Online degree programs for busy women
By Marcelina Hardy
Think you're too busy to reach your goal of earning a college degree?
It's time to put a stop to that line of thinking!
Busy women across the nation are taking hold of their career destiny with online degree programs.
Take single mom Cindy Laurence. For this full-time worker, the traditional full-time college route wouldn't work. Luckily for her, she came across Independence University's online business programs.
"I researched many options and was impressed that Independence University allowed me to complete all of the coursework online," said Laurence, who completed both her associate's and bachelor's degree in business from Independence University. "It would not have been possible for me to complete my degrees in a traditional setting."
With online degree programs available in almost every field of study, you too could potentially reach your goal of earning a degree.
To get you going in the right direction, we've highlighted a few degree programs that are often offered online.
Option #1 - Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies
Are you fascinated by law, but don't have time to sit through four years of undergraduate work, plus three years of law school? There may be another shorter, more convenient option that works better with your busy schedule: the associate's degree in paralegal studies.
The length of the program depends on how many classes you take at a time. On average, many paralegal programs can be completed in about two years. As one example, National Paralegal College's associate's degree in paralegal studies could be completed in 15 months if you take three courses at a time.
Potential career path: By taking the time now to start an associate's degree in paralegal studies program, you could potentially be well-prepared to pursue a career as a paralegal or legal assistant. Paralegals often work side by side with attorneys, assisting in research, interviewing, and investigating. The average annual salary for paralegals and legal assistants is $50,080, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
[Click to find Paralegal Studies degree programs]
Option #2 - Bachelor's Degree in Education
Are you interested in empowering today's students? Whether you are a busy stay-at-home mom or a working professional slaving away at a 9-to-5, earning a degree in education online can help you pursue your goals.
By earning a bachelor's degree in education online, you don't have to sacrifice your current personal and work responsibilities. That's because online education often allows you to do coursework any time of day from anywhere you can connect to the internet.
Potential career path: This degree is a good place to start if you want to pursue a teaching career. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, public school teachers generally need a bachelor's degree from a teacher education program and a license to teach. The average annual wage for elementary school teachers was $53,550 in May 2009, according to the Department of Labor.
[Find online Education degree programs now]
Option #3 - Bachelor's Degree in Business
Interested in what's going on in today's economy? Want to learn about how companies target their customers? Consider earning your business degree online.
Just because you are busy with work, family, and community responsibilities doesn't mean you have to miss out on a business degree. Professionals can easily enroll in online business degree programs, which offer the flexibility to take all courses on the internet.
Potential career path: A business degree can be a valuable asset in today's competitive marketplace. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Quarterly report, business degree grads have many potential career options, some of which include: financial analyst, business consultant, and management trainee. Insurance underwriters, another option for business administration degree grads, have an average annual income of $63,330, according to the Department of Labor.
[Find an online bachelor's degree program now]
Other programs that many schools offer online:
Are you considering an online program? Enrolled in one right now? Share your thoughts and opinions with Yahoo! Shine below.
