Pros and Cons of Part Time Continuing Education
Students Must Weigh Options to Select the Optimal Program
Feb 9, 2009
Enrolling in a continuing education program requires planning and commitment to succeed. Adults enrolling in a program must make a critical decision prior to enrolling – this decision is choosing full-time or part-time enrollment. There are pros and cons for either choice; however, most people want to take the part-time approach for many reasons.
Full-time enrollment means completing a program sooner; however, it typically means quitting full-time employment. Part-time enrollment typically means retaining full-time employment; however, many other aspects of one’s current life style will need to eliminated or constrained. These factors way heavily in a person’s decision making process and planning for continuing education is fundamental.
Pros for Part Time Continuing Education Enrollment
There are many benefits to continuing education enrollment. Prominent examples include:
Financial
Compared to the average full-time student, part-time students typically have full-time jobs. This makes it possible to maintain a good lifestyle level, borrowing money for education is reduced, and complete school owing considerably less than full-time students.
Gaining Work Experience
Experience pays for students employed in a career field in which their continuing education program is designed, for example, earning a bachelor degree in management. Upon degree completion, they could possibly move up to manager or senior manager.
Another advantage for being employed is that class work and homework assignments are easier, because students are engaged in realistic experiences to base assignments and discussions. This makes it easier to grasp course and program concepts.
Learning Time Management
Part-time students learn the importance of time management. They know that every spare moment is spent studying or completing homework. This concept of time management is essential for success in part-time continuing education. Learning time management early leads to obtaining a degree with a good grade point average.
Learning to Think Logically
Part-students work and study under pressure all the time. They need to work to gain experience and afford to pay for school. They need to balance work, social life, and school work to succeed. This requires practical thinking, problem solving, and making logical decisions. Potential and current employers view this characteristic favorably.
Cons to Part-Time Continuing Education Enrollment
As with all things in life, there are negatives and there are downsides to part-time continuing education enrollment. Prominent examples include:
Financial
Part-time students are typically not eligible for most scholarships and grants.
Switching to Full-Time Enrollment
Many part-time programs are designed for part-time only, eliminating the possibility of switching to full-time in case of need or desire to switch.
If a school offers full-time and part-time program options, many times they discourage a switch to full-time. This is to avoid what is referred to as “back door” enrollment, because often the entry requirements for part-time students are not quite as stringent as full-time enrollment.
Missed Networking Opportunities
The opportunities to participate in externships or internships are limited due to full time employment. These experiences are crucial for gaining additional understanding in a career field related to the degree. If switching careers, potential employers frown on skipping or serving questionable internships or externships.
Part-time students (especially evening students) rarely participate in extracurricular activities, organizations, and other opportunities to network with students that in many cases could be future colleagues.
Time Management
Trying to balance full-time employment with part-time education can be overwhelming. Typically for every hour of class time, a student spends two to three hours of studying. For example, two classes equal six hours of class a week and 12-18 hours of study. This makes 18-24 hours of week for two courses.
Making Connections
Part-time programs are a viable option for most adults who want to continue their education. Anyone considering enrolling in a continuing education program must weigh all options and make the best choice for himself. Ten tips for adults who are going back to school provides additional information to support a selection. Part-time education has pros and cons; however, the biggest pro is that a degree is earned and one’s future becomes brighter.
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