Moms Going Back To College- The On-line Route

Going back to college is even easier now with the option of on-line schools. You can now go back and get your undergraduate or graduate degree right from the comfort of your own home. Sounds great, right? Well, there are advantages to going to school on-line but lets discuss both the positives and negatives.

Advantages:
1. On line schools give you the option to work from home or wherever you have a computer.

2. You can do the work around your schedule which allows for greater flexibility.

3. You can go either part-time or full time. You can start with just one class.

4. They have a lot of options for the on-line student. Almost every degree can be found.

5. You can get an advanced degree while going to school part-time which is hard to find for some majors. I have been trying to find a Doctorate program for Counseling Psychology local to my house that isn't full time. The only places I found that allowed part-time was on-line colleges. As a mom with a full time job, going to school full time is not an option but with on-line schools, I can take one or two classes at a time.

6. You can still apply and receive financial aid.

7. Your typical traditional colleges are now offering on-line classes and degrees. So, you can go to a well respected college and get your degree without leaving your house.

7. On-line colleges offer certificate and adult education programs as well.

Disadvantages:
1.Be careful not all colleges are accredited. Make sure to check that your college is accredited or the credits will not be transferable to other schools.

2. Discipline - Do you have the discipline to set aside time to do your work?

3. Daycare - If you have young kids, you might find yourself having trouble focusing. You will need quiet time to do your studying, homework and papers. You might find that you need daycare just to get the private, quiet time you need.

4. Workload - after interviewing several moms who are going to college on-line, I have realized that the workload is double to the traditional college class. Due to the fact, you are having no in-class time, they tend to give you more work.

5. Social scene - a lot of moms regretted taking classes on-line. Some moms said they looked forward to the social aspects of a college campus. This is missing from the on-line experience.

6. Extracurricular activities - If you are looking to join the Psychology club, the college newspaper or to see a guest speaker - this will not be the right experience for you.

7. Advisor - you will get an academic advisor to help you with your classes, degree options and any questions you have but it's not the same as having face to face help. Some moms felt they didn't get the support they needed.

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