The year is coming to an end, and 2020 will be one that everyone will remember. The COVID-19 pandemic and other community-changing events have given us an opportunity to reevaluate what’s important, from ensuring the safety of ourselves and our loved ones to finding ways to serve those around us.
At Columbia Southern University, many of our most popular online degree programs serve students in safety and emergency services. We’ve always been proud of their work – and the work of our many faculty members active in their industries – but this year we’re especially proud of what they’ve done in such difficult circumstances.
With this blog, The Link, we do our best to answer questions that adult learners have about online learning and career success. It’s no surprise that in 2020, our most popular articles were focused on safety and public service. Here are our five most-read stories of 2020.
1. What Can You Do With a Homeland Security Degree?
Whether you are interested in working in the field, on the front lines of securing our borders and transportation infrastructure, putting your communication and leadership skills to work in policy development, or using your technological expertise to secure our country’s information systems, there is a homeland security job for you. By learning the principles and theories that guide our nation’s security strategies, you’ll be better prepared to take your career to the next level while providing a vital service to our nation.
Read More: What Can You Do With a Homeland Security Degree?
2. Safety Certifications: Which Are Right for You? [Flowchart]
In addition to formal education, a growing number of companies are looking for occupational safety and health specialists who hold professional safety certifications. Many positions in the industry require a bachelor’s degree, and others require a master’s, but certifications can be just as important to companies. In this article, we explore (1) what safety certifications are, (2) how they can help your career, (3) which ones are right for you, and (4) what the requirements are.
Read More: Safety Certifications: Which Are Right for You? [Flowchart]
3. The Importance of Public Service
The term “public service” brings to mind government agencies, first responders putting their lives on the line, nurses administering vaccines at the community health clinic, and more. Public service encompasses all these facets and then some. In this article, we explore the importance of public service and lay out four reasons why you may want to serve your community in your career.
Read More: The Importance of Public Service
4. Technological Advances Changing Law Enforcement
New developments are taking shape every day in law enforcement technology, making it easier to prevent and fight crime. In this article, we discuss four technological advances in law enforcement: (1) machine learning and artificial intelligence, (2) better electronic monitoring systems, (3) pre-crime technology, and (4) improved officer protection.
Read More: 4 Technological Advances Changing Law Enforcement
5. Criminal Justice Careers: Police Ranks Explained
Even if you’ve never considered a career in criminal justice, you’ve likely noticed that police officers have a range of different titles before their names. What do those ranks mean? What’s the difference between a corporal and a sergeant? What makes someone a detective? And who’s in charge? In this article, we provide a basic breakdown of police ranks.
Read More: Criminal Justice Careers: Police Ranks Explained
Looking Ahead to 2021
Here at CSU, we will continue to publish articles on The Link in 2021 and provide answers and guidance for adult learners looking to take the next step in their career.
If you’d like to receive all of our newest articles each month, you can subscribe to our email newsletter. And finally, if you have a topic you’d like us to cover with a new article, send us an email at Communications@ColumbiaSouthern.edu.
Happy New Year!
