A piece of paper sure cannot decide your entire future, but it can help you come out of your present misery.
Going to college and earning a degree is almost every person’s dream. But sadly, not everyone is fortunate enough to live this dream.
Every year, about 40% of students in the United States drop out of college. A third of students drop out in search of jobs.
The most common reason behind dropping out of college is financial issues. Others, unfortunately, have unexpected medical problems, a lack of support, or family issues.
Research reveals that college dropouts are less likely to be employed than degree holders. Even if they secure a job, the compensation is less.
However, don’t lose heart, as you can continue your education while working full-time.
A few years ago, learning while earning wasn’t even a thing. But fast forward to today, it seems like earning a degree while working has become the new normal.
In this article, we’ll discuss a few degree programs that you can pursue alongside your full-time job.
#1 Nursing
The demand for healthcare workers is high in the United States, which is why employment opportunities are growing at an accelerated rate.
If we go by the statistics, it’s forecasted that employment in the healthcare sector will climb 13% by 2031.
Looking to the future, there will be around two million openings for registered nurses (RN) annually between 2020 and 2030.
That’s what the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts. No doubt, the future of nursing appears to be bright and rosy. In such times, earning a bachelor’s program in nursing will prove lucrative.
A degree in nursing means you’ll earn an impressive salary, falling between $112,788 and $132,046. And the best part? Many universities offer distance ABSN programs.
That means you can learn at your own pace while earning from the comfort of your home.
The ideal distance nursing program is one where you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the concept of professional nursing and the nurse’s role in an interprofessional healthcare team.
Besides, the curriculum of the ABSN program entails key elements of nursing practice and healthcare issues and policies shaping healthcare nationally and globally.
Dr. Renea Powell of Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing says that students, no matter which field they belong to, must have a passion for learning and a will to change to become a nurse.
Rest assured, they’ll be successful in their endeavor.
#2 Cybersecurity and Network Engineering
If you’re a news junkie, you’d know that cyberattacks are on the rise worldwide. New data by Check Point Research cites a 38% increase in cyberattacks worldwide in 2022.
The uptick in cyberattacks is driven largely by a growing number of agile criminal groups and the rapid digitalization of the healthcare industry and academic institutions.
With the rise in cyberattacks, no surprise cybersecurity specialists are in high demand. That is why enrolling yourself in the cybersecurity and network engineering course will be a smart move.
The course will equip you with the knowledge to tackle critical threats so that you can protect computers and network systems.
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and network engineering merges security theory and hands-on practice by covering important subjects.
Among them are computer systems, mobile, and network forensics, incident response, Window and Linux security, and many more.
As a graduate of this program, you will be eligible to take Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification (CCNA), Network+, and CompTIA Security + exams.
#3 Interior Design
Love transforming simple or dull and dreary spaces into aesthetically pleasing ones? A degree in interior design will help you monetize your creativity.
Much like nurses and cybersecurity specialists, there is an increasing demand for interior designers. The job market for interior designers is projected to grow by 4.5% by 2026.
A Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design will make you proficient in technology and the art of the discipline.
Advanced topics such as art history, textiles, finishes and materials, contracts and specifications, estimating and scheduling, and construction law will also be covered in the program.
As you’re a full-time worker, we’d suggest you enroll yourself in institutions that conduct classes on weekends instead of online courses.
This way, you won’t miss out on anything– neither your job nor your course.
Learning While Earning: The Bottom Line
Life never stops teaching, and that is why you should never stop learning.
Whether you’re a 25-year-old or a 35-year-old, it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, even if that means obtaining a degree.
Besides the ones mentioned here, you can sign up for business management, criminal justice, electrical engineering technology, game development and simulation, and many more.
Mind you, this list isn’t a comprehensive one. That means you have many more options when it comes to acquiring a degree while working.
Remember to enroll yourself in a discipline you’re fond of or passionate about. Otherwise, your chances of success will be low.
Also, when choosing a university for enrolling in an online program, check past students’ reviews to know if it lives up to its claims.
If everything seems alright, go ahead and get yourself enrolled in a course of your choice.
Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.
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