by Diane Chambers


Most colleges and universities today are beginning to accommodate a diverse population due to the overwhelming interest in education of a variety of students of all ages, backgrounds and desires. These students undoubtedly include single parents. The creation of more night classes to accommodate working students, as well as on-site day care facilities and other parent-friendly services, are a few of the ways learning institutions are making it easier for single parents to obtain the kind of education they feel they want and need to succeed. When single parents ask me what they should do to better themselves and their families, one of the first things I suggest is higher education. It not only opens financial doors for them, but the learning process alone will bring personal growth that, in my opinion, is priceless.

If you’re not sure college is for you, you might do an assessment of your needs and interests, which can be accomplished through taking one of a number of career tests (such as CIDS - career information delivery systems found at your local library, employment services office, or university). Career placement tests help individuals discover their talents and occupational interests. They are fun, revealing and well worth the effort before pursuing a degree. You may, for example, find out that a two-year certificate is all you need, rather than a four-year degree.

Also, the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a handbook that gives projections for over 250 different occupations so you can see which jobs are most likely to be successful in the future. Ask your librarian where you can find this valuable reference tool. Another book I highly recommend is 100 Best Careers for the Year 2000 by Shelly Field which lists easy-to-read descriptions, earnings potential, and recommended education and training for each.

The type of certification or degree you decide to pursue will greatly depend on the career field you’ve chosen. As you are researching career opportunities, note the educational requirements listed to help with your decision. One of the best ways to get this information is to call companies in your area who hire people in your desired occupation. Ask them what their requirements are. For example, if you want to be an accountant, call a few CPA firms, large corporate offices, and small businesses, to find out what experience is required to hire you in an entry-level accounting position. They will probably tell you a 4-year accounting degree is required and/or 3-5 years experience in the field.

Many people use lack of funding as an excuse not to seek higher education. But take it from someone who knows - where there’s a will there’s a way. There are a variety of financial aid possibilities from scholarships to federal grants that can help you afford an education. You’ve got to be resourceful enough to investigate and choose the one that fits your needs. Call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) for more information on government student aid programs and be sure to contact your institution’s student financial services office for details on what is available to you. Asking for money should not be something you feel embarrassed or ashamed of. Our culture widely accepts the financial support of students in higher education, so feel proud that you are doing something positive for your family’s future.

It is also important to decide which type of study or credit alternatives offered at your local institutions fit your time requirements and student style. In my experience, non-traditional methods of obtaining college credit are not often highly publicized, but go a long way to ease the burden of a single parent trying to get a degree. You will have to do research on your own and investigate the possibilities. When I was trying to figure out how many ways I could get credit without actually having to go to class, I discovered our community college worked in conjunction with the nearby U.S. Air Force base to offer students video classes. Students could earn credit by watching videos and taking periodic tests that didn’t require formal class time. I especially liked this program because I could watch the videos (about 12 in all) after the kids were in bed at night, and complete the regular tests on my lunch hours. It required a base pass and some patience, but I was able to get nine semester credits out of the way with this method.

Other non-traditional options to earn college credit include:

  • Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Programs - credit for your life experience!
  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP) - “test out of” certain classes because of what you know.

Other proficiency tests include the AP, ACT-PEP, DANTES, and SOCAT.
  • Cable television courses - much like the video classes I talked about, some cities have cable television courses that are offered in conjunction with local colleges and universities.
  • Computer on-line - expensive, but convenient
  • Learning contract/independent study - if you work well independently, this is an option.
  • Employer seminars - depending on your degree, work seminars may qualify for college credit.
  • Correspondence/home study courses - if you choose to go this route, contact the National Home Study Council to check accreditation. Write: NHSC, 1601 18th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20009 and ask for their free directory of home study schools.
  • Weekend seminar classes - I was pleased to find that the university I attended was so “parent-friendly” when it came to offering classes that made sense for busy people with children. I took three different lower-level classes that had been offered on weekends (e.g. Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday, one weekend per month for three months). It worked out great for me because I was able to attend while my kids were on weekend visits with their father.


Finally, there are several guides to help non-traditional students pursue college credit: Bear’s Guide to Earning College Degrees Non-Traditionally (C & B Publishing), College Degrees by Mail (Ten Speed Press), The Electronic University (Peterson’s Guides), The Oryx Guide to Distance Learning (Oryx Press), Adult Learner’s Guide to Alternative and External Degree Programs (Oryx Press).  


A Note From The Editor:

Diane Chambers is a registered divorce mediator in Atlanta, Georgia and author of Solo Parenting: Raising Strong & Happy Families (Fairview Press, $12.95). To order a copy, call 1-800-544-8207. She is available to field questions from single parents via e-mail at solemom@aol.com.

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