Are you a single mom wanting to return to school? Here are the best degrees for single moms, and some reasons why you might want to consider going back to school!
Going back to school can often be a very positive, helpful way to further your career and increase your earning potential. If you are a single mom read on to find out some reasons why you should consider returning to school (and some reasons why you shouldn’t!), as well as some ideas for possible career paths.
Why Should Single Moms Return to School?
Being a single mom can be really tough, so it might seem crazy to suggest taking classes on top of all that you are already juggling.
Here are some positive reasons why returning to school may be a very good idea for you:
- Increase your earning potential
- Fulfill a personal goal
- Achieve more career satisfaction
- College graduates, in general, earn more than those with just a high school degree.
- Entry-level jobs may require advanced degrees
- Offer more professional opportunities
- Provide you the option to negotiate your salary and pay
- Provide a better life for your kids and yourself
- To gain confidence
- Learn valuable skills for the work force
- Earning a degree while being a mom means that you will need to use in-demand skills that you can add to your resume, such as:
- time management
- dedication
- organizational skills
- dependability
- perseverance
Challenges to Single Moms Returning to School
Unless you are very rich, single, and have no responsibilities, going back to school will always have some challenges and considerations, especially for single moms:
- Single moms will find it difficult and challenging to attend full-time in-person classes (although there are now many options to attend school with a flexible schedule or even completely via online classes).
- There are multiple demands on single moms, as they have a lot of outside responsibilities.
- There will probably be emotional struggles. Guilt over splitting time with your kids. Worry that you might be wasting time on education – is it worth it? Overwhelm with all of your responsibilities and routines included in daily life with your kids. Work-life balance – You don’t want to be spread too thin.
- Financial challenges include the cost of college itself (plus books, fees, etc.) and the cost of childcare.
- Burn out – This is a real concern with anyone trying to do much, but since single moms already have a lot on their plate, adding college classes to the mix could maximize the chance of burnout.
Related:
How to Beat Single Mom Burnout
Financial Tips for Single Moms
What Single Moms Can Do to Maximize Success when Returning to School
If you are a single mom seriously considering returning to school, here are some things you can do to maximize your success:
- Research and find flexible options in your chosen field of study:
- Online – There are so many degrees options available online (or partially online). Do the research and see what is available.
- Schools catering to adults – College isn’t just for teens and 20 somethings. Many older people are also returning to school. See what options are available in your area.
- Rolling year-round admissions – Many schools have year-round admissions, so you don’t have to wait until the Fall to get started on your career.
- Adjustable course load – If you really want to return to school, but are worried about the heavy course load, look into taking just one (or two) classes at a time. Reach out to schools or programs that you wish to attend for more information.
- Study from home – Take advantage of quiet moments (when your kids are asleep, for example) to study. Set up a study room in your home
- Look for grants and/or scholarships, like Single Parent Scholarships.
Related: Ultimate Guide to Scholarships and Where to Find Them
Once you have reviewed the pros and cons, if you are still interested in returning to school to broaden your career path you will need to consider the degree program options.
What to Consider When Looking at Degrees for Single Moms
What should you look for in a degree program as a single mom?
Here are some questions you should ask yourself (and the school) prior to making a commitment:
- Is this field in demand? How easily will you be able to get a job after graduation?
- Is the tuition affordable?
- Do you think that the career path looks rewarding and enjoyable?
- Do you have the required skills or the desire and ability to gain any needed skills for this field?
- Is the schooling relatively short? (You don’t necessarily want to go back to school forever!)
- Will there be job security? Is this field of work something that will be around for a long time (like many careers in the healthcare field, for example)?
- Will you be able to maintain a healthy work-life balance? (You don’t want to go to school to improve your situation and then work all the time with no time for your kids and own hobbies!)
When you don’t have enough child support (or none at all), it can be really rough to survive as a single mom. You need to take care of your kids AND work hard to pay the bills!
Here are the best degrees for single moms who want to be able to balance being a mom and having a career:
Best Degrees for Single Moms
We’ve narrowed down the degrees to those requiring less schooling and jobs that are in demand and pay relatively well. Unfortunately, the pay ranges can vary greatly depending on what state and city you live in (or whether or not you are willing to move). The ranges provided are estimates and will change, but each of these jobs starts out with a decent to good salary with potential for moving up.
The length of the degree will depend on whether or not you are able to attend full-time classes or if you need to attend part-time.
Degrees for Single Moms
Paralegal
A paralegal supports an attorney through various means, such as background research, drafting documents, interviewing, and preparing paperwork.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
Approximately 2 years for an associate degree. - Why should you consider this degree?
If you enjoy working in the legal world and want a wide variety of job options, this might be a good fit for you. You can work for insurance companies, law firms or legal departments, state or federal agencies, attorney’s offices, and more. - What is the average starting pay?
$18 – $24/hr - Is this job in demand?
As long as there are lawyers and law firms, they will need assistants.
Accounting
An accounting degree can prepare you for a career in various financial positions; for example, as a financial clerk, auditing clerk, accounting assistant.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
You can start with a 6-month certification or a 2-year associate degree (or even go for a BA). Finishing out with an associate degree is a great way to start your career in the accounting field. - Why should you consider this degree?
Careers in business and finance are fulfilling and plentiful. You can work for corporations, government agencies, businesses, non-profits, just to name a few. A 2-year degree can give you a start in many entry-level positions. If you enjoy working with numbers and finances, this could be a great first step to a successful career. - What is the average starting pay?
$22-25/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes, you can use an accounting degree in a wide variety of ways and all businesses need a financial expert.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants (PAs) see patients, diagnose illnesses, and work with doctors to create a treatment plan.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
Approximately 3 years - Why should you consider this degree?
If you enjoy working directly with patients, helping diagnose injuries, explaining treatments, prescribing medications, and working closely with doctors, this might be a good field for you. - What is the average starting pay?
$36 – $55/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes, this is a job that is very in-demand and provides job stability.
Sonographer
A sonographer takes visual images of internal organs and parts of the body to provide a report to a physician for review.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
About 2 years. - Why should you consider this degree?
Sonographers are in high demand and get a good salary. The job is exciting and mentally challenging. - What is the average starting pay?
$30/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes, you can even choose specialities within this field (breast sonographer, neurosonographer, etc.)
Occupational Therapy Assistant
An occupational therapy assistant helps people regain abilities needed to improve daily life, particularly after recovering from an injury or while managing a chronic illness.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
About 2 years - Why should you consider this degree?
If you are compassionate and enjoy helping people and assisting those recovering from illness or injury, you may really enjoy this career. - What is the average starting pay?
$27/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes, very high demand.
Veterinary Technician Degree
Veterinary technicians support and assist veterinarians in caring for and providing treatment to animals.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
2 years (You can also get a 4-year Veterinary Technologist degree.) - Why should you consider this degree?
If you enjoy working with animals and supporting veterinarians, this might be a good fit for you. - What is the average starting pay?
$17 – $19/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes, this is definitely a growing field.
Optician
Opticians work with ophthalmologists to fit eyeglasses and contact lenses for patients.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
2 years - Why should you consider this degree?
A growing field with many job opportunities. - What is the average starting pay?
$23/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes
Health Information Technician
Health information technicians keep track of patient data and records and assisting with billing and information.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
2 years, plus an exam after completion - Why should you consider this degree?
Jobs in the medical field are in demand and can provide a very stable, reliable career path. - What is the average starting pay?
$20/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes, most jobs in the healthcare field are in demand and offer great career opportunities.
Dental Assistant/Dental Hygienist
A dental assistant helps with administrative work and prepares patients for procedures, exams, and surgeries and assists dentists with various treatments and procedures.
A dental hygienist cleans and examines patient’s teeth and provides instructions on proper dental care.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
Assistant: 1 – 2 years (1 year for a certificate; 2 years for an associate degree)
Hygienist: 2 – 4 years (2 for an associate’s; 4 for a bachelor’s) - Why should you consider this degree?
If you enjoy working with dentists and helping people take care of their teeth, there are many options available to develop your career in this field. - What is the average starting pay?
$19 – $26/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes, like health care, jobs in the dental field are plentiful and offer growth and stability.
Executive Assistant
An executive assistant takes care of managing the schedules and important communication for one or more top executives in the company.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
While there are places you can get an associate’s degree, most jobs require a high school diploma or GED at a minimum. Competitive positions will look for candidates that have a BA degree (in any field). - Why should you consider this degree?
A high-paced demanding job with never a dull day. Many EAs are working completely remotely now, although some still do go into the office. - What is the average starting pay?
$27/hr - Is this job in demand?
As long as there are executives there will be a big need for EAs.
Travel Management/Hospitality Management
Travel management degrees prepare people for roles in the travel/tourism area. Hospitality management includes aspects of business in the hospitality industry (admin, operational, commercial). There are some degrees that combine the two.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
1-4 years depending on the type of degree - Why should you consider this degree?
If you enjoy travel, tourism, and hospitality this might be a very enjoyable field for you. - What is the average starting pay?
$19 – 30/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes, this can be a great step to a satisfying career.
Education Administration
Education Administration involves the management of schools (education systems). Educational administrators handle administrative duties at schools (pre-K to college).
- How long does it take to get a degree?
There are options, but most people considering this degree already have worked as teachers. In most states you will first need a BA in Education (or a subject you will teach), plus a teaching certification. - Why should you consider this degree?
If you enjoy working in administration within the school system, you might thrive as an education administrator. - What is the average starting pay?
$23/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes, the job growth for this field is steady.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapists work with doctors to help diagnose and provide treatment for various breathing disorders.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
2 year minimum, with many people continuing on to get a BA to increase potential job opportunities. - Why should you consider this degree?
If you are compassionate and enjoy helping people and working within a hospital setting and are interested in lung health, you might consider this field. - What is the average starting pay?
$31/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes, due to an increasing older population.
Physical Therapy Assistant
Physical Therapists help patients manage pain and work on gross motor skills to increase movement and gain endurance. They create treatment plans to help patients improve their quality of life.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
Approximately 2 years - Why should you consider this degree?
If you enjoy working directly with patients who have injuries or disabilities to help improve their quality of life, then this career path might be a good fit for you. - What is the average starting pay?
$22 – 25/hr - Is this job in demand?
Physical therapists are always needed for helping people with injuries or in recovery from surgeries.
Web Developer
Technically you do not need a degree to become a web developer. You can teach yourself computer programming, coding, and web development. Consider pursuing a computer science (or related degree) and gaining skills through classes and self-learning (even through avenues like coding “boot camps”).
- How long does it take to get a degree?
Varies – You can start by choosing a specialization, developing your technical skills, improving your coding skills, and then setting up an online portfolio. - Why should you consider this degree?
Every serious business needs a website. - What is the average starting pay?
$24/hr - Is this job in demand?
The internet is not going away. Web developers are definitely needed.
Medical Lab Technician
Medical Lab Technicians usually have a certificate or associate’s degree. You can become a Medical Laboratory Technologist with a BA. Medical Lab Technicians perform regular lab tests and common procedures, taking samples of tissues, blood, urine, etc.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
1 – 2 years - Why should you consider this degree?
Do you enjoy performing lab tests and taking samples? This career path would be a good fit for you, with excellent opportunities. - What is the average starting pay?
$18- 20/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes, medical facilities definitely need lab technicians.
Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic Technologists use equipment (such as X-rays, CTs, etc.) to take images of patient’s bodies.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
2 – 4 years depending on if you are pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree - Why should you consider this degree?
This is a very active career path with stimulating work and lots of job opportunities. - What is the average starting pay?
$27/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes, radiologic technologists are in demand.
MRI Tech Associate
MRI Technology Associates use MRI machines to help diagnose patients.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
A 2-year associate degree as a minimum. A BA can help to open more job opportunities. - Why should you consider this degree?
You will never be bored. This field provides lots of challenges, from working with different kinds of people and using modern equipment. - What is the average starting pay?
$24/hr - Is this job in demand?
Fastest job growth in healthcare – a great step to a wonderful career growth.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses help plan patient care, teach patients and families about health conditions and treatments, and provide support to patients and families.
- How long does it take to get a degree?
2 year Associate’s Degree (minimum); 4-years Bachelor’s Degree (opens job opportunities and higher pay); need to pass an exam after degree completion to become licensed. - Why should you consider this degree?
Nursing can be a very fulfilling career path with an active, busy schedule. - What is the average starting pay?
$24/hr - Is this job in demand?
Yes
If one of these career options interests you and you would like to learn more, you can:
- find someone working in that field and ask them questions about their schooling, daily work life, and work/life balance to get a better sense about the career path and see if this would be a good fit for you.
- research degree programs in this field in your local area (or online if applicable).
- determine the tuition required and look into payment options (check out scholarships, grants or any financial aid that would apply to you).
Finally, If you already have a good job, maybe you are just looking for a lucrative side-hustle. Check out these great side-hustles for single moms.
Any of these ideas would make great degrees for single moms. You just need to do a little bit of research and consider your personal life and family needs. Are there any other ideas for degrees for single moms? What other options have you considered?
