Full Careers

What is the fastest way to earn a masters or docterate while working at the same to pay for college?

I have yet to decide what career I wish to follow but plan to support myself and would prefer to not have to take out a student loan. health (healing and recovering from long term effects of autoimmune disorder) and MOSTLY family situations (parents retiring and need my help) being unpredictable sometimes I won't have a guarantee at a routine to keep up with regular classes. Some of the more general classes I know I can test at the beginning of a semester and pass without having to attend a class I finished highschool doing that to graduate on time after being sick from gastroporesis(4.0 G.P.A. ;D). More specifically though I thought if perhaps I studied for the classes I can test for pass them and do the rest mostly online all year long (which can sometimes be less scedule restricting) I could do work and studying the rest of my time. I'm 20 & hear it takes 7-10 years to get this level of education so the sooner I can start the better.

Public Comments

1. First of all, with a 4.0 GPA you may be able to get a scholarship, so you wouldn't have to work. If you want to get done quickly take a lot of classes. There were many times when I'd take 20 units a semester, almost twice what's considered a full load. You should know that most reputable universities don't offer that many classes online. I've taken online classes and found them easier than traditional classes. However, if you get an online degree at a school like Devry or the University of Phoenix (for profit universities) employers will be less impressed because those schools aren't respected the same way a state college or university is.
2. Testing out of as many classes you can would be the best way. Be careful about choosing a major. If you start working on one major and then switch it can mess everything up and you'll be in school longer. College advisors can be really useful, it is there job to know what classes to take and how to graduate the fastest as possible. My sister is doing online right now and it does take a lot of time, instead of going to lectures you have to do more reading outside of class. I would suggest talking to an advisor.
3. if you have yet to start your bachelor's, i'd suggest taking it one degree at a time...if your schedule allows for it, you can schedule all your classes (or most) one one or 2 days a week, so you could work the other 3 or 4 days of the 5 day work week. if you're truly determined to make it happen, you WILL find a way to get it done...