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,

Here are some of the top MBA colleges in Mumbai:

  • IIM Mumbai (NITIE)

  • SJMSOM, IIT Bombay

  • SPJIMR

  • JBIMS

  • NMIMS (School of Business Management)

  • K J Somaiya Institute of Management

  • TISS Mumbai

  • Welingkar (WeSchool)

  • SDA Bocconi Asia Center

If you are looking for top placement and brand value , IIM Mumbai, SJMSOM, SPJIMR and JBIMS are the best.
For affordable options with good ROI , TISS and JBIMS stand out.

Hope it helps !

Hello

As you want to pursue mba near Delhi NCR , we can sugget you some good colleges for that !

The colleges are -

1.Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi

2.Department of Management Studies (DMS), IIT Delhi

3.Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon

4.Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Delhi

5.IIM Rohtak (NCR region)

You can go for private colleges too like Great lakes , jaipuria , BIMTECH , IMI

These above colleges provide good placements too , you can surely go for it according to your convenience

Hope this helps !

Hi there , best colleges for mba aspirants in Delhi ncr are

1. iim delhi fees proximately around 24.6 lakhs with avg placement of 16.71 lpa

2. Fms delhi fees approx 2lakhs avg placement 34lpa

3. Dms , iit delhi fees approx 12lakhs avg placement  25.82lpa it is best college for engineering students seeking career in tech management field .


At CMR Institute of Technology, Bangalore, the MBA tuition fee under VTU quota is about 1.17–1.28 lakh for the full 2 years. This applies to all regular categories (GM/OBC/SC/ST). However, for management quota seats, the cost is much higher, around 9 lakh total (4.5 lakh per year). The variation depends on admission type and category. Students should confirm the exact fee with the CMRIT admissions office before applying. Scholarships and fee waivers may also be available for eligible candidates.



With an MBA entrance exam rank of around 33,000, getting admission into top-tier MBA colleges in Hyderabad may be challenging, as most premier institutions usually admit candidates with better ranks. However, several reputable private colleges and universities in Hyderabad have more flexible cutoffs and offer MBA admissions to candidates with ranks in the 30,000+ range, especially through entrance exams like MAT, CMAT, or state-level exams.

Some MBA colleges in Hyderabad where a rank of approximately 33,000 might be considered include:

  1. Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Hyderabad – Known for good quality management education with moderate cutoff ranks.

  2. GITAM School of International Business – Offers MBA programs with a reputation for industry-oriented curriculum and accepts various entrance exam scores.

  3. Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management – A reputed private institute with an emphasis on placements and practical exposure.

  4. Aurora's Business School – Popular for affordable fees and accessible admission criteria.

  5. Anurag Group of Institutions – Offers MBA programs with flexible admission cuts for state and national level exams.

Admissions at these colleges are often based on a combination of entrance exam ranks, academic track record, group discussions, and personal interviews. Candidates with a rank near 33,000 should also explore management quota seats where applicable, which provide an alternative route but may involve higher fees.

Since cutoffs vary every year based on applicant pool and seat availability, it is important to participate in counseling rounds and check each college’s official admission notifications. Preparing a good profile by highlighting academic scores, work experience, and extracurricular achievements can also improve admission chances.

In summary, while a 33,000 rank limits options at premier Hyderabad MBA colleges, several well-regarded private and deemed universities offer admission for candidates in this rank bracket, provided they meet other eligibility criteria and perform well in subsequent selection processes.