Have you ever established a goal for yourself and then not taken the time to work on it? If so, you are not alone. Many people set goals as well as make resolutions; only to have life step in the way of getting things accomplished. As we get older it is very easy to dismiss the goals that we had in our youth; however it is never to late to work on the things that are important to us.

Last year my youngest child completed their college degree. For the first time in sixteen years I do not have a child in school. On our way home from this last graduation I mentioned to my husband that we were finally done with graduation ceremonies and college degrees. He asked me if I had given up on my goal of getting a masters degree. My first response was that I was too old to go back to school; however I kept thinking about this goal I had set for myself. I knew that with the position I was presently in it would be difficult to get into a traditional master’s program; however I had heard about collogues getting masters degrees online. I thought that this might be a workable option for me.

I contacted the university where I received my undergraduate degree and asked if they had a masters degree online program. They did of sorts. They offered several lectures that could be attended through the internet; however there were times when you would have to come in for discussions groups as well as for the testing. The times of the study groups and testing were not flexible. I researched other universities that offered masters degrees online. I wanted to make sure the school was accredited so that future employers would accept the degree. There were many programs; however some of the accreditations seemed suspect to me. After doing my research I did find a program that would meet my needs. The lectures and discussion groups were online as well as the testing. There was the option of completing some of the work on campus as well. I liked the flexibility that this masters degree online program offered. I am now one year into my program and should have my degree completed within the next eight months. I am so glad that I did not write off my goal. I find that I use the information that I am learning to be a better employee at my present job and I will have more opportunities available to me once I have completed the degree. Also I have a feeling of accomplishment that has boosted my overall self esteem.