Tight schedule? Before you cross education off your list, you might want to look into earning your degree online.
You might think that with your busy life, family obligations, and
work schedule, there will never be time to go back to school. But going
back to school doesn't necessarily have to mean physically going
to school. You can pursue your education from the comfort of your own
home, on your own schedule, and still earn a valuable degree.
"Online education is beginning to become as flexible as adult
learners really need," says Rod Hewlett, vice president of Bellevue
University's Institute for Advanced Professional Programs.
Plus, there are some distinct advantages to online education.
"Online learning is about gaining a valuable personal and
professional boost," says Angela Ambrosini, adjunct design professor.
"It allows you the opportunity to prosper, adapt in a fast and changing
environment, [build] self-confidence, and mostly gives you the edge to
stay ahead of the learning curve."
But, keep in mind that an online program might not be for everyone.
If you're wondering if it may be right for you, Jay Titus, director of
Academic Services for EdAssist (the largest provider of tuition
assistance program management services), has some advice: "If I'm
speaking with someone who has a full schedule, but can independently
manage their time and is even moderately comfortable with technology, I
will encourage them to explore an online program."
If that sounds like you, read on to learn about six degrees you could
earn online, and why they might be just the thing you need to fit
education into your life.
Degree #1 - Business Administration
Want to get a foot up in the business world? Earning your bachelor's
degree in business administration online might be the solution you need
to fit your degree in around your current schedule.
Some of the courses you might take include operations management,
accounting, business ethics and law, business policy and strategy, and
human resources management, according to the College Board, a
not-for-profit membership organization committed to excellence and
equity in education.
Why It's a Good Fit for Online: "Business
administration is one of the most common degrees we see adult learners
pursuing at EdAssist - both at the undergraduate and graduate level,"
says Titus. He adds that an online program can actually be more
advantageous in some respects - like connecting students with people all
over the world, for one example.
"By sitting in a virtual online classroom, you remove any
geographical barriers and allow individuals access to more people than
they may have access to in the traditional classroom," he explains.
Potential Career Path*:
Degree #2 - Paralegal Studies
Pining for a job in the legal world, but think you don't have the
time to earn the degree you need to get your foot in the door? Consider
earning your associate's degree in paralegal studies online and you can
prep for a legal future on your own time.
Some of the courses typical of this major include civil procedure,
law office administration and management, legal research and writing,
and litigation, according to the College Board.
Why It's a Good Fit for Online: "Online learning
gives students in paralegal studies the best of both worlds," says Clif
Mason, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of
English and humanities at Bellevue University.
"Much of the core curriculum of paralegal studies is based on
research and writing - two things that almost all of us do on computers
today anyways," says Titus. "Online education makes a lot of sense [for
this degree] because a majority of the work has to be done independently
and requires the student to spend time outside of the classroom
anyway," he says.
Potential Career Path*:
Degree #3 - Computer Science
Have you always been good with computers, or are interested in
solving technical problems? Don't let your packed schedule keep you from
earning your degree in computer science. With online education, you can
prepare to pursue a new career around your busy life.
Just think about all the things you might learn in classes like
artificial intelligence, digital system design, software engineering,
and the theory of formal languages - all courses the College Board says
are typical of this major.
Why It's a Good Fit for Online: Perhaps the biggest
perk for this degree is that studying computer science online gives
working adults a chance to put their education to work right away.
"Degrees with specializations in the IT field allow individuals to
gain competitive skills and management knowledge. The IT world presents
constant challenges, and online students have the ability to maintain
employment and utilize the workplace to comprehend and test the
knowledge gained in their degree program," says Sher Downing, executive
director of online academic services at the W. P. Carey School of
Business at Arizona State University.
Potential Career Paths*:
Degree #4 - Information Technology
Another way to prepare to pursue a technical position - even if you
don't have time to commit to a traditional brick-and-mortar school -
could be to earn your information technology degree online.
You could study a wide range of fascinating topics like C++
programming, computer networking, database management systems, and web
technologies, according to the College Board.
Why It's a Good Fit for Online: "Information
technology students appreciate the use of technology for learning. The
online classroom lets students learn about technology by using
technology," says Mary Dobransky, dean of the College of Science and
Technology at Bellevue University.
And much like the computer science degree, this degree doesn't depend
on in-person collaboration, Titus says. "What's more important is that
the student gains the technical skills," he adds. "Because curriculums
don't change much - if at all - from on-campus to online, this degree
works well for online education."
Potential Career Paths*:
Degree #5 - Accounting
You know that accounting is about much more than spreadsheets and
bean-counting. But if you fear you'll never be able to pursue this
important career because you don't have time to earn the necessary
degree, think again. Earn your accounting degree online and you could
have the flexibility to take courses at your own pace.
Those courses could include things like accounting, accounting
information systems, business law, auditing, cost accounting, and tax
accounting, according to the College Board.
Why It's a Good Fit for Online: Not only could you
benefit from the flexibility of being able to schedule your classes on
your own time, but the quantitative nature of the curriculum could be
well suited to an online format, says Pamela Imperato, dean of the
College of Business at Bellevue University
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
Downing adds that "[t]he field of accountancy requires students to
have a broad foundation of courses that prepares them for careers in the
public and private sectors," says Downing. "The flexibility of an
online degree allows students to attend school for accounting while
being employed in positions that allow for real-world application of
their academic knowledge."
Potential Career Paths*:
Degree #6 - Graphic Design
Wish you could build a career on your artistic talent, but feel like
there's no way you'd ever be able to fit a new degree into your
fast-paced life? With online education, that graphic design degree might
not be as out-of-reach as you fear.
Just think about learning graphic design techniques, Photoshop for
designers, production design, and typography - all of which the College
Board says are typical classes you might take for this major.
Why It's a Good Fit for Online: "Graphic design
courses are very much suited for online study because they allow the
flexibility and independence to study and do comprehensive projects on
your own time," says Ambrosini.
"Design degrees require a lot of ingenuity and creativity - online
learning allows this very environment for students," she says.
Potential Career Paths*: