How can you take courses or earn a college degree while holding a full-time job and raising a family? It’s a balancing act, but the convenience and flexibility of online education help working professionals make it happen. Learning online is becoming more and more popular, especially for those pursuing a master’s degree or completing an undergraduate degree, since it accommodates balancing family time, varied work schedules and active lives.

According to a recent report from Sloan-C (www.sloan-c.org), “Staying the Course: Online Education in the U.S., 2008,” more than 3.9 million students took at least one online course during the fall 2007 term, a 12 percent increase over the number reported the previous year. That growth rate for online enrollments far exceeds the 1.2 percent growth of the overall higher education student population.

More than two-thirds of all higher education institutions now have some form of online offerings. Most online education courses accommodate each individual’s personal schedule, and students use a secure password to access course content, grades and other related material through a Web-based course management system.

If you’re considering online education as an option to stay competitive in the workplace, advance your career, or to simply pursue your own personal development, answering the following questions should help you determine if it is a good solution for you:

• Do I enjoy reading, learning new things and meeting new people? Online courses require a significant amount of reading, studying and interacting. Taking an online course doesn’t mean that you are alone; consider it a virtual classroom.

• Do I have motivation and commitment? There may be times when you will have to choose between completing an assignment and having fun.

• Do I have regular access to a computer with an Internet connection?

• Can I communicate effectively in writing? Most online courses require a fair amount of writing.

• Do I have the support of my family and/or my employer? This is very important and a good indicator of individual success.

• Am I disciplined? Good time management is key to finishing assignments and progressing through a program.

• Do I have existing college credits? Most institutions will accept credits from other colleges, with proper transcript documentation. You may find you’re closer to completing your degree than you think.

• How will I finance my education? Options include federal financial aid, school or other scholarships or your employer’s tuition reimbursement plan.

More than 30 years ago, Saint Joseph’s College began offering distance education. Today, the college offers more than 20 online graduate and undergraduate programs in business, education, health care administration, nursing and theology – all suited to the student’s own schedule and location. More than 2,400 people throughout the U.S. enroll in these programs, including 550 from Maine.

For more information about online programs or to download the free Learning Online Guide, go to www.sjcme.edu/gps, or call 800-752-4723.