It takes hard work and commitment to obtain an engineering degree for single parents, but it's worth the time and effort with the reward being a fulfilling career and financial stability.
Engineering is a good career choice if you enjoy mathematics and science. So many job possibilities are available in the field that if you are a single parent who is thinking about going back to school, you might consider getting an engineering degree. For single parents who want a career change, you can take several steps to make returning to school less stressful.
Once you decide to pursue an engineering degree, you need to look for technical colleges and universities that have the programs you are interested in. As a single parent, you may decide to test the academic waters with certificate programs. This lets you take a few engineering courses to see if you enjoy the subject. It also helps you to figure out how to organize your time before making a commitment to a degree program. At the completion of the program you will be awarded a certificate and you may you may be able to transfer your credits toward an engineering degree at an accredited college.
Engineering degree requirements vary considerably among colleges and within specialties. The requirements for a civil engineering degree would be different from the requirements for a biomedical engineering degree. Engineering programs differ because so many branches of engineering exist. You could be an aerospace, chemical, nuclear or mining engineer. Before you go to college for engineering, you need to know what you want to specialize in. This will save you time and money.
Once you have an idea of what you want to major in, you have to decide if you want to take a two- or four-year course. You can apply for a two-year degree at a junior college or community college. These types of colleges cost less than universities that offer four-year courses. After graduation, you'll have an associate degree. You can then decide if you want to get a technical job or continue your education. It's worth noting that to get an entry-level job as an engineer you need a bachelor's degree in engineering.
After you have narrowed down programs that offer an engineering degree for single parents, you have to decide if you want to go to school full time. Most single parents choose to attend college part time because they often have full-time jobs. Going part time is less overwhelming, especially if you've been away from school for several years.
There are more and more universities that recognize the unique challenges of single parents who are attending college. The support for such students includes scholarships and financial aid opportunities earmarked for single parents. Some colleges offer online engineering degrees or online classes. Other colleges offer night and weekend classes to accommodate those with full-time jobs or children. Colleges with a large student population of single parents may offer family housing and child care.
Parental help also includes workshops for single parents to help them with the stress of going to school and raising their families. If you need any of these services, apply to a college that offers an engineering degree for single parents.
As a parent who wants to provide a good life for your children, getting a degree that potentially paves the way for good jobs and advancement is one way to help your family. It takes hard work and commitment to obtain an engineering degree for single parents, but it's worth the time and effort with the reward being a fulfilling career and financial stability.
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