The majority of older learners in online colleges have part-time or full-time work. Many also take care of young children and elderly parents. Indeed, it isn’t easy to take care of your family, earn a living, and pursue a college degree at the same time.
Fortunately, flexible scheduling enables them to maintain a good work-life balance. Flexible schedules also allow them to enjoy customized learning experiences. Working adults can choose online courses based on their unique schedules.
But even with flexible schedules, effective time management habits are still a must. You can, after all, set schedules but it’s another matter to follow them. Earning a college degree while being a working adult demands discipline and determination.
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Why do working adults pursue a college education in the first place? Every older learner has their own set of reasons, but the most common are:
- Gain an academic credential for career advancement
- Switch careers for better job satisfaction, more exciting challenges, and higher pay
- Gain the skills to keep up with technological advancements and other industry changes
- Find personal fulfillment in completing a college degree
- Meet economic needs through a second job or stay competitive
- Prepare for retirement as a form of lifelong learning
Indeed, online colleges make it possible for working adults to achieve their college dreams. These institutions offer flexible scheduling, accessible learning platforms, and affordable tuition. Suffice it to say that online colleges are reshaping higher education.
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- Support Resources: Top Colleges for Non-Traditional Students
What Are Flexible Course Schedules?
Flexible course schedules accommodate the diverse lifestyles, learning styles, and schedules of students. Online colleges offer more flexibility in schedules, thanks to technology.
Many aspects define flexible scheduling in online colleges:
Self-paced learning
Working adults usually have busy work commitments. Their personal commitments can also get in the way of their study time. This can result in stress and burnout that discourages productive studying.
Self-paced learning enables working adults to complete coursework at their own pace. Weekly deadlines are common in online courses. But, students can work on their readings and assignments on their own time. Students can schedule study time whenever, wherever, too, thanks to digital technology.
Southern New Hampshire University has a self-paced learning model. Check out Western Governors University’s competency-based model, too.
Asynchronous classes
There are no set log in times in asynchronous classes. Students may access the learning management system (LMS) 24/7. Course materials, assignments and projects, and lectures are available 24/7 via the LMS. Chats, discussion forums, and threads are also accessible 24/7.
All these mean maximum flexibility and convenience for working students. You can listen to lectures and finish assignments during work breaks. Even commuting to and from work can be study time through your Internet-connected laptop.
Synchronous classes
These are live classes with scheduled log-in times. But these are also flexible in the sense that several time slots are available. Students choose from these time slots depending on their schedules.
Modular courses
These are intensive courses with a short time to completion, usually a few weeks. Many online programs adopt 8-week courses. Students can focus on one course at a time, which allows for more flexible scheduling. This is true at Liberty University.
Rolling admissions and multiple start dates are also part of flexible scheduling in online colleges. Students may submit their applications throughout the year. Then, when accepted, you can choose when to start, such as during the fall or spring term. Arizona State University adopts these features.
Benefits of Flexible Schedules for Working Adults
There are many online education benefits including affordability and accessibility. But it’s the flexible learning options that working adults benefit from the most. Here are the reasons why.
Improved work-life balance
Balancing work and study is a tricky aspect for working adults pursuing a college education. The push and pull between personal and professional commitments can result in missed classes and deadlines.
With flexible schedules, it’s far easier to balance work, study, and family life. Students can adjust their study schedules if unexpected work commitments come up.
There’s less stress, too, from running to and from classes and commuting to campus. Students can spend more time on their studies. All these result in improved academic performance and increased chances for degree completion.
Increased job productivity and satisfaction
With the absence of rigid class schedules, working adults can also focus on their jobs. There’s less push and pull between work and study, thanks to flexible schedules. Working adults can be more effective, efficient, and productive at their jobs with the knowledge that they still have time for their studies.
Improved health and well-being
Excellent physical and mental health are vital for success as a working adult in college. Flexible schedules reduce the risk of burnout, resulting in better health.
Many working adults can attest to these benefits, too. Take the examples of these two online students at the University of Florida. Nicole Martini says the UF flexible learning program enabled her to accomplish grad school prerequisites a her own pace while keeping up with a busy work schedule. Terry Kinder, meanwhile, asserts, “The flexible schedule with the ability to complete coursework on my own time was wonderful.”
Top 10 Online Colleges Offering Flexible Schedules
These are the best online colleges that offer college education for adults. Their wide range of online degree programs ensures that there’s a degree program for every preference. These universities are also regionally accredited, meaning academic quality and federal financial aid are guaranteed.
University of Florida
UF offers Flexible Learning courses that suit working adults. These are online courses with a self-paced, open-enrollment, for-credit format. Students work at their own pace since there’s no set weekly deadline. But courses must be completed within 16 weeks.
Arizona State University
ASU offers online courses with a self-paced format but with set deadlines. Students enjoy flexibility through condensed coursework, interactive virtual simulations, and at-home lab kits, too.
Liberty University
LU offers fully online degree programs that allow working adults maximum flexibility. Online courses are usually offered in eight-week terms with no set log-in times. Asynchronous learning is more common, too. Students use Canvas as their LMS and have access to their courses 24/7.
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU also adopts the asynchronous learning format for maximum flexibility for working adults. Online courses are offered as week-long modules. Students can complete their modules at their own pace but must meet the weekly deadline.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
UIUC promises attainable lifelong education through its online learning programs. Working adults can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees at their own pace. Students can also stack credentials toward certificates and degrees.
Oregon State University
OSU’s ECampus offers online and hybrid degree programs suitable for working adults. These programs have the same on-campus professors, curriculum, and term schedule. While these aren’t self-paced programs, there are no set log-in times. Students also take proctored exams and participate in site-based lab classes and internships.
Penn State World Campus
PSU World Campus offers online degree programs with asynchronous courses. Students learn through professor-led lectures, learning materials, and peer-to-peer interactions.
Western Governors University
WGU’s competency-based model means students have full control of their education. Students progress through their programs based on their subject mastery. Their work and life experiences count in the competency-based model, too. Working adults also receive excellent student support services that help them navigate the system.
University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC offers online and hybrid programs that offer flexible and convenient learning options. Rolling admissions and multiple start dates add to their flexibility.
Purdue University Global
Purdue Global is known for being a military-friendly college thanks to its flexible scheduling options. Students receive admission-to-graduation support, enjoy asynchronous courses, and benefit from experiential learning opportunities.
Tips for Balancing Work, Personal Life, and Study
Nobody said it’s easy to balance work, personal life, and studies. But it’s possible with these useful tips combined with discipline and determination to succeed.
- Practice effective skills in time management for students.
- Set your priorities. Finish the most urgent tasks first to avoid procrastination. The Eisenhower Matrix is a tool that is intended for this purpose.
- Create a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule. Adjust these schedules, too, since flexibility is key to success. Daily to-do lists are useful to keep on track.
- Use traditional and digital calendars. Keeping track of meetings, deadlines, and study sessions becomes easier. Alarms and reminders are useful, too.
- Share responsibilities. Even Superman can’t do it all, and you’re not Superman. You should delegate tasks at home and work so you can set aside more time for your studies.
- Set clear boundaries. You must communicate with your workmates and family members about your boundaries. If you’re studying, for example, it’s best not to disturb your session.
- Create a dedicated study space. Higher education flexibility means being able to study anytime, anywhere. But it pays to have a dedicated study space where you can focus instead of being distracted.
- Reward yourself. Adult learners tackle multiple responsibilities and, more often than not, forget about their needs. This is detrimental to students’ physical and mental health. You must then reward yourself for your success in meeting your goals. Think of a short break, favorite snacks, or a small luxury.
Most importantly, stay healthy. Get quality sleep, eat right, and exercise. Your good health is your most valuable asset in achieving your goals as a college student.
How to Choose the Right Online College for You
Choosing the best college for working professionals should be a thoughtful decision. Every online college promises the best educational opportunities for adults but not all deliver. Here, then are the factors in choosing the right online college for you.
- Always check for current regional accreditation (e.g., HLC or SACSCOC). If necessary, check programmatic accreditations, too (e.g., CAEP or AACSB)
- Browse the academic programs or use the search feature to determine if it offer your preferred field of study.
- Review the curriculum, including the course descriptions and student learning outcomes.
- Consider the professional credentials and experience of faculty members.
- Check the LMS and other technology requirements. Ask current students, if possible, about their experiences with these aspects.
- Evaluate the flexible learning options and determine if these align with your schedule and preferences.
- Consider the tuition and fees as well as financial aid options. Online learning can be more affordable, but it still costs money.
- Determine the availability and quality of student support and career development services.
Conclusion
Working adults appreciate flexible course schedules because these accommodate their busy lives. Being able to maintain a good work-life balance is a primary benefit. Earning a college degree while meeting personal and professional obligations is easier, too.
So, if you’re a working adult returning to school, you should explore online colleges and their programs. You will find that, indeed, a college education is within your reach where it wasn’t possible before.