Online Degree Programs Allow Time for Work and Family

Back in the day when on-campus degree programs were the only option in higher education, students had no choice but to show up on campus for class -- and at usually the most inconvenient times, especially for those who worked full time or had a family waiting at home.

Oh, how times have changed. Online degree programs are becoming more and more popular for those who must juggle their educational aspirations with jobs and families -- even if it means studying long after traditional campuses have shut the classroom lights for the day.

Steve Krell, a 45-year-old human resources associate in Liverpool, NY, went the traditional route for both of his associate degrees, attending classes at one of Bryant & Stratton's nearby campuses. His studies in human resources and business enabled him to climb the corporate ladder, which naturally meant a busier schedule. As a result, Krell decided to pursue his bachelor's degree online at Bryant & Stratton. In his opinion, online degree programs should be welcomed as a new tradition in higher education.

"The flexibility was a necessity," says Krell, whose time at the office often exceeds 50 hours per week. But it's not just work that encouraged his decision; Krell has four children, three of whom live at home. Family time is important to him, and now that he doesn't have to worry about commuting to and from campus, he spends his extra time with his wife and children.

"It's been 100 percent easier for my wife," says Krell of his ability to study at home and pitch in with taking care of the kids (his youngest is 2 1/2). Krell's classwork is assigned on Sunday, and he has the entire week to work on it as his schedule permits. He logs in to his online classroom to work on his assignments when the kids go to sleep -- "I'm a night owl anyway." One of the many great aspects of online education is that it doesn't matter when he does the work, so long as it gets done.

"[My degree program] enables me to get online when I want," Krell says. He finds working at home is far better than going to class on campus. "Whether I do three hours in the classroom or three hours online, it doesn't make a difference," he says, noting that while the program allows for great flexibility in scheduling study time, the same amount of time commitment is still necessary.

Krell recognizes that the online format might not be attractive to all learners. "I think you have to work better independently [than in a class environment] because the workload is bigger with online courses," he suggests. In the absence of verbal class discussions, students must read and write more to convey questions and comments, in addition to regular papers and assignments. But Krell's personality and learning style allow him to take the online format easily in stride. "I don't need someone over my shoulder," Krell says of his ability to work well independently.

Since studying online allows him work a full day and be at home for his kids' bedtime, Krell says that he will "definitely" be pursuing his graduate degree online in the future.

 

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