Life as a working adult can be a juggling act.
Between work, meetings, family obligations, and full social calendars, the idea of returning to school can feel almost impossible. Fortunately, online degrees from Athens State University are designed with you in mind—the busy working adult who is wearing all the hats.
Doing It All: The Power of Online Degrees at Athens State
As an upper-division university, Athens State has a long history of supporting adult and non-traditional learners. We’re committed to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education without putting your life on hold.
Here’s how our flexible online degree programs make it possible to pursue your degree while still excelling at your full-time job:
1. Studying on Your Schedule
Flexibility is the cornerstone of Athens State’s online degree programs. Many of our online courses are offered asynchronously, meaning there are no set class times.
You can study at the time that works best for your schedule, whether that’s early in the morning before work, during your lunch break, late at night after the kids are asleep, or whenever works best for you.
2. Learning On-Demand
Learn anytime, anywhere that fits your needs. With Athens State’s online degrees, your classroom is wherever you have an internet connection. Coffee shop? Kitchen table? Park bench? It’s all fair game.
This accessibility makes it easier to stay consistent with your learning, even if life (or work) throws you a curveball.
3. Working with Your Workload
Time is precious, especially when you’re balancing it all. That’s why many of our online degree programs offer full-time and part-time options to help you better manage your workload.
Whether you prefer taking on more to accelerate your degree or setting up a more manageable courseload, we’ll work with you to find options that fit your schedule.
4. Finding Your Right Path
Still not sure how to make an online degree possible while working a full-time job? Our Adult Learner Services Office is here to support you every step of the way.
They’ll work with you to chart out a course that aligns with your goals and schedule to get you closer to the finish line—so you can earn your degree without missing a beat.
Making it Work: Success Stories of Working Adults
Don’t just take our word for it—students from all walks of life have been able to balance full-time work while pursuing their online degree with Athens State. Here are some of their stories:
Javian’s Story: Going the Distance in Business Management
As a recent graduate from the College of Business, Javian Conley has mastered the meaning of a successful work/life/education balance. He was able to earn a bachelor’s degree in Management and a minor in Operations Management while continuing to work full-time as a Grade IV operator for Decatur Utilities.
The flexibility of Athens State’s online degree program enabled Javian to advance his education while excelling in his current career—and take his career goals even further. In addition to his coursework, Javian earned Lean Six Sigma White and Yellow Belt certifications—two highly regarded certifications in the field of operations management that will further his professional qualifications and future success.
Throughout his journey, Javian benefited from the support of dedicated faculty members, particularly Dr. Kim Roberts, whose mentorship and guidance helped him thrive both academically and professionally. “Dr. Roberts goes above and beyond to help me grasp course concepts, discuss career goals, and create ways to achieve these goals,” he said of his mentor.
Morelia’s Story: Balancing Work and Family with Remote Learning
As a first-generation college student, Morelia Tinajera balanced her education with a full-time job and the responsibilities that come with raising two children. Despite living two hours from campus, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Management through our online degree program.
Today, Morelia works as an English as a Second Language (ESL) and civics instructor at the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (HICA), where she helps immigrants prepare for their US citizenship tests. Her time at Athens State not only equipped her with professional skills but also instilled the resilience and determination to pursue her dreams.
“My experience at Athens State was welcoming,” she stated. “The dedication, care, and hard work that the faculty and staff provide their students is inspiring and really made an impression on me when I transferred.”
Taking the First Step
Balancing a full-time job while earning a degree is hard work, but it’s entirely possible with the right resources and support system behind you. That’s the focus of the online degrees at Athens State—we’re here to help you finish strong on your terms.
Ready to take the first step? Explore our online programs and discover how Athens State can help you achieve your dreams, even while working full time.