When you are changing diapers, preparing snacks, or getting up in the night with a weepy child there is one thought that almost certainly does not cross your mind: Man—I wish I had a research paper due tomorrow.
Getting your degree while taking care of little humans is not easy. It is possible. When you are considering secondary education as a working parent it is important to give yourself every possible advantage for success. In this article, we take a look at why an online degree might be the perfect fit.
Are online degrees legitimate?
The stigma surrounding online education has receded considerably in the wake of the pandemic. When Covid-19 closed virtually every university in the country students had no choice but to become online learners.
These degrees are absolutely legitimate, even for things like advanced nursing degrees. You should, of course, do your due diligence in researching options before you sign any documents or write any checks. Make sure that the university you are considering is fully accredited and also well-regarded—particularly where it concerns your subject area.
Why are online degrees ideal for single parents?
Online degrees provide a little bit more flexibility than traditional curriculums. The extent to which this is the case will depend on the program. Sometimes online degrees are almost identical to those you earn from brick-and-mortar establishments. You meet at regular times through Zoom or an equivalent technology and then communicate with your classmates through a suite of remote collaboration tools.
Sometimes this means contributing to group discussions on lectures or texts. Other times it may mean doing group projects or other more complex forms of collaboration modified ever so slightly to accommodate the virtual environment.
If that sounds a little too rigid, you may be able to find programs more tailored toward letting you work at your own pace. Some may feature primarily pre-recorded materials. In these classes, you will be able to work when it is convenient for you. As long as you are meeting your deadlines, there won’t be any problems.
The other big benefit, of course, is that online courses let you skip the commute. That’s serious business. The average American totals an hour each day on their commute. Even without kids, you probably don’t feel like you have an extra five hours to spend in your car each week.
Do Traditional Universities Offer Online-Only Degrees?
It depends on the university. Many will. Most will have at least some classes available online. If you want to explore a hybrid school environment in which some work is done in person you should have no shortage of options available to you.
Completing a full four-year degree may require collaboration with school guidance counselors. You naturally want to be completely certain that you won’t have any conflicts that keep you from finishing your degree on time.
The Sky is The Limit
Keep in mind that there are shortage of opportunities available when you open yourself up to online learning. We mentioned earlier that virtually every university now has online degrees. This means that you are now no longer locked in by your location.
Single parents have deeper community ties than people without kids. You may not feel like you are in a position to leave your support system and uproot your kids for four years while you pursue a degree. Before the advent of online learning, this might have meant that you were forced to settle for options within driving distance of your house. Not necessarily the best way to choose something as important as your college education.
With e-learning, you can work on finding the program that best suits your needs.
You May Get a Break On Price
This isn’t always the case—particularly not when you choose an online program through a brick-and-mortar school. These universities already have a pricing structure built around credit hours and will charge the same amount regardless of if you are taking those credits online, or in person.
Those schools can still have their advantages. They will most likely have access to a greater range of databases and other learning resources you can take advantage of. However, because you likely won’t benefit from the physical campus, ultimately you will pay for things you’ll never be able to use.
Online-only programs tend to be more affordable. If you are hoping to get a break on the price of your education, this may be a good way to do it. And of course, all online degrees spare you the often five-figure expense of student housing.
How to Choose an Online College Curriculum
It’s easier to remember that all schools are different when you are choosing not just an education but also a place to live for the next four years. Regardless, online schools are just as distinct as physical campuses. Below, we take a look at a few considerations to keep in mind as you weigh your options.
- Faculty Qualifications and Interaction: Investigate the qualifications and experience of the faculty members who will be teaching your courses. Look for educators who have relevant expertise in their field and experience with online teaching methods. Online platforms like RateMyProfessor are a very straightforward way to do this. You can think of it like Yelp for teachers. Former students go in and write about their experiences with the class/curriculum. You can also read up on the various teachers’ publication history. College professors often pride themselves on their reputation in the academic community. Teachers with publications and peer recognition are ideal.
- Reputation and Alumni Success: Research the reputation of the online college and its alumni success stories to gauge the value of the education provided. Look for indicators such as rankings, reviews, and alumni testimonials to assess the institution’s track record for career placement. Do they provide post-graduate services that help people make connections and find jobs? Do they have networking opportunities and community support? Traditional universities supply these opportunities. Often, they can make a big difference in employment options.
- Program Offerings and Flexibility: Evaluate whether the online college offers the programs you’re interested in and whether they provide the flexibility you need to balance your studies with other commitments. Most traditional universities will have many different class options even within one program. The more routes you can take, the more empowered you will be to choose an education you are happy with.
Take your time, review your options, and choose the program that makes the most sense to you. Getting a degree as a single parent won’t be easy, but the flexibility of remote learning makes it possible.
Photo Credit
Image by Leo Fontes from Pixabay
Guest Author Bio
Sarah Daren
With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.
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