Best Degree Choices for Single Moms Seeking Career Advancement and Flexibility

Balancing career growth with single parenting can be tough for many individuals. Statista reported that in 2022 about 15.04 million households in the U.S. were headed by single mothers. This number represents a slight decrease from 15.46 million the previous year.

For these individuals, securing a career that provides both advancement potential and flexibility is essential. Choosing the right degree can lead to fulfilling positions that fit their schedules and responsibilities.
This article explores the best degree choices for single moms, focusing on programs that offer potential for career advancement. It also highlights options that provide the flexibility to manage professional and personal responsibilities effectively.

Nursing

Nursing is an excellent choice for single moms seeking a fulfilling and flexible career. The healthcare field offers a high demand for skilled professionals and provides opportunities for both advancement and stability.

One key benefit for single mothers is the option to enroll in accelerated nursing programs online. These programs offer a faster completion time compared to traditional degrees, which is perfect for those balancing their education with other life commitments.

Online ABSN Programs notes that these accelerated nursing programs let students complete coursework at their own pace, accommodating work and family commitments. This flexibility helps manage a demanding schedule while progressing toward a degree that offers diverse and rewarding healthcare career opportunities.

Why is nursing considered a good degree choice for single moms?

Nursing is an excellent degree choice for single moms due to its strong job prospects and stability. According to AACN, over 203,000 new registered nurse positions are expected annually from 2021 to 2031. This makes nursing one of the largest and highest-paying occupations in the US. Additionally, accelerated nursing programs online offer flexible study options, allowing single mothers to effectively balance their education, work, and family responsibilities.

Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) is a prime degree choice for single moms due to its lucrative career prospects and flexibility. As Forbes Advisor highlights, high-paying roles in this field include Information Security Engineers, with a median annual salary of $112,000. This role also boasts a job growth rate of 32%. Additionally, positions such as software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers offer even higher earnings, with a median salary of $124,200. These roles also have a growth rate of 25%.

Moreover, the technology industry stands out for its high proportion of remote work opportunities, with 67% of employees working primarily from home. This flexibility is ideal for single mothers looking to balance work with family responsibilities while advancing their careers.

Healthcare Administration

A degree in healthcare administration is a strategic choice for single moms aiming for career advancement and flexibility. This field offers a range of opportunities, from managing healthcare facilities to overseeing operations in various medical settings. With a growing demand for skilled administrators, jobs in this sector provide stability and competitive salaries.

The role often includes regular business hours, which can be ideal for maintaining a work-life balance. Additionally, many programs offer online or part-time study options, allowing single moms to pursue their degrees while managing family responsibilities. This flexibility ensures they can advance their careers without compromising their personal commitments.

Business Administration

A degree in business administration provides foundational knowledge in management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, opening doors to various roles across industries. With a strong emphasis on leadership and strategic thinking, graduates are well-prepared for positions in management, consulting, or starting their businesses. Many programs offer flexible scheduling options, including online and evening classes, which can accommodate the busy schedules of single parents.

Additionally, this degree can be a stepping stone for single moms interested in starting their own businesses. According to the GoDaddy Venture Forward National Survey 2023, single moms run one in three women-owned businesses in the US. More than half (69%) of single-mom entrepreneurs aim to own a small, mid-size, or corporate business. This is higher compared to 52% of business owners without children. This degree not only prepares them for corporate roles but also encourages entrepreneurial aspirations. It offers a pathway to create and lead their ventures.

Education

This field opens doors to various roles, from teaching in K-12 schools to educational administration and curriculum development. Many education programs are designed with flexibility in mind, offering options such as online classes and part-time schedules that accommodate busy lifestyles. This degree offers a great fit for single moms who want to shape young minds while managing family responsibilities.

Additionally, single moms can explore online tutoring opportunities as a practical way to leverage their educational background. Online tutoring offers a flexible schedule and can serve as either a profitable side job or a full-time career.

According to Indeed, tutors in the US earn an average of $23.70 per hour. In high-paying cities like New York, NY, tutors earn up to $33.73 per hour. In Chicago, IL, they make around $27.02 per hour, and South Webster, OH, offers $26.83 per hour. This flexibility in both schedule and location makes online tutoring an appealing option for single moms pursuing a degree in education.

How can a degree in education provide flexibility for single moms?

A degree in education can provide flexibility for single moms through options like part-time teaching, online tutoring, and freelancing in educational content creation. These roles often offer more control over work hours and locations, making it easier to manage both professional and family commitments.

Social Work

A degree in social work is a practical option for single moms seeking career flexibility while making a positive impact. Social work offers various career paths, including roles in schools, healthcare, and community organizations, many of which provide part-time or flexible scheduling options. This adaptability helps single moms manage their work-life balance effectively.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for social workers is expected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate is faster than the average for all occupations. Annually, about 63,800 job openings are projected, providing ample opportunities in this rewarding field.

What opportunities are available for single moms with a degree in social work?

With a degree in social work, single moms can explore roles in community outreach, policy development, and client advocacy. These positions often provide opportunities for remote work or flexible scheduling, accommodating a work-life balance while making a significant impact in their communities.

Moving Forward: Empowering Your Future

Pursuing the right degree is a powerful way for single moms to move forward and reshape their future. By selecting a field that aligns with their personal interests and offers flexibility, single moms can achieve both career advancement and work-life balance.

Embracing educational opportunities opens new career paths and strengthens their ability to provide a secure future for their families. With the right degree, single moms can confidently navigate their journey toward a brighter, more empowered tomorrow.