Policing

Since joining the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), Kent State University has exemplified what it means to reimagine doctoral education for practitioners. The online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Interprofessional Leadership stands as a model for how the CPED Framework can transform professional learning, collaboration, and impact.

Each year, National Distance Learning Week (NDLW)—hosted by the United States Distance Learning Association—celebrates excellence and progress in online education. It’s a time to highlight innovation, honor achievements, and envision the future of digital learning.

Each year, the United States Distance Learning Association presents National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), a global week-long celebration of digital and distance learning designed to generate awareness, highlight best practices, and engage educators, institutions, learners, and organizations across K-20, corporate, government, and military sectors.1

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.

Starting an online degree program is an exciting step toward reaching your personal and professional goals. Whether you’re returning to school after a break or beginning your academic journey for the first time, preparation is key.

Online learning opens the door to flexibility, accessibility, and opportunity—but to make the most of your experience, you need the right tech setup. Whether you’re preparing for your first course or looking to improve your current workflow, having the right tools (and knowing how to use them) can set you up for success from day one.

Starting an online degree program is exciting—but it’s also a shift in mindset. Unlike traditional classrooms, online education requires greater self-motivation, time management, and personal accountability. That’s why mental readiness is just as important as having the right tech or textbooks.