Going Back to School as a Parent: How to Earn Your Master’s While Raising a Family

Last updated on May 8th, 2025 at 11:00 pm

The juggling act of parenthood can sometimes be overwhelming. Between school pick-ups, helping with homework, the kids’ activities, and household chores, the very thought of adding “student” to your identity might feel impossible.

But if you’re determined to finish your degree or get your masters, there are ways you can advance your education–while still being there for your family. Nowadays, flexible degree programs are creating exciting opportunities to advance your education and even explore new careers.

Pursuing a degree and raising a family don’t have to be competing priorities. With the right support network and a program designed with your busy life in mind, you absolutely can do both—and do them well.

The Emergence of the Online Graduate Track

Wondering how going back to school as a parent works in practice? Let’s take a look at how busy moms and dads can actually earn their masters without committing to full-time, on-campus classes.

Distance learning has evolved beyond old school recorded lectures and emailed PDFs. Today’s platforms are mobile, interactive, and flexible enough to fit the schedules of busy adults. Moms can study when the little ones are asleep or at school, without the need to drive to a campus or find childcare.

Most universities now offer self-paced courses with weekly deadlines, which basically means you can watch lectures and turn in assignments when it fits your busy schedule. You still get some structure to keep you on track, but you decide if that’s during naptime, early mornings, or after the kids go to bed.

Some programs also offer optional live sessions or forums, where students can connect with classmates or teachers in real time. For parents starved for adult conversation after long days with babies or toddlers, this can be a welcome opportunity for both learning and socialization with peers.

Selecting the Right Masters for You

Not every master’s program demands the same investment of time or hands-on experience. Finding the right match means aligning your field of study with both your career aspirations and your current life situation.

Here are some excellent degree options for professionals returning to the workforce or looking to advance their current careers:

Master of Education in Administration

A Master of Education in Administration is ideally suited to parents who have a background in teaching or educational support and want to advance to an administrative role. Many school districts prefer or require this certification for administrator and principal positions. Classes include instruction in organizational leadership, education law, and curriculum development. Online programs can be perfect for practicing teachers, allowing them to remain on the job while completing the next step of their professional growth.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Earning an MBA can open the door to new opportunities in management, entrepreneurship, or consulting. You’ll find online MBA degrees in marketing, healthcare administration, and project management. Accelerated degrees can often be completed in as little as one year, although part-time options are available for those needing a slower pace. For stay-at-home moms or dads wanting to get back into the workforce or transition into a new career, an MBA offers flexibility and appeals to a variety of employers.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

If you find a career in counseling, community service, or nonprofits appealing, an MSW may be a great option–it’s a highly sought-after accreditation in many fields. Most online MSW degree programs allow part-time study and offer placement assistance for fieldwork requirements. Some colleges and universities have tracks for candidates with undergraduate degrees in non-related fields, so you don’t have to have a bachelor’s in social work to become qualified.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

This MSN is a natural progression for registered nurses who want to specialize or move into advanced practice roles. Specializations may include nurse education, family nurse practitioner (FNP), or healthcare leadership. The majority of online MSN programs are flexible enough for working nurses, offering evening or weekend classes and arranging local clinical placements.

Balancing Coursework with Family Life

Time management is crucial when you’re balancing a master’s program, a household, and a family. Be sure to set realistic expectations, and don’t expect to keep up with the pace of full-time, on-campus students. Instead, explore programs designed for working adults and caregivers. Most online graduate degrees have tracks that range from 18 months to four years, depending on the pace you’re looking for.

Creating a family calendar with fixed study windows can also help in setting expectations with your spouse and children. Even younger children can understand the phrase “Mom’s study time,” if it’s part of the routine. As kids grow older, they’re more likely to be proud cheerleaders in the process, learning that education is a life-long pursuit.

Financial and Emotional Support Systems

Returning to school as a parent isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s an emotional journey of ups and downs. At times you might feel guilt, pride, fatigue, or a sense of achievement, sometimes all in a single day. That’s why support systems are important. Search for programs that have mentorship opportunities, online student networks, and the ability to interact with academic advisors who know the realities adult learners face.

Many schools also offer scholarships or financial aid to those going back to school. And, some employer have tuition reimbursement or professional development accounts—don’t miss out on these valuable resources.

If you’re a one-income family or your budget is tight, consider taking one course at a time and gradually increasing this as your family adjusts. Remember, completing a master’s degree is a marathon, not a sprint.

Going Back to School as a Parent: The Long-Term Benefits

While you’re in the thick of it, a master’s program can be stressful and financially intense, but the long-term rewards are usually worth it. A graduate degree can lead to better pay, greater job security, and more flexibility—especially in companies where remote work or hybrid arrangements are available. For those who have been out of the workforce as stay-at-home parents, the degree also helps bridge resume gaps created by time away from professional employment.

It’s not surprising that most people feel more confident after completing their degrees. Beyond the academic credentials, it’s an experience that enhances your ability to adapt, grow, and lead—skills that apply directly to both your work and family life.

Earning a master’s degree is an investment in yourself that pays dividends for years to come, not only in your career but in your personal development and resilience. No matter the path you take afterward, you’ll move forward better equipped to embrace new opportunities with confidence and purpose.

Also read:
Transitioning Back to Work? What Parents Need To Know
How to Get Started with a Second Career in Nursing (Steps to Take Now)
6 Well-Paying Trade Careers for Women to Consider

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