Many parents across the country are being faced with financial hardships that have caused them to rethink their career options. The economic downturn has resulted in thousands of stay-at-home moms making the decision to re-enter the workforce in order to help keep their families afloat financially.
According to the Washington Post, there’s a gender gap in the nation’s unemployment rate, which stands at 10 percent for men and 7.9 percent for women. In addition, male-dominated industries such as construction and manufacturing have been hit hard by the recession, while industries typically dominated by women such as healthcare and education have seen job growth, despite the economy.
Many mothers contemplating a move back into the workforce are turning to online colleges and degree programs to increase their marketability in a competitive work environment.
Experts say moms who choose to go back to school to expand their career options should consider a few things before enrolling. Making sure their online college is accredited is important, as is the type of degree program they choose. Juggling family obligations with school requirements can be difficult if these students enroll in a program that’s not right for them.
Some online college programs – known as synchronous programs – require students to log on at designated times each week, often at the same time a professor and other students are logged on and completing coursework as well. While these classes are preferred by many since they feel like they’re a part of a “real” class, they may be challenging for some parents with time constraints. Other online colleges – known as asynchronous colleges – allow students to fulfill their classroom study time on their own schedule taking all their college courses online.
There are also many financial aid opportunities for moms. For instance, Pell Grants are great single mother grants because they are awarded based on financial need. There are are also many other scholarships and grants that moms can take advantage of, such as state grants.
Enrolling in an online degree program does take some research, but many parents who have completed them say the convenience and other benefits make them the preferred method of education for busy adults.
March 22, 2010
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April 20, 2010
This information has been so helpful! I am a single mom that has wanted to earn my bachelors to help better my life, and my daughters. Thank you so much for all of the information you have provided.
June 22, 2010
This is a really good hub. I have been home taking care of my baby for two years and now I am going to start on an online degree!
July 5, 2010
I am a single mom who has been workng for the last three years in a hair salon in order to take care of my family. I really want to get my degree and start working somewhere that I can have benefits and make a better income. Would online school be a good choice?
July 14, 2010
I am so pleased with this information. I have been considering going back to school for my teaching degree, but could not figure out how to do it. I never even considered doing it online. Can you get your entire teaching degree online?
July 18, 2010
I have been thinking aout going back to school to complete my degree and become a teacher. Online college seems to take some of the scariness out of going back after not being in school for 15 years. I am going to try it.
November 20, 2010
I am a second grade teach and have been for 3 years. I just found out that if I take some more classes and get extra credits I will get a promotion. Can I take these classes online?
November 20, 2010
I am interested in taking some courses in technology to enhance my position at work. Can I get financial aid to pay for it?
January 12, 2011
Hey Carrie, you can get great info about online teaching degrees here.
February 21, 2011
My wife’s sister is a single mother who’s been trying to get back to school after dropping out. I’ll definitely show her this article!
July 19, 2011
Hello Johnny. Are you interested in only taking a few classes or getting a certificate?
July 19, 2011
Hi Patricia. Which courses do you need to take? They may be available online, but until we know what courses they are I cannot provide an exact answer.