if it causes any stress.

11. Attitude is everything: Manage your stress, and avoid getting down on yourself. A positive attitude can make a huge difference in your motivation when it comes to school. If you find your confidence wavering, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends for support.

12. Surround yourself with positive people! A group of friends or family members that pushes you to succeed in a positive way is great for motivation. Surrounding yourself with other motivated people will encourage you to achieve your goals. Communicate with those around you and tell them about your goals. This communication will help them recognize when you need to be picked up and pushed along.

The end of a semester can always be stressful. Don’t let this stress overwhelm you to the point of not completing your assignments. Use some of the tips above to find what works for you. Get those assignments turned in and good luck on your finals!

If you’ve already made the decision as to what college or institution you’re going to attend, then congratulations! You’re halfway there! Now, just because you’ve figured that out, doesn’t mean you’re done just yet. Your next decision won’t be a small feat either. Choosing the right college major for you, one that speaks to your capabilities, professional goals, and interests, will not only guide your path in college but will also outline your journey in the not-so-distant future. It’s completely normal to not be completely sure of what you want to major in right away. Almost everyone experiences some hesitancy and indecisiveness!

Luckily for you, almost every degree path is designed to allow you to explore different subjects academically before you make your final major decision. Pun intended. Eventually, you will have to make a final decision, even if you just switch to a General Studies degree. It’s best to choose your major sooner rather than later as a later decision or switch may result in an extended college career. Here are some tips to help you kickstart your major decision.

1. Start with self-reflection of your strong suits and interests.

Throughout your time in K-12 schooling, you more than likely have a notion of your academic abilities. You probably also know if you have any classes/subjects that you struggle with or are uninterested in. Do you excel in math in science? Are you a great storyteller and writer? Or do you excel with creative and artistic expression? You can then dive deeper into these questions. Are you a strong public speaker? Do you find leading group projects? Do you have a passion to care for others? Answering these questions may help you begin to narrow down potential fields of study.

2. Ask for Help

If you’re still in high school, your guidance counselor should have some resources to help you decide on a major and can show you a career map and outlook for future jobs within that field. If you’re no longer in high school but have decided on a college and been accepted, you can reach out to your admissions advisor or your Student Support Center for guidance. A final resource would be your peers and professors. Multiple opinions and voices will be valuable in your search to find a major.

3. Find fields of study that have vast career options, and which don’t.

If you’re looking into a career track in pharmacy or physical therapy, those degrees may have limited job opportunities after graduation. However, an English or business degree can open various doors including project management, entrepreneurship, and even teaching. If you’re unsure of what major to pick, one with a broad array of career opportunities may be the way to go.

4. The requirements for majors that interest you.

Certain majors may intrigue you but may also have certain roadblocks along the way. For example, different certifications and exams may be required for particular career options. Some majors are also more difficult and rigorous and have higher dropout rates. Take the time to look into the specific classes and requirements for the majors you are interested in so you are aware of what’s to come.

5. Consider the skillset that you will acquire.

There is often talk about which majors are “viable” in terms of career preparation, but what’s more important are the skills you’ll develop, the experiences you’ll have, and your ability to apply what you’ve learned. For instance, many businesses hire graduates with liberal arts degrees because of the critical thinking and communications skills that are developed, especially if they’ve completed a couple of strong internships. On the other hand, if you intend to go into fields like engineering or computer programming, you’ll need to choose a major that equips you with the hard skills needed to perform the job.

6. Get insight from your core classes.

Each school will have general education requirements for all students, no matter what their major is. Most students will complete these courses during their freshman year. Completing these classes will allow you to explore a variety of subjects while finding what interests you.

7. Conclusion

No matter what you decide to major in, nothing is set in stone right away. If you end up realizing that you made a mistake, all is not lost since you do have the option of changing to something else. Keep in mind, however, that changing majors can potentially delay your graduation date, so don’t do so impulsively, but don’t wait too long either if you know in your heart a change is necessary.

By putting the time in early on to figure out the right path for yourself, you’ll be better able to choose the major that’s right for you from day one.

The first day of school is always nerve-wracking. Waking up, making sure you don’t forget to pack your bag, hoping that you’ll be on time, and wondering if you’ll have classes with your friends. Everyone has first-day jitters, but what about when you’re going back to school after taking 5 years off? 10 years? 20 years? You may feel lost and unsure when to jump back in. You might also feel that taking an extended period of time away from school may be holding you back from re-enrolling.

However, self-assurance, or a lack thereof, that holds you back, take this into consideration: you, as an older student, have an abundance of advantages over other, younger students for many reasons.

1. You may be concerned about the fast pace of school, and competitiveness with the younger students, but remember that they are often on their own, and away from parental guidance, for the first time in their lives. Freedom is a heady and distracting experience, but you went through all that years ago. Now, your ability to concentrate is stronger than ever, as well as your determination.

2. You have a head start. Many younger students have never even left the comforts of their hometown, let alone traveled and had experiences outside of high school for the past 15 years. You’ve got a 5, 10, or even 20-year running start on general, cultural knowledge, and a sense of perspective that they will not achieve until they’re your age.

3. A college education can facilitate a second, more fulfilling career. A new career is as promising to you, if not more, than a younger candidate. Maybe you want to go back to school for your dream job. Do it! With longer life expectancies, there are more years in our lives to be filled with the experiences we want to have and the things we want to do. The extra years will be more fun for you because your education will pay off, financially and spiritually.

4. You’ve had years to experience all the highs, lows, and realities of the world. You’ve had different occupations, paid different bills. You know what opportunities are out there, and at what cost it takes to be successful. You know more than any 18-year-old could about the advantages of an education, and you can put that knowledge to work for you. Your decisions will be more informed, and your work more streamlined and direct.

5. Your negative life experiences can work in your favor. Older students often know what it means to make less than they’re worth. Being laid off, or passed over for promotion, can be the driving factor that gives you an extra push in life. Sacrificing your needs for children or parents can also clarify your own goals. When you are finally able to go after your own desires, you may find that all those experiences have built up reserves of strength and determination you never knew you had.

6. You know what you want. You don’t have to live up to anyone else’s expectations anymore. You can pick the career and future that you want. If parents decide higher education is important, their children probably will too. As we grow older, our parents’ feelings influence us less and less as we become our own people. If you’re considering college now, it’s because you are interested. Younger students typically look for direction from others, you are more used to solving your own problems, and this can be an asset.

7. Money has not been mentioned yet, but it’s important; in fact, it’s often the first reason given when non-traditional students are asked why they want to go back to school. Money is not the only reason to return to school, but it helps to know that when you are finished with school, you will almost certainly be worth more to employers.

The most important thing about going back to school as an older student is what you’ll be worth to yourself. Once you actually go back to school, your self-esteem, which may seem so small and frail on that first day, will skyrocket. Your own children, your friends, your co-workers, and your classmates, will be blown away with admiration in light of your drive and determination. Do it because of the people who said you can’t. Do it because of the people who said you shouldn’t. Do it for your family and loved ones. Most importantly, do it for yourself.

When it comes to going to nursing school, many people have only heard the typical horror stories. The weed-out courses, the professors that seem to want to make you cry, the exams that cover nothing that was on the review, and on and on. However, most people don’t talk about the great and sometimes beautiful things that also happen during nursing school. What fears should you have? What can you expect? Is it really worth it? I sat down with a current student to answer all of these questions and more to give you insight into what going to school to be an RN is really like.

Q: How did you know you wanted to go to school to be a nurse?

A: I love this question. I always knew I wanted to work with people, but that’s a very general category. Then, in 2016 when my grandpa got sick and spent most of his last few months in the hospital, that’s when I knew. Witnessing the compassion and the care the nurses gave him touched my heart in a way I had never experienced. Those men and women came in every day and gave him everything they had. The relationship they all developed was absolutely beautiful. I knew I wanted to do that, to have those relationships, and to make that same impact on others, that those nurses made on me and my family.

Q: What was your biggest fear before enrolling in nursing school?

A: Easy. Not being good enough. You always hear about how hard it is and how many people don’t make it, and I was terrified of being one of those people.

Q: Is that still a valid fear?

A: Yes and no. This is just opinion-based, but I feel like the people that don’t make it don’t necessarily want to make it that bad. Again, just an opinion, however, it’s a lot of work. Not just that, but it’s a lot of hard work. You absolutely have to be willing to put in the time and effort that it takes to make it. I study and do homework for hours upon hours a week. My social life has been affected by it. My friends with different majors get to go on trips that I don’t have the time to go on because I can’t take the time away from my work. I want to be a nurse. So badly that I am willing to make these sacrifices in order to make that happen. If you’re not willing to put in the work and make sacrifices, then you should be afraid of making it.

Q: How have you overcome your fears?

A: I’ve reached out to friends who are currently nurses for moral support and motivation. I speak to my professors and advisors about my fears and we brainstorm ways on how I can overcome them. I’ve learned that it’s all about your mentality. I have to believe that I will achieve my goals and make it, or I won’t. I also journal. It sounds simple, but I write down my fears and also my goals and I try to figure out how I can use my fears, change them, and turn them into accomplishments.

Q: Let’s talk about time management. How do you know what to dedicate your time to?

A: What works for me might not work for everyone else, but realistically, I have a short attention span. So I really want to dedicate as much time as I can to studying, while still retaining all the information I read. Personally, I study in hour increments. Study for one hour, then I give myself a break. I grab a snack, watch a short 20-minute episode of my favorite show, or just walk outside to get fresh air. I try to keep my breaks between 15 and 30 minutes. I function and retain information better this way. My advice would be to find what study regime works best for you and your learning style.

Q: When it comes to course work, is it as hard as everyone says?

A: The short answer is yes. Real answer is no. You have to work hard, to make hard work easy if that makes sense.

Q: What shocked you most?

A: Honestly, clinical work. Until you work with real patients, you have no idea what you’re going to experience. The instance that was most surprising to me was when I was in the labor and delivery unit and I helped with my first birth. I truly took my breath away and gave me chills. It was such a beautiful experience, one I’ll never forget.

Q: Building off of that, do you ever get used to the things you see?

A: Yes, and very quickly. Blood, vomit, and other stuff gets very normal very quickly. When you know that what you’re doing is to help a patient, you have to remain calm and collected for them.

Q: Would you recommend nursing school to anyone thinking about attending?

A: If it’s something you want to do, then yes. It’s not for the faint of heart. Don’t go until you’re ready. Be ready to work hard and be ready for some stress. Just remember how rewarding it is, and how everything you go through: all the long nights, tears, and laughter, will all be worth it.

Q: What advice do you have for students just starting, or about to start on the path to their RN?

A: SO. MANy. THINGS. 1. Brace yourself. It’s going to be a long crazy ride. 2. Get a planner. Your planner is your new best friend and you will be spending all of your time together. 3. Be prepared for your social life to change, but also 4. Be ready for all the amazing friendships and bonds you are about to form. Lastly, 5. Have fun, enjoy the moment and work hard. You’re only going to do this once. Make the most of it and get it done.