Online education degree gets As from this teacher

Maureen Taylor was tired of the brick-and-mortar experience. When it was time to pursue her doctorate, she turned to a challenging online program. She was definitely not disappointed.

Maureen Taylor has taught fifth grade for the past 18 years. She earned a master’s and specialist degree from brick-and-mortar schools, but when it came time to get her doctorate, she dreaded going back into the classroom.

“Unfortunately, attending the universities meant travel time, rushing to class, carrying heavy course books, and the aggravation of Atlanta traffic,” she said.

Maureen found a solution at Walden University, where she could earn the challenging online doctorate in education without the hassle of dealing with classrooms. She took the plunge when she was 46, eventually earning her doctoral degree in education. She also tacked on a certification to teach gifted students, just for good measure.

Q. How did online learning fit in with your busy schedule?

A. Online is terrific. You get a syllabus, watch videos online or on disc, share in chat rooms, post discussion on the board, and pair in subgroups. Communication with your professor is always available. If an assignment had a one-week turnaround, I found early mornings on the weekends and early evenings on school days offered me the most productive work time. I read the endless assignments anywhere I could. My books had their own pillow and space on the bed.

Q. Let’s talk about the benefits and the challenges of earning your degree online.

A. Benefits? Many. I didn’t have to listen to grumbling and complaining of other students. I didn’t have to drive anywhere at any time. I was available for my family, but they all knew I had to have my school time. I was also freed from the excuses of why course work wasn’t done, asking for extended due dates, complaining about the professor, people eating in class and talking when the prof was talking.

The challenges of online? Because I was teaching and tutoring, I did not have the option of letting myself slip. I loved the feeling of turning in an assignment early and setting standards with my work when I posted on the board. I had to set up my home office to meet the huge demands of online learning. I researched and queried other students and found what met my needs. Without that, I would have been buried in all the writing you must produce.

Q. Was online learning what you expected it to be?

A. Once I familiarized myself with the workings of the course, how to find research, post to the board, attend online sessions, etc. I knew exactly what to do. I was unsure of my expectations as it was my first real online course and degree. I did expect a challenge and, in most cases, I got it. My philosophy was if I was paying this much money for a degree, it needed to be of value to me, challenging and useful in my career.

Q. What was the most surprising thing about the online learning experience?

A. Giving yourself the time to complete assignments was a temporary challenge. Just how long would I need to find the research, read it, and write it in order to satisfy the criteria and my own personal standards? Once that was established there were few surprises. Maybe when I got to the dissertation reviews I had to double step, but that is indicative of any doctoral program, not just online.

Q. How your program was structured? What was your typical school day or school week like?

A. Students were required to complete an introductory walk through of the course: what was expected, how to manipulate the class online, meeting your classmates and terminology we all had to know. Our books came a week or two before the classes began, and our syllabus was posted before class began.

We had assignments due the first week. Teachers were required to post their assignments on the board and then respond to at least three other students. There were weekly assignments, readings and postings, followed by intermittent large papers due each semester. Students were expected to read these large papers from their peers and make revisions as needed. Learning is collaboration, and online makes it much easier than working in live groups.

Q. Did you miss the face-to-face interactions with your fellow students and professors?

A. All students receive a class list that gives personal email addresses, where students work/teach, where students live, phone numbers etc. Online programs know the value of taking courses with peers for obvious reasons. Having a support group available and intimate is critical. Professors will Skype or go to the phones. I did not miss face to face at all.

Q. How did your degree help further your career?

A. My degree was valued by my school system and came with a nice raise. My degree prepared me to be relevant in today’s changing educational system. I was current on all the latest research and could speak on trends and issues easily. Although there is conflicting research on higher degrees and teacher ability in the classroom, I know that it has made me a far better teacher and one who is interested in everything that goes on around me, not just in the classroom. The discipline of studying and following research has stayed with me over the years.

Q. What advice do you have for students who are considering an online degree?

A. Research your university. Are their standards high enough? Start with interviewing current or previous students. Does the course work seem too easy or is the turnaround for graded papers too slow? Look for all the aggravating things before you sign up. If your school has a home base in Minnesota and Florida and you need face-to-face time, can you make that work in your schedule and finances? Finally, are you ready to commit, especially on a doctoral level, for four more years? And no, you can’t sell your books back.

BSN & hospital supervisor: Joseph Julian

Find out how this 25-year RN and hospital supervisor balanced work and family life while attending an online RN to BSN program.

Joseph Julian already had a successful career when he decided to go back to school. Julian, who had been a registered nurse for more than 20 years and a hospital supervisor for three years, enrolled in an online nursing degree program at Penn State in January of 2007. The school, whose program generally takes four years of full-time study to complete, accepted 30 credits of bachelor’s degree coursework Julian worked on years before, allowing him to earn his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) in three and a half years of part-time study.

At a pace of one to two classes each semester, including summers, Julian was able to balance his studies with his home and work life fairly easily. What made his school experience even better was that he was able to take full advantage of his employer’s tuition reimbursement plan–a program that covered the majority of tuition up to 12 credit hours per year. Julian shares why he enrolled in an online nursing degree program–and perhaps more importantly, why he’s glad he did.

Q:How did you decide to earn a nursing degree online?

A:My employer, Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica, NY, merged with another local hospital. We had a new chief nursing officer / VP of nursing who desired her leadership staff be a minimum of bachelor’s degree-certified. This is also a requirement of those hospitals seeking to apply for “magnet” status.

Initially, I had reservations about completing a degree that I had decided not to finish earlier in my career. The first time around, I stopped my studies because I didn’t feel like I was learning anything applicable to my job, and I was still young dreaming of getting married, building a home and starting a family. I’ll readily admit that perhaps maturity was a factor at that time, but I was still discontented that I had not finished what I had started, especially after being halfway there. That unfinished business ate away at me over the years.

My current situation with childcare, family responsibilities, being approximately an hour away from any nursing schools and the intrigue of online education made this an easy choice for me.

Q:With a job as a hospital supervisor, how did you balance your work and study schedule?

A:I worked 12 1/2-hour shifts and managed to get my hours in over two to three consecutive days a week. This gave me four or five days a week I could dedicate to my classwork and clinical hours. On the days I worked, I had little to no time for school due to my sleep requirements, commute time and work hours. I tried to complete the majority of my school work while my children were in school and my wife was working to lessen any interference to our family time.

Q:With such a full schedule, how was the course load and pacing of your BSN program?

A:The course load was very reasonable and my advisor was great in helping me choose classes. The pacing was just right and made sense as the concepts built off of one another culminating with a capstone project. The work was challenging but rewarding; the knowledge I gained from each class was applicable to my job and even my personal life. This contrasted quite a bit from the experience I had with my former bachelor ‘s degree studies.

Q:How did the online classroom work?

A:Each class was different in terms of interaction with other students. Some classes required weekly posts and responses while others did not utilize that format at all. A syllabus was posted on the first day of class which clearly spelled out my weekly lessons, assignments and course requirements. Grades were posted promptly with comments which gave feedback on my work. I found this easy to use, and there weren’t any features I didn’t like.

Often, course materials included hyperlinks to articles to read or websites to review. Some of the nursing classes included slides or videos of assessment techniques and disease processes, but most classes, whether health care or an elective, had a familiar feel about them. This kept my comfort level high as I progressed through my studies.

Q:How would you describe your interactions with professors and classmates in the online classroom?

A:My teachers were all top-notch; many had their doctorate degrees. The professors responded promptly whenever I had a question or concern, and never did I feel left out because I wasn’t physically there. The professors kept learning interesting, and when applicable, allowed us to tailor the experience to mirror our interests or goals.

I found my peers to be equally fascinating as they came from all walks of life, geographic locations and health care backgrounds. I had fun communicating and sharing stories with them. During graduation, I had the pleasure of meeting a few of them face-to-face.

Q:What surprised you the most about earning a nursing degree online?

A:It was fun and went faster than I would have ever imagined. I should have done it a long time ago! Many people think an online class is easier than a traditional class. I can sincerely tell you I’ve worked harder on some of these online classes than I have in several traditional classes. It also surprised me how well thought-out the program was in terms of the curriculum, course delivery and ways to pursue your clinical experiences.

Q:What advice would you give to someone considering an online nursing degree?

A:I feel associate-level nursing programs are basic preparation for the NCLEX-RN exams and a basic working knowledge, but a bachelor’s degree is necessary in today’s health care world. This degree is a stepping stone for advance practice practitioners such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists or clinical nurse specialists. Take it from someone who has been a nurse for 25 years now: you’ll never regret getting it. A BSN can only help your career.

Race car mechanic gets on right track with online studies

One North Carolina man needed to earn a college degree to get a better job with his racing team. As the team's mechanic he was on the road so much, so he opted to earn his degree online. Learn more about his experience.

Michael Ribas, 48, was a mechanic with an IndyCar racing team in North Carolina, which to most people would seem like an exciting career. But as he got older, while Ribas wanted to stay in racing, he wanted to move on to another position within the team. His interest was in public relations and for that career move, he would need a bachelor’s degree.

Because his work kept him on the road, he decided it would be easiest for him to earn his bachelor’s degree in social sciences online. Before he even graduated in 2008, he got his wish and was named public relations manager for his race team.

Q: What made you decide to earn your online social sciences degree?

A: In my job, I was traveling with the team 120 days a year. When we were at the racetrack, it was 12-hour days, so I had to go with something that would be very flexible. I might have preferred attending a bricks-and-mortar school but it just wasn’t possible under the circumstances.

Q: What were the challenges of earning a social sciences degree online?

A: No doubt, time management. When you go to school online, you have to manage your time well. Because I was working so much, any down time I had, I devoted to my school work. I had quite a bit of school work to do and just finding the time was a challenge. Also, accessing the Internet to be able to do my research and writing was an issue sometimes. I remember being in a hotel in Toronto and they charged for using the Internet. I had to lug my notepads and computer around trying to find a coffee shop that had Internet access for free.

I spent a great deal of time flying with the team and when you’re on an airplane, you can’t use the Internet. I had to be sure to download my classmates’ posts on Blackboard so that I could work on my responses while we were flying and be able to post them once we landed and I had Internet access again.

Q: Were you able to interact with professors and others students when attending school online?

A: I was able to interact with the students and especially those who were putting in the same effort I was. I was very competitive and wanted to be the best I could be. Because they challenged themselves, they challenged me. Some of the professors were better than others at responding to your questions, and I didn’t like having to wait for their responses, but I found most of those who were taking and teaching classes online were very helpful and I enjoyed interacting with them.

Q: How did your earning your online degree in social sciences help you get your first job in your field?

A: It helped me some, if not directly. I got the job before I completed my degree, but what I was learning in my online classes was very useful in my new responsibilities. Going to school online requires a lot of writing — you have to respond to your classmates’ posts on Blackboard — and so does public relations. When there was an entry-level opening in public relations with the team, they were willing to give me a shot. I had to do the job well enough to justify them keeping me around while I finished my degree.

Q: What advice would you give others who are considering earning a degree online?

A: Remember that it’s like anything else, whatever you put into it is what you’re going to get out of it. If it’s something you want to do, go for it. Earning a degree online is gaining legitimacy. I think today people believe a college degree is a college degree. I would definitely recommend it if it works for you and fits your schedule.

Refugee uses her degree to help others

Rosie Villa, a mother of two, fled political turmoil in her native land and built a career in the U.S. helping others. Find out an online bachelor's degree in liberal arts helped her start a new life.

Rocio “Rosie” Villa is a 44-year-old crime specialist and victim advocate who lives in Niskayuna, New York. She works for the New York State Office of Victim Services in Albany, and her career would be impressive even without knowing the amazing story behind her achievement.

Villa, who earned her bachelor of science degree online, is a powerful example — to her co-workers, clients, and her own daughters, aged 16 and 21 — of the power of education.

Rosie, tell us about your background.

I was born in Colombia, and I came to New York about 15 years ago with my husband and two daughters; we were fleeing the political turmoil and persecution in my country. Many people in my family had been killed — it was awful. We came to New York with only our luggage and $1,000. We learned that we could apply for political asylum, and I will be forever grateful to this country for, essentially, saving our lives and giving my children a future.

How was your adjustment to living in the U.S.?

When I arrived, I did not know English at all. My second language had been Russian, and, as you know, it has very little in common with English. I began picking up the language here by listening to the radio and watching TV. I also borrowed many children’s books and videos from the library, both for my two young daughters and myself. I like to say Barney helped me learn English! I also requested a volunteer from the Literacy Volunteers of America. I decided to take advantage of everything that was free. I had a wonderful volunteer who came to my house for an hour every week. I always try to learn.

Tell us about your experience earning a bachelor’s degree online.

I did a lot of research and decided to enroll with Excelsior College and am so thrilled that I did. I have a B.S. in liberal arts with an emphasis on protective services, and I also earned a certificate in homeland security. I learned a lot about history and what makes America such a unique and incredible country. I have worked for the New York State Office of Victim Services. I really enjoy being part of the criminal justice system. I am a crime-victim specialist. I do investigations all over New York State. I am the only bilingual — Spanish and English — specialist in the Albany office. I also volunteer as a Russian speaker for victims.

Why did you decide to pursue your degree online?

My children were at home, and I wanted to be able to be with them as much as possible while I was studying. Also my union, CSEA [the Association of State Civil Service Employees Union; Villa was already working at the Office of Victim Services when she began her studies], pays for two college classes every year. I chose Excelsior, for one, because they were very good about allowing me to transfer my credits from my previous undergraduate work. I started my education at a university in Russia and had some additional credits from another college here in the U.S., and they allowed me to apply that work towards my degree.

How would you describe your online education experience?

I took a lot of classes in the classroom and I can tell you that working online was, for me, much better! It was like having a college just for you. They will serve you and take care of you. When you are in a classroom you hear a lot of people talking and it isn’t clear if they are actually adding to the discussion or just listening to themselves talk — generally, it’s the latter, and I find that a waste of time.

Did you find that you had enough one-on-one attention?

Definitely! I took all of the information that I got from my professors and my advisors, who were all wonderful, and very responsive whenever I had a question, and I’d go to all of the libraries in my area for more research material if I needed to dig deeper.

What was the “community” aspect of college like for you?

There was a great deal of interaction with students, professors and advisors. It’s futuristic. If you need anything, you can ask an expert. It’s the best of the best. My daughter went to a SUNY school and when she sent an email to a professor she would never hear back. I would always get a response right away! Online education is the future; it’s here right now and we should keep some things from traditional university life, but it is the way of technology and information. Online education gives you a lot more than any other school. You can search vast online libraries; you can interact with your teachers in a way that you can’t in a big university class.

What would you tell someone considering getting an online degree?

Actually, what I would tell them is to check the website and see what sort of careers they have and credits they can transfer. Make sure they will accept your previous education.

What’s next for you, Rosie?

I am going to get my master’s degree from Excelsior. I want to continue to advance in criminal justice. I was working with the Office of Victim Services on Sept. 11, and it was truly rewarding to be able to help the victims of that tragedy. I really love this country, I really feel like it is my home, not Colombia. I visit there and it feels familiar, but this is my home. This country saved my life and the lives of my family.

Online business degree takes mom from assistant to boss

Carlisha Moore had two little girls, a husband and a full-time job, but she wanted more. Carlisha had a dream of moving into management, and an online business management degree program was the answer.

Carlisha Moore felt stuck. The mother of two from Dacula, GA, was a hard worker, but she never managed to climb the ladder from administrative assistant positions. Longing for a chance to jump into the management track, she knew she would need a college degree. She had tried it once, enrolling in college at a young age, but tough financial situations had forced her to postpone her college career before she could finish the degree.

It was time for a change. Carlisha enrolled in an online business management degree program and quickly learned to manage her time, juggling full-time employment, studying, and being a wife and mother. A few years later, she stood on the stage at the Western Governors University commencement ceremony in Atlanta and spoke about what it meant to earn her bachelor’s degree in business management.

“I want my daughters to look back proudly on this day and say, ‘If Mommy had the courage to do it, the sky’s the limit!” she said. Carlisha has since started her own business and is on her way to a master’s degree.

Q. What led you to pursue your bachelor’s degree in business management?

A. I consider myself to be a very motivated person. I am 23 years old and married, with two little girls. I am interested in so many things that it took me awhile to narrow down to a degree in business. Eventually, my career chose business management for me because it seemed as if I was only working in administrative assistant positions and never could get a top management position. I actually enjoyed my job and helping others run their office, but I wanted to be my own boss. I came up with the idea that I would like to start my own administrative assistant business, and a business degree is just what I needed to begin.

Q. How did online learning fit in with your busy schedule?

A. If you are self-motivated, go for it! You won’t miss out on any education, but I promise you will miss out on rushing to class, worrying about if a class is available, and travel time. You can’t lose!

Dianna Searles, online human services management degree holder

After spending seven years on an associate degree, Dianna Searles knew there had to be a better way to earn her bachelor's. Find out how an online degree program helped her advance her career.

After spending seven long years working on her associate degree, Dianna Searles decided that earning a human services management degree online was the way to go. A 17-year veteran of the banking industry, Dianna enrolled in a program that allowed her to continue her full-time job as a senior loan support specialist while she earned the bachelor’s degree she needed to further her career.

Q:Why did you choose an online human services management degree instead of an on-campus one?

A:After high school, I went straight into the workforce and ended up attending a community college where I took one class at a time. It took about seven years to finish my associate degree. After that, I wasn’t interested in any degree program that would mean spending time in a classroom each night after working all day!

The cost of an online program was also comparable to attending a ground university once I calculated parking, gas and books. I can’t speak for other online colleges, but my university had a set price for books for each class. The prices were always the same and always less than $100. I liked that there were no surprises at the bookstore. Not to mention that I didn’t even have to take a trip to the bookstore.

In addition, with online classes, I made my own schedule. Attending classes at home meant that I didn’t have to fight the weather on cold winter days. Then, in the spring and summer, I could enjoy working outside on class assignments.

Finally, many online colleges offer accelerated programs which was a bonus for me because, having taken so long to finish my associate degree, I wanted to be done sooner rather than later.

Q:Can you tell us a little about how your program was structured? How did you receive lessons and communicate with your instructors and classmates?

A:My bachelor’s degree program consisted of five-week classes–but those covered 16 weeks worth of material. A syllabus provided the first day of class outlined all the assignments, reading material, and activities for the entire five weeks.

All my classes were structured the same in terms of participation. Each week, the instructor submitted three or four discussion questions that correlated to the readings for that week. In addition to answering those questions, you were expected to participate in class discussions. The questions were set up as threads in an online “classroom,” and a minimum of two responses to other classmates were required at least four days a week.

By the end of the first week, I was paired with three or four other individuals in each class to form a learning team. Each week, there were typically an individual assignment and a learning team assignment due.

Sometimes communicating with other classmates was difficult due to time zones and language barriers. It could also be frustrating when a teammate was not pulling their weight–turning in assignments at the last minute and being difficult to contact. But overall, we learned how to work around those barriers.

If I had any concerns, I could post a question in my instructor’s private forum, email him or call during office hours. In addition, instructors visited the learning team forums to grade team assignments and make sure everyone was contributing.

Q:What was the most surprising thing about the online learning experience?

A:The most surprising thing was the amount of reading and paper writing required. The majority of my assignments were research papers–usually 700-1500 words in APA format and submitted through a program that scans for plagiarism.

To help with the assignments, in addition to offering online tutors, my university offered a program that would proofread papers immediately. Within a few moments of submission, students could receive a “marked up” version of the paper with suggested changes.

Q:What did you like most about your program? What did you find most challenging?

A:I liked scheduling my own hours as well as the consistent structure my university had for each class. The most challenging aspect was finding time to get all the homework completed. Each week, I had reading assignments and papers to write as well learning team activities. Often, I was online every night for at least an hour and spent most of my weekends doing papers.

Q:Do you have any advice for other students considering an online degree program?

A:First and foremost, my advice is to be self-disciplined. Once you get a day or two behind, you will play catch up the rest of the class. My financing program allowed me 28 days between classes which was helpful. Be sure to know if you can take breaks between classes and how long you have for each break.

Graphic artist hones skills to launch her own business

Working full-time, this graphic artist couldn't fit on-campus learning into her busy schedule. But a degree from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh--Online Division was the perfect answer.

Cassandra Allen, 45, wanted to earn a degree from a recognized school that would help her advance in her career as a graphic artist. However, working full-time, her schedule wouldn’t allow her to attend classes, especially at a school 300 miles from her home. In 2003, she enrolled in a bachelor of science in graphic design program at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh–Online Division. She completed the five-year program online and on time. Now she owns her own graphic design business and is doing well.

Q: What made you choose to study online vs. on campus?

A: I chose to study online because of my professional work schedule at the time. As a project manager and applications specialist for a software design company, my work hours were very demanding and varied from day-to-day. I couldn’t commit to on campus courses.

Q: What were the challenges of earning an online graphic arts degree?

A: The challenges of studying online were synchronizing with other students; avoiding sending the wrong signals during online discussions–for example, capital letters signifying anger; avoiding abbreviations; and deciphering grammatical errors in other students’ replies. But I was able to overcome these issues with practice.

Another challenge was working on group projects when a member did not meet his or her tasks–catching up to a student who is not interested in a project can be very challenging, using a classroom portal. But I was able to solve this issue, too. When I faced a group communication issue, the other active participants and I discussed it, and then we split the work in other ways to meet goals.

Q: Did you miss the face-to-face interaction with fellow students/ teachers?

A: I did not because I had a strong social network in my personal life that fulfilled face-to-face interactions.

Q: What was the biggest advantage of earning an online graphic arts degree?

A: For me, the best part of studying online was the flexibility built into my schedule. I enjoyed working outside of the box. I was very self-disciplined so it was easy for me to arrange my life to meet the demands of a five-year, 180-credit online graphic arts degree program.

Q: What advice do you have for students considering earning an online graphic arts degree based on your experiences?

A: It is important to choose a school that meets your needs. Make sure you understand the coursework requirements. Ask yourself if you are self-disciplined enough to meet project deadlines–a flexible schedule does not mean open due dates. It takes great organization to successfully study online. Make sure you can meet the requirements for your computer to connect to the online environment. Seek degrees, programs, and certifications that will be recognized by companies that you wish to partner with on projects.

Q: What professional or job placement resources were available to you in the program?

A: The school provided student job placement. I continue to have the opportunity to utilize the online job board. A couple of semesters before graduation, I was in touch with a counselor, who called me on a regular basis with opportunities that might match my goals. I also continue to connect with students, staff and alumni through various networks, allowing us to continue to support each other’s goals. I also had a counselor assigned to me throughout the five-year program, someone I could call to discuss my upcoming coursework, any issues I might face, financial concerns, etc. I received huge hardware and software discounts during my stay. I continue to receive discounts through alumni-supporting organizations.

Q: How did your online graphic arts degree help you in your career?

A: My online graphics art degree helped me to gain a larger client base because I honed my talents and skills, while learning an incredible amount of things about smart design. I expanded my skill base and was able to take on more challenging projects, leading to increased pay. I also met a lot of wonderful people. While we could not see each other in real time, most students posted pictures, which added a “human touch,” if you will. My confidence in the field of study also increased because I graduated with a 4.0 GPA. I no longer wonder how I ranked with the competition. I am steadily working on projects and have tremendous respect for my artistic abilities. The online degree allowed me to pursue my passion to earn an income through graphic design.

Single mom advances career by earning a business degree online

This California mother of five always wanted a college degree, but having five children and working full time made her dream seem out of reach. Then she discovered online learning and it proved the perfect solution.

Shawna Bell, 44, had worked as an office manager while raising five children as a single mom. Bell had always wanted to earn her college degree so she could advance her career. But given her busy working-mom schedule, attending classes at a local college was not an option. The answer, she found, was earning her degree online. She recently obtained both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business management online.

Q: What made you decide to attend school online for your bachelor’s in business management?

A: I had married young and had children and was a stay-at-home mom. I intended to go back to school and continue my education when the kids were older. I divorced and realized things changed. I had been successful in obtaining relatively decent jobs in running an office, but knew I could do so much more. I knew I needed a degree to be a manager or supervisor, so I looked at the option of earning my degree online.

Online learning fit my situation by allowing me to do my schooling after work hours, during lunch time, and while on breaks, and the school I chose offered an online environment I was comfortable with. I can be a bit of techie nerd type. So I decided to earn my online business management degree.

Q: What were the challenges and benefits of earning a business management degree online?

A: One of the challenges with online learning is that for some courses if you need extra help, you don’t have that in-person option of a tutor. It was hard for me to get through my college algebra class having been used to traditional methods of having a teacher in front of me explaining and showing you how to do equations. We did have an online tutorial, though, and it was helpful.

The benefits far outweighed the challenges, though. I was able to earn my education and online business management degree and still be with my five children as much as they needed me. My children even benefited from seeing their mom get an extended education and helped encourage me to continue. The benefit of learning online was I now have two degrees and the ability to get into higher positions at work that I was not able to get before. I was able to become the program supervisor to a major nutrition education program with a major university and now I am the marketing director for a tech company. I’m thinking of going for my PhD online, but I’m taking a break for a while and waiting for the economy to improve.

Q: How did your interactions with professors and other students work online?

A: Most of your interaction is done online through the web classroom environment, email and chats. The university and professors endeavored to keep consistent communication with a detailed and specific syllabus. Some of my classmates weren’t even in this country, and we still were able to work together to complete a project or paper. That the students were from so many different walks of life was great. We were able to draw from their varied experiences, which was helpful and interesting. One of my classmates was a nurse and we have children about the same age. We’re both single moms and we’re still friends.

Q: Did the online program provide any job hunting resources?

A: My last class was on how to present yourself as a professional, upgrade your resume and promote yourself as a profession. I also relied on my previous work experience to find a job.

Q: What was your experience of getting your first job after earning your online degree?

A: Once I earned my bachelor’s degree in business management online, it helped me to get the position as the program supervisor for the Food Stamp Nutrition Program with the University of California, Davis. Last year, the program lost funding, and I was laid off. But I was able to return to the tech company where I had worked as an office manager because now I had education plus experience.

Q: What advice would you give those considering an online business management degree?

A: Check all the different online schools to make sure the one you choose meets your specific goals and needs. Also, make sure that it is an accredited school.

It’s never too late to change: This 38-year-old single mom proves it’s possible

At 38, this single mom wanted to change careers, but was intimidated to return to the classroom. The answer? Earning an online paralegal degree.

When Tanean Schaller, a medical assistant in a busy New Jersey urology practice, became disillusioned with the way patients were being treated, she decided to return to school and change careers. But as a 38-year-old single mom, she was hesitant to return to the classroom, where she was afraid she’d stick out because of her age. Her solution? Study online where no one would know she wasn’t a “typical” student. In May, Schaller graduated with her associate degree in paralegal studies, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Q:What made you decide to attend school online?

A: I knew I wanted to earn my degree, but going back to school as a 38 year old, I was too intimidated to take classes on campus. I live only two miles from the local community college, which offers courses online, so I decided to go there.

Q:What did you study?

A: Initially I chose business/marketing only because I could take the entire program online. But after the first semester, I realized if I did not chase my original dream of earning my paralegal degree, I would regret it. I began taking classes part-time in August 2008 after I left a long-standing career in the medical field. It took me two years and one semester to complete the online paralegal degree program.

Q:What were the challenges and benefits of studying for an online paralegal degree?

A:The biggest challenge was committing to a schedule to meet the course deadlines and studying. In addition, I quickly learned that I was missing the in-class interaction. But, still hesitant to go on-campus, I continued the online classes until I took courses that required me to attend on-campus.

Q:Did you miss the face- to-face interaction with other students and teachers studying online?

A: Yes–I found that when it came to my English class, I was missing a certain level of intimacy. But I addressed the issue with my professor. I then went in and observed a class. It helped me feel more comfortable. I soon learned to email other students via the discussion board when I wanted peer-assistance.

Q:How did your online interactions with professors and other students work?

A: Exceptional! The online instructors were always available to answers questions and offer assistance. The turnaround-time for returning emails was usually within 24 hours. A few weeks into my first semester I found a schedule and routine that I easily incorporated into my life as a working single mother.

Q:What job placement resources were available to you in the online paralegal degree program?

A:The career resource center on campus was always available and willing to assist. I utilized the office when I wanted to change my resume from chronological to functional. I had spent 12 years in the medical field. Although I was changing careers and could utilize that knowledge in my new career, I did not want my resume to highlight those skills and strengths.

Q:How did you get your first job after earning your online paralegal degree?

A:About a year before graduation, I had become unemployed. At this time I also lost my car. As a single mother with one income, I had to decide: keep my house or keep my car. I used this opportunity and began seeking unsolicited “internship” opportunities at local law firms. I prepared my resume and cover letter to reflect my current career and educational goals. I specifically looked at firms that practiced in the areas of medical malpractice and personal injury because of my medical background.

After interviewing, I was offered a part-time internship opportunity with a local law firm in Bethlehem, PA. It was perfect because the firm was on a bus route. Mind you, this was the first-time I was taking public transportation in my life! I continued this opportunity three days a week for 20 hours a week. After three months, the firm offered me a full-time position starting in April 2010. I was able to replace my car and am working for this firm at present.

Q:What advice would you give those considering an online degree?

A:Commit! You have to be willing to carve out time in your schedule and be well-disciplined when it comes to adhering to that schedule. Make a calendar that is viewable at all time at your work space so you can see what deadlines are in the week ahead.

Mother of two finds success with an IT degree

Raising a family can make it tough to attend school in a traditional classroom setting. Maria Hanson chose to go online for her IT degree, and that gave her the time to take care of her kids while taking care of herself, too.

Maria Hanson is a 37-year-old mother of two living in Clarksville, Tenn. She earned an online associate degree in computer technology and information management in May 2010. The experience went so well that she is now working on an online bachelor of business administration degree.

Q: Why did you opt for an online associate degree in technology rather than the on-campus experience?

I did attend a couple of campus-based classes. However, I found that online learning just worked better for me. Having an existing family life, I was only interested in the actual learning part of college, not the experience as a whole, making online learning even more appealing. I am able to do my classwork and attend class around my schedule without sacrificing my family and other obligations, unlike campus-based classes. That is what I needed.

I chose these degrees because I wanted something that would give a broader array of opportunities in multiple fields. In today’s society, technology is ever-growing.

Q: How did online learning fit in with your schedule?

A: Online learning allows me to complete work during feasible hours without sacrificing my other responsibilities, enabling me to be there for my kids and at the same time work towards a better future, a better me. When your world is already in full speed, there is no slowing down. You have to go with the flow, and with online learning, you can.

Q: What were the challenges of earning an IT degree online?

The biggest challenge was keeping the momentum going. With online learning, you don’t have someone forcing you to sit, to listen, to do your work. You have to be that person, and it’s easy to slack off. Add an existing life, responsibilities and such, and it becomes even easier to slack off. There are days you are just tired, that light at the end of the tunnel seems too far off, and it is up to you to keep yourself going, to stay focused and remember why you are doing what you are doing.

Q: What were the benefits?

I did not have to sacrifice my responsibilities. I can be where and who I need to be and do something for me, for our future, all at the same time. There is no set time to be in class, no worrying about gas money, traffic or finding a parking space. I simply sit at my computer when I am able and ready and go to work.

Q:. Was online learning what you expected it to be?

I wasn’t exactly sure how it would be. I was a little concerned with whether it would be a positive learning experience. Would I learn as much on my own versus traditional? However, I found it rather equal, if not a better experience. I enjoy being given my assignments and then working through them and knowing at any time, I can turn to the teacher for help or guidance through emails or face-to-face contact. With someone my age, where I am at in life, online learning is a great way to gain the knowledge minus all the other stuff.

Q: What was the most surprising thing about the online learning experience?

I was surprised at how well it integrates with my existing routine and responsibilities without taking away from the actual learning experience.

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about how your program was structured? What was your typical school day or school week like?

The first week of the eight weeks of class, you are given a weekly schedule of what to do and when it needs to be turned in. Most teachers will post assignments as the weeks go by. Generally, you have six to seven days to complete that week’s assignments. Normally I try to work somewhere between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, but there have been times I have been online late at night as well.

Q: Did you miss the face-to-face interactions with your fellow students and professors?

Not really. I’m not there for the whole college experience. As for the college professors, they are available for face-to-face [meetings] if one is desired. However, I found written communication to be just as satisfying in many instances.

Q: How did your associate degree help your career?

After obtaining my degree, I chose to go back to school and continue my education. I am looking to put my skills to work with a friend in an upcoming business, which hopefully leads to great success.