- Schedule
- Evenings, weekends, or a mix of both
- Keep your job?
- Yes, most students keep a full-time job
- Length
- Often about three years, and many programs let you speed up or slow down
- Often suits
- People who want to grow in their field without giving up a salary
The schedule
Part-time programs are built around a working week. Common patterns include two weeknight classes, one evening plus a Saturday, or classes only on weekends. Some programs add online courses so you spend fewer evenings on campus. Most part-time students take fewer courses per term than full-time students, which is why the degree takes longer.
Many part-time programs let you change your pace. You might take a heavier load when work is quiet and a lighter one during a busy season, or pause for a term after a new job or a new baby. Ask how long the school allows you to finish and what happens if you need a break.
Studying while you work
The main benefit is that you keep earning. You can also use what you learn at work right away, and bring problems from your job into class discussions. Your classmates are usually working professionals in the same region, which helps if you plan to stay in that area.
The cost is time. Expect class time plus several hours of reading and group work every week, on top of a full-time job. It helps to talk with your family and your manager before you start, and to look honestly at how much free time you have now.
Help from your employer
Some employers help pay for a part-time degree. Policies differ a lot. Some pay a share of tuition each year, some require good grades, and many ask you to stay for a period after you finish or repay part of the money. Read the policy in full and ask HR what happens if you leave. The financing guide covers other questions to ask.
Career services for part-time students
Part-time students usually stay in their jobs, so most programs don't build in a summer internship. If you hope to change careers, ask what the career office offers part-time students: coaching, recruiting events, alumni introductions, and whether you can join the same events as full-time students. Some schools offer the same services to both groups, and some do not.
Part-time compared with the other formats
| Question | Part-time | Full-time | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep your job? | Usually yes | Usually no | Usually yes |
| Where you study | On campus, sometimes with online courses | On campus | Mostly online, sometimes short visits |
| Classmates | Local working professionals | Full-time students, often from many places | Working students from a wide area |
| Summer internship | Rare | Common | Rare |
Who it often suits
- People who want to move up or shift roles in their current field or company.
- People who live near a school and can get to evening or weekend classes.
- People who cannot give up their salary or whose employer will help with costs.
If you can't get to campus regularly, compare online programs. If you hope to change careers completely, read about the full-time format and its internship.