Earning an advanced degree can be great for your career or personal fulfillment. Depending on your career aspirations, a master’s degree may open up new opportunities for advancement or a higher salary. Perhaps you’re simply looking to make a career change and want to strengthen your credentials and become the strongest possible candidate. This is a viable reason to pursue a graduate degree in engineering.
Whatever your motivation, there are some things to keep in mind when mapping your degree pathway. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is choosing between studying full-time or part-time. Let’s examine full-time vs. part-time master’s program options to help you make an informed decision.
Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Program Comparisons
The difference between full-time and part-time study primarily lies in the number of credit hours you take each term. Full-time students typically juggle a heavier course load, completing their degrees sooner than their part-time counterparts. However, part-time enrollment allows a more flexible schedule for those balancing work or other commitments.
Your decision on whether to attend full-time or part-time should take into account personal circumstances and preferences. For graduate students, many master’s programs grant a timeframe, often up to 5 years, to fulfill degree requirements. Be sure to review the university’s policies and requirements to plan a feasible completion timeline.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time Credit Hours
Typically, full-time graduate students are required to take nine or more credits at a time, and part-time graduate students take less than nine credits per semester. On average, a single course is 3-4 credits. That translates to about three courses at a time for full-time students and one or two for part-time students.
This is another area that can vary from university to university, so it’s always best to reference your school’s credit hour requirements when planning.
Advantages of Part-Time Learning
Both full-time and part-time learning offer unique advantages. Let’s review the most significant benefits of part-time learning, a popular option for working professionals and other non-traditional students.
You Have More Flexibility
A part-time graduate program schedule gives you enhanced flexibility, allowing you to integrate education with existing commitments. This gives you a more manageable work-life balance of personal, professional, and educational pursuits. You can continue to work and create your schedule around your life’s responsibilities.
You Can Keep Working
By attending classes part-time, you can continue with your job without the need to quit or take a leave of absence. This flexibility not only helps you maintain financial stability but also allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical work environments, leading to all-around personal and professional development. Full-time students typically do not work while earning their graduate degree.
You’ll See Real-World Results in Real Time
Working while attending school part-time provides the unique advantage of implementing what you’ve learned right away. You can immediately use your learning in scenarios and projects you work on in your job responsibilities, eliminating the waiting period to put your newly acquired knowledge into practice. This creates a dynamic learning experience that can help you in both school and work.
You Might Qualify For Employer Tuition Assistance
Speaking of working while going to school part-time, consider asking your boss or HR representative about employer tuition assistance programs. Some companies offer financial support for employees enrolled in programs that align with the company’s interests. This can be a valuable opportunity to advance your education without shouldering the entire financial burden.
It’s a Less Intense Schedule
Choosing part-time study offers a less demanding schedule, allowing you to concentrate on one or two classes at a time. This reduced course load can be beneficial for those who prefer to focus on a more manageable academic workload.
Deciding Between Full-Time and Part-Time
Deciding between a full-time or part-time master’s degree is a highly individual choice, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What’s best for you depends on various factors, including your budget, schedule, preferences, and other commitments.
One significant consideration is your budget. Part-time programs are often more affordable in the short term and allow students to better balance work and studying. On the other hand, while full-time programs may provide a faster path to degree completion, they may also require a more substantial upfront investment.
It’s worth noting that some universities allow students to transition between full-time and part-time status. However, this process often involves re-application, so make sure you understand the specific policies of your institution before you choose one or the other.
Ultimately, the decision should align with your goals and circumstances. Assess the trade-offs between time, cost, and flexibility. Consider starting full-time and transitioning to part-time if needed, but make yourself aware of the administrative steps involved in such a shift.
Earn A Master’s Degree On Your Schedule
Johns Hopkins University Engineering for Professionals School offers many programs designed especially for working professionals. Students can learn online, in-person, or a hybrid of both, with up to five years to complete their graduation requirements.
Learn more about the many opportunities JHU EP offers working professionals like you. Request your free program info here today!