NU Editorial Contributors
National University Editorial Contributors include writers, editors, and academic professionals who are experts in creating high-quality educational content that is timely, accurate, informative, and easy to understand. All contributors who develop content for National University follow strict guidelines to ensure they provide credible and authoritative information that is independent, free from advertiser influence, and aligns with the high standards our readers and students expect from National University.
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At NU, we rely on expert feedback and knowledge to craft and vet the information we present to our learners and staff. Learn more and get some process information about the curation of our blogs, how we ensure accuracy, and what to expect from our written materials.
Articles by NU Editorial Contributors
- August 26, 2025
Financial Aid for Adult Learners: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Reviewed by Megan McQuiston Associate Director, Financial Aid Quality Assurance Going back to school as an adult learner? You’ll be joining the roughly 2.9 million adults enrolled in undergraduate degrees, which translates to about 23% of undergrad students. Whether you’re aiming to advance your career, change paths, or want to go purely for personal reasons, ...
- August 22, 2025
The Best Online Degrees for Career Change After 30
Stagnant career growth. Job burnout. Desire for new challenges or pursuit of a passion. These are the top reasons people over 30 are going back to school to reboot their careers. Sound familiar? In spring 2024, nearly 2.5 million students aged 30+ enrolled in an undergraduate program. And with good reason — the average person ...
- August 19, 2025
Step-by-Step Dissertation Guide
Academically reviewed by: Andy Riggle, PhD, Associate Vice-President, Educational Services and Assessment Support Introduction to the Dissertation/Applied Doctoral Project Process Completing your dissertation or applied doctoral project (ADP) is a significant milestone. Still, without a clear roadmap, it can quickly become overwhelming. This guide walks you through the entire process step-by-step, from choosing the perfect ...
- August 12, 2025
13 Highest-Paying College Majors in 2025
Think only STEM majors make good money out of college? It’s true they do well, but majoring in business or finance could also be your ticket out of living paycheck to paycheck. Getting your bachelor’s is smart; on average, you’ll make 68% more per week than someone with a high school diploma. But if you ...
- August 8, 2025
The Future of Social Work: Trends and Innovations
Written by Robyn L. Hudson, LCSW, PhD, Professor, MSW Program Director The field of social work is undergoing profound change, driven by complex societal needs, technological advancements, and a renewed focus on ethical, culturally responsive practice. As social workers respond to challenges like systemic inequality, mental health crises, and the growing needs of aging and ...
- August 4, 2025
Probation Officers: Supervising and Supporting Rehabilitation
By the end of 2022, an estimated 2.9 million adults in the U.S. were on probation. That’s a staggering number, but it’s down from 3.9 million in 2012. Unlike incarceration, probation allows offenders to serve their sentences under supervision while maintaining jobs and staying connected to family and community support. And it’s probation officers who ...
- July 30, 2025
How to Become a Digital Forensic Investigator
Digital Forensics’ Impact What do the Enron scandal and a notorious serial killer have in common? Both were exposed by a digital forensics investigation. Experts in this field track the digital evidence that criminals leave behind and help bring them to justice. If you’re curious about the cases we mentioned or have ever wondered how ...
- July 24, 2025
How to Become a Software Engineer
How to Become a Software Engineer: A Complete Guide Could you imagine a world without Google searches or binge-watching your favorite Netflix shows? Software engineers are the architects behind the biggest platforms and applications that keep the modern world spinning. As we become more reliant on technology to run everything from banks to healthcare systems, ...
- July 15, 2025
Marketing & SEO Jobs: Growth Trends and Insights
Key Findings From the Study Despite the explosion of digital marketing roles, many professionals are still struggling to match their skills with the right markets. A new study from National University reveals that the rise of SEO and AI has fundamentally changed marketing employment, but most professionals aren’t yet optimizing their careers for this reality. ...
- July 8, 2025
What Does a Criminologist Do?
What Does a Criminologist Do? Roles and Responsibilities When you hear “criminologist,” do you picture Sherlock Holmes piecing together clues at a crime scene? Or do you see someone in a lab, poring over DNA evidence and fingerprints? If so, you’re not alone, TV and movies have blurred the lines between police work, forensic investigation, ...
- June 24, 2025
49 Adult Literacy Statistics and Facts for 2025
Adult literacy remains a foundational pillar for personal advancement and economic opportunity in the United States. While millions of adults continue to face challenges with basic reading and comprehension, improving literacy skills is closely linked to better employment prospects, higher earnings, and stronger family and community outcomes. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) ...
- June 16, 2025
MPA vs. MPH: Which Degree Should You Choose?
MPA vs. MPH: Which Degree Should You Choose? Passionate about serving the public, but not sure which degree path to take? Both a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) are excellent ways to make a meaningful difference in your community or society at large. Starting your journey begins with ...
- June 6, 2025
What Do Special Education Teachers Do?
Academically reviewed by Dr. Susanne James, Department Chair, Special Education What Do Special Education Teachers Do? Across the United States, millions of children rely on special education services to thrive in school and beyond. For these students, special education teachers serve as educators, advocates, and champions for inclusion. These dedicated professionals provide the support necessary ...
- May 23, 2025
What Is a DHA Degree?
Understanding the Doctor of Healthcare Administration If you’re considering a doctoral program in healthcare, you may not have explored the Doctor of Health Administration, or DHA. As a terminal degree, the DHA is designed for healthcare professionals aiming for executive leadership roles, such as CEO or CFO of a hospital. Unlike research-based PhD programs, a ...
- May 17, 2025
Dissertation vs. Thesis: Key Differences Explained
Academically reviewed by Andy Riggle, AVP, Office of Graduate Studies While researching graduate degrees, you may have come across articles mentioning a thesis or a dissertation. They might sound like two sides of the same coin, but they’re not quite identical. A dissertation is an extensive piece of original research completed as part of a doctoral ...
- May 10, 2025
Dissertation Defense Guide: How to Present Your Research
Academically reviewed by Andy Riggle, AVP, Office of Graduate Studies Congratulations on reaching the final stage of your doctoral journey, the dissertation defense. In 2023, U.S. universities awarded a total of 57,862 doctoral degrees. Are you ready to become part of that elite number? This milestone is the culmination of your years of research, critical thinking, ...
- April 26, 2025
Careers in Health Informatics: Where Healthcare Meets Technology
Health informatics is a rapidly growing field that sits at the intersection of healthcare, information technology, and data management. As the healthcare industry increasingly integrates technology-powered solutions like electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and data-driven healthcare tools into everyday practice, the demand for skilled professionals in health informatics continues to boom. Health informatics experts play ...
- April 19, 2025
What Is a Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies?
Interdisciplinary studies at National University is an innovative academic pathway that merges insights from multiple disciplines to tackle complex, real-world challenges. With two distinct programs, the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with ITL Credential, students have the flexibility to tailor their education based on their career ...