Recently, researchers did a survey to determine which university degree programs were most respected by American citizens. They found that survey results differed from those performed 30 years ago. Not surprisingly, like the rest of American society, our values and attitudes towards different careers and professions have changed somewhat.

The results showed that pastors and teachers still received more respect from the majority of American citizens than any other degree program. Firefighters, doctors and nurses also received high rankings. Surprisingly, though, people who graduated from universities with many other degrees receive less respect today than they used to receive.

Scientists, for example, received less respect than they had in previous years, as did sports figures. Is it possible that recent controversies in science research has affected this? Likewise, the behaviors of many star athletes, including the recent steroid scandal in Major League Baseball, probably hasn’t helped.

Before you enroll in a traditional or distance learning degree program, take a moment to consider your personal beliefs and requirements. Is earning money important to you? Is respect more important? Make sure that when you earn a college degree, you can be proud of who you are and who you will become.

If you’re thinking about going back to school to finish a degree, or pursue continuing education, you may already have a full-time job, and possibly even a family. Traditional college degree programs can make it very difficult to finish a university degree program while balancing all of these responsibilities, and distance learning degree programs often look very attractive to adult learners.

People who know how to use good time management skills and are highly motivated or determined generally have a positive experience with distance learning. For those persons whose lives are already very busy, or who have difficulty prioritizing needs, online degree programs can be an almost insurmountable challenge. If you aren’t able to find and use the time to study and complete class projects, you will probably not be successful in completing your college degree program.

The good news, though, is that there is hope. Study and time management skills can be learned, so you don’t have to completely rule out an online university degree program. Learning these skills before enrolling in a degree program, however, is very helpful.

Many local community colleges and adult education programs offer classes on study skills and time management. Check out these resources, or look for some study materials online. The key is to develop the skills before you enroll, however. This may take practice, but it will be well worth the effort!

New Beginnings: Going Back to College for That Degree.

Heading back to college for the first time since high school graduation? Are you feeling uncertain about the whole experience, and wondering exactly how you are going to survive? Here are some tips to help get your feet wet without getting in over your head.

First, start slowly with your degree program. If you are able to, begin by taking one or two classes. This is an excellent way to gain confidence without becoming overwhelmed. This will also help you to reorganize your work and family situations to find prioritized study time.

Begin with classes you understand. If, for example, your strengths are in English or Literature, don’t take Calculus or Physics first. Allow yourself to adjust to the new demands of university education in the context that is most comfortable to you.

Consider an online degree or a few onine courses. Students who take college courses online often report feeling more flexibility and less stress than students who try to enter new career fields through traditional, campus-based programs. In addition, you will typically be able to complete the course in your own time frame. Be aware, however, that people who lack self-discipline or motivation often struggle with completing online degree programs.

Form relationships with other students. This offers you a sense of community and support in preparing for difficult classes. Furthermore, friends may understand homework or lecture concepts that you find incomprehensible. Don’t be shy about discussing these concepts with your professors, either. Most professors appreciate the depth of experience adult students bring to the classroom, and often respond well to interested questions or requests for assistance.

These strategies will help to maximize the success of your experience in returning to college. Allow yourself plenty of time to prepare, and be aware that you will probably feel overwhelmed at first. Just continue studying, work hard, accept these feelings, and soon you will find yourself sailing along to success!