Image
Thinking About Going Back to School? Here’s What You Should Know
Have you been considering going back to school, but are hesitant how you would do it now that you have a family and a full-time job? You’re not alone. Most adult learners are worried how they will “do it all” and how school may have changed since they were there. We’re here to help you through some common questions and concerns to see if this next chapter is right for you.
Can You Work Full Time While Going to College?
Absolutely.
It’s just something you will have to communicate with your advisor to ensure that your class times aren’t during your working hours. Many graduate programs have classes in the evening to accommodate working adults.
Undergraduate programs may take a little more coordination and research to make sure that the class you need will be available when you’re available. You may also need to be more open to taking online classes to fit into your schedule.
How Hard Is Online College, Really?
If you have been working for some time now, you might find that college is easier the second time around. Most of the battles you’ll face will be in figuring out how to use your time responsibly.
Online courses can seem intimidating if you’ve never taken one. You might have a lot of questions. Some familiar questions include: Will it be hard to pick up the material? Are there lectures? Can I talk to my professor? Will I be able to learn in a different setting than I’m used to?
Online courses are usually set up in one of two ways: synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous courses meet at a designated day and time, usually with a live discussion or lecture via video conferencing. Asynchronous courses do not have designated meeting times but may include weekly pre-recorded lectures and discussion through an online message board. Either way, professors are available for virtual office hours or by email for questions.
Synchronous Courses
- Similar to in-person classes
- Meet at a designated day and time
Asynchronous Courses
- Different from in-person classes
- Requires reliance on your own reading skills and note taking
Both Synchronous and Asynchronous Courses
- Require basic computer skills
- Have opportunities to meet with your professors and ask questions
- Relationship building with professors and students takes effort
How Many Hours a Week Does Online College Take? How long will it take me to finish my degree?
This is all entirely dependent on you. It depends how many credit hours you take and how fast you work.
A good rule of thumb to stick to is to expect to spend the number of credit hours of outside work for the class. If your class is three credit hours, expect to spend an additional three hours outside of class times to complete the work per week. Remember that this is just a rule of thumb. Some classes may require more time, and some may require less.
So, your bachelor’s degree will take approximately 120 credit hours. Let’s say that you completed one year of college already, which would be about 30 credit hours. You determine with your full-time job and two children, that you can only devote 12 hours a week to school. With that timeline, you would take six credit hours every semester (fall, spring, summer) and complete your degree in five years.
That may seem like a long time—but those five years will go by regardless of whether you complete a degree or not.
What About Time With Family?
Some people worry about missing time with their kids. Parents take different approaches to balancing school and family life, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
If you have teenagers who like to sleep in, you could devote 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday to schoolwork. If you have younger kids who go to bed early, you might do schoolwork from 7–9 p.m., six days a week.
It’s all about finding a time that becomes non-negotiable with your family and building a routine around it.
Should You Finish a Degree or Start Over?
It depends.
Will the degree you started be helpful to you? Do you simply need a degree to grow in your field? If so, finishing the degree you started would be most helpful.
If you feel that you need to pivot to a different major to grow in your career, then transferring or switching programs is often a better option than starting over. There are general education requirements that will transfer into your new program, which can save you time.
Depending on how long ago you completed those credits, they may not transfer exactly as expected. Standards and course content can change over time. For example, an introductory biology course today may differ from one taken 20 years ago due to new research and practices. Your admissions counselor and academic advisor can help you understand how your credits will transfer.
Final Thoughts
Returning to school isn’t about having the perfect schedule or unlimited free time. It’s about creating a plan that works for your life right now.
If you’ve been hesitant, that’s completely normal. But with the flexibility of online learning and a realistic approach to your time, earning your degree may be more within reach than you think.
At UIS, flexible programs that feature online courses are available in many different disciplines. To learn more about the programs offered at UIS, visit our program search.