6 Reasons I Chose SNHU for Online Graduate School

I graduated from college 17 years ago – eek – and I always expected to return for more education. Ideally, I would have returned while working full-time for 5 years before getting married and having kids. But I was burnt out and wanted to take a break from academia. Somehow, the timing just hasn’t been right over the last 17 years. Births, childcare, moving, law school, and more always proved an excuse to put off school again. Last year, I decided to finally take the leap and return to grad school online and I’m loving it. Here are 6 reasons I chose SNHU for online graduate school.

6 Reasons I Chose SNHU for Online Graduate School

1. A Non-Profit, Accredited University. I confess to being skeptical about online education. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) impressed me because the school has a physical campus for undergraduate students and over 75,000 online students. They are pioneers in online education and their courses are built specifically for students who are returning to school.
2. Applying is Easy. I researched a number of schools and SNHU immediately impressed me with their service. I expressed interest in learning more online and an employee called me that day. She answered all of my questions, then walked me through the application process. She even gathered the information to get my college transcripts and waived my application fee because my father was a veteran. I completed the process online by submitting writing samples and a letter of intent.
3. Consistent Term Schedules. Each online graduate school class follows the same ten-week schedule. The weekly course module begins on Monday and ends on Sunday. Discussion board assignments are always due on Thursday by midnight your time zone. The remainder of the assignments are due by Sunday at midnight. You begin each term with an outline of all reading materials, a class schedule, and detailed descriptions of milestone assignments; usually short papers and final paper preparation. When you attend SNHU, you can plan around your courses months in advance.
4. Supportive Advising. My advisor is a consistent presence during each term. She initially prepared me for my online coursework by walking me through the Blackboard system and explaining how each term works. She sends reminders to purchase textbooks, helps me sign up for courses, answers any questions I may have, and checks in periodically.
5. Graduate Work is Challenging. SNHU courses are rigorous. Each student in my degree takes the same two classes to begin their study. These are specifically designed to support students in navigating a new online environment and in adjusting to a graduate school schedule. Each term, professors push students and encourage them to stretch and improve. I am proud of my work as an SNHU student, but the experience has been humbling, gratifying, tedious, and engaging – just as serious study should be.
6. I Can Graduate in 18 Months. I attend school full-time, which means taking two courses every ten weeks (with a week break in between). This requires dedicating a minimum of 30 hours each week to school. I juggle my time many weeks and have to hide away to complete papers on the weekends, but it’s worth it. Before the year’s end, I will have a graduate degree in English and Creative Writing.

If you are considering returning to school, pursue your passion. School is a piece of the world all my own, separate from my roles as mom or wife. This is especially refreshing after 10 years as a stay-at-home-mom. My mind feels alive and I wake up eager to engage and challenge myself. I am excited about my future!

*This piece is not endorsed, sponsored, or commissioned by SNHU. All opinions are my own.