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Are online college and graduate school classes best for you?
How to balance work, life and online courses.
Online college can have great benefits compared to going to college in-person. You’ll have the freedom and flexibility to work from home, your office or even in a coffee shop! But there’s some important things to remember – like deadlines. See some of the top questions about taking online college courses and whether or not attending online college is best for you.
See Texas Wesleyan’s Online Degrees
What are online courses like?
Online courses can consist of pre-recorded lectures, videos, discussion forms, assignments and quizzes, if taking asynchronous courses (which is the majority of our online classes). For synchronous classes, you’ll simply log in at your set time to attend class.
You’ll have access to the course through Canvas, our online system, to be able to find the syllabus, as well as topics being taught throughout the semester in the modules. Professors often post additional resources, like study guides, throughout the semester as well.
You can interact with your professor through email, phone calls and online office hours. Or if you want, you can come to campus, too!
Can I still work full time while going to college online?
The short answer is yes, you can still work a full-time job while attending college online. One of the best advantages of doing online college coursework is having the flexibility to watch lectures, do homework and take quizzes at a time of day that works for you. That could mean working in the morning, caring for a child in the evening and focusing on class later in the day or on your day off. Many of our degrees are designed to be flexible, allowing you to focus on one to two classes at a time.
But this might mean online courses are not the best choice for you. If you struggle with time management or have a hectic daily schedule, then you may consider going to college part-time or working part-time. Many students choose to go to school part-time in order to maintain a better work-life balance.
Is online college harder?
Online college classes still require the same amount of work as in-person classes, if not a little more. You’ll still need to finish projects, tests, homework, etc. by a set timeline and be able to watch lectures and read through text. But being able to do it all while in your PJs and avoiding traffic? That’s a big bonus!
Some people thrive with the flexibility to attend classes when they can, while others may need a stricter schedule. Deciding what works best for you, your family and career is important in determining whether to attend college online.
How do I handle work-life balance with online college?
Trying to juggle work, children, college and just general life can be difficult. Having a support group will make all the difference – whether it's family members, friends, co-workers or even your professors.
Attending Texas Wesleyan has some serious perks when it comes to understanding work-life balance. Smaller classes mean our professors can get to know you better, even online. They’re here to support you on your higher education journey and want to see you succeed. You’ll get the same level of support and guidance as our in-person classes, with professors available for online office hours. And you can always access them through email, too!
Creating a schedule and prioritizing tasks can help keep you organized and stay on track. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and planning set times in your schedule to work on them can help alleviate any last-minute stress.
It’s also important to take time for you. Practice mindfulness when you can and take time to do things you enjoy. Being your best self may mean having to set boundaries, take breaks and focus on you.
Remember to use our free student resources, too!
Can I still get scholarships with online college?
As an online college student, you’ll still qualify for scholarships if you’re in an accredited program (like ours). Most scholarships don’t have stipulations for in person verse online, but as always, double check with the awarder. If you’re looking at bachelor’s degree programs, Texas Wesleyan offers merit-based scholarships. That means we look at your high school or college (if you are transferring) GPA to determine how much scholarship you qualify for. The better your GPA, the better the scholarship!
Both undergraduate and graduate domestic students that take courses online can also fill out the FAFSA to see if they qualify for grants. Depending on your program, you may get additional funding from federal and state governments to help cover the costs of college. We always recommend speaking with our Financial Aid Office to discover your options.
What about access to student resources?
One of the best things about Texas Wesleyan is access to free resources – even with attending college online. You’ll also still have access to our free resources, like tutoring, library resources, career services and mental health services.
Tutoring
You can get free peer tutoring in a variety of subjects through our Academic Success Center! They offer after-hours sessions and meet through Microsoft Teams. You’re also able to access Brainfuse, an online tutoring, study and skill-building website, to get 24/7 help. No more trying to fight the clock getting the help you need!
Learn more on tutoring services
Study Tools & Library Resources
The West Library offers numerous resources online, from research guides to digital libraries of academic journals, books and more. You’ll have access right at your fingertips to conduct research and study a wide array of topics.
Learn more about the West Library
Career Services
You can easily schedule a free online appointment with a career counselor to get help preparing for your career. From getting advice on looking for a job to practicing for interviews, our team is here to help you succeed.
You’ll also have access to the online job board, career assessments and tips and tricks for resumes and cover letters. You can even submit your resume and cover letter for review!
The best part? You’ll still have free access after you graduate, too.
Learn more from Career Services
Counseling Resources
The Texas Wesleyan Community Counseling Center is a great resource for our students and community. In-state students have access to free personal counseling services on campus, ranging from marriage and family counseling to substance abuse and grief counseling.
Living in Texas but can’t travel? You can receive five telehealth counseling sessions through the center and can get help with locating a counselor in your area for local support.
Not in Texas? Contact the center to receive referrals to an agency or provider in your area.