Online degrees can be an excellent way to continue your education, go back to school, or to add to your qualifications. In the past, the framework and the platform themselves were typically underfunded, but huge investments have revitalized the online education sector thanks to global-wide lockdowns. There are so many great new programs and study tools available that simply didn’t exist a few years ago, and it is these tools and programs that will help you successfully complete an online degree without the study stress.
Work with an admissions advisor to ensure you have the right program for your goals
Nothing will be as demoralizing as realizing halfway through your program that it is not the right fit for what you want. While you can drop out of a few courses here and there, changing the full program can be a challenge (especially if what you actually want is not offered). You can always transfer relevant credits later down the line, but for the sake of your motivation and productivity, you are better off putting in a little bit extra effort when it comes to finding the right online degree for you, especially if there are plenty of similar programs offered by one institution. There are many Merrimack College online graduate programs, for example, and if you are unsure of which program you should select or how you can customize the degree in question, getting in touch with the admissions advisor or the department head is essential. Do the legwork here, and you will know every step of the way that the program you have chosen is going to help you achieve your dreams.
Take fewer responsibilities rather than more
When you first start your online degree, start with the minimum amount of credits that you can take at one time. This is particularly important if you have responsibilities or a career you are working your degree around. If it was a breeze to handle, then you can try taking on two courses at once instead, and so on. Starting with fewer responsibilities can help you adjust to the new routine and can also help you balance your new work/life/study responsibilities.
Work on your degree three times per day
For best results, break up your program requirements throughout the day. Do a certain amount of work in the morning, do something else on your lunch break, and then opt for the largest bulk of work you set out for yourself that day in the evening. How you break up your study day depends on your job and responsibilities. Regardless of your situation breaking up large blocks of time makes studying easier, more manageable, and more effective.
Improve your health for maximum energy and focus
If you feel like you are struggling to keep up with the additional workload, try to look at your health. Whether your taking a course to get your aws certification or marketing degree, you’ll need plenty of energy to get things done.Increase your body’s intake of foods that slowly release energy, like those high in fiber. You will also want to prioritize a consistent sleep schedule and aim to drink more water. Great health makes it easier to think, to learn, and to focus, and it is never too late to get started.
Find more educational resources in our archives.