Kent State Online

Success in an online degree program starts with clear, achievable goals. Whether you’re balancing classes with a full-time job, caring for family, or returning to school after time away, setting realistic goals based on your course expectations can help you stay focused, motivated, and on track.

Earning your degree online offers the flexibility to learn on your schedule—but it also requires discipline, planning, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities at once. Whether you’re balancing school with work, family, or both, it’s common to feel overwhelmed at times. The good news? You’re not alone—and there are practical strategies you can use to stay on track without burning out. Here’s how to navigate the workload of an online degree program while protecting your time, energy, and peace of mind.

Balancing school, work, and life is one of the biggest challenges—and benefits—of earning your degree online. Flexibility allows you to study on your schedule, but without clear routines and time management strategies, it’s easy to fall behind or feel overwhelmed. At Kent State Online, we understand that our students are busy professionals, parents, and lifelong learners. That’s why mastering your time is just as important as mastering your coursework. Here are the time management tips every online learner should know to stay on track and thrive.

In online learning, your environment matters. Having a dedicated, comfortable, and distraction-free study space can make a huge difference in how focused and productive you feel. It’s not about creating a Pinterest-perfect office—it’s about building a space that works for you. Whether you’re earning your degree from home, a shared space, or a small apartment, here’s how to create a study environment that sets you up for online learning success.