Most people are put off by the idea of starting an online degree because they are concerned about how they will be able to balance their time for study with other commitments. However, the reality is that online courses can actually be the best option for busy people who have a number of different responsibilities to juggle.
Work-life balance
One of the best things about online degree programs is that they can greatly improve your work-life balance compared to other types of degree programs. Taking a course or certificate program while also working is intimidating for everyone – it is a difficult, exhausting process that sucks up any energy you had left over at the end of the day.
That being said, online degree programs allow you much more flexibility than a more traditional, in-person course of study. Rather than needing to extend your work commute with a visit to the university after or before your shift, you can instead log on after work, during the weekends, or whenever you have a spare bit of downtime.
The freedom to choose what interests you
No matter what degree you are taking, it will be a sizeable commitment and involves a financial, mental, and sometimes even physical toll. However, when you are genuinely interested in the degree and excited by learning more about the subject, it is much easier to invest the time and energy into the program.
Online courses open you up to many more options than you would have available if you were only taking courses at an in-person institution. Instead, if you are taking an online course, you can shop around for courses that interest you from around the world.
Wilkes University is a great example of just such an institution. Its courses, such as the online DNP programs, are available to nurses who are passionate about the subject but who otherwise would not be able to study it. Wilkes University offers a range of different courses in the nursing profession and also offers students a wide variety of different types of support.
Support is always there
If you are finding it difficult to believe that an online course could actually be easier than an in-person program, or if you have started an online course and are struggling to manage the workload, you should reach out to a university administrator.
Administrators, such as the counsellors at Wilkes University, are there to help students adjust to virtual learning as painlessly as possible. No matter which university you go to, there will be available options for academic support and guidance along with mental health services and student clinics and hospitals.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or just like you could be doing better, you might as well reach out and ask for support. It will benefit the rest of your learning experience and help you settle in to enjoy the rest of your degree.
