If you are considering going back to school, you are probably wondering if you will be able to balance college courses with your work, family and other responsibilities.
We understand that—these are concerns we hear quite often. However, the truth is that you do not have to put your life or career on hold to finish your degree.
In fact, while it may be challenging, going back to school as an adult is a commendable and worthwhile endeavor. It is not easy to do, especially as you get older, but investing in your future is always a good idea.
If you are nervous about finishing your degree while working full-time, do not be. We will show you how to get it done—and what you need to take into consideration to be successful.
First of all, yes, it is!
Finishing your degree might seem like a daunting task—and it can be—but it is definitely doable and is something that working adults do all the time. If others can do it, so can you.
Whether you are exploring this option because you want to change jobs, earn a promotion or get a pay raise, finishing your degree is a great way to advance your career.
Perhaps the biggest obstacle you may be worried about is your schedule and how you can fit school into your already busy life. However, bachelor’s degree programs for working adults are specifically built to cater to working professionals like you. Most programs offer a choice of in-person, online or hybrid (part in-person, part online) courses so that you can find the approach that suits you best.
Adult degree completion programs typically offer classes in the evening, occasional weekends and even asynchronously online so that you will not have to take any time off your 9-5 schedule to finish your degree. Whatever your schedule needs are, you will be able to find one that meets it. Some programs even offer week-to-week scheduling so if your hours change, you choose online classes one week and in-person the next.
That is the kind of flexibility you should be looking for when exploring your program options. Whatever keeps you busy, whether it is your family, your job or anything else in your life, you should not have to sacrifice your responsibilities to finish your degree.
The best programs will also have support teams to help you successfully complete your degree. Your best support system starts at home, so talk with your friends and family. Let them know about your plans and ask for their support. You should also let your employer know about your degree completion goals—they may be able to offer a modified or flexible schedule to help you balance your professional responsibilities.
What if you not only want to finish your degree, but you want to do it quickly?
Accelerated degree programs are a great choice if you are ready to devote more of your time and energy to finishing your degree quickly. Of course, accelerated programs require a much heavier commitment on your part, but this may be the best route for you if earning a degree quickly is your top priority.
In accelerated degree programs, instead of a typical 16-week program, you may participate in a six to ten-week program with a much more condensed workload. Rather than taking one course at a time while working during the day, accelerated programs often involve taking two to three courses simultaneously to speed up the process.
If your life situation allows you to commit to an accelerated program, then it could be the right fit for you.
It is worth noting that accelerated programs typically have higher requirements for acceptance like a minimum amount of credit hours, an associate degree or applicable work experience. Be sure to research admissions requirements as you look at programs.
As you consider if you can complete your degree while working full-time, you may also have questions about some of the obstacles you will face as you pursue a college degree as an adult.
Finding a program that aligns with your interests is one thing, but perhaps the biggest challenge is finding one that you will finish. Here are a few “gut-check” questions you should ask yourself:
For more tips, guidelines, and best practices for finishing your degree, check out our free resource: Take the Next Step: A Re-Entry Guide to Finishing Your Degree.
If you are looking for an adult-completion program, you need to find something nearby and easy to commit to.
One challenge you may face is that while the schools in your area may be convenient, they may not necessarily be a high-quality program or the right fit for you.
You can search terms like “adult degree completion programs near me” to start your research, but it is still important to do your due diligence to ensure these programs have a good reputation, check all the boxes for you and have the support system you will need to get it done.
If you live in the Great Chattanooga/Tennessee Valley area, consider Southern Adventist University's Degree Completion program.
Here at Southern, we offer affordable and flexible online programs for working adults who want to finish their degrees without putting their lives on hold.
With fully online classes, you will have the flexibility and convenience to finish your degree on the timeline that works best for you. Students can also attend optional weekly online meetings to connect with other students and their professors. We have programs for Business, Communications, and Integrative Studies, so you can find the degree that fits your goals.
Do not put your future on hold. To learn more about finishing your degree with Southern, schedule some time with the Director of the Adult Degree Completion Program below!