As a single parent, you need to make a decision about which path to follow before investing the time, effort and money.
If you want to go back to school to find a more rewarding career, you might consider a legal degree. For single parents who want to get a legal degree while raising children, there are a few things to consider.
Legal studies encompass many areas within the industry. One option is to become a lawyer. This requires a three-year law degree in addition to an undergraduate bachelor's degree. Another option is to become a paralegal, and this may mean an associate degree, a bachelor's degree, a diploma or certificate. You can also become a legal secretary via an associate degree in secretarial studies.
Keep in mind that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the more education a person has, the higher their potential lifetime earnings are. As a single parent, you need to make a decision about which path to follow before investing the time, effort and money.
Choosing to become an attorney requires intensive study with a law degree. You first need a bachelor's degree with a high grade point average. You will also need to take the LSAT, or Law School Admissions Test. Law schools are very competitive and expensive. If you have your doubts, you might consider becoming a paralegal and working in a law firm for a few years to see if becoming a lawyer is the right career path for you.
The top law schools often require full-time study. However, many law programs offer part-time study as well. A few law schools offer online law degrees, while others may offer only a few law classes online. If you are seeking a legal degree for single parents, most of your coursework will likely require classroom attendance.
A better option may be becoming a paralegal and then entering law school when your children are out of the house. There is no age limit to entering law school. However, until you children are grown, you may want to look for universities offering a legal degree for single parents.
There are some institutions that provide support for parents who are single. This support is often in the form of financial assistance specifically for single parents. Other parental help can include child care services on the campus, housing for families, and workshops on dealing with the challenge of returning to school as a single parent. These types of services may make it easier for you to pursue your educational goals.
Being a parent is hard work. Fortunately, there are resources available for those who want to get a legal degree. For single parents, returning to school to pursue a productive and fulfilling legal career while raising children is difficult, but it can be very rewarding.
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