Questions About Going Back to School Online? We Have Answers!

If you’re planning on going back to school sometime soon, chances are you will be doing so online — at least for a portion of your classes. Although the pandemic has pushed most schools into offering virtual options, online degree programs were already gaining popularity in the years prior.

Credit: Pixabay

It’s normal to feel apprehensive about enrolling in a virtual program for the first time — or going back to school, period. The International Lawyer should be a go-to resource for navigating tough decisions around your education, particularly if you want to become an international lawyer yourself. Here are a few more answers to your most pressing questions.

What degrees can I earn online?

Honestly, just about any degree, you could earn in person. If you’re tech-savvy, for example, you can easily earn your bachelor’s in information technology, then you’ll be set up for some of the most in-demand jobs across the country — even across the world. You could also look into other online bachelor’s programs to get you set up for law school.

Interested in an advanced law degree? If so, going back to get your LLM may be the right choice. Most folks enroll in an LLM program because they want to gain expertise in a specific legal field, like taxation or arbitration. This is also a good way to prepare for the bar.

Virtual LLM programs are available, but you should make sure the university you choose is fully accredited. This is the most crucial step for aspiring LLM candidates. Choosing an accredited institution will ensure that your credits will transfer and that you’ll be eligible for financial aid.

Are online programs less expensive?

It depends. If you already have a school in mind, you can use this dropdown tool to look into the average costs for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Keep in mind that these costs tend to be about the same for both in-person and online classes. This is true for many traditional public and private higher education institutions.

You will save on living expenses, which can make up a huge chunk of most student’s education costs. One more bonus of online programs is that you’ll be able to take classes at your own pace and on your own schedule. That makes it so much easier to also hold a job.

Also know that financial aid is available for accredited degree programs. Your first step in determining your eligibility is to fill out a FAFSA. The completed application will be transmitted to your chosen school and you should receive an award letter shortly after acceptance.

What are some challenges of virtual programs?

Going back to school is going to be somewhat challenging, no matter which degree you pursue and what type of classes you attend. The good news is that most non-traditional students have an easier time focusing and excelling in their programs. Just think about it — you’re not going to be distracted by campus life or social activities with an online program.

If you have a full-time career or kids at home, these things may very well distract you — that is, unless you create the structure you need to balance your studies with other responsibilities. Set a schedule for your class assignments and also impose “do not disturb” study hours.

You’ll also need your own office at home. Don’t have a spare room? Find a corner or maybe a small closet that you can transform into a focus-friendly study space. Try to place your micro-office in an area of your home that isn’t heavily trafficked by other family members. If you can’t find that sort of space, placing your desk against a wall can create separation.

Online degrees are just like traditional degrees, except with more freedom and maybe some unique struggles. You can easily overcome these challenges by staying organized and creating firm boundaries for yourself and your family. If you’re still a bit anxious, that’s understandable. This is a big decision, so take your time and do your research to decide what’s best for you.

Stay connected with The International Lawyer for more education and career guides.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn. – Visit our Blog.