Back to School for Moms: Online Degrees

Going back to school can be a daunting process, particularly for a Stay at Home Mom. What school will you attend? How will you pay for tuition? Will you need childcare while you go to class or do school work? Will it interfere with your time with your family? Is it even worth the effort?

Speaking from experience, it takes time and dedication, but it is definitely worth it, especially if you intend to return to work in the future. Not only will it give you a leg up when you re-enter the job market, but choosing a degree in a field you enjoy will also provide you with a structured way to delve deeper into something you love as well as give you a sense of accomplishment and an activity that has nothing to do with your daily routine as a Stay at Home Mom.

So, just how do you juggle being a full-time parent and furthering your education? Well, one way is to get a degree online. I earned my Master’s degree in Library and Information Science online through Drexel University in Philadelphia. It took roughly two years, during which we moved twice, got pregnant, had my son, and celebrated his first birthday. And through all of that, I was able to complete 15 online classes, graduate with a 4.0 and earn a degree that is required for those working in my field, giving me a definite advantage if I want to go back to work in the future. And the only time I had to leave the house was to make a quick trip to the local library.

On a typical day, I would use the time when my son was napping or playing quietly by himself to complete reading and daily assignments. When my husband came home, I would turn the baby over to him when I needed to write a paper. And occasionally, when my husband was out of town or I had a particularly heavy workload, a friend would babysit for a day so that I could get ahead on assignments. Of course there were classes I didn’t like but had to take, and classmates who didn’t do their share of group work, and professors who could have been more helpful. But, overall, the process wasn’t too painful, and I learned valuable skills, such as how to build a website, how to write html code, how to write a grant, and more.

But, where do you start, if you want to go back to school? Well, first you need to decide what your major will be. If you know what field you want to study, search job ads to find out what degrees employers want. You can also visit a site such as DistanceEducation.org to find out what types of degrees are available online, from Associate’s degrees to PhDs in just about every field you can imagine.

Once you’ve identified a major, search for reputable schools that offer a program in that field. The key to getting an online degree is to make sure you are getting it from an accredited school with a good reputation. Avoid schools that are only online and do not have physical campuses. If possible, look up professional associations for your field of study to find out what schools they recommend. U.S. News & World Report also provides yearly lists of the top schools in the country as well as great articles about online colleges and a search feature to locate schools in their Online Education Section.

Once you’ve found a school, you’ll need to apply and be accepted. Depending on your degree level, you may need to take an entrance exam such as the SAT, GRE, or others. ETS offers most of these tests at various locations across the country. Be sure to complete all of the application requirements carefully and accurately, having someone proofread any essays you write. Colleges receive so many applications that they will arbitrarily toss aside those applications that are incomplete or poorly written.

And then of course the issue of how to pay for it needs to be addressed. Depending on the cost of tuition, most people need some assistance. First, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will tell your school what your financial standing is and help them determine what type of aid you qualify for. Be sure to ask your school’s financial aid advisor if there are any scholarships available through the school in addition to any Federal grants or loans you may qualify for through the FAFSA. While taking out a loan may seem daunting, don’t discount this option. Most Federal student loans have fairly low interest rates and offer several repayment options once you’ve finished school. However, do make sure you will be able to afford the payments once you’ve graduated, even if you don’t get a job right away.

Sites such as Fastweb and Scholarships.com can also help you identify scholarships that may be available based on your field of study, your prior education, your interests, your economic status, your ethnic background, and many other factors.  Click here to find more information on Managing College Grants and Scholarships.

At the end of the day, choosing a major, finding a school, figuring out how to pay for it, and then earning your degree will take time, dedication, research, and patience. But an online degree can be a valid and effective option for busy parents. With good time management skills and supportive family and friends, you should be able to complete your degree without constantly needing to pay for extra babysitters and without having to attend classes away from home several nights a week. And in the end, the benefits of higher education, from higher salaries if you return to the workforce to personal betterment and accomplishment, far outweigh the frustrations.

For more articles about the life and adventures of parents at home, visit The Education of a Stay at Home Mom.