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Have you ever thought about going back to school and getting an undergraduate degree? Maybe it's time to think about finishing that Master's program you started before the kids came along. Ever thought about taking a community school class to learn a new skill, meet different people, or just get out of the house? Sometimes what is learned in a classroom setting is more about development, accomplishment, and gaining experience in a different format. There is no better time to start than now! Here are a few things to think about and some quick links to help you get started. |
Set Your Goal
If you want to get a college diploma but haven' t yet finished high school there are some things that need to happen first. Not having a High School diploma does not mean that college is not a possibility. Start by reading the article, " High School Completion Options ."
If you are ready to start taking college courses, spend some time determining the field you want to study and the type of degree you want to attain. An Associate's degree is a good way of beginning the process. Typically a 24 or 35 credit degree program, this option allows you to take courses in a variety of areas that may help you determine further educational goals. Some Associate programs may also let you 'concentrate' on specific fields. The credits earned for this degree are able to be counted toward a Bachelor's degree in most disciplines. Some local colleges that offer Associate's programs are:
A Bachelor's degree is usually the next rung on the academic ladder. Traditionally, obtaining a Bachelor's degree used to be a long process. However, there are now many avenues to take that may make this time commitment a bit shorter. Many colleges and universities accept work / life experience to count as credit toward the degree. Also, using your current position here at WHOI may be allowed to count as an internship. A Bachelor's degree is usually comprised of a number of general education requirements and an equal amount of specific classes used toward your major. Again, there is a swing in higher education that is making the general education requirement less of a burden on an adult learner. Learn more by visiting some of these nearby Bachelor-degree-granting institutions:
If you've already attained your Bachelor's degree but now want to be formally educated on a specific area that relates to your work, a Master 's program will help you do that. These programs tend to have more adult learners. These programs can be a bit more of a challenge, academically, but can sometimes be great career boosters. Cape Cod Community College (listed above) offers a location for many Boston area colleges to hold their Master 's classes. This provides a great and convenient way of earning a degree without having to go over the bridge. For more information, contact Shirley Natalie with the Extended Studies Division at Cape Cod Community College at 508-375-4082. If you don't mind heading off Cape, some of the above colleges that grant Bachelor's degrees also grant Master's degrees. Here are a few more:
Have you ever wanted to learn a new language? How about taking a pilate's class without having to join a health club? Want to try your hand at pottery? A community school course may be the way to go. These are non-degree granting classes that usually last 6 to 8 weeks. They are open to anyone in the community and are a great way to find your hidden talent. These classes are also a great way to get back into the swing of a classroom environment. They offer a broad range of enrichment opportunities to adults and provide access to life-long learning. Here are some local programs:
Time and Cost
As adults, we weigh many things in our life by how much time is going to be involved and how much of a financial investment is required. Education is not an exception to this way of thinking.
The cost of furthering your formal education can be varied. Taking a community school class usually involves a one-time fee that can range from the typical cost of a dinner out to a couple of hundred dollars for materials. To obtain your Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree is a bit more of a financial obligation. WHOI understands that, which is why we offer the Employee Education Benefit. The Institution encourages continuing education by reimbursing certain expenses for job-related courses and/or work-related degree programs. You must be a regular employee working at least half-time, who has completed at least six months of employment. The maximum amount reimbursable in a calendar year is $4,000, prorated according to your employment status. For more information, contact your Benefits Specialist, Linda Snow at lsnow@whoi.edu or Elizabeth Walsh at ewalsh@whoi.edu .
Perhaps you are telling yourself that you don't have enough time to go back to school or to take a class. Looking at all that is involved, it might be overwhelming. Still, being an adult student does have its advantages. As mentioned above, in some cases work/life experience and your current position can be used toward academic credit. This may allow for fewer classes to be taken. Most classes are offered in the evenings or on Saturdays, and some are on a shorter semester schedule.
There are also a number of degree granting institutions that offer classes on-line. You can be part of a virtual classroom while in the comfort of your home and on your schedule. Many of the schools listed in this article offer this new way of learning. The University of Phoenix offers a majority of its courses on-line, either at one of their learning centers or you can log-in from your home computer. For more information, go to http://www.uopxonline.com/.
So what are you waiting for? Start something new. Start small and, little by little, you will reach your goals!
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