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.

IMI Bhubaneswar PGDM Admissions 2026

Phase 02 Applications Window Closing on 23rd January 2026 | 100% Placements Record | Highest CTC 40.31 LPA | Average CTC 12.74 LPA | Median CTC 12.48 LPA

FLAME University | MBA 2026

NAAC A++ Grade | MBA program graded A** (National) by CRISIL | AACSB, ACBSP and BGA Member

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.

Upcoming Exams
Ongoing Dates
ACAT Application Date

7 Oct'25 - 26 Jan'26 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
VITBEE Application Date

31 Oct'25 - 12 Apr'26 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
B-MAT Application Date

19 Nov'25 - 8 Feb'26 (Online)

Certifications By Top Providers
Online MBA
Via Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida
Biomolecules Structure Function in Health and Disease
Via All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi
Online Course of Indian Constitution
Via NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
Study from Still Life
Via Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
Advanced Constitutional Law
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Corporate Law
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Udemy
 3320 courses
Edx
 1992 courses
Swayam
 1936 courses
Coursera
 1660 courses
NPTEL
 1258 courses
Futurelearn
 1074 courses
Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to MBA

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to MBA ?

The Jain Entrance Test (JET) 2026 for MBA admissions at Jain University is a multi-stage process designed to evaluate candidates' aptitude, communication skills, and subject knowledge. The written exam syllabus typically includes sections on Mathematical Skills, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, and General Knowledge. After the written test, qualifying

Hello,

Yes, after completing a bachelor’s in pharmacy, you are fully eligible to appear for the MAH MBA/MMS CET exam.

For Eligibility Criteria for MAH MBA/MMS CET 2026 you can access mentioned link below:

https://bschool.careers360.com/exams/mah-mba-cet

Hope it helps.

Hello,

The MBA finance course teaches a student about the principles of financial management, accounting, investment analysis, etc. One can get into banking, insurance, MNCs, etc, industries.

The CBSMS offers a 2 year MBA program, having both full time and part time options. It has a seat capacity of 180

Yes the application for MBA cet is started and application form is live now

with this percentile, you can get into tier 2 or tier 3 college, the list of the few notable college is given below-

1) FLAME university, Pune

2) AIMS institute, Bangalore

3) Doon business school, Dehradun

4) Christ university, Bangalore

5) NIT Trichy

6) KIIT school of management, Bhuvneshwar