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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Articles by NU Editorial Contributors
- June 26, 2026
How Is U.S. College Enrollment Recovering From the Pandemic?
U.S. college enrollment has climbed back to its pre-pandemic level, reaching 19.4 million students in fall 2025 after four consecutive years of growth. A new report by National University shows that the strongest gains are in community colleges, primarily associate degree‑granting baccalaureate (PAB) institutions, and career-focused programs, while many traditional four-year pathways are growing more ...
June 19, 2026The MFT Practicum: Navigating the Exciting Leap Into Real Clinical Work
An MHRM (Master of Human Resource Management) and an MBA serve different career tracks: the MHRM provides deep, technical expertise in organizational psychology, talent acquisition, labor law, and HR analytics for those committed to HR leadership, while the MBA provides broad business training across finance, marketing, operations, and strategy for those seeking executive flexibility across functions and industries.
June 9, 2026AI in Marketing Campaigns: The Rise of AI-Driven Campaigns
AI in marketing integrates machine learning, generative models, and predictive analytics into campaign planning, content creation, and execution, moving brands from static, broad advertising to dynamic, hyper-personalized customer journeys while automating repetitive data-driven tasks. Three core technologies drive this shift: generative AI for rapidly creating and testing variations of ad copy, images, and video; predictive analytics for analyzing historical purchase behavior to anticipate consumer needs and optimize media buying; and agentic, automated AI for orchestrating multi-step customer journeys including automated follow-ups and real-time ad-spend adjustments.
June 5, 2026How to Become a BCBA: Education, Certification, and Career Steps Explained
Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) requires a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, education, or psychology from an ABAI- or APBA-accredited program (or a verified course sequence if the master's is in a different field), The minimum hours of supervised fieldwork, and passing the national BCBA exam administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
May 23, 2026How To Become A Teacher In California
Becoming a public school teacher in California requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, completion of a CTC-approved Teacher Preparation Program, passing the CBEST for basic skills and the CSET for subject matter competency, a fingerprint-based background check through LiveScan, and applying for a Preliminary Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
May 22, 2026Are Working Adults the Key to Southern California’s Next Wave of Job Growth?
California’s job market has entered a new phase with record-high employment levels, but slower growth. A new report by the National University shows the widening gap between shrinking entry-level jobs and surging demand in healthcare and other human-centered fields. For working adults in Southern California, that mix creates both real risk and a huge opportunity ...
May 17, 2026Dissertation vs. Thesis: Key Differences Explained
In American academic usage, a thesis is a research project required for a master's degree, while a dissertation is an extensive original research project completed as part of a doctoral program, the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but their purposes differ significantly. A thesis demonstrates mastery of existing knowledge in a field, typically through a literature review and analysis of existing research. A dissertation goes further: it requires original contribution, new knowledge, theories, or methods, to the field of study.
May 15, 2026AI, Skill Gaps, and the Fear of Being Left Behind in the Workplace
Between 2004 and 2025, Google searches about skills, knowledge, leadership, AI, jobs, and education have moved from loosely related concerns into a more unified conversation about AI anxiety and career impact. A new report by National University tracks eight search topics—knowledge gap, skill gap, leadership gap, Gen AI, ChatGPT, can’t find a job, job market, ...
May 12, 2026Community Mental Health: Why It Matters in Public Health Today
Community mental health has gained more attention as communities across the country face rising rates of anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and stress-related conditions. According to a recent study in Health Affairs Scholar, 8.9% of U.S. adults experience a mental health crisis each year. Researchers noted that “many do not engage with formal crisis response ...
May 9, 2026What is Organizational Leadership?
Here’s something most people don’t realize about organizational leadership: you won’t find it on a business card. There’s no job posting titled “organizational leader.” But the skills that define it, strategic thinking, team development, communication, the ability to move a group of people toward a shared goal, show up in some of the most in-demand ...
May 7, 202611 Types of Business Degrees and Career Pathways
Business is the most conferred bachelor's degree field in the United States and among the most versatile, preparing graduates for roles across finance, marketing, management, human resources, supply chain, healthcare administration, and technology. Business degrees are available at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, each offering different time commitments, career opportunities, and salary potential.
April 30, 2026What Does a Forensic Psychologist Do? Roles and Responsibilities
A forensic psychologist is a licensed doctoral-level psychologist who applies psychological science to legal and criminal justice matters, assessing defendants, advising courts, and bridging the gap between mental health expertise and legal decision-making. Core responsibilities include evaluating defendants for competency to stand trial, risk of future violence, and mental state at the time of an offense; providing expert testimony; consulting with law enforcement; and conducting psychological evaluations in civil cases such as child custody, personal injury, and civil commitment proceedings.
April 30, 2026What is Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychology is a complex field that blends psychology with the legal system. It’s a profession that captures the public’s interest due to its unique blend of investigative drama and deep psychological insight into criminal behavior. The real-world practice of forensic psychology is challenging and rewarding, involving rigorous scientific methodology, a deep understanding of human ...
April 28, 2026Balancing Work and Grad School: How NU’s Online Format Helps
You can work full-time, show up for your family, and earn a graduate degree. It's not easy, but with the right format, it's absolutely achievable. National University's online programs are built specifically for adults who are doing it all, with asynchronous coursework, short course cycles, and support services designed around your life, not the other way around.
April 25, 2026What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Why It Matters
Social emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development through which young people and adults learn and practice skills that set them up for academic success, fulfilling careers, healthy relationships, and responsible civic engagement. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the leading nonprofit authority on SEL, founded in 1994, defines five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
- April 21, 2026
Will Military Service Help Me Get into College? And Other Common Questions for Veterans Considering College.
Yes, military service is a significant asset in college admissions. Veterans bring a distinct application profile that demonstrates discipline, leadership, maturity, and real-world problem-solving experience that traditional applicants cannot replicate, and admissions officers at veteran-friendly institutions actively value these qualities in their review process.
April 21, 2026Are Online Degrees Worth It?
Online degrees have come a long way in the last few years, especially with the surge of tech advancements in virtual communication since the global pandemic in 2020. Still, those looking to complete their degrees might still be unsure if the investment is worth the outcome. Adult learners in particular, who can benefit greatly from ...
April 19, 2026What Is a Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies?
An interdisciplinary studies degree lets you build a customized education by drawing from multiple fields, instead of locking into a single major. At National University, there are two paths: the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies for students pursuing careers in business, public policy, or the social sciences, and the BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education for those working toward a California teaching credential. Both are designed for students who don't fit, and don't want to fit, a one-size-fits-all mold.