actemplatestg, Author at Adelphi University Online

How to Become a Social Worker in New York

October 3, 2023 1:30 pm Comments Off

If you are considering a career in social work in the state of New York, you may be wondering what is required in terms of education and licensing, and what career opportunities might await you. A graduate degree in social work along with appropriate licensure opens a wide variety of potential careers in New York State, from the many opportunities available in the New York City public school system, to employment in domestic violence resource centers and child welfare agencies, to a growing number of opportunities working with older adults in gerontological social work and much more.

Now that you have some sense of the opportunities, let’s take a closer look at how you’ll get there. This article will cover the process of becoming a social worker in New York and the associated educational and professional requirements for licensure, as well as how to go about obtaining licensure.

Overview of Requirements and Application Process for LMSW and LCSW

New York State allows you to practice social work under two types of licenses: as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). State law requires you to possess one of these license types in order to practice social work.

A Licensed Master Social Worker can practice a broad spectrum of social work activities, including case management, counseling, research, teaching, test administration, measuring psychosocial functioning and more.

Applicants must pass the Master’s Level Examination of the Association of Social Work Boards in order to be granted an LMSW. To be eligible for the exam, they must have a master’s degree in social work, such as a Master of Social Work from Adelphi. Whether they earn their MSW degree online or on campus, Adelphi graduates will qualify for the LMSW exam.

The basic requirements laid out by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) stipulate that applicants for the LMSW must:

Be of good moral character
Be at least 21 years old
Meet education requirements
Meet exam requirements
Receive training in identifying and reporting child abuse

By contrast, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker can practice clinical social work, such as diagnosis and psychotherapy, without supervision.

As with the LMSW, applicants for LCSW licensure must hold a Master of Social Work degree or equivalent inclusive of clinical coursework. LCSW licensure can only be obtained by an LMSW who has met certain professional experience requirements and passed the Clinical Level Examination of the Association of Social Work Boards. NYSED requirements for LCSW applicants state that they must:

Be of good moral character
Be at least 21 years old
Meet education requirements (an MSW with at least 12 hours of clinical coursework)
Have obtained at least three years of supervised professional experience in psychotherapy, diagnosis and assessment-based treatment planning after the completion of their MSW
Meet clinical examination requirements
Receive training in identifying and reporting child abuse

In sum, obtaining an LMSW opens a wide array of professional avenues in social work, including serving as a stepping stone toward LCSW licensure in New York.

Education Requirements

Let’s take a closer look at the education requirements for both LMSWs and LCSWs. Both license types require you to hold a Master of Social Work from a graduate program registered with the NYSED and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CWSE).

Per the NYSED, qualifying graduate programs must include a field practicum of at least 900 clock hours in social work integrated with the prescribed curricular content, in addition to coursework in these areas:

Social work values and ethics
Diversity, social justice and at-risk populations
Human behavior in the social environment
Social welfare policy and service delivery systems
Foundation and advanced social work practice
Social work practice evaluation and research

LCSW licensure requires clinical coursework of no fewer than 12 semester hours, which must “emphasize the person-in-environment perspective” and train students in:

Diagnosis and assessment in clinical social work practice
Clinical social work treatment
Clinical social work practice with general and special populations

Any coursework deficiencies (for example, if you want to apply for an LCSW but did not take the required clinical coursework as part of your MSW) can be made up with supplemental coursework from a program that meets the above institutional requirements, such as Adelphi’s online and on-campus MSW.

Preparing for and Taking Your LMSW Exam

To obtain your LMSW license, you must take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) administered Master’s Level Examination. The ASWB exam is a computer-based, pass/fail test designed to assess your knowledge and skills for entry-level social work. It consists of roughly 170 multiple-choice questions on various areas related to social work practice.

Submit an Application

Before sitting for the test, you must submit an Application for Licensure (along with the $294 application fee) to the New York State Education Department and verify your graduate program education with the NYSED.

Register for the Exam

Once you have received approval from the NYSED, you can register directly with the ASWB to take the exam. Test centers are located throughout New York State (or nationwide, if you are applying for licensure in a different state). Should you need, you can apply for reasonable testing accommodations directly with the ASWB. More information on the exam requirements and application process can be found on the official NYSED site.

Get Your Score Report

Once you’ve taken the exam, you will receive a preliminary score report before you leave the test center. An official score report will be sent to the NYSED.

If you don’t succeed in passing the exam, you can retake it as many times as you’d like by repeating the application process. Keep in mind that you will have to pay the exam fee each time you take the exam.

Because of the amount of time it takes to process the Application for Licensure, it’s possible that you might find employment in social work before you sit for or pass the exam. In such a case, you can apply for a limited permit to practice as an LMSW under the supervision of a licensed social worker for up to a year.

Adelphi offers a number of exam prep resources for students looking to take the Master’s Level Examination. This includes dedicated licensing coursework and workshops, one-on-one and group tutoring and test-taking strategy sessions. Our expert faculty are available to answer questions about the exam, or licensing more broadly. Students particularly value both the dedicated practice exams and the fact that many faculty include questions from the ASWP exam on tests and quizzes within the Online Master of Social Work.

What Additional Requirements Does the LCSW Exam Have?

The Clinical Level Examination required to obtain an LCSW is, like the Master’s Level Exam, a computer-based, multiple choice, standardized exam administered by the ASWB. It is designed to assess your knowledge and skills relating to clinical social work practice, such as assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, professional ethics and cultural competence.

Applying to sit for the clinical exam is also similar to applying to sit for the master’s exam, with some important additional requirements. You must submit an Application for Licensure (along with the $294 application fee) to the New York State Education Department and have your graduate program verify your education with the NYSED, as you would have done for the LMSW.

In addition, New York law requires you to complete 2,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical social work, completed over the course of at least three years (not exceeding six calendar years). You must have a qualified supervisor submit verification of your diagnostic and psychotherapeutic experience to the NYSED.

Once the NYSED approves your education, experience and application materials, you can register with ASWB to take the clinical exam. More information on the clinical exam requirements and application process can be found on the official NYSED site.

Reciprocity for Out-of-State Licenses

If you are licensed to practice social work in another state but want to practice in New York, the NYSED grants reciprocity (or what it refers to as “endorsement”) in certain cases.

If you hold an LCSW and have practiced for 10 of the last 15 years prior to your application for reciprocity and your license was granted under conditions similar to those stipulated by the NYSED, you may be eligible for reciprocity. To apply, you must be of good moral character (as determined by the NYSED) and have the appropriate entities submit:

An Application for Licensure with the $294 license fee
Verification of MSW degree
Verification of initial licensure and good standing in the jurisdiction(s) in which you have practiced
A list of supervisors who can verify that you meet minimum experience requirements
Verification of ASWB clinical exam score
Verification of licensed practiced for at least 10 years by licensed colleague(s)

If you do not meet the requirements for reciprocity as an LCSW, you must apply for licensure as an LMSW and practice under supervision until you meet the minimum requirements to sit for the clinical exam, as outlined above.

Reciprocity for LMSW licensure is not available in New York. However, if you meet the general requirements for licensure and have passed the ASWB master’s exam, you may be able to apply to the NYSED for licensure.

Additional Requirements for Specific Career Outcomes

Some careers in social work may have requirements beyond the licensure requirements of the NYSED. For example, if you want to take advantage of the many career opportunities in the New York City public school system, such as school counselor, social worker or psychologist, you may need to apply for additional certification(s). School social workers in New York City should apply for School Social Worker Certification through the NYSED and the New York City Department of Education. To be eligible for bilingual school social work careers, you will need to obtain a Bilingual Extension Certificate.

Many jobs also require internships or specific field training, which Adelphi facilitates through the practicum education associated with its MSW program. To learn more about the specific requirements of social work opportunities within the NYC public school system, see their official site.

How Adelphi Unlocks NYC Opportunities for Social Workers

Adelphi’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program, available online and on-campus, provides training and support through all stages of this process, including assisting you with fieldwork placements. The program is designed to meet the needs of all types of students: it can be completed as an on-campus Master of Social Work, an Online Master of Social Work or as an Advanced Standing Online Master of Social Work for students who have completed a bachelor’s in social work within the last five years.

Regardless of the program you choose, you will benefit from Adelphi’s affiliations with 1,000+ human services agencies in the New York City area, field placements, online residencies and an average 90% employment rate within one year of completing your MSW.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a Licensed Master Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?
The major difference is that an LCSW can legally engage in “clinical social work,” including diagnosis and psychotherapy. Generally speaking, candidates for LCSW licensure must already possess an LMSW and have completed a minimum amount of supervised clinical social work.

Can I practice social work without a license?
If you meet all the qualifications required to sit for the LMSW exam, but have not yet taken or passed the test, you can apply for a limited permit. Limited permits allow you to practice as an LMSW under the supervision of a licensed LMSW or LCSW for up to one year. The permit applies only to the specific and legally authorized employment setting stipulated on the application and is not renewable.

How much does it cost to take the ASWB exams for Masters or Clinical Level Social Work?
The fee for the Masters Level Exam is $230 and the fee for the Clinical Level Exam is $260. Note that the exam fee is distinct from the Application for Licensure Fee, which is $294. You will have to pay the exam fee each time you take one of these tests.

What kind of experience is needed for an LCSW?
In order to obtain LCSW licensure you must hold an LMSW, and by extension meet all the educational requirements for the LMSW, including completing an MSW. Additionally, you need to have taken at least 12 credit hours of clinical coursework. You also need to have completed a considerable amount of supervised postgraduate social work, totaling at least 2,000 hours (1,500 of which must involve direct client contact).

About Adelphi’s On-Campus and Online MSW

The highly respected School of Social Work at Adelphi has a long history of producing leaders in social work and helping to shape social policies. Since 1951, we have continually been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and Adelphi’s social work graduate program now ranks in the top 25% of the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. Our faculty are expert practitioners and researchers, having published across the full range of topics within the field—including disparities in healthcare, child advocacy, the role of social workers in shaping policies and more.

The Master of Social Work program brings the combined decades of expertise and legacy of Adelphi’s leading social work school to a flexible curriculum designed for working professionals. Because building relationships is essential to the social work field, we include two annual residency experiences, which can be completed online or on-campus. We are proud of our ability to deliver personalized attention in the online classroom. Our graduates complete the program prepared to become Licensed Master Social Workers and begin rewarding careers.

The Benefits of a Residency Experience for Online Master of Social Work Students

April 26, 2023 12:44 pm Comments Off

smiling online student with a laptop, Adelphi online MSW When pursuing graduate social work education, one of the many questions to ask yourself is a simple one: would you prefer an online or an on-campus program? Both options have their pros and cons, but there are several reasons to choose an online MSW over an on-campus one. For many, an online MSW program fits better into a busy lifestyle by allowing students to continue to work while pursuing their education.

As online MSW programs become increasingly common, one of the challenges they face is giving students the same sense of connection that they would experience in on-campus programs. Providing this community to students isn’t impossible, though. Effectively using technology such as break-out rooms during video conferencing sessions and interactive discussion boards are two great starting points. Another important way to foster connection is through on-campus residencies.

Residencies give students the opportunity to meet–either in-person or virtually–for a period of time to build professional connections with their peers and professors. Residencies for the Adelphi Online Master of Social Work program are a two to four day virtual experience that take place in August and January. During these residencies, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with peers and faculty as well as participate in networking opportunities.

The Benefits of a Residency Experience

From gaining a proper introduction to the program to hearing presentations by keynote speakers, residencies can be beneficial for students in a multitude of ways. MSW residencies may include the following:

Speakers and discussions
Peer mentoring
Group projects
Q&A sessions
Networking opportunities

“The purpose of a residency is to foster connection,” said Patricia Joyce, associate professor and director of the Online MSW program at Adelphi University. “We also want students to start out on their very best foot.”

Residencies nurture the relationships—student-to-professor and student-to-student alike—that are formed in MSW programs, which can last far beyond the duration of the program. The practical and social components of these events can also help prepare social work students for aspects of their current or future careers.

“Social work is very much about learning to work with people,” said Aaron Kesselman, assistant director of field education for Adelphi’s Online MSW program. “These residency experiences are truly how an online social work student will blossom.”

Virtual vs. In-Person Residencies

Although an in-person residency gives students a chance to experience a different setting, a virtual residency allows students to attend with minimal disruption to their lives.

“From my experience, students bond during these residencies, whether they’re physically together or not,” said Kesselman about Adelphi’s Online MSW program residencies. “The truth is that bonding can and will take place in an online program.”

Read on to find out more about different types of experiences at a residency, including specifics about the Adelphi MSW residency.

Meeting and Networking With Professors and Students

Depending on the timing of your residency, it might be your first steps in your MSW program. A residency gives you the chance to get acquainted with your professors and peers. This can enhance the educational experience and foster a sense of community among online students.

“You should get a good feel about the culture of the school, and that’s specifically what we do in the residency,” said Kesselman. “We methodically create an entryway that allows students to become a part of our community.”

One of the greatest advantages of any residency is the chance for students and faculty to get to know one another. Networking provides students with valuable opportunities that can lead to connections and job opportunities.

“We have an event called a peer hangout, which is facilitated by students for students only,” said Joyce. “Students in the virtual residency will meet in their own Zoom room. The chats are facilitated by peer mentors. The students have a chance to meet, get to know each other,and exchange contact information. The peer hangouts are highly rated in our program. The students really enjoy them.”

Group Projects and Discussions

Some residencies incorporate short-term group work, which may include:

Group projects
Case studies
Discussions

Group work and discussions benefit students by allowing them to problem-solve and work on different types of projects than they might focus on in their classes. It also allows students to discuss and think through broader issues in social work or about challenges those new to the profession might encounter.

Q&A and Peer Mentorship

During a residency, students have the opportunity to ask general questions about their program, which may include advice on time management or questions about their field practicum (a requirement for Adelphi’s MSW program).

“Field practicum in an MSW program is commonly known as the signature pedagogy of social work education, and students have a lot of questions about it,” said Kesselman. “The residency gives them a resource for those answers, which is reassuring to them.”

Residencies also provide the opportunity for collaborative programs, like peer mentorship, outside of the (virtual) classroom.

“At the residencies, we introduce new students to our peer mentoring program,” said Joyce. “Current students match up with new students to give them the informal peer support and guidance they need to manage the challenges of balancing classwork and other life expectations.”

Guest Lecturers and Keynote Speakers

Many residencies include unique guest speakers or lecturers. MSW students have the opportunity to get advice about field practicums, job applications and interviews, and how to successfully navigate an MSW program alongside other life commitments.

The Online MSW program at Adelphi features current or former students in the program as keynote speakers. These students discuss aspects of their early careers, including the licensing exam, and make themselves available in a networking capacity.

Adelphi’s MSW Residency

Adelphi University’s Online MSW and Advanced Standing Online MSW residencies take place twice annually in August and January. Students who have previously attended in-person residencies will continue to attend in-person residencies at Adelphi’s main campus on Long Island in Garden City, N.Y. Beginning in fall 2023, new students to the program will complete all their residencies online.

The residencies will include sequence forums, writing workshops, practicum forums, alumni panels and peer hangouts. Residencies will also focus on community-building and providing students with resources and support.

During the virtual residencies, students have the chance to collaborate with peers and faculty in a virtual classroom setting, as well as participate in networking opportunities.

To learn more about the residencies, visit the Adelphi MSW curriculum page.

About Adelphi’s Online MSW

The highly respected School of Social Work at Adelphi has a long history of producing leaders in social work and helping to shape social policies. Since 1951, we have continually been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and Adelphi’s social work graduate program now ranks in the top 25% of the country, according to US News & World Report. Our faculty are expert practitioners and researchers, having published across the full range of topics within the field—including disparities in healthcare, child advocacy, the role of social workers in shaping policies and more.

The Online Master of Social Work program brings the combined decades of expertise and legacy of Adelphi’s leading social work school to a flexible curriculum designed for working professionals. Because building relationships is essential to the social work field, we include two annual residency experiences, which can be completed online or on-campus. We are proud of our ability to deliver personalized attention in the online classroom. Our graduates complete the program prepared to become Licensed Master Social Workers and begin rewarding careers.

Meet the Art Educator Preparing Her Students for Art Class—and for Life

April 14, 2023 7:09 pm Comments Off

Jae Won Shim strives to help her students feel empowered, both in and out of her classroom. In order to become the most effective teacher for her students, Shim completed a Master of Arts in Art Education from Adelphi University.

In this alumni spotlight, we hear from Shim regarding her approach to art education, her decision to earn a master’s degree from Adelphi and what surprising skill she discovered during her time in the MA in Art Education program.

Career Insights for Art Educators

Tell us about your professional path so far.
I am a full-time art teacher at Brentwood Union Free School District in New York, and I work with 6th through 8th graders. I love my job—it is truly a blessing to work with future generations and to be a positive and supportive influence in my students’ lives.

What educational practices have you and your peers found interesting?
SIOP training provided by my district focuses on finding ways to support students as a whole, and coming up with ways to provide various approaches to getting students involved and engaged. Also, Leader In Me / 7 Habits training helped us to identify habits and practices to empower students into becoming leaders that are in control of their lives.

Could you tell us about your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy in teaching art is that my role is to support students by helping them learn artistic behaviors and gain skills that are applicable in school and in life. This includes the ability to visualize the end goal, stay on task, think creatively, come up with solutions, try different methods and approaches, be patient with themselves, and identify strengths and challenges. I want to help my students learn to empower themselves so that they are in control of the results they produce, and so they are able to apply this philosophy to all aspects of their academic and home lives.

The Adelphi Art Education Master’s Experience

Why did you decide to pursue a degree in art education? Why was Adelphi’s online program the right fit for you?
I wanted to become an art teacher so I could combine my artistic skills with my desire to help and empower young people. I selected Adelphi for its reputation, flexibility, quality of professors and price. I also appreciated the support and dedication I received from the admissions staff. Clearly, Adelphi was the best choice.

What did you hope to achieve from the MA in Art Education program going in? In what ways did Adelphi assist you in achieving those goals?
I hoped to learn different approaches in teaching, teaching art and empowering youth with the power to create. Adelphi’s coursework helped me broaden my knowledge of how to support students in different ways, how to engage and involve students, and how to have fun teaching at the same time.

What stuck with you from the program? Do you have a favorite moment, such as an interaction with a faculty member or a particularly engaging project?
Rob Linne’s Youth Literature course was excellent. It exposed me to books that I otherwise would not have read, and it was nice to write as a part of that course. I discovered that I am a good writer. I wrote a piece about a childhood experience, and the feedback that I got from Rob was so heartfelt and real. He had taken the time to read the entirety of my writing and not only gave me support but also validated my feelings from that time period and how it affected me as a person. Being able to teach young people effectively means that you are able to make a connection. This taught me that no matter what age you are, childhood is a vulnerable time, and having my feelings validated by my professor was so meaningful to me, even as an adult. I strive to give my students the same dedication and support that Rob gave me.

What are the most valuable things you learned in the program?
Sometimes, you might not see that you are being a positive influence, but it’s important to continue to give support, respect, and positive reinforcements to students. Even if you don’t see it right away, you are making a positive impact in students’ lives. Being a teacher is a way to give back to the world, be a positive influence in people’s lives, stay connected to how the world changes, and change and progress yourself.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
The world needs dedicated, kind teachers—teachers who have empathy and the ability to connect with different personalities from different walks of life. Teaching is a way to spread positivity in the world. You get to compliment students everyday for what they do well and help them figure out what they find challenging. To be a part of each student’s growth and positive self-worth is truly an honor.

About Adelphi’s Online Master of Arts in Art Education

Adelphi University’s online Master of Arts in Art Education (M.A. in Art Ed) program is suitable for recent college graduates, current teachers or career changers. By the time you graduate this two-year program, you’ll be ready to complete the requirements of New York State Visual Arts Pre-K–12 teaching certification.
Along the way you’ll learn methods for nurturing creativity through flexible online courses taught by experienced faculty, customizing your curriculum with a wide range of electives. By completing hands-on fieldwork anywhere in the State of New York, you’ll put the concepts you’ve learned to work in the classroom.

How Social Workers Can Support Fuller Lives for Older Adults and Their Families

April 12, 2023 3:02 pm Comments Off

The United States is getting older. In 2020, there were 56.1 million Americans (approximately 17 percent of the population) over the age of 65. By 2060, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that this demographic will grow to nearly 95 million Americans, just under a quarter of the population.

Institutions need to prepare for this demographic shift. While Americans are enjoying longer lives than in the past and many older adults are able to function independently, aging comes with many challenges that may affect the health and ability of older adults to function independently within society. Illness and other health problems can require outside help for everything from grocery shopping to bathing. In addition, by 2060, an estimated 13.9 million older Americans will suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, compared to 5 million in 2014, according to research published by the Alzheimer’s Association.

Even for older adults in good health, loneliness and isolation come with potentially negative health consequences. A lack of social networks has been tied to a number of poor health outcomes, including premature death; a greater risk of stroke, heart disease and dementia; and higher rates of depression. It is important that we address the needs of the whole person when working with older adults and their families, and pay attention to their mental, physical, emotional and social well-being.

The Need for Gerontological Social Workers

In a society that prizes youth, older people’s experiences and contributions are often ignored, and their needs are perceived as burdens. Social workers specializing in gerontology value older people and empower them to live full lives, benefiting their older clients in question, their families and their communities. Gerontological social workers can also help shift inaccurate and negative perceptions of older adults, which can encourage more public support for resources that will ultimately further help them and their families.

“There are a lot of mental health, [physical] health, social, economic and housing-related issues that are quite unique for older adults,” says Daniel Kaplan, associate professor of social work at Adelphi University. “Providers need to have an awareness of all of that in order to provide competent care.”

To equip professionals for these challenges, Adelphi’s Online Master of Social Work degree programs offer electives focused on older adults, such as Selected Issues in Social Work Practice with Older Adults; Social Work Practice with People Living with Dementia; and Social Work Practice in Health Care. In addition, through the Goidel Gerontology Fellowship in Social Work, students can learn from leading gerontologists during a field experience and attend monthly presentations on issues and topics relevant to the specialization.

There are many career paths for social workers who want to ensure older adults thrive—and that their families do too. Skills and knowledge in geriatric social work can be applied in a wide variety of settings. Here are a few of them:

Residential Care

Families of older adults facing physical or mental limitations often need help identifying suitable residential settings and services for their loved ones and navigating the range of resources available for caregiving. These can include:

Nursing homes
Long-term care facilities
Assisted-living facilities
In-home care

Social workers can assess the clients’ psychosocial, emotional and mental health needs and research possible solutions and options that will best align with their requirements and preferences. For example, for an older adult who is able to live at home but has some limitations, the social worker may help set up a meal delivery service or arrange installation for assistive equipment like ramps and safety bars. They may suggest long-term or assisted living facilities for patients needing more robust care. Collaborating with clients and their families to explore and evaluate the options is a key component of residential care.

In addition to working one-to-one with clients, social workers may also design policies and programs that encourage residents to socialize, exercise or participate in hobbies and other activities. For patients with more severe health problems, such as dementia, they may create routines to reduce anxiety, provide access to counseling or other behavioral health services and make sure their clients are treated with dignity and respect. They may also direct family members to counseling resources to help manage emotions regarding a loved one’s aging process or illness.

Social workers in residential care settings need:

A deep understanding of the developmental needs of older adults and their families, and the resources to which they have access
Familiarity with public regulations and requirements
The ability to navigate healthcare systems and insurance companies
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with clients and their families
Clinical and behavioral expertise related to client evaluation and therapeutic intervention

Community Programs

Local and state governments as well as nonprofits often offer community resources for older adults, such as a dedicated department of aging of a local government agency, senior day centers and recreation centers. The Older Americans Act has provisions for various programs targeted at supporting older adults who continue to live in the community. Programs can include educational offerings on topics such as computer literacy, estate planning and other legal issues related to aging, and Medicare enrollment. Senior and recreational centers may serve as sites for activities like classes, workshops, book clubs, and informal socializing and meetups. These programs can help with the isolation that some older adults may experience.

Social workers are often at the forefront of planning and organizing these programs. As such, they require:

An understanding of conducting a needs assessment and of the needs of older adults and their families
Skills in program planning, including budgeting and staff/volunteer management, and promoting events
A knack for organizing and facilitating groups and encouraging interaction

Advocacy Groups and Legal Firms

Older adults themselves and their families often are their best advocates! Social workers with a focus on social justice can play an important role in working with older adults and their families to develop advocacy groups that can provide guidance and leadership to policymakers, legislators and the public and influence policymaking and program implementation in areas such as healthcare, Social Security and other benefits programs, affordable housing, crime and safety. They may lobby for new laws and programs that benefit older people, their families and their communities by drumming up support from government representatives and the public.

Law firms may hire social workers to assist in their work of representing older adults in cases of elder abuse or neglect, financial exploitation, legal guardianship, insurance appeals, end-of-life issues and more. These social workers may use their professional expertise to evaluate clients’ needs and strengths and provide insights into their care arrangements.

Social workers acting as advocates and legal experts for seniors should have:

Advanced clinical assessment skills
Comprehensive knowledge of resources available to seniors
An understanding of laws related to guardianship, power of attorney, etc.
Knowledge of how to navigate government and legal systems and processes
The ability to research and synthesize information into potential solutions
Awareness of social and demographic trends and their implications for older adults
Skills in building relationships and networks for effective interagency cooperation
The ability to promote and build support for public policies and other proposals

Healthcare

An older adult’s hospitalization or need for intensive medical intervention can become a crisis for themselves and also their loved ones. Social workers in healthcare support clients and their families by offering counseling services, providing education on and managing expectations during treatment and arranging preparations for continuing care after discharge.

Social workers in healthcare settings must develop a holistic understanding of each client’s unique medical, social and emotional needs and then coordinate with medical professionals and caregivers to identify their best options for treatment and rehabilitation. For example, if a patient needs around-the-clock care after leaving the hospital, the social worker will work with the family to identify and refer them to a long-term care facility or find resources for in-home care.

Each client must receive regular follow-ups to assess whether they need new or additional services to support their physical and mental health. Since family members often experience extreme stress and burnout when taking care of older loved ones, social workers may offer additional support by introducing these individuals to self-care techniques and counseling resources.

Other skills social workers will call on when working in healthcare include:

Case management
Problem-solving
Patient advocacy
Culturally competent care

Helping Older Adults Live Their Best Lives

Social workers can make a big difference in the quality of life for older adults and their families, whether working with them one-to-one, in groups or on a state or national scale. With the person-in-environment perspective, a deep understanding of the developmental phase and the needs and demands of their older clients and families, social workers can serve as a bridge connecting older adults with the support that will enrich their lives.

About Adelphi’s Online MSW

The highly respected School of Social Work at Adelphi has a long history of producing leaders in social work and helping to shape social policies. Since 1951, we have continually been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and Adelphi’s social work graduate program now ranks in the top 25 percent of the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. Our faculty is comprised of expert practitioners and researchers who publish across the full range of topics within the field—including disparities in healthcare, child advocacy, the role of social workers in shaping policies and more.

The Online Master of Social Work program brings the combined decades of expertise and legacy of Adelphi’s leading social work school to a flexible curriculum designed for working professionals. Because building relationships is essential to the social work field, we include two annual residency experiences, which can be completed online or on campus. We are proud of our ability to deliver personalized attention in the online classroom. Our graduates complete the program prepared to become Licensed Master Social Workers and begin rewarding careers.

Sport Management Blog: Olivia Franks’ 4 Tips for Success

February 13, 2023 2:50 pm Comments Off

Olivia Franks-Adelphi Alum
The Master of Science in Sport Management program prepares graduates for a wide range of roles in the industry. Our alumni excel in positions in professional and collegiate sport organizations throughout the tri-state area and across the country, and the program’s reach is only continuing to grow. Learn how our program has helped our alumni launch or advance their careers, giving them the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this highly competitive industry.

Olivia Franks chose Adelphi University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. From her internships as an undergrad to her current success as a marketing coordinator with Screenvision Media, Olivia has gained insights into sports marketing that can help anyone interested in launching a career in the industry. For more from Olivia, check out her blog series discussing her experience in the MS in Sport Management from Adelphi University.

In this alumni blog series, I have discussed the practical aspects of earning your degree in sport management, including getting involved in your program at Adelphi, pursuing different internship opportunities and hunting for a job that’s right for you. But what happens once you’ve graduated and found a job you’re excited about? I created a list of points to remind myself of as I advance in my career. These keep me on track in my day-to-day life so that I am making the most of my sport management education.

Make Yourself Useful

It’s easy to get lost in the crowd when applying to jobs at competitive companies, so you have to find a way to stand out and make yourself known. I’ve found that offering your help to your supervisors and co-workers helps tremendously when it comes time to make promotion decisions. For example, when I was a New York Islanders intern, I would recruit volunteers from Adelphi for the 50/50 raffle. Because I took the initiative to work on the raffle, I was promoted (out of 11 interns) to one of two part-time roles. At the time, I offered to help recruit volunteers from Adelphi because I thought it would be easy for everyone (the Adelphi campus is a short commute to Nassau Coliseum), but I later realized it was incredibly helpful to my manager, who had one less thing to worry about on game days.

Making yourself a necessary and integral part of every day pays off. Employers take notice when you go out of your way to be a useful employee, and that kind of initiative matters when employers make big decisions. Being helpful looks different for everyone depending on their strengths, you can figure out what you can bring to the table in each unique situation.

Set Goals for Your Growth

The last thing you want to do is become stagnant and complacent in your role. Speak to your managers and dedicate time to talk about your professional growth, goals you want to set and what you want to achieve at your organization. If you communicate your interests in certain fields and skills, your manager can help to give you interesting assignments or projects you’re passionate about. If you don’t know where to start, ask to schedule a one-on-one meeting with your managers to discuss your strengths and weaknesses. They will appreciate your initiative to improve yourself.

However, you can’t think only about your own growth as an employee. Though you hope to grow in your role and get promotions, you must survey your company as time goes by. If it seems that you are not continuing to advance in your role even after achieving milestones, then it may be time to take your talents elsewhere. If you are in a position that your company values, your goals will be appreciated by your superiors. You are helping their brand grow as you gain experience, take on projects and challenge yourself.

Be Kind and Approachable

As with everything in life, you should treat others how you would like to be treated. When I am a lead on events, I do my best to show my appreciation for work done by members of my staff. Doing this will help as you grow in your role, take on more responsibilities and become a manager of others. I recently hired temporary staff members for an event I hosted, and I made sure to communicate how valuable these employees were to the agency we contracted them from. The staff made guests feel welcome at the event and answered questions guests had efficiently and effectively. They helped the event run smoothly, so I wanted to make sure they were rewarded in the end. If I were in their shoes, I would have wanted someone else to notice my efforts.

Be a Team Player

When working in the sport and entertainment field, you’re a team member both on and off the field. This goes hand-in-hand with encouraging fairness. Helping your coworkers and collaborating with others will get the job done correctly and efficiently. Our field is different from other jobs because we often can actually see the results of our work. If the team you work for is playing well on the field, you feel the success with your co-workers. It builds camaraderie. Whether it be an activation during a game, an event or a positive interaction with a fan, our goal is to create memories for people. We were fans first; that’s what drew us to the profession in the first place. Remembering this will help us throughout our careers.
Regardless of your passion for your career, it’s easy to sometimes forget your purpose: creating memories for fans and giving them an experience they will remember. These reminders help me in my current role, and I am grateful to Adelphi for paving the way to learn and grow in the sport industry.

About the Adelphi University MS in Sport Management

The MS in Sport Management at Adelphi University is designed for hard-working, ambitious individuals with a passion for sports. The degree is available online and on campus and includes optional specializations in sport marketing or athletic administration.

At Adelphi, students gain an in-depth understanding of the sport industry with coursework that includes business management, market analysis, budget preparation, sport law, sport marketing and public relations. They also learn how to turn previous athletic experience and interests into professional strengths in order to stand out in the industry.
Our students benefit from the connections they build with their peers and with faculty members who work in the industry. This is a team that will support you throughout your career.

Sport Management Blog: Olivia Franks on Applying for Jobs

January 10, 2023 3:27 pm Comments Off

Breaking Into the Sport Industry

Olivia Franks-Adelphi Alum on applying for jobs
The Master of Science in Sport Management program prepares graduates for a wide range of roles in the industry. Our alumni excel in positions in professional and collegiate sport organizations throughout the tri-state area and across the country, and the program’s reach is only continuing to grow. Learn how our program has helped our alumni launch or advance their careers, giving them the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this highly competitive industry.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us in the sport industry had worries about job security. Sports were the first luxury to be canceled, and no one knew how quickly the industry would recover. In reality, as the country began to stabilize, sports were one of the first forms of entertainment to return. Jobs opened up immediately because companies and teams wanted to revitalize their efforts to provide fans renewed opportunities to see their teams play. The sport and entertainment industry bounced back quickly, as fans rushed back to experience sports action in person.

Many people think that jobs in the sport industry are impossible to find, but that is a myth. There are many opportunities for employment in the industry, especially if you have a degree in sport management.

Thinking outside the box when it comes to applying to jobs is key to breaking into the industry. Those looking to get into the industry have to think beyond the most visible roles in professional sports organizations. Many companies and organizations want to advertise in sports, create relationships with influencers and partner with teams or athletes. Seek out these companies when looking for a job. Fitness brands, financial institutions, streaming services, nonprofits and especially tech companies all want to gain exposure through sport and can benefit from the unique perspective of an employee with a graduate degree in sport management. Peloton, JP Morgan & Chase, Deloitte, Arrow Electronics, Guide Dog Foundation and Lustgarten Foundation are among the many organizations that have recently been in the market for sport industry professionals. Fortune 500 brands want access to young, diverse, passionate sports fans because they know them to be loyal consumers. To reach that audience, they need employees with deep knowledge of the sport industry—how it works and the opportunities that exist within sports to market non-sport brands and services.

Outside of traditional sport employment, up-and-coming specializations are being established as technology advances and the culture around sport evolves. Taking advantage of these opportunities while they are new can provide you with invaluable experience as you move forward into your career. For example, the developing esports industry, along with the legalization of sports betting, are helping create new jobs within established and emerging companies.

Today, there are more points of entry into a career in sport than working for your favorite hometown team. The sport ecosystem has become a global enterprise with many remote work opportunities centering around professional teams, while thousands of other businesses operate successfully by providing goods and services to those organizations and their fans around the world. The opportunities are limitless; your own professional passions will help you find a landing spot in the industry. Adelphi’s MS in Sport Management program will provide you with the knowledge, skills and connections that will allow you to stand out in the job market and take advantage of the many rewarding career opportunities in the world of sport.

About the Adelphi University MS in Sport Management

Our students benefit from the connections they build with their peers and with faculty members who work in the industry. This is a team that will support you throughout your career.

Where Can EdTech Take You? Using EdTech Skills in Academia

November 17, 2022 9:37 am Comments Off

Krissy Doce student experience

Meet Ryan Sobeck and Krissy Dove, two Adelphi MA in Educational Technology graduates whose career paths have taken them into very different fields: academia and agriculture.

They are great examples of how EdTech skills can be used in a wide range of industries. While many Adelphi graduates work at K-12 or postsecondary schools, others go on to roles in corporate, government or nonprofit environments. Their career paths show that engaging, effective teaching that respects the learners’ needs goes beyond classroom settings.

In this two-part interview series, Ryan and Krissy share how the EdTech master’s program led to their current roles and how they use the skills they’ve learned in their day-to-day work. Ryan’s interview is below and you can read Krissy’s interview here.

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Ryan Sobeck graduated with his MA in Education Technology from Adelphi University in 2017 and is now assistant director of educational technology at Yale University’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning.

“Adelphi’s MA in EdTech is unlike any other online or hybrid master’s program out there. It is taught by instructors who are incredibly invested and present in their courses, who take the time to really know and engage with their students. It was everything I needed it to be, and it helped set up my career for success.”

Let’s start with your professional path. Where has your career taken you so far?

I worked at Adelphi University’s Faculty Center for Professional Excellence (FCPE) while I was an undergraduate and graduate student. There I helped faculty learn to use Moodle, our Learning Management System (LMS). This was my first experience with educational technology and the impetus that led to me pursuing my master’s degree.

After working in the Faculty Center as a student worker for about eight years, I became their full-time interactive learning designer as I was finishing up my MA in Educational Technology. That role had a major focus on managing our just-in-time support and technology training efforts with faculty.

Upon graduation, I became an instructional designer in the Faculty Center, which let me keep one foot in the educational technology support space while allowing me room to expand into course and curriculum design, student assessment and faculty development.

In the spring of 2021, I accepted a position as an assistant director of educational technology at Yale University’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning. The Poorvu Center’s Educational Technology team serves as the service owner for Canvas, Yale’s Learning Management System (LMS), as well as many of the other external applications integrated into the LMS. We also facilitate workshops and consultations for instructors on how to best leverage their educational technology tools to meet their students’ learning needs.

Why did you decide to pursue a degree in educational technology?

When I first came to Adelphi, I thought I wanted to be a high school English teacher, so I started in the 4+1 Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP). But I realized after only a few classes that teaching high school was not the right fit for me, although I still liked the idea of working in an educational setting.

As mentioned, I was also working in the Faculty Center for Professional Excellence as an undergrad doing educational technology support. It was the first time I had been told and shown that there was an entire field and career path that existed to learn, teach and support educational technology.

Why was Adelphi the right fit for your master’s degree?

I selected Adelphi’s online program because of Professor Matthew Curinga. He was gracious enough to serve as a reader for my undergraduate thesis defense in Adelphi’s Honors College my senior year. He read my thesis and treated me and my work with a level of academic rigor and respect that demonstrated he really cared about the work he did with students.

When I looked for a program in educational technology, Matt was the first person I spoke with about my options. Many of my mentors and colleagues in the Faculty Center for Professional Excellence were either already in the program or graduates themselves, which gave me a clear pathway to see how the degree translated to the work being done around me.

What did you hope to achieve from the EdTech master’s program?

I had a lot of experiential learning in educational technology and support from my time in the Faculty Center for Professional Excellence. While I was at the Center, I worked alongside brilliant, caring, empathetic staff members who worked on engaging and interesting projects with faculty and the university at large. I was set on becoming an instructional designer and getting to do those kinds of high-level course design projects and consults.

In pretty much every way imaginable, Adelphi assisted me in achieving those goals: from showing me that educational technology and instructional design is a viable career, to providing meaningful learning and work opportunities, to eventually hiring and promoting me to an instructional designer.

The degree definitely helped me get my job, as it jump-started my entire career. I am where I am today in my career at Yale and in my personal life because of the education and opportunities that Adelphi and this program provided me.

Are there any topics from the program that you are using in your current role?

The most valuable things I learned in the program were around instructional design. I was introduced to the concepts of ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate) and backward design that I still use every day to frame and orient my work.

Could you tell us about a favorite project from the EdTech program?

One of my favorite projects was in the Learning with Video Games course. I partnered with my classmate and colleague in the Faculty Center at the time, Carl “Robby” Lucia, to create a prototype of a tabletop board game complete with cover and game art, formatted template game sheets and rule book.

We had an awesome time collaborating on the game together and presenting it to the class. We enjoyed it so much that we kept working on it after the course concluded and even ran beta test playthroughs with friends to keep tweaking the rules!

You’ve described your philosophy as “lead with your teaching and let the right tech tool be a byproduct of those decisions.” Could you tell us a little more about how this approach guides your work?

We are continuously distracted by new devices and apps promising to fix every teaching and learning problem plaguing our school systems.

But we have to understand that these educational technology tools are only useful and impactful if they align appropriately with the instructors’ facilitation strategies and the students’ learning objectives.

When working with a faculty member and discussing their teaching or course design, I will often lead the conversation with a discussion about what they hope to accomplish and the facilitation strategy they hope to use. Once we both understand the outcomes they hope to achieve, we can then look at the tools available to meet that need.

Adopting a specific technology just because it seems more engaging, interactive or fun can lead to improper implementation and disappointment—for students and instructors alike—when expectations don’t align with reality.

What is a recent development in EdTech that has caught your interest?

I am interested in the increased discussion around and emphasis on the educational and instructional data produced by educational technology systems.

Many institutions are leveraging this data to gain valuable insights into student learning behavior to support course design and facilitation strategies. However, there are also many conversations around what it means to be responsible stewards for the vast amount of student and instructor data generated by these systems.

Finally, what tips do you have for someone who is deciding whether an MA in EdTech is right for them?

Talk to the faculty in the program: Matt Curinga and Aaron Chia Yuan Hung are some of the best teachers I’ve ever learned from or had the pleasure of working with professionally. Connecting with the faculty who run and teach in the program can be incredibly helpful in determining if a master’s in EdTech is a good fit for you.

If possible, talk with alumni of the program to see how they use their degrees. EdTech is a very broad field, encompassing specialization and additional education for K-12 instructors, as well as teaching and learning centers and other academic support spaces in higher education. It also crosses over into other industries, with alumni working for educational technology start-ups or well-established private companies.

Is there anything else that you’d like to add?

Adelphi’s MA in Educational Technology is unlike any other online or hybrid master’s program out there. It is taught by instructors who are incredibly invested and present in their courses, who take the time to really know and engage with their students. It was everything I needed it to be, and it helped set up my career for success.

Meet another Adelphi MA in EdTech alum: Krissy Dove, stewardship program manager at Kiss the Ground

About Adelphi’s Online MA in Educational Technology

The Master of Arts in Educational Technology from Adelphi University is an innovative program that provides a theoretical and practical background in technology-supported learning.

Our fully online graduate degree offers a balance of hands-on training, computer programming and knowledge about teaching and learning.

The only admissions requirement for the MA in EdTech is a bachelor’s degree in any subject. As a result, our online program attracts individuals from a broad range of educational and professional backgrounds including teaching, instructional design, library science, communications, web design, software engineering and computer science. Our students include newcomers to the field as well as professionals looking to change careers or expand their skills.

To learn more about the online MA in EdTech, download our program brochure. You can also talk with an enrollment specialist at 516.619.2209.

Where Can EdTech Take You? Using EdTech Skills Outside the Education Field

November 16, 2022 5:02 pm Comments Off

Krissy Doce student experience

Meet Krissy Dove and Ryan Sobeck, two Adelphi MA in Educational Technology graduates whose career paths have taken them into very different fields: agriculture and academia.

In this two-part interview series, Ryan and Krissy share how the EdTech master’s program led to their current roles and how they use the skills they’ve learned in their day-to-day work. Krissy’s interview is below and you can read Ryan’s interview here.

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Krissy Dove graduated with her MA in Education Technology from Adelphi University in 2021 and is now the Stewardship Program manager at Kiss the Ground, a nonprofit promoting the growth of regenerative agriculture, farming and grazing practices that help reduce climate change.

“Whether it’s working directly with our online course material, optimizing the larger-scale student learning experience on our learning management system (where our content lives), or designing communications across all forms of media to support and facilitate our community, I find myself using all the theoretical and pragmatic material I was introduced to in Adelphi’s EdTech program.”

Let’s start with your professional path. Were you working while you earned your MA in EdTech?

Yes, I was working for Adelphi University’s Office of Admissions on the operations team while I was enrolled in the online EdTech program. I was able to apply what I was learning about instructional design directly to my workplace, primarily within contexts such as staff training and support.

What was your next job move after Adelphi University?

It’s always been my goal to work at the intersection of environmental advocacy and education, and moving into my next role as the assistant director of the Broadway Green Alliance set me precisely on that path.

At Broadway Green Alliance, I aided in the implementation of greener practices on Broadway and in theater programs across the country. I designed content and resources for the web, communications and social media. Most notably in that role, I co-authored and assisted in the design of “Reduce, Reuse, Reopen: Backstage Toolkit” ahead of Broadway’s much anticipated return from its COVID-19 pandemic closures.

All my professional experiences in operations, communications and environmental advocacy, in conjunction with my studies within the EdTech program, were integral to my arriving at my current role at Kiss the Ground.

Tell us more about Kiss the Ground. How are you using your environmental studies background and your educational technology knowledge in your role?

The mission of Kiss the Ground is to awaken people to the possibilities of regenerative agriculture and inspire participation through media, communications, education, workshops, immersive programming and advocacy.

I manage Kiss the Ground’s Stewardship Program. Our Stewardship Program engages and empowers existing and emerging leaders within the regenerative agriculture movement. I oversee the educational platform and its online course operations (including both synchronous and asynchronous components) as well as student and graduate community engagement and many other freestanding educational resources and initiatives.

Advocating for regenerative farming practices in this way harkens back to my roots (pun intended) studying abroad in Costa Rica with Adelphi as an undergrad, when I first learned about the critical importance of healthy soil. It was this trip with the Levermore Global Scholars program that inspired me to change my major to environmental studies. As you can imagine, this role at Kiss the Ground is very mission-driven and closely aligned with both my master’s in EdTech and my bachelor’s in environmental studies.

An exciting and gratifying part of my role is supporting graduates of our Soil Advocate Training course. Through this course, they become local leaders who are empowered to amplify action around the 2023 Farm Bill through the national campaign Regenerate America™.

What skills from the EdTech master’s program are you using most at Kiss the Ground?

Whether it’s working directly with our online course material, optimizing the larger-scale student learning experience on our learning management system (where our content lives), or designing communications across all forms of media to support and facilitate our community, I find myself using all the theoretical and pragmatic material I was introduced to in the EdTech program.

Sometimes this equates to employing the “hard skills,” such as multimedia editing software, and other times it equates to adapting the pedagogical principles and critical frameworks for the benefit of a more equitable and universally accessible learning environment.

The importance of digital literacy and citizenship, as well as being an advocate for both in any position of instruction or communication, is more apparent than ever.

I’m also very proud to have worked with the incredible team within Adelphi’s Learning and Writing Centers for my thesis project, in which I developed a self-paced virtual tutor training program on Moodle. It helped me gain more experience working on a learning management system!

Why did you decide to pursue a degree in educational technology? And why did you select Adelphi’s online program?

The more I learned about the Adelphi EdTech program and the holistic nature of its course tracks, the more I saw the connection between instructional design and the kind of advocating-through-educating work I had always seen myself doing, regardless of whether or not that meant working within a more traditional academic setting.

Earning my degree fully online was a conscious decision to this end, too. The online format was more aligned with the kinds of learning environments I want to be immersed in and hope to operate in professionally.

What are some of the most valuable skills you gained in the master’s program? And did these skills and/or the program overall help you get your new job?

As far as hard skills go, my path through the program led me through valuable hands-on experiences with projects involving graphic design, video editing, audio editing, basic programming and web development. These projects gave me meaningful exposure to facets of instructional pedagogy and the learning sciences, which really broadened my horizons.

The degree itself plus the work I put into earning it were direct contributors to my being hired in my current role.

What tips do you have for someone who is deciding whether Adelphi’s MA in EdTech program is right for them?

I can’t say enough about Aaron Chia Yuan Hung, Matthew Curinga and all of the professors who facilitate this program and its courses. So, my best tip for someone who is deciding whether it’s right for them is to do exactly what I did—reach out to Aaron or Matt directly, and have a chat about your thoughts, goals, etc. This will also give you some insight into the kind of one-on-one care they provide throughout the duration of the entire program.

Meet another Adelphi MA in EdTech alum: Ryan Sobeck, assistant director of educational technology at Yale University’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning

About Adelphi’s Online MA in Educational Technology

The Master of Arts in Educational Technology from Adelphi University is an innovative program that provides a theoretical and practical background in technology-supported learning.

Our fully online graduate degree offers a balance of hands-on training, computer programming and knowledge about teaching and learning.

To learn more about the online MA in EdTech, download our program brochure. You can also talk with an enrollment specialist at 516.619.2209.

What Is Educational Technology?

October 21, 2022 8:00 am Comments Off

careers with a masters in educational technology
Contents:

Benefits of Educational Technology
2022 Educational Technology Trends
Careers with a Degree in Educational Technology

Educational technology, or EdTech, is more than technology used in the classroom. It’s a combination of hardware, software, educational theory and instructional design principles to support and facilitate learning.

Today, advanced tools and technologies like interactive whiteboards, virtual reality and gamification are being integrated into instructional design, for both remote and in-person learning.

Benefits of Educational Technology

Software and other technological tools can be used to deliver virtual lessons or to design multimedia instructional materials that can be applied to both remote and in-person learning. Digital learning tools can engage people in the subject matter, help them grasp concepts and ensure they practice skills—but these tools must be chosen and applied thoughtfully to maximize their educational value and deliver desired learning outcomes.

Ryan Sobeck, a 2017 MA in Education Technology graduate from Adelphi University, learned the importance of this rule while a student in the program. “Jumping to adopt a specific technology just because there is a perspective that it will be more engaging, interactive or fun can lead to improper implementation and disappointment when expectations don’t align with reality—for the students and instructor alike,” he says.

When incorporated according to the principles of instructional design and learning theory, EdTech provides advantages to students, instructors and society at large. These are just a few specific benefits of educational technology:

It helps students better retain information. It’s easier for students to remember what they learned when they’re actively engaged in a topic. EdTech tools can be interactive and draw learners in through critical thinking and problem-solving.
It supports personalized learning. Some people have unique needs due to learning disabilities or other challenges. Today’s EdTech tools enhance the ability to tailor lessons and instruction to individuals or groups.
It makes education more accessible. Remote learning has made education programs available to learners of varying incomes, abilities, and locations, improving equity and creating opportunities for more people.
It provides new opportunities for group work. Learners can work on projects in the same program, often synchronously, for a fully collaborative experience. This further enhances engagement and empowers students to learn from each other.
It helps instructors identify students who are struggling. EdTech tools and platforms can gather data and provide teachers with a view of student progress. This allows them to identify students who are having trouble mastering a skill or a concept and take immediate action to step in and assist them before they fall behind.
It helps students prepare for the future. More aspects of life—not just work—are starting to require digital skills. EdTech gives learners experience working with technology, providing a foundation for entering or advancing in the workforce as well as engaging in activities that are now largely online, such as reading media publications and conducting research. As 2021 Adelphi University MA in Educational Technology graduate Krissy Dove points out, “Considering the backdrop of the past couple of years, I feel the importance of digital literacy and citizenship, as well as the importance of being an advocate for both in any position of instruction or communication, couldn’t be more apparent.”

2022 Educational Technology Trends

Advancements in technology and world events (such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of remote learning around the world) are some of the factors driving the digital transformation of education. Some overarching educational technology trends we can expect to see in the coming years include:

Gameful Learning

One of the fastest-growing trends in EdTech, games provide elements of interactivity, competition and even collaboration, helping learners get involved with the subject matter in a fun way. The prospect of winning or accumulating “points” or other rewards can also be motivating.

M-learning

With more than 6 billion smartphone users in the world, mobile learning, or m-learning, is a cornerstone of modern distance education. Mobile learning involves the use of students’ personal mobile devices to access or complete their education.

Data Analytics

As learners engage with EdTech tools, those same tools gather data that instructors and organizational leaders can use to inform their planning and decisions on customizing lessons, improving instructional design or lesson content, and managing and supporting student progress.

In his current position as the Assistant Director of Educational Technology of Yale University’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, Sobeck is particularly focused on this benefit of EdTech. “The increased discussion and emphasis on educational and instructional data that our educational technology systems produce has been a topic I am increasingly interested in, as institutions attempt to strike a precarious balance between leveraging valuable insights into student learning behavior to support course design and facilitation, and using data to address or understand instances of academic integrity issues,” he says.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) And Machine Learning (ML)

In the field of EdTech, these data-driven technologies are often used to create automated “smart tutors” (also known as adaptive learning, intelligent tutors, or cognitive tutors) and teaching assistants, which can be available on demand. The advanced analytics of AI and ML can also help instructors identify at-risk students and improve learning outcomes.

Augmented Reality (AR) And Virtual Reality (VR)

These tools provide immersive learning experiences such as virtual field trips, historical reenactments and space exploration. There are also significant applications for technical training by offering learners a way to develop and practice skills on virtual equipment. AR and VR can also help overcome geographical and cost barriers to education.

The Need for Worker Upskilling

Advancements in technology and changes in job responsibilities mean that by 2025, half of all employees around the world will need new skills. This has enormous implications for EdTech professionals, who will be in high demand to create and lead programs, courses and lessons to provide these workers with the training they require.

Careers with a Degree in Educational Technology

EdTech isn’t limited to the education sector or school environments. All sorts of organizations, from nonprofits to government agencies to large private enterprises, offer educational technology jobs to train employees and educate the public and customers.

“EdTech is very broad and includes teacher education and work in learning centers or other academic support spaces,” Sobeck points out. “It also crosses over into industry, with EdTech graduates working for educational technology start-ups or well-established companies.”

For example, Dove manages the online stewardship education programs at Kiss the Ground, a regenerative agriculture education platform and community in Los Angeles. “It’s always been my goal to work at the intersection of environmental advocacy and education,” she says.

Her position entails a lot of different responsibilities. “I oversee the educational platform and its online course operations, including both synchronous and asynchronous components, student and graduate community engagement, and many other freestanding educational resources and initiatives.”

Here are just a few examples of the educational technology jobs you may qualify for with a master’s in education technology:

Job Title	Median Salary
Instructional Designer*	$65,553
Instructional Coordinator**	$63,740
Technical Trainer*	$71,886
Learning and Development Consultant*	$80,390
Training and Development Manager**	$120,130

*Source: Payscale.com
**Source: Payscale.com

Preparation for Educational Technology Jobs

An expert understanding of learning theory and instructional design, as well as technical skills, are essential for a successful career in EdTech. An MA in Educational Technology provides the foundational knowledge as well as hands-on learning that can prepare you for growing opportunities in the field.

“My path through the program led me through some valuable hands-on experiences with projects involving graphic design, video editing, audio editing, basic programming and web development,” Dove says. “These experiences exposed me to aspects of instructional pedagogy and the learning sciences, which really broadened my horizons. My degree and the hands-on experiences I gained directly contributed to my being hired in my current role.”

With the expertise gained from a master’s in educational technology combined with creativity and a curious mind, EdTech can offer you a wide variety of career paths as well as professional rewards and satisfaction over a lifetime.

About Adelphi’s Online MA in Educational Technology

Our online MA in Educational Technology program offers a blend of technical skills and problem-solving capabilities alongside theoretical and practical knowledge about teaching and learning. With this philosophy at its core, the program offers courses that teach practical skills, like Python and HTML5 programming, as well as a comprehensive exploration of theories of learning sciences.

The program also offers opportunities for you to gain exposure to innovations in the areas of EdTech that interest you most. The large selection of electives gives you additional options to personalize your study, with topics including video games and learning, educational video production, mobile technology and learning, and social media.

Careers in Emergency Management

August 22, 2022 5:02 pm Comments Off

The need for experts in emergency management has never been more urgent. While natural disasters have always been a fact of life, weather-related disasters have increased five-fold over the last 50 years due in large part to climate change, according to the World Meteorological Organization . Scientists warn that they expect this trend of increasingly severe natural disasters to continue.

Natural disasters are not the only evolving threat. Gun violence in the U.S. has increased 33 percent since 2017. In addition, he COVID-19 pandemic and the recent spread of monkeypox suggest a dire need for better emergency preparedness in terms of public health. These two elements alone have necessitated an unprecedented emergency management response from schools, hospitals, sporting events, religious groups, and any place or event where people previously felt safe.

Much of this response has come from individuals and civilians who are often forced to adapt without adequate training or resources. Special education teachers, for example, need help when it comes to planning for and supporting their students’ unique needs in the event of a crisis. Similarly, as poor communication and resource sharing forced physicians and hospital staff to adapt rapidly—and, in many cases, haphazardly, using unorthodox and non sterile equipment in the face of drastic supply shortages—during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many fear a repeat of tragic events during the next large-scale health crisis.

The good news is that better data reporting and more effective frameworks for disaster management—from prevention to response and recovery—have helped save lives and maintain vital services and infrastructure. These tools can be applied to emergencies arising from terrorism and accidents, public health crises and natural disasters.

While we may not be able to completely prevent crises, earning a master’s degree in emergency management can prepare you to serve as a professional to mitigate their effects. As businesses, nonprofits and governments around the world prepare for emerging risks and threats, emergency management jobs offer the chance to turn research into strategy and experience into actionable plans.

Emergency management careers can be highly rewarding for those who find satisfaction in helping others—as well as a source of job security thanks to the wide range of positions across industries and sectors. Here’s what you can expect from emergency management jobs in terms of salaries, responsibilities and settings.

Employment Growth, Compensation and Opportunities in Emergency Management

Emergency management careers have grown in recent decades: Employment in organizations that provide such relief services more than doubled between 1990 and 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS reports that the median annual emergency management salary is $76,730.

Emergency management careers also offer an incredibly diverse range of roles, especially for those who have earned a master’s degree. There are emergency management jobs at federal, state and local government agencies, such as FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as at nonprofits and in the private sector. In addition, a focus on greater international cooperation to address the global effects of climate change means that emergency management professionals will also be needed at NGOs and other multinational organizations.

Emergency management professionals can specialize in different phases of disaster management, such as mitigation, assessment or response. As a graduate of a master’s in emergency management program, you can choose a job that aligns with your interests and focus, while your background will give you options to expand or change direction throughout your career as your interests (and the field) evolve.

Skills Required for Emergency Management Careers

No two days are alike in emergency management. Given the unpredictable, unique and chaotic nature of crises, jobs in the field call on professionals to develop and use a wide range of skills. At a minimum, you need to be able to:

Communicate swiftly and efficiently, both verbally and in writing.
Solve problems effectively.
Collaborate with individuals and teams.
Build relationships inside and across organizations.
Handle multiple tasks and priorities at once.

Emergency management jobs usually require knowledge of many different functions, including healthcare, technology, management, policy creation, finances and communication. Certain high-level positions require more specialized skills that you can develop in a master’s in emergency management program, including:

Technological literacy.
Data analysis.
Project management.
Business administration and budgeting.
Team and resource coordination.
Procurement.
Process evaluation and improvement.
Stakeholder management and negotiation.

These administrative responsibilities are in addition to the in-depth knowledge in disaster preparation, response and recovery tactics that a master’s in emergency management provides.

Is an emergency management degree worth it? Consider how professionals in the field must hone a diverse range of skills and expertise, then call on them to solve difficult, even life-threatening problems under challenging and often fast-changing conditions. For example, Adelphi University adjunct faculty member Nicholas V. Cagliuso Sr., PhD, uses his experience leading pandemic response at the nation’s largest municipal healthcare delivery system to design and adapt approaches to military and civilian emergency systems in the face of evolving large-scale public health disasters and similar events.

A master’s degree in emergency management can help you develop and deploy skills like Dr. Cagliuso’s, putting you in a position to take advantage of the greatest number of job opportunities.

Emergency Management Jobs

From assessing risk to preparing for disasters, emergency management careers are diverse in terms of both scale and duties. Read on to learn more details about a range of emergency management jobs, including their responsibilities and salaries.

Job Title	Median Annual Salary
Public Safety Director	$54,390*
Emergency Management Director	$76,730**
Business Continuity Planner	$74,670**
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist	$78,740**
Environmental Protection Officer	$67,119***

*Salary information from Burning Glass.
**Salary information from Bureau of Labor Statistics.
***Salary information from Comparably.

Public Safety Director

Individuals in this position coordinate and lead programs for public safety. While they often work for state or local governments, other entities such as universities may hire public safety professionals as well.

Public safety directors are responsible for creating and implementing policies and plans to prevent or mitigate the effects of emergencies in their communities. They may coordinate with other agencies, such as departments of public health, fire safety and law enforcement to plan and execute disaster preparedness and response.

Other tasks may involve:

Budgeting resources appropriately.
Monitoring compliance with local, state and federal laws.
Communicating crucial information to the public in a crisis.

Emergency Management Director

Emergency management directors plan and lead activities for disaster response, recovery and management for state and local government agencies. They ensure that sufficient resources and effective procedures are in place for a range of emergency types using research and proven best practices.

During an emergency, they lead operations to ensure that staff follow the planned steps and revise those plans if necessary. They may also be the “face” of the emergency response in press briefings, so good communication skills are vital.

Other responsibilities of this role may include:

Coordinating with public safety and relief agencies, community groups and businesses on planning and response.
Developing training programs for emergency services workers and volunteers.
Creating communications plans to inform the public.
Seeking federal funding for disaster response and recovery.
Assessing the response after an emergency to identify areas for improvement.

Business Continuity Planner

Emergency management experts who work for companies in the private sector are often called business continuity planners. They design and implement plans for disaster response and recovery to keep employees safe in the workplace, secure vital assets, keep operations running during a disruption, and help the business resume operations afterward. They may work directly for a business or for a firm that specializes in business continuity services.

Some of their job responsibilities may include:

Conducting risk assessments.
Documenting emergency response procedures.
Analyzing the business impact of different types of disasters.
Running emergency response drills.
Leading continuity and recovery efforts.

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

Occupational health and safety specialists review any injuries or illnesses caused by the work environment, equipment or other factors, with a focus on preventing and eliminating them. Such ailments may be caused by working with dangerous or toxic chemicals or heavy equipment, as in industrial environments; biological agents, as in labs or healthcare settings; or from unhealthy air or lack of ergonomic furniture in offices.

Their tasks may include:

Ensuring processes and equipment comply with both internal and government-mandated safety rules and regulations.
Conducting inspections.
Monitoring research and public health data and adapting workplace policies as necessary.
Designing and implementing plans to respond to workplace disasters and injuries.
Communicating the importance of health and safety to organizational leaders and employees.

Individuals in this position can work in the public sector or for privately owned businesses. Other titles for this position include environmental health and safety manager and corporate safety consultant.

Environmental Protection Officer

Environmental protection officers use their skills to protect human health and natural resources from waste, pollution and other environmental hazards. Job tasks include creating plans to prevent and address environmental emergencies and monitoring air, water, soil, food and other matter. They may work for government agencies, nonprofits or in the private sector.

Other responsibilities may include:

Advising legislators and businesses on policies to reduce environmental contamination.
Leading cleanup efforts in environmental disasters.
Analyzing surveys and research findings to identify and evaluate threats to the environment.
Coordinating with emergency management agencies and nonprofits on disaster management strategies and communication campaigns.

About Adelphi’s Online Emergency Services Programs

Adelphi University’s online MS in Emergency Management and graduate certificate program are designed to provide you with skills that are immediately applicable to your career. Whether you’re an experienced emergency services professional or interested in entering the field, our comprehensive and practical programs can help you take the next step. Our expert faculty includes leading researchers in emergency management and practitioners with real-world experience in emergency response.

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