If you’re thinking about pursuing a master’s, doctorate, or advanced credential, chances are you’ve wondered how you’ll be able to manage adding one more thing to your already demanding schedule. Earning a graduate degree can play a critical role in your professional development and personal growth—but we know it isn’t an easy decision, especially as remote learning becomes the new standard.
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered just about every aspect of our lives, and the educational landscape is rapidly changing to adapt to the changing needs of students. With more and more schools offering flexible, hybrid, and remote degree programs, the benefits of a graduate degree are more attainable than ever before. However, even as more things turn digital, it’s important to remember that online learning isn’t the best fit for everyone.
Online graduate programs offer a more flexible way to achieve your degree while giving you the boost you need to move forward in your career, especially if you are a working professional. However, graduate programs also require juggling school with your existing personal and professional responsibilities—which might currently be confined to the same physical space.
As you consider pursuing an online graduate degree this year, carve out some time to think about all the ways graduate school will impact your life.
Here are seven important questions to ask yourself before beginning an online master’s, PhD, or credential program:
1. What are my personal and professional goals?
It’s important to know exactly why you want to pursue a graduate degree and what you hope to achieve. A graduate program allows you to pursue your passion, develop important job-related skills, and build lasting relationships that can turn into a lifelong network. Whether your goals are personal or professional, or both, knowing them will be critical for your success.
Consider this: Is there a field of study that you have a passion for? Are there particular skills that you would like to gain? Do you want to make a meaningful impact on your community and the world? Would you like to get involved in a program that could open up doors in your career?
Once you establish your goals, write them down so you can revisit them when you need to be reminded what you are working toward. Share your goals with people in your life: your family, friends, and employer, so they know where you want to go and can help you get there.
2. Will a graduate degree help boost my career?
Graduate degrees can provide new employment and financial pathways that help graduates achieve their goals and improve their lives. Some estimates show that 27 percent of employers already require master’s degrees for roles in which historically undergraduate degrees sufficed. While this varies greatly by field, this number will likely increase in the coming years due to a growing pool of qualified candidates.
Earning an advanced degree could give you a competitive edge by setting you apart from others in your field. However, it is also important to think about how earning a degree will impact your overall growth—both professionally and personally.
Consider this: Will the knowledge and skills you gain be relevant to the type of job you’re hoping to pursue? Will this degree open up new financial opportunities for you and your family? Will you have the potential to take on more responsibility or a higher role at your current company?
It is essential to consider how earning this degree will impact your professional life, but don’t forget to also think about the ways that attending a graduate program and augmenting your career could impact your personal life as well.
3. How will I finance my degree?
While a master’s or doctoral degree has the potential to create better financial opportunities, the rewards may not be immediate and additional schooling requires a long-term financial investment. Deciding if now is the right time to invest in a graduate degree may require serious conversations with yourself and loved ones.
Consider this: Do you have extra money to put toward grad school or would you be able to divert money from somewhere else for funding your education? Should you consider saving for another year or two before committing? Is this a smart decision for your family given your current financial situation?
Be sure to consider the full picture of your finances and that of your household, as well as what kind of improved financial opportunities you’re expecting from a degree and whether increased income is a realistic expectation. Lastly, be sure to research and weigh all your financial support options such as loans, grants, and payment plans.
4. Do I have a support system that I can lean on throughout my graduate program?
Graduate school is an all-hands-on-deck decision. There will be difficult days, but having a team of advocates on your side can get you through even the busiest of times. If you have a family to support, you will also need to be sure that everyone in your household is on board with you returning to school.
Consider this: Are other members of your family able to help out with household work and family management? Can children take on a larger role in helping to maintain household chores? Will your family be understanding of your schedule and segmented attention?
Let your family and friends know what they can expect from you during this time — and most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for extra help when you need it. Ensuring that your home team is all on the same page from the beginning will allow for a smooth transition into this new and exciting professional venture.
5. Does this program offer me the flexibility, opportunities, and support I'm seeking?
Make sure you research whether the online PhD, master's, or certificate program you’re considering provides the flexibility and support you need to be successful. Maintaining your performance at work and in the classroom will be much easier if your program is designed to accommodate busy professionals. Take time to look into the specific resources and unique opportunities your school might offer to online students.
Consider this: Does the program offer a flexible learning format? Are there online tutoring opportunities? Does the library provide certain materials and access needed for remote students? Are there designated office hours with your instructor or are they willing to work around your schedule?
While this might seem like a small thing to consider, having a program and school that fully support your current obligations and future goals can make all the difference.
Remember: This will be temporary—so make the most of it!
6. Will I be able to establish the boundaries to help me focus on coursework?
With most of us currently living, working, and learning in our homes, spaces can quickly start to feel cramped. One of the biggest obstacles you’ll need to overcome when pursuing an online graduate degree is the potential for distraction. Having a dedicated time and space that allows you to focus on your coursework will help relieve some of the stress associated with living in such close quarters.
Consider this: Do you have a place where you will be able to study and focus on coursework? Have you thought about how you’ll handle personal distractions? Will your family understand your need to have distraction-free study time?
Creating a designated learning space, whether it is in an additional room in your home or a nook in the corner of your kitchen can make a world of difference in segmenting your attention and focusing on your school responsibilities.
7. Can I manage a graduate program on top of my existing responsibilities?
Adding school to an already full plate will require top-notch time management skills. If that’s something you’re already good at, you’re a step ahead! But if time management isn’t your strongest asset, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to give up your dreams of pursuing a degree.
Learning how to manage your time will be essential to maintaining a healthy balance throughout your educational journey. Work time, family time, and time for coursework should be mapped out in advance so you don’t wind up missing an assignment or cramming at the last minute. Maybe that means trying out a new scheduling system or asking someone to hold you accountable. Additionally, don’t overcommit yourself to anything that will drain you — prioritize only the things that are most important right now.
Consider this: To help you jumpstart this process try making a daily to-do list with your school and home tasks, maintain a calendar or agenda that allows you to write down both short and long-term obligations, or block off consistent times during your day for certain tasks. Check out this article for other well-known techniques.
Whatever you decide, be sure to give yourself breaks to reconnect. Taking breaks will help your mind and body prepare for an upcoming project or an extremely hectic week. Spend time reconnecting with family and friends and permit yourself to take it easy from time to time. A little rest will go a long way in helping you get the most out of your graduate school journey.
Learn More About the Online PhD, Master's, and Certificate Programs at SOLES
We understand that choosing to go to graduate school online is a big decision that requires a lot of careful thought. If you’re still asking yourself— “should I go to grad school online?”—we invite you to check out the four online graduate programs that we offer at the School of Leadership and Education Sciences. If you have specific questions, our admissions team would be happy to connect with you, so reach out today to get started. Lastly, we encourage you to take time to set your personal and professional goals by downloading this sheet. We wish you the best of luck!
Still unsure if an online degree is right for you? Check out our comprehensive resource, “Should I Go to Grad School Online?” If, When, and How to Get a Graduate Degree from Home.”
