Research That Can Improve The Performance Of Organizations, Communities And Schools (NAPSA)—A big part of the holi- day season includes giving back—giv- ing back to loved ones, communities and organizations. Thereare all sorts of different ways to give back, but oneless obviousstep to giving back may include higher education. The decision to go back to school and commit to additional years of higher education is not always an easy one. Advanced degreestake time, hard work and resources—butthere- wards can be worth the dedication, not just for the student butalso his or her community. ‘The decision to earn a master’s or doctoral degree requires a major commitment, notjust financially but also of time and effort. But the value comes in the long run, helping professionals enhancetheir careers and giving them the tools to make a lasting impact in their field." An advanced degree can separate leaders from followers in an industry, empowering and training students to be innovators in whatever they do. Master’s and doctoral programschallenge students to ask difficult questions and come up with creative solutions to the problems in the world, using their education as a tool to build stronger communities. Using research and education as tools for developing new solutions to challenges in society can enhance not only communities, but researchers’ ca- reers as well. “Advanced degree programs highlight research that positively impacts a community,’ says Dr. Hinrich Eylers, executive dean of the School of Ad- vanced Studies, University of Phoenix. “Students and educators alike put an emphasis on making a meaningful social contribution and influencing change through research.” Research Impacts Communities Advanced degrees train professionals to think about public service and how their research might apply to the community. For example, students pur- suing an advanced education degree will need to consider how to embrace diversity and promote success for students ofall backgrounds as they pursue careers as principals or administrators. Research has very real implications for helping to shape the educational environment in a community. Refining skills as researchers and building theoretical knowledge can help Getting an advanced degree can be goodfor you, your family and your whole community. students enhancetheir leadership skills both in their organizations and within their communities, shaping it in a positive, impactful way. When Communities Succeed, Companies Succeed Innovating for positive impacts on a community has positive implications for businesses as well. In recentyears, corporate social responsibility has become the “new normal” for companies, and a com- mitment to community is an important part of an organization's identity.’ In a 2014 Nielsen survey, 55 percent of consumers surveyed said they would pay more for products and services from companies that are socially and environmentally responsible.’ Organizations have a strong incentive to find ways to lead and drive changein theirfields. Helpful Resources Advanced degree programs provide students with the knowledge and prestige to help them rise in theirfields. University of Phoenix’s School of Advanced Studies, for example, has doctoral programs in three specializations: education, health care, and busi- ness and management. These programs push students to think critically about the issues in their industry and apply advanced know-howto address today’s compelling and practical, real-world challenges. For more information about these programs, including on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by students who completed the program and more, visit www.phoenix.edu/pro grams/gainful-employment. 1. https://www.eab.com/research-and-insights/ academic-affairs-forum/studies/2015/understanding-thechanging-landscape-for-professional-masters-programs 2. http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2014/ global-consumers-are-willing-to-put-their-money-wheretheir-heart-is.html 3. http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2014/ global-consumers-are-willing-to-put-their-money-wheretheir-heart-is.html
