Back To School: The Basics

By Carolina Diaz-Bordon, Contributing Writer

Updated: 1/7/2009

Nobody ever said going back to school is easy. But at the same time, it’s not impossible.

Once you’ve made the decision to continue your education, you'll be faced with a seemingly endless selection of programs from which to choose. There are vocational and technical schools, community colleges, accelerated programs, certificate programs, undergraduate and graduate programs, credit and non-credit courses, distance learning options and so on.

Despite all of the choices at your disposal, sometimes that can be a disadvantage, especially if you’re returning to school after a long absence.

Before you even begin hunting for schools and programs, you need to do some serious soul searching. Every student, regardless of age, should take the time to reflect on what it is they are really striving for. As an adult, this step is even more imperative due to the many responsibilities and commitments already on your plate.

First thing you need to determine is why you want to hit the books. Do you hope to advance your career or are you hoping to change directions altogether? Are you going back to school to learn more about a particular area of interest, to complete a degree you never finished or to motivate your children to follow in your footsteps?

Make sure you’re aware of your ultimate goals. No matter what reason you have for continuing your education, the key to picking the right school is directly related to the reason you’ve chosen to pursue an education.

The next essential step is to break down your current responsibilities. Consider the time you allot for work, family and other commitments. This will help give you an idea of how much time you can afford to devote to attending school and studying. There are many great schools and programs geared specifically toward adult students.

It may be to your advantage to attend a school that has a special program for adults continuing their education. These programs often offer a variety of services for adults including flexible hours, accelerated degree programs, part-time programs, distance learning options or credit for work experience.

Distance learning programs -- the delivery of instruction and fulfillment of course work from remote locations -- allow the instructors and students to interact without being in the same place. This means you can go to school from the comfort of your own home. This option is becoming more and more popular among adult students.

Increasing numbers of universities are offering popular courses online, providing the opportunity for working people with families to obtain new skills and credentials without having to commute to a college campus. While distance learning is a great option, it’s not for everyone. Because you’re not required to go into a classroom, it can be easy to put off assignments or skip classes.

A student must be disciplined and motivated to succeed as a distance learner. Many students learn much better in a classroom setting. If distance learning sounds like a good option for you, it’s important to choose a school that offers these courses in the specific field of your interest.

It’s also central to be aware of exactly what type of degree or certification you are seeking to obtain. If you have a very specific idea of what you want to study, lean toward schools that have a strong program in that area. The type of degree you choose depends on your goals. There are several different options available. The following are some of the most common:

1. Certificate programs: Program designed for students who are looking for instruction with a high degree of specialization. Certificate programs vary in length and may require less than two years of full-time study, and may be pursued on a part-time basis. At the point of completion students may request the issuance of a certificate of completion.
    
   
2. Associate’s Degree: A degree granted for the successful completion of a sub baccalaureate program of studies, usually requiring at least 2 years (or the equivalent) of full-time college-level study. This term includes degrees granted in a cooperative or work-study program.
    
   
3. Bachelor’s Degree: The degree given for successful completion of the undergraduate curriculum at a four-year college or a university. Also called baccalaureate degree.
    
   
4. Master’s Degree: A postgraduate degree for which candidature normally requires completion of a four-year Bachelor’s Degree with Honors (or equivalent).
    
   
5. Doctoral Degree: The highest academic degree conferred by a university on students who have completed at least three years of graduate study beyond the bachelor's and/ or master's degree and who have demonstrated their academic ability in oral and written examinations and through original research presented in the form of a dissertation.

Another factor that should be taken into consideration is geography. What’s the proximity of the school to your work and home? If you plan on going to school online, physical location is a moot point. However, if there is a campus component, you should probably consider how attending classes will affect your schedule.

Once you’ve determined what type of degree you’re interested in and which program fits your needs, you can start the research process. There are many resources available to help you study the schools most suitable for you.

Check out the websites, books and college directories. You can visit the schools, and speak to representatives in the adult education department, admissions office and financial aid office. You can also consult with professors in your major. Be sure to take full advantage of as many of these options as possible so you’re well informed.

The best way to succeed as an adult student is to always keep in mind the financial and personal rewards that will come after your education is complete.

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