Schools across the country need educators who are qualified to teach students who speak languages other than English. In a 2024 Rand survey, about half of teachers reported that they were only somewhat prepared or not prepared at all to teach students who did not speak English. This represents an opportunity for people who want to become English as a second language (ESL) teachers.

The focus and mission of nonprofit organizations center on social causes rather than revenue. Nonprofit operations are structured to tackle particular needs in society in areas such as housing, education, healthcare or the environment. Nonprofit executive directors lead their staff and implement their organizations’ strategic plans to create a lasting positive effect on their communities.

An estimated 15.3 million students were enrolled in undergraduate programs in spring 2025, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. In the same period, graduate school enrollment reached 3.1 million. Just as important, as more schools offer online degree programs, postsecondary education is becoming a reality for a bigger and more diverse group of students.

The United States is facing a teacher shortage. According to the Learning Policy Institute, a nonprofit education research group, more than 400,000 teacher positions were left unfilled or were filled by teachers not fully certified for their roles in 2024. That’s about 1 in every 8 teaching positions in the U.S.

Healthcare facilities rely on more than just the doctors and nurses who deliver direct care to patients. Behind the scenes, many other types of healthcare professionals work to keep these facilities operating efficiently.

For students pursuing master’s degrees, programs in public administration and social services are among the most popular, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

In 2023, the United States had more than 22.5 million government employees, according to 2025 figures from Statista. And many of those in public sector roles held degrees in public administration, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) listing that major as one of the top fields of study for people in this type of role.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 1 million school administrators worked in the U.S. in 2023, a 23.5 percent increase from the prior decade. With changing curriculum standards, limited financial resources and a growing teacher shortage, school administrators play a vital role in ensuring that schools and districts meet students’ needs.

There are about 156,000 medical and health services managers working in hospitals nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Data from the American Hospital Association shows there are roughly 6,100 hospitals in the U.S.

Employment in human development and family studies is on the rise, according to Data USA, a collaborative partnership of Deloitte, the MIT Media Lab and Datawheel that makes U.S. government data publicly accessible. The group tracked a 2.82 percent increase in human development and family studies degrees in the workforce between 2022 and 2023. Salaries for these positions are also on the rise, with a 5.45 percent growth in wages in the same period.

Before the rise of digital technology and data analytics, businesses had limited ways of understanding their customers’ behaviors, their sales performance and their standing against competitors. If a product sold well, they often didn’t know it was happening, let alone why or whether the trend would continue.

Organizations that invest wisely, accurately predict economic trends and leverage financial data to their advantage are better equipped to win valuable market share from their competitors.

Family life educators provide support and resources to families, couples and individuals facing challenges to help them prevent small issues from becoming major problems. These professionals possess a comprehensive understanding of human development; are skilled in case management, advocacy and program development; and exhibit cultural sensitivity and empathy.

A business degree can position graduates to work in high-profile roles in virtually every industry, including leadership positions in business management. This career advantage, along with the potential for strong salaries, is among the main reasons business remains a top choice among college students selecting a major.

Business intelligence (BI) analysts are responsible for a range of tasks involving an enterprise’s analytics, operations and development. Using their insights, businesses can refine workplace procedures, improve productivity and retention, and increase customer satisfaction.

Principals play an important administrative role in their schools, providing essential support to teachers, staff and students. People who are interested in helping children, improving their public or private school system and demonstrating professional leadership competencies should explore the steps involved in becoming a principal, which include earning an advanced degree.

Students choosing a computer science specialization should take into account the marketplace trends that will drive the opportunities of the future.

For most students, choosing a college major is a pivotal life decision, shaping not only their career trajectory but also their approach to problem-solving for years to come.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2024, more than 616,000 medical and health services managers are employed nationwide. The demand for professionals with strong healthcare management skills continues to rise as healthcare providers expand and patients’ needs increase.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Southeast Missouri State University includes an introductory nursing course taught by Moretta Burk, EdD, MSN, RN, who is an associate professor and the chairperson of SEMO’s Department of Nursing. Burk begins each semester by prompting her students with a single question:“What’s your why?”

Nurses are the backbone of the U.S. healthcare industry, comprising the largest segment of the healthcare workforce and providing direct care to countless patients each year. As the population ages and demand for medical services continues to surge, skilled nursing professionals are in high demand, both nationwide and in Missouri, where employment growth is expected to outpace the national average.

Although production is a term that can have different meanings in different industries, it generally refers to the creation of goods, involving processes, equipment and staff. The person who oversees these processes, equipment and staff is often referred to as a production supervisor or manager.

Nearly 15 million people are employed by local governments in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. City council members, county managers and supporting staff members are responsible for maintaining essential services and managing community operations.

In today’s data-driven environment, businesses rely on professionals who can collect, interpret and act on information in meaningful ways. The better companies can leverage data, the more informed their decisions are.

More than 70 percent of healthcare executives report that their priorities include improving organizational efficiency and productivity, according to a 2024 survey from Deloitte. To do that, they will need professionals with critical knowledge and skills in both healthcare management and healthcare administration.

Crime is always among Americans’ top concerns. According to a 2025 Gallup poll, about half of respondents worry about crime and violence a “great deal,” while another nearly 30 percent worry about it a “fair amount.” As such, it’s no surprise that law enforcement professionals are often viewed favorably by the public and are in demand across the country.

Students arrive at school each day with a variety of challenges; unfortunately, one challenge many students face is having experienced trauma.

Teachers are often required to wear many different hats: They are educators, managers, creators, counselors, mentors, and, sometimes, role models. They can have a significant impact on the lives of their students, even beyond the classroom.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reported that the nation had 34.8 million small businesses in 2024. That figure represents 99.9 percent of all U.S. businesses.

The criminal justice system encompasses law enforcement, the courts, and corrections, creating a broad discipline rich in career opportunities for those wanting to make a difference in their communities.

More students are taking online classes than ever. In any given semester, over 50 percent of college students are enrolled in one or more online courses, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES).

When Alexander Kapp first enrolled in college, psychology wasn’t even on his radar. As a student studying biomedical technology, he thought he’d spend his career working on hospital equipment. But when that degree path didn’t quite fit, he found himself back home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, working at Chick-fil-A.

Drawn to the dynamic landscape of computer science by a desire to help others, SEMO Online student Kyle Schwartz is gearing up to launch a fulfilling career after he earns his Bachelor of Science in computer information systems in 2026. He’s eager to apply his penchant for scientific research and discovery to make meaningful contributions in the growing field of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

What exactly is ABA, and how can individuals interested in helping others through its use acquire the necessary skills and expertise? One way is through an advanced degree program, such as a master’s in ABA.

Nurses play a critical role in Missouri’s healthcare system. They care for patients in hospitals across the state, contribute to disease prevention efforts, and specialize in working with diverse patient populations. Missouri registered nurses (RNs) also benefit from a strong job outlook.

Psychology is one of the most sought-after degrees in the U.S., allowing graduates to pursue careers in various fields, including business, education, community service, and healthcare. Among undergraduate degrees, it was one of six majors that accounted for more than half the diplomas conferred in 2021-2022, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Individuals interested in solving real-world problems with the most advanced technologies may be wondering about the best educational and career paths to pursue.

More than 79,000 teachers work in Missouri, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). These teachers instruct young learners on core literacy skills, introduce students to the arts, and prepare high schoolers for the workforce or higher education.

By midmorning, a nursing home administrator may already have reassigned a short-staffed wing, reviewed overnight incident reports, and met with the kitchen manager to adjust menus for residents with new dietary needs.

Effective business administration is the backbone of any successful organization. The deft strategic planning and supervision of a business’s daily operations through key functions such as finance, marketing, and human resources can help it operate more efficiently and achieve its goals.

Professionals with a background and education in applied technology use their theoretical knowledge and technical expertise to address real-world challenges and foster innovation. They work on many types of projects across many sectors, from enhancing monitoring systems in healthcare to implementing smart automation tools in manufacturing.

Tamara Zellars Buck, professor and chair of the Department of Mass Media at Southeast Missouri State University, was born and raised in the Missouri Bootheel — an agricultural and manufacturing region more in tune with its southern neighbor Memphis than the midwestern city of St. Louis.

When Samantha “Sammy” Biermann first became interested in nutrition, it wasn’t through textbooks or classroom lectures — it began at home, where she was inspired by her family’s passion for healthy eating.

The college years can be challenging for young adults, many of whom are tasked with a range of new responsibilities — from managing their time and implementing effective study habits to living on their own for the first time.

Brian W. Donavant, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work and Sociology at Southeast Missouri State University, is attuned to the needs of law enforcement professionals who are struggling to reach the next level in their careers.

Justin Jansen’s journey toward earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) exemplifies his strong commitment to lifelong learning. Initially hesitant about going back to school to pursue a second master’s degree, Jansen decided it was essential for his career advancement goals.

Advanced degrees equip educators with specialized knowledge, leadership skills and instructional expertise that are highly valued in schools, colleges and other educational institutions. So, unsurprisingly, a graduate degree in education can enhance career prospects in many subfields in education.

Tech careers report strong demand. According to CompTIA’s State of the Tech Workforce 2024 report, jobs in tech will grow at twice the rate of overall employment in the coming decade, with particularly high demand for roles such as data scientist, cybersecurity analyst and software developer.

Healthcare is a challenging and rewarding field that many people are drawn to; however, not all of them want to be healthcare practitioners. One way those people can participate in the industry — and impact both patients and workers — is through healthcare management.

In today’s workforce, many professionals are seeking careers in which their workplace fosters a shared purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Those asking, “What is a public administration degree?” may find that it provides a pathway to a purpose-driven career.

The criminal justice system consists of three branches: law enforcement, the courts and corrections. Each branch offers numerous career options, ranging from entry-level jobs to senior-level management positions that require extensive experience.

Whether they work in the classroom or in administration, educators are leaders. For classroom teachers, responsibilities such as managing student behavior and mentoring other teachers call on their ability to lead. For administrators, job requirements such as teacher evaluations and community outreach demand a firm grasp of how to guide others in supporting student success.

If becoming a health professional who focuses on helping individuals with behavioral and developmental disabilities appeals to you, then becoming a behavior analyst is a good option to consider.

Earning a degree online has become an increasingly popular choice for students. In fact, 54 percent of postsecondary students take at least one remote course per semester, according to the Education Data Initiative.

Many careers provide the opportunity to make a lasting impact on young people’s lives. Such rewarding careers focus on childhood growth, behavior and education in work settings such as childcare centers, schools, community service centers, and healthcare organizations and clinics.

Since humans learned to plant and harvest crops tens of thousands of years ago, agriculture has served as a livelihood for millions of people. In the modern globalized world, technology drives agriculture forward in countless ways, advancing the business of farming.

Technology plays an increasingly vital role in an organization’s success. Tech-driven concepts, such as data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), can help organizations work smarter and more efficiently by enabling hypertargeted consumer marketing strategies, optimized operational processes, safer work environments and much more.

Employing industrial/organizational psychologists (I/O psychologists) is one way that companies can work to increase employee engagement. By applying their understanding of psychology in the workplace, I/O psychologists conduct research and develop strategies to help companies improve morale and confidence among workers.

New organizational processes and technologies can revolutionize business efficiency. However, poor planning or implementation can offset — or even negate — some of the benefits.

Choosing a degree is one of the first and most consequential steps in pursuing a particular career path. An education helps lay the foundation of essential skills and practical knowledge needed for a successful career. Two fields brimming with opportunity are communications and business.

In today’s economy, even the smallest businesses utilize sophisticated information technology (IT) and data analysis solutions. But while e-commerce platforms, cloud computing services and similar technologies are more user-friendly than ever, they don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions.

Following good nutritional practices is an integral part of maintaining one’s personal health, but it also can have broad effects across society.

For individuals who want to have a direct impact on children’s lives, learning how to become a school nurse can open the door to a fulfilling career.

With the availability of RN to BSN programs that are specifically tailored to their needs, RNs are able to earn a bachelor’s degree without putting their careers on hold.

Psychology consistently ranked among the five most popular undergraduate college majors each year between 2016 and 2023, according to an annual study from Student Choice, a credit union servicer focused on education loans.

“My attitude has always been: I don’t want to leave anything on the table in this life,” says Dr. Steven Stovall, associate professor of management and entrepreneurship at Southeast Missouri State University. “I’m a risk taker. I want new experiences. And I see the same spirit in the current generation of students.”

Technology managers help ensure vital systems are maintained, secure and aligned with their organization’s goals. While their approaches vary by organization and specific role, technology managers’ key responsibilities include monitoring existing systems, overseeing security, staying current with advancements and leading technology projects such as implementations and migrations.

Higher education is no longer focused solely on students who enroll directly after high school. According to the Lumina Foundation, roughly one-third of college students are age 25 or older, and a majority are working to support themselves while they are in school.

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all instruction. Imagine a classroom where students are actively engaged, collaborating on digital projects, exploring virtual worlds and receiving instant feedback tailored to their individual learning needs.

Those wondering about the value of the skills gained in the study of social sciences need to look no further than LinkedIn’s annual survey of top skills employers seek. According to the 2024 survey, the most in-demand skills among business leaders include communication, research, analysis and problem-solving — all cornerstones of a social science education.

Educating new generations of students is essential to creating a better future. School administrators are senior-level professionals who take on a number of responsibilities that ensure the positive development of schools, students and communities and contribute to a healthy, well-educated society.

Applied technology turns ideas into real-life solutions. By bridging the gap between conceptual research and practical implementation, applied technology drives innovation and progress.

Healthcare organizations rely on data management to collect patient information, contribute to patient care and operate efficiently. Health informatics specialists ensure that these information systems run smoothly.

Business administration functions are integral to company operations. Professionals in business administration careers examine organizational goals and refine company processes. They’re essential to streamlining workflows and maximizing efficiency and profit, which benefits stakeholders at every level.

Earning a master’s degree can be an excellent way for individuals in any profession to deepen their understanding of their field, strengthen their skills and showcase a commitment to their education and professional endeavors. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) program builds upon students’ existing skills in leadership and decision-making, finance, marketing and other vital aspects of business operations.