How to Prepare for Success in an Online Degree or Certificate Program

Last Updated March 30, 2020

Enrolling in an online course offers many advantages. You can typically select when and where you study, fitting coursework around your professional and personal schedules. 

Of course, the trick is actually setting and sticking to your schedule. The independence that is inherent in online courses means greater responsibility for students. Online courses require just as much time and focus as on-campus classes. Success involves creating a smart plan and following through on it.

These tips can offer guidance if you’re thinking about enrolling or applying for an online course. We’ve also included some feedback from Villanova University students who found success in an online degree or certificate program.

Get Organized

The first step in planning for success in an online class is organization. It’s important to create an organized routine for your daily coursework that fits within your overall daily schedule. You’ll want to create a schedule that includes time every day for whatever is required –  reading, research, viewing lectures, communicating with faculty and fellow students and completing assignments.

Getting organized can also help you deal with one of the biggest issues for some online learners: fear. Being organized and prepared can make you feel ready to meet challenges head on. 

Retired Colonel Andrew Molnar, who earned a Certificate in Applied Project Management from Villanova University, said overcoming that fear is more than worth the effort.

“Never stop learning, the world is constantly changing. We are always in a professional transition,” he said. “No matter how much experience you have, the job market for responsible, professional jobs is tight, and gaining employment is sometimes by a razor-thin margin. Get and keep the advantages that a renowned program such as Villanova provides you to support your professional dreams.”

Create A Space

Part of your organization effort should include creating a dedicated area in your home for doing schoolwork. Keep that area orderly, with all the supplies and materials you need for schoolwork. Make sure everyone in the house understands that when you are in this space, you are focusing on class. 

Time Management

Time management is important for all students, but it’s especially important to online adult learners. Online classes allow you flexibility, but flexibility only works if you are managing your time well. Brush up on your time management skills and start planning out your days in a way that’s reasonable but also allows you to meet your daily goals.

For practical tips, a schedule and an organized desk can help. A quick method for developing a realistic time management plan is to spend a few days tracking where you spend your time. That way, you won’t make unrealistic demands on yourself such as only setting aside 20 minutes to take the kids to school and get a cup of coffee when it really takes 45 minutes. It also prevents you from rushing through work to meet an unrealistic schedule.

Communicate with Faculty

Villanova offers several ways to contact your faculty, and they generally set aside time in their day to work with students. Take advantage of the communication tools you have at hand and get to know your faculty.

Michelle Alfaro, who graduated with a Master of Public Administration, said developing a relationship with her faculty made all the difference.

“It was because of their dedication to making my learning experience a success that I was able to reflect on myself, my dreams and aspirations, and I found my true calling,” she said. “I find that there is a stigma at times about online learning. Villanova breaks those stigmas and really shows that you can receive a quality education with the convenience of a virtual classroom connection.”

Ask For Help

Most college students are independent by nature. That’s a great trait. However, it’s also important to ask for help when it’s needed. In addition to developing a relationship with your faculty, keep communication lines with fellow classmates open. That way, when the time comes when you need support, you will feel comfortable asking for it. You also can be there to help others.  

Steve Cutlip, who earned his Certificate in Agile Management, said that asking for help and having mentors is key in both education and your career. 

“To continually improve a company, we must first continually improve ourselves,” he said. “There’s no better way of doing that than continuous education and by having mentors in our lives. Find out what education will work best in your environment. Review what Villanova has to offer and go for it.”

Stay Motivated

Keeping motivated to stick with online courses can be hard to do. Everyone has their own personal motivational factors, but here are some general ideas to keep in mind:

• Visualize the outcome: See yourself with your degree or certificate, working in the career you’ve always dreamed about
• Connect with students: Fellow students who are walking the same path as you can be sources of great motivation
• Reward yourself: Sometimes keeping all the plates spinning seems like a long slog. When you complete a project, get a good test grade or finish an important paper, reward yourself with something nice

Things Not To Do

There are a couple online course “don’ts” to keep in mind as well. Make sure to avoid these common pitfalls.

Don’t Skip Class

Remember to log in to class regularly and stay on task with assigned readings, coursework and live class sessions. Participation in the live class sessions is important not only for your grade, but also for your comprehension of the course material. 

Don’t Skip Sleep

Don’t schedule your time to spend on coursework late at night when you would usually go to sleep. That likely will not work long term. Numerous studies show the importance of sleep. Sleep is vital for your health and for being at your best during the day.

Don’t Cram

When things get hectic, it’s easy to simply cram for a test. That’s not the best approach. Cramming before an exam can help you pass a test, but you may retain less information than you would have by exercising consistent study habits throughout the course.

It’s also important to remember that past performance does not necessarily predict future performance. For example, Nikki Larkin, a student in the Master of Science in Human Resource Development program, said she “didn’t do great as an undergrad. I didn’t have a ton of direction. However, that changed in the new program and by developing better study habits.” 

“I was nervous about being successful in the MSHRD program,” Larkin said. “I’ve had to work really hard, but it’s definitely gotten less challenging as I’ve gone on in the program and I’ve become a better writer and a better student. It’s still a lot of work but it’s been honestly all good.”