It is becoming more common these days for full-time employees to earn their college degree in their spare time. These kinds of students are referred to as non-traditional students. However, as the number of non-traditional students continues to grow, these students are slowly becoming what could be considered the “new norm.”

Is Working While Earning a Degree the New Normal?

The Library Journal considers non-traditional students to be the “new majority” according to its article, Nontraditional Students are the New Majority! In this particular publication, the writer Steven Bell credits the increase in student enrollment in the North Dakota region due to an oil boom that spurt economic growth. Yet, here at Florida National University (FNU), a regionally accredited college located in the South Florida area, we believe that in addition to some geographical advantages that help economic growth, another factor that encourages full-time students to earn a college degree is the convenience of taking online classes.

Have Doubts About Going to School and Working Full Time?

If you think that it’s impossible for you to earn a college degree while working a full-time job, read our article entitled, Can You Really Work Full Time and Earn a University Degree? The short answer is ‘yes you can!’ However, you’ll need to prepare yourself to put in the time and commitment it takes to earn a college degree, whether you choose to do it online or in a virtual classroom setting.

Let’s take a look at some of the top degree programs that attract most aspiring college students:

  1. Business Administration

FNU offers an associate of arts and science degree as well as a bachelor and master’s degree in Business Administration. This area of academia is considered the most popular college degree that students choose to enroll in. The reason is simple. An education in business administration proves to be the most versatile degree in academia aside from a general studies degree. A business administration degree at any level prepares graduates of this program to work in many industries. Depending on the degree level, business administration graduates are eligible to work as a manager whether it’s in retail or in an office setting. Job candidates pursuing a higher-level leadership role such as a CEO or CFO are usually accompanied with an MBA degree.

Here’s what you can expect to come away with by earning a business administration degree from FNU:

  • Exceptional communication skills
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills
  • Strategic planning and financial management skills

  1. Computer Information Technology

Earning a computer information technology degree is the second-most popular subject that students gravitate toward and for a good reason. The U.S. News World Report states that information technology is used in almost every industry. It’s crucial for storing information and oftentimes assists in automated day-to-day business operations.

Because many industries rely heavily on computer technology, the demand for such talents is high. Consequently, so is the salary depending on the industry, region, and the type of company hiring. The United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for Computer and Information Systems Manager at $135,800 with a job outlook of a 15% increase by the year 2024. This is all thanks to the projected need for cyber security as the need for technological services continues to grow.

FNU awards an Associate of Science in Computer Information Technology and Networking Systems Administrator degree. Both of these degrees are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in their specific technological area of interest.

  1. Education (AA)

Depending on which route you take with this career path, working as an educator may not pay as much as a computer information technology professional, but here again, it depends on the kind of degree you pursue. FNU offers an Associate of Arts in Education. Under this degree program, you’ll be taught structured core lessons that will give you a general background in the field of education. Graduates of this associate’s program will gain theoretical pedagogic knowledge with the opportunity to use practical hands-on teaching experience.

Like the computer technology industry, the business of education may very well be recession proof. No matter how well or disheartening the economy appears to be, the need for education always appears to be the solution.

Whether you choose to go into the area of special education, elementary, high school, technical, or traditional college, proper certification is required. The associate’s degree in Education is designed to help students get a jump-start on preparing for such endeavors. Learn more about FNU’s Education degree here.

  1. Nursing

Nursing is yet another recession-proof occupation. Combined with the technological industry, the Nursing industry is an ever-growing occupation. It’s no coincidence that the two occupations are intertwined with one another. Technology has greatly contributed to the advancement of the healthcare industry. Yet, even with all of the technological strides, there still needs to be a personable and professional approach to the healthcare industry. This is where FNU is able to offer quality bachelor and master’s degree programs that prepares every graduate to take the NCLEX exam. Get more information about all of our Nursing degree programs here.

Other notable degree programs that working students tend to enroll in are Accounting, Psychology, Legal Studies, and Criminal Justice. View all of our degree and certificate program here.

Key Advantage for Working Students

Florida National University offers all of these degree programs online. Students have the option to earn their college degree in any these programs 100% online, or they can take a few virtual classes. With the help of an advisor, students can tailor their academic schedule work around their work hours. FNU also offers night classes, and if you need financial assistance, FNU’s financial aid department will help you apply for federal aid, grants, and scholarships.

Consult an FNU advisor to get more details about which of our degree programs offer evening classes and which online courses you can start taking today.