Your life doesn’t need to fit around your degree. Your degree needs to fit into your life.
Finishing a degree after time away can raise a lot of questions. Will your previous credits transfer? Can you fit classes around work and family? Can you get back into the rhythm of school?
Concordia University Wisconsin online graduates Ashley Eickert and Dalton Stewart came to Concordia under different circumstances, but both needed a path that allowed them to earn their degrees without putting the rest of their lives on hold.
Eickert, a mother of three from Brillion, Wis., returned to school after a career in nursing and recently earned her bachelor’s degree in education. She was nervous about fitting in, keeping up academically and managing school alongside family life and a family business. Those concerns began to ease once she got to know her professors.
Concordia’s team helped Eickert understand which credits would transfer, how they applied to her degree plan and what she still needed to complete.
“They were really intentional about building relationships with me, checking in, and easing my worries,” Eickert said. “They walked me through every step.”
Stewart also had little room in his schedule to spare. The St. Louis-area student is married with two children, works full time and is preparing to enter Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.
With help from Concordia staff and his advisor, Stewart mapped out an ambitious academic plan. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in theological studies with a minor in human resource management while continuing to meet his responsibilities at work, at home and in leadership.
His advice to future students is simple: “Do it.”
Online learning built around your life
Concordia Wisconsin’s online programs are designed for students balancing work, family and other responsibilities. Whether you are working full time, raising a family, serving your community, preparing for a new career or returning to school after time away, you can pursue your degree while remaining present for the other parts of your life.
Eickert said online learning gave her the flexibility she needed at home while finishing her degree. “I could structure my coursework around my family schedule,” she said.
Stewart balanced coursework with a full-time job, raising children and serving in union leadership. Staying engaged and communicating with his professors helped him keep going.
“The sacrifice is great,” Stewart said, “but the reward that you get from those sacrifices far outweighs the sacrifice.”
Support from start to finish
Support can take different forms throughout the process, from transfer credit review and advising to course planning and conversations with professors.
For Eickert, asking questions and trusting the people around her became an important part of the experience. “Concordia truly meets you where you’re at,” she said. “The faculty, the staff, the advisors, they want you to succeed.”
Stewart offers similar advice, especially when life gets busy. “Stay in contact with your professors,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what the situation is.”
What mattered to both was having people to turn to for help as they worked toward graduation.
Ready to finish what you started?
If you have been thinking about finishing your degree, transferring credits or preparing for something new, you do not need to have everything figured out before you begin.
CUW offers online undergraduate and graduate courses year-round, with most programs offering two eight-week terms during the spring, summer and fall.
Take the next step. Connect with Concordia’s admissions team through CUW Online Undergraduate Admissions or CUW Graduate Admissions, or call 262-243-4300.
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.