Can You Pursue an Online Degree While Working Full Time

Can You Pursue an Online Degree While Working Full Time

#MBA
Lankalapalli HarshaUpdated on 04 Sep 2025, 03:30 PM IST

Earning a degree while working full-time is demanding but entirely possible. Balancing a full-time job and continuing education may seem challenging, but online degree courses have made it increasingly achievable. This approach allows learners to upskill, gain advanced qualifications, and stay competitive in their fields.

This Story also Contains

  1. Why Choose An Online Degree While Working Full-Time?
  2. Career Paths for Working Professionals Seeking a Transition
  3. Challenges and Solutions While Balancing Work And Studying
Can You Pursue an Online Degree While Working Full Time
Can You Pursue an Online Degree While Working Full Time

Online programmes are designed to accommodate busy schedules, offering online classes, and self-paced assignments. By integrating learning into daily routines, professionals can apply new knowledge to their work, enhancing both performance and career growth. This article showcases how working professionals can pursue an online degree while working full-time.

Why Choose An Online Degree While Working Full-Time?

Pursuing online degrees while working full-time has become increasingly popular. Online degrees offer flexibility, allowing professionals to study at their own pace without compromising work responsibilities. This flexibility is especially valuable for those in demanding jobs or irregular shifts.

Additionally, online degrees are often more affordable than traditional on-campus programmes, reducing financial stress while earning a higher qualification. Online degree programmes are UGC-recognised and accredited, ensuring credibility in the job market. Furthermore, they enable professionals to immediately apply newly acquired skills to their current roles, bridging theory with practical workplace experience.

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Career Paths for Working Professionals Seeking a Transition

Working professionals often reach a point where they transition in their careers, either to explore a new field or to climb the corporate ladder. Online degrees act as a catalyst for such transitions by equipping learners with updated skills recognised by employers.

The table below showcases career opportunities with higher earning potential for working professionals after completing an online degree:

Job Role

Average Salary

Data Scientist

Rs 15 LPA

Software Engineer

Rs 11 LPA

Brand Manager

Rs 16.7 LPA

Finance Executive

Rs 17 LPA

AI Engineer

Rs 11.4 LPA

Chartered Accountant

Rs 11.2 LPA

Investment Bankers

Rs 29.5 LPA


Also Read: Best Online Degrees for Job Seekers in India [2025]

Challenges and Solutions While Balancing Work And Studying

Pursuing an online degree while managing a full-time job can be highly rewarding, but it also presents unique challenges. Recognising these challenges and addressing them is key to maintaining both academic performance and professional efficiency. Here is a detailed breakdown of common challenges and effective solutions:

ChallengesSolutions

Time Management

Create a weekly study schedule and use reminders.

Workload Overlap

Prioritise tasks and communicate deadlines with supervisors.

Motivation & Focus

Set small goals, and join peer groups.

Technical Difficulties

Ensure stable internet, backup devices, and updated software.

Stress & Burnout

Take breaks, exercise, and practice mindfulness.

Pursuing an online degree while working full-time helps professionals advance careers and access to high-paying opportunities. Online education empowers learners to balance work, study, and personal growth, making career transitions smoother and more achievable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is blending employer duties with coursework effective?
A:

Aligning assignments to real work projects boosts learning and minimises repetition, with many professionals reporting improved performance and better academic results.

Q: How to avoid burnout during this journey?
A:

Ensure sleep, nutrition and short breaks. Delegate tasks, keep study sessions manageable and reward accomplishments to stay motivated.

Q: Are online degrees recognised by employers?
A:

Yes, accredited online degrees from reputable institutions are widely recognized, with employers valuing the combination of work experience and formal education.

Q: How can one manage time effectively with full‑time work and study?
A:

Start with a time audit, use planning tools, and set clear priorities. Saying no to non‑essential commitments helps maintain balance.

Q: Can a working person complete a degree without quitting their job?
A:

Yes, it is possible for professionals to complete a degree alongside their full-time work.

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Questions related to MBA

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to MBA ?

Hello

The whole article link is attached below. Just read the article, and you will get all the related information there. It has all the details from admission to eligibility and fees.

https://dqxeclau.top/colleges/management-education-and-research-institute-delhi

Hello,

There is no official integrated MBA + LL.B course offered in India. The Bar Council of India (BCI) has not approved any such integrated program.

Students who want to study both management and law can choose the approved BBA LL.B (Hons) or BA LL.B (Hons) integrated courses after completing 10+2. These are 5-year programs that combine subjects from business administration and law.

After completing an LL.B or an integrated law course, students can later pursue an MBA separately to gain advanced management knowledge.

In short, there is no direct MBA + LL.B integrated course , but students can do BBA LL.B first and then pursue MBA for a similar combination of legal and management skills.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

For the DU SOL MBA first semester exam, you can study from these materials:

  1. DU SOL Study Material:
    Download or collect the official study material from the DU SOL website or your study center. It covers all the topics in the syllabus.

  2. Recommended Books:
    Use the books suggested in the syllabus or by your teachers. Authors like Philip Kotler (for Marketing) and Stephen P. Robbins (for Management) are good.

  3. Previous Year Question Papers:
    Solve past papers to understand the exam pattern and important topics.

  4. Notes and Summaries:
    Make short notes from your study material for quick revision before the exam.

  5. Online Sources:
    Watch YouTube lectures or read free notes from trusted educational sites for better understanding.

These materials are enough to prepare well for your MBA 1st semester exam.

Hope it helps !

Yes, you can apply for an online MBA even with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and 29 years of work experience. Many universities offering online MBA programs consider professional experience and diploma qualifications for admission, especially if you have significant industry exposure. However, eligibility may vary depending on the institution. Some universities may require a bachelor’s degree, while others accept diploma holders with long professional experience. It’s best to check the specific eligibility criteria of the university you’re interested in before applying.

Hello,

To get an MBA, you typically need to have a bachelor's degree and work experience, though this is often not required for integrated programs. The next step is to take a relevant entrance exam like CAT, XAT, NMAT, or GMAT, and then apply to the business schools of your choice. The final stages usually involve a Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) before a final admission decision is made.

I hope it will clear your query!!