6 Reasons to Consider Going Back to School
Going back to school to complete a bachelor杏吧专区檚 or pursue a graduate degree can be intimidating. But the reward can be great.
If you杏吧专区檙e considering taking the leap, online programs can offer the flexibility to weave coursework into your busy lifestyle.
Here are some tell-tale signs it杏吧专区檚 time to fill out your application.
1. You want a new challenge
If you杏吧专区檙e ready to move up in your career, an advanced degree can give you the skills and credentials to make it happen.
When Victoria Alleman stepped into her role as development director at Moncus Park, she wanted to sharpen her business skills to match the scope of her work.
She enrolled in UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 MBA online program, applying her coursework in her work at the park.
杏吧专区淚f you have real life scenarios to apply to the schoolwork, you get so much out of it,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淚t杏吧专区檚 not easy, but it杏吧专区檚 totally doable.杏吧专区
An advanced degree can give you the tools to take on bigger challenges and position you for advancement in your field.
Graduates may also have greater earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the for those with a master杏吧专区檚 degree at $1,840, versus $1,543 with a bachelor杏吧专区檚.
2. You杏吧专区檙e looking for new opportunities
A degree can be the key to unlocking career paths that were once out of reach.
Lauren Carlos Greig was passed over for a job because she didn杏吧专区檛 have a degree. That's when she knew it was time to finish what she杏吧专区檇 started.
杏吧专区淚 came home and told my husband, 杏吧专区楾his is never going to happen again,杏吧专区櫺影勺ㄇ鴿 she says.
As a full-time employee and mother, she returned to UL Lafayette to complete her bachelor's degree in general studies online. After graduating, she transitioned into a medical clinic administrator role using the skills from her interdisciplinary degree.
Our online degree and certificate programs can give you the confidence to branch into new careers or advance your education.
3. You want a foundation for a career
A bachelor杏吧专区檚 degree can be the first step toward building the knowledge and experience you need to pursue your dream career.
For Maya Major, that dream was becoming an occupational therapist. After earning her associate degree, she needed a program that aligned with her career goals and accepted her transfer credits. UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 online Health Promotion & Wellness program checked every box.
"I was looking for a flexible program geared toward my goal of becoming an occupational therapist. UL Lafayette had a kinesiology program that was online and accepted all of my credits. That was a huge plus 杏吧专区 I didn杏吧专区檛 have to start from scratch.杏吧专区
She finished the program ahead of schedule while working full time as a behavioral tech. In the program, she developed time management and communication skills she杏吧专区檚 already using in her role.
Each of our online bachelor杏吧专区檚 degrees prepares students to tackle a range of roles, letting you shape a future that suits your needs.
Is it the right time?
If going back to school seems like the best option to achieve your goals, next you should ask whether you杏吧专区檙e ready to commit.
4. You杏吧专区檙e ready to dedicate the time
Keeping up with coursework, studying, and forums in an online or hybrid class can be difficult. Even more so when you add in work responsibilities, kids, pets, or any extra activities.
Online students should be ready and willing to commit 9-12 hours per week, per three-credit course.
5. You have a financial plan
Online coursework gives students the opportunity to continue earning a living as they earn their degree. These students may find UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 payment plan a viable and convenient way to cover their tuition.
Those who qualify can apply financial aid to any online course or degree program. Plus, online students can take advantage of in-state tuition rates, regardless of their location.
6. You have a support team
Adding coursework to your responsibilities is not only an adjustment for you, but also for your family and friends.
Jada Hector, visiting assistant instructor in UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 online criminal justice program, says success starts with a plan.
杏吧专区淭he first week of class, read all the emails, the material, and set up a schedule,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淟et杏吧专区檚 be honest, it杏吧专区檚 not tough. But when students fall behind, that杏吧专区檚 when the tower crumbles.杏吧专区
Her advice: start strong, know your deadlines, and don杏吧专区檛 hesitate to reach out when you need help.
"If you杏吧专区檙e struggling or have even the smallest question, ask. Don杏吧专区檛 wait until the end of the semester," she says. 杏吧专区淭alk to one of us. We杏吧专区檒l help you figure it out.杏吧专区
Curious about which online degree program is right for you? Reach out to our Online Student Support Team at 337-482-5555 to begin.
