The Balancing Act: How Northeastern’s Flexible Programs Support Working Parents

Pursuing a graduate degree as a working parent is no small feat. Between managing your career, caring for your children, and handling everyday household responsibilities, adding coursework into the mix can feel impossible. Yet, advancing your education is one of the most effective ways to unlock new career opportunities and increase long-term stability for your family.

The challenge, however, is finding a program that supports your ambition without requiring you to sacrifice time with the people who matter most. That’s where Northeastern’s flexible graduate programs come in. Designed with working professionals—and parents—in mind, these programs offer several options that make it possible to earn your degree on your schedule.

The reality of earning a degree while parenting

Balancing work, family, and graduate school requires careful planning and the right support system. As a parent, you’re not just managing your own schedule—you’re juggling childcare, school drop-offs, meal prep, and countless other responsibilities. So finding time for coursework can feel overwhelming when your days are already stretched thin.

Unlike traditional students, working parents must constantly shift between deadlines, family obligations, and personal well-being. Yet life with children is unpredictable—whether it’s a sick day, a last-minute childcare gap, or an urgent work demand, disruptions are inevitable.

“Adults come with every challenge of adult working life, and they bring all of that with them as they should into the classroom and into their experience,” says Corliss Thompson, a teaching professor in Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies. “The reality is, though, your own well-being and, for many, the well-being of your family has to come before academics.”

Despite these challenges, many parents pursue graduate school to build a better future for themselves and their families. The key is finding a way to integrate school into an already full life—without sacrificing the moments that matter most. Here are some of the top ways Northeastern supports working parents.

How Northeastern supports working parents in graduate school

1. Offers formats that allow you to learn on your own schedule.

When you’re balancing work, family, and school, flexibility is essential. Northeastern’s graduate programs are designed with working parents in mind, offering part-time, online, and hybrid options that allow you to integrate learning into your busy schedule.

With asynchronous learning, you don’t have to attend live lectures at fixed times. Instead, you can access coursework whenever it’s most convenient, whether that’s after bedtime, during a lunch break, or in small windows throughout the day.

“Faculty are well aware of students being working professionals,” Thompson says. “And we really try to make the course schedules, timelines, and ability to access content as fluid as possible so that people get the benefit of participating in a rich learning community, but also can really be able to do it as they need to do it.”

Northeastern also provides mobile-friendly course materials, making it easy to learn on the go. Whether you’re reviewing lecture notes on the train, listening to a recorded session while preparing dinner, or completing a discussion post from your phone, you can stay engaged in your coursework no matter where you are.

2. Leverages career-integrated learning to ensure every assignment counts.

As a working parent, your time is limited, and every moment spent on coursework needs to provide real value. That’s why Northeastern’s graduate programs emphasize career-integrated learning, ensuring what you study isn’t just theoretical, but directly applicable to your job. By aligning assignments with your professional responsibilities, you can enhance your skills without adding extra work to your already full schedule.

Through experiential learning, you’ll have opportunities to apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges in your industry. Instead of completing disconnected assignments, you can integrate workplace projects into your coursework—whether that means developing a strategy for your company, analyzing data relevant to your field, or implementing solutions to challenges you already face on the job.

“We use students’ knowledge of their professional experiences and where they want to get to,” Thompson says. “So our faculty focuses on refining students’ knowledge and figuring out how to connect their coursework to the learner’s career goals.”

This approach not only helps you reinforce what you’re learning, but it also allows you to make meaningful contributions to your workplace while earning your degree. By ensuring every assignment is relevant to your career, Northeastern helps working parents maximize their education without unnecessary busywork—so you can invest in your future without feeling like you’re adding more to your plate.

3. Provides career growth opportunities without sacrificing family time.

Advancing your career while raising a family requires professional development opportunities that fit into your schedule. Northeastern provides the resources you need to grow in your field without requiring a career pause or added stress.

Through on-demand career services, you can access resume reviews, job coaching, and virtual networking events when it works for you. Whether you need help refining your job search or preparing for a promotion, these services are designed to accommodate the unpredictable schedules of working parents.

“We understand that adult learners have many competing priorities, so we provide multiple entry points for engagement,” Thompson says. “That could be career coaching, mentorship, or professional development opportunities. Whatever fits into their lives.”

Northeastern also connects students with alumni mentors who have successfully balanced graduate school, career growth, and parenting. These mentors provide valuable insights, helping you navigate challenges and make strategic decisions without sacrificing family time. With a support system that prioritizes flexibility, you can take meaningful steps toward your career goals while keeping your personal life at the forefront.

4. Prioritizes the mental health and well-being support for parent learners.

Balancing work, school, and parenting is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. The constant juggling act can lead to parental burnout, making it difficult to stay focused and motivated in your studies. Northeastern recognizes the mental toll that comes with managing multiple roles and provides dedicated resources to support your well-being throughout your academic journey.

Through mental health resources designed for adult learners, you have access to counseling services, stress management workshops, and wellness programs tailored to the unique pressures of balancing graduate school with family life. This understanding is built into Northeastern’s approach, ensuring students have the flexibility and support they need to prioritize their mental health while advancing their careers.

A strong peer support network also plays a critical role in well-being. Connecting with other student parents who understand the challenges of juggling school, career, and family responsibilities can provide encouragement, advice, and a sense of community. Whether through formal student organizations or informal connections, these relationships offer a support system that makes the journey more manageable.

Start your career growth on your terms

Pursuing a graduate degree as a working parent isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about creating a future that benefits both you and your family. But success in graduate school isn’t just about finding time to study; it’s about having the flexibility, career relevance, and support to make it all work.

At Northeastern, you don’t have to choose between education and family. With flexible learning formats, career-aligned coursework, and a strong network of advisors, mentors, and fellow parents, you have the resources to thrive in all areas of your life. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role or transition into something new, Northeastern’s programs are built to help you grow—without sacrificing what matters most.