10 Best Degrees for Single Moms

Being a single mom comes with its unique set of challenges, but it doesn’t have to hinder your dreams and aspirations. Returning to school as an adult and pursuing higher education can open doors to a world of empowering opportunities for both you and your children. The journey of seeking higher education as a single mom is a transformative experience, one that not only enhances skills but also holds the potential to significantly impact the financial stability and future for your family.

With a carefully curated selection of degree options, each tailored to suit diverse interests and career goals, single moms can find the perfect path that aligns with their passions and parenting responsibilities. Plus, at UMass Global, our 100% online coursework blends into the busiest of schedules, helping you manage various aspects of your life.

Why Pursue Higher Education as a Single Mom?

Education is a powerful tool that can transform lives, and it's no different for single moms. By obtaining a degree, you can enhance your knowledge and employability, leading to better job prospects and increased earning potential. You have questions and probably some doubts about how you’re going to pull this off — returning to school as a single mom. These fears are universal; overcoming them is part of the journey.

What Are the Different Types of College Degrees?

The pursuit of education is not merely a personal endeavor but a long-term benefit that can change the path of your life and the lives of your children. Let’s start the discussion with descriptions of the various degrees and certificates available.

Associate Degrees

Associate degrees typically require two years of study and can provide a general level of education to build from or they can provide a foundational understanding of a particular field. They can be a great starting point for single moms looking to quickly enter the workforce with valuable skills and knowledge. These degrees often include disciplines like healthcare, information technology, or business administration.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor's degrees generally take around four years to complete and offer more in-depth knowledge in a specific area of study. They are ideal for single moms seeking comprehensive education and enhanced career prospects. Fields like nursing, education, psychology, and business administration often require a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.

Master's Degrees

Master's degrees provide advanced specialization in a particular subject and typically take one to two years to complete (in addition to first earning a bachelor’s degree). They offer the opportunity for career advancement and higher earning potential. Single moms interested in leadership roles or specialized positions may find master's degrees in fields like social work, business administration, or counseling beneficial.

Doctoral Degrees

Doctoral degrees, such as Ph.D. or Ed.D., are the highest level of education and they require several years of intense research and study. Doctoral degrees often lead to academic, research, or high-level professional roles. Pursuing a doctoral degree can be a substantial commitment for single moms due to the rigorous demands of the program but what better way to lead by example and show your kids that with hard work and perseverance, you can achieve your dream.

Certificates & Courses

Certificates and courses provide focused training in specific skills or areas. These short-term options can be ideal for single moms looking to quickly acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. Certificates in project management, digital marketing, or coding can lead to immediate employment opportunities or career pivots.

What Are the 10 Best Degrees for Single Moms?

When considering the best degrees for single moms, it's essential to recognize the importance of flexibility and adaptability. In today's fast-paced world, pursuing the best online degrees for single moms offers a strategic advantage, aligning education with the demands of parenting and personal growth. From degrees in fields such as healthcare, education, business, and technology, to other areas offering flexibility in scheduling and remote work options, the options are both diverse and promising.

1. Nursing (RN to BSN)

Our RN to BSN program is an excellent choice for single moms looking to advance their nursing careers. This bachelor’s degree not only provides essential clinical skills but also emphasizes leadership, research, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in healthcare management, nursing education, and specialized nursing positions. BSNs offer competitive salaries and flexible work settings, making this career ideal for single mothers who are solely responsible for their family’s financial well-being.

2. Early Childhood Education

An early childhood education bachelor’s degree equips single moms with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on young learners. This degree covers child development, curriculum design, and classroom managemen. This degree offers opportunities to work in preschools, elementary schools, and childcare centers, often with a schedule that matches your child's school hours. Additionally, you will have summers and holidays off, so you are able to spend that time with your children.

3. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA is an ideal choice for single moms seeking career advancement in various business sectors, but you must already have earned a bachelor’s degree prior to seeking this master’s degree. This comprehensive program covers core business disciplines such as finance, marketing, and management. Graduates are equipped with the skills to lead teams, make strategic decisions, and drive business growth. Due to the versatility of this degree, as a single mom, you can find an industry that offers schedule flexibility and competitive compensation. As your experience grows, so should your salary and promotion opportunities.

4. Psychology

Psychology programs provide single moms with a deep understanding of human behavior and mental processes. Whether pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree, these programs open doors to careers in counseling, social work, human resources, and more. As a single mom, job security is important, and with the increasing demand for mental health professionals, there will always be jobs available with this career path.

5. Information Technology

A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Information Technology caters to single moms interested in the rapidly evolving tech industry. These programs offer specialized tracks such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and IT management. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in IT consulting, software development, and technology management.

IT jobs are in high-demand and offer high salaries for those with relevant education. This provides single moms with both job and financial security. Additionally, many IT jobs are remote, which is great for single moms with young children.

6. Healthcare Administration (Graduate Certificate)

Our Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration program equips single moms with the knowledge to become leaders in the healthcare industry. This certificate covers healthcare policies, management principles, and ethical considerations. With a focus on healthcare leadership, graduates are prepared for roles in hospital administration, healthcare management, and healthcare consulting.

One of the main benefits of seeking a healthcare administration certificate is the focused and accelerated nature of its education. While you may need additional support in the evening while you focus on your studies, it will only be for a short period of time in comparison to a full degree program. Once your certificate is complete, you’ll be able to go back to working a traditional 9-5 with a high salary and be there for your children during their nighttime routine.

7. Public Administration (MPA)

A Master of Public Administration degree is a perfect fit for single moms interested in making a positive impact in the public sector. However, you’ll need to have already earned a bachelor’s degree to pursue an MPA. This program covers public policy, organizational management, and strategic planning. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in government, non-profits, and public agencies.

Similar to that of an MBA, public administration degrees can be used across a wide range of careers in the public sector. Not only will you be able to make a difference in the lives of the community you and your family live in, jobs in the public sector have many holidays off which align with children’s holiday schedules.

8. Accounting (MBA and BBA)

Our MBA or BBA Accounting programs or provide single moms with a solid foundation in financial management. These programs cover accounting principles, tax regulations, and financial reporting. Graduates are well-equipped for roles in accounting and financial analysis. Accounting is another field that offers strong job security, as companies will always need someone to oversee their finances. As a single mom, this kind of job demand ensures you'll always be able to support your family even in periods of nationwide recessions.

9. Human Resources Management (BBA and MBA)

Our MBA and BBA Human Resources Management programs cater to single moms interested in the dynamic field of HR. These programs cover recruitment, employee relations, training, and strategic HR planning. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in HR management, talent acquisition, and organizational development. HR is another career field with high demand due to the consistent increase in jobs available across the country. One of the highlights of working in HR as a single mom is the possibility of remote work and flexible schedules.This allows you to fullfill your child’s daytime responsibilities while also increasing your family’s financial health.

10. Digital Marketing (Digital Marketing Bootcamp)

A Certificate in Digital Marketing caters to single moms with a flair for creativity and an interest in the ever-evolving world of online advertising. These programs cover digital marketing strategies, social media management, content creation, and analytics. Graduates can embark on careers as digital marketers, social media managers, or content strategists, helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape.

Digital marketing is a perfect career path for single moms as it offers a lot of versatility due to the wide range of skills you can acquire. Unlike other fields, as a digital marketer you’ll have the opportunity to work either full-time at a company or as a freelancer where you can set your own schedule. Similar to an MBA, the more experience you have the more you can make as a full-time employee and charge as a freelancer.

Each of these degrees offers single moms the chance to achieve personal and professional growth. The flexibility of online session-based and online self-paced options enable you to pursue education without compromising your parenting responsibilities.

UMass Global's commitment to quality online education ensures that single moms can gain the knowledge needed to better support their families.

Learn more about our degree programs by requesting information, or apply to enroll in courses today.