12 Best Degrees for Stay-at-Home Moms

12 Best Degrees for Stay-at-Home Moms (With Part-Time Options)

Here’s a surprising fact: mothers with children under 18 make up 75% of the working population. Getting the right degree has become more significant than ever for stay-at-home moms who want to restart their careers or move up the ladder.

Online university education has changed everything. The number of students jumped from 22.9 million in 2022 to 27.4 million in 2023. Most employers (95%) now value additional qualifications. These flexible online degrees, ranging from business administration to cybersecurity, work perfectly for adults who need to balance various responsibilities.

We’ve put together a detailed list of 12 degree programs that let you learn part-time and remotely. These programs give you the freedom to study while taking care of your family and help you build a rewarding career at your own pace.

1. Business Administration

A business administration degree is one of the most versatile options for stay-at-home moms who want to advance their careers. This classic degree works well in almost every industry, which makes it perfect for anyone who needs flexibility.

Why business admin is great for stay-at-home moms

Business administration programs give you the essential skills in marketing, finance, human resources, and strategic management. Your degree opens doors to various roles like business manager, marketing manager, financial analyst, or human resources specialist. On top of that, it lets you choose how you want to work – full-time, part-time contracts, or even start your own business from home.

This field works great for moms with family duties because it offers predictable schedules without overtime, weekend, or holiday work. Many employers also provide family-friendly benefits such as childcare reimbursement or flexible spending accounts for dependent care.

Part-time study options

Business administration programs really understand what working adults and parents need. Most schools offer:

• Evening and weekend classes
• Online, hybrid, and in-person options
• Multiple semester start dates (Fall, Spring, or Summer)

You can take courses at your own pace. Full-time students finish in as little as one year, but you can take longer if you need to. The program lets you switch easily between course formats (online, on-campus, or hybrid) as your life changes.

Remote work potential

Business administration graduates have great opportunities to work remotely. Right now, there are over 4,000 remote business administration jobs in the United States. These jobs include:

• Business Development Managers
• Business Analysts
• Procurement Administrators
  HR Business Partners
• Business Administration Specialists

Research shows that more flexibility at work helps boost women’s desire for promotions, especially in time-demanding roles.

Having control over your schedule helps reduce work-family conflicts. More control over your work hours helps women aim higher in their careers instead of holding them back.

A business administration degree teaches you how to manage business operations while giving you the flexibility you need to take care of your family.

2. Information Technology

IT remains one of the fastest-growing fields. Stay-at-home moms looking for flexible careers will find it an exceptional choice. The IT sector will add more than 377,500 new jobs through 2032. This growth creates abundant opportunities for those who want to balance family life with career goals.

Online learning structure

Today’s IT degree programs put flexibility first. Students don’t need fixed class times or strict assignment deadlines. This self-directed approach lets you:

• Move through courses at your own pace
• Speed up learning with your existing knowledge
• Take extra time with difficult topics
• Work on assignments when it suits you

Programs include virtual labs that mirror real-life situations. These labs help you practice workplace skills from home. On top of that, these programs teach practical skills you can use right away in professional settings.

Why IT is great for stay-at-home moms

IT careers give you great work-life balance through remote positions that don’t need office presence. An IT analyst can help companies solve technical problems while earning $80,191 per year on average. The field opens up many more opportunities such as:

• Software developer
• Computer systems analyst
• Cybersecurity analyst
• Network administrator
• Web developer

Tech talent in “mom-focused” hiring programs shows impressive credentials. All but one of these professionals have a bachelor’s degree or higher, with 8-12 years of experience. This shows how the field welcomes experienced professionals coming back after family breaks.

Part-time degree paths

IT programs often offer faster paths to complete your education. Part-time options let you build credits steadily toward your final qualification. On top of that, many schools offer competency-based programs. These programs let you skip subjects you already know.

IT degrees include industry certifications as part of your education. These certifications boost your resume without extra cost and increase your employability. Many schools accept certifications from Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Cisco, and CompTIA as college credit. This can shorten your path to graduation.

Your learning style should guide your program choice. You can pick traditional formats with more guidance or self-paced options that fit your schedule as a busy mom.

3. Healthcare Administration

Healthcare Administration degrees give stay-at-home moms a great path to flexible careers in healthcare. The field shows promising growth with a 28% increase expected through 2031. This growth rate is five times higher than the national average.

Healthcare administration is great for flexibility

Remote healthcare administration jobs are now more available than ever. These roles let you grow professionally while taking care of your family. You’ll find many remote positions like Care Management Support Professional and Housing Specialist. Your daily work will use teleconferencing, email, and digital platforms to:

• Schedule staff and assess patient care
• Manage telehealth services
• Coordinate between different departments
• Develop improvements for medical records and IT systems

Many healthcare organizations now value remote administrative roles. Companies like Humana look for remote workers in positions such as Care Management Support Professional across states.

Part-time curriculum

Part-time healthcare administration programs work well for busy moms. The University of Florida’s Master of Health Administration takes three years to complete. The program needs 57 credit hours of on-campus daytime courses, online work, and an internship. Students at Western Governors University move faster – 63% finish their programs in 17 months.

The programs teach you everything through courses in:

• Healthcare leadership and community involvement
• Policy and governance
• Financial management and economics
• Information systems and operations

Many programs include hands-on work like internships or capstone projects. You can complete these on a flexible schedule that works around your family life.

Salary expectations

A healthcare administration degree can pay off well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that healthcare administrators made a median yearly salary of $110,680 in May 2023. Your pay depends on:

• Experience level: New graduates start at $64,494, while those with 10+ years make about $90,567
• Work setting: Hospital administrators earn $128,740, government jobs pay $125,590, and outpatient centers offer $104,710
• Location: States like New York, New Jersey, and California pay more than $150,000

Whatever your workplace, healthcare administration remains one of the best-paying fields you can enter through flexible education. This makes it one of the best degrees for stay-at-home moms who want to balance career growth and family time.

4. Marketing

Marketing degrees have become a game-changer for stay-at-home moms who want to build flexible careers in today’s digital economy. Digital advertising now makes up more than half of total US ad spend, reaching $178 billion in 2021. This growing field creates countless opportunities to balance family life with professional growth.

Why it’s good for stay-at-home moms

Marketing education shines through its variety of specialization options that perfectly complement stay-at-home parenting. Digital marketing has become more available now, requiring web analytics, email marketing, social media, and PPC advertising skills. Most marketing programs cover brand management, consumer behavior, strategic planning, and digital marketing fundamentals.

Students passionate about social media can choose specialized concentrations to become skilled at community management, analytics, and brand awareness through current platforms. Digital marketing concentrations provide valuable skills in search engine optimization, digital brand identity, and metric analysis that help organizations create stronger campaigns.

Part-time online programs

Stay-at-home moms find exceptional flexibility with online marketing degrees. WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Marketing lets students complete one course at a time instead of juggling multiple subjects. Students work with Program Mentors to create a personalized degree plan. These programs allow quick progress through familiar material at your own pace. Most students succeed quickly – 60% graduate within 19 months.

Students tackle practical components like capstone projects to analyze business environments, make market segmentation decisions, and show how strategy connects with analytics. Students can join professional organizations like the American Marketing Association to access networking events and job boards.

Freelance and remote opportunities

Stay-at-home moms find great potential in the freelance marketing world. Freelance marketers add value through market research, digital marketing, lead generation, customer acquisition, and communications. Remote positions include Marketing Specialist roles where professionals develop and implement product promotion strategies using branding, SEO, and content creation skills.

The salary outlook remains promising. Digital marketers earn $72,391 on average annually, while top performers can make over $117,000. New marketers often start with administrative tasks or social media management roles.

Marketing degrees give you versatile skills that work in any industry. Steady growth in the field combined with flexible work options makes this one of the best degrees for stay-at-home moms who want successful careers while prioritizing family life.

5. Accounting

An accounting degree is an excellent investment that gives stay-at-home moms flexible career options with strong earning potential. The skills you learn will always be valuable, even as software automation and technology advance.

Why accounting is good for SAHMs

You can study at your own pace with online accounting programs that feature asynchronous coursework. These programs have different tracks based on your educational background, whether you have a business or non-business bachelor’s degree. The curriculum has:

• Financial statements and accounting basics
• Bookkeeping fundamentals and QuickBooks expertise
• Tax preparation and financial analysis
• Payroll management and business accounting

Programs are built to fit around your family and work commitments while delivering quality education. Faculty members give you personal attention even though you learn remotely.

Part-time certification options

Accounting certificates are great alternatives for moms who want credentials without pursuing full degrees. You can prepare for entry-level positions or career advancement with undergraduate certificates that require 30 credits. Graduate certificates help you meet the 150-credit requirement you need for CPA exam eligibility in most areas.

These part-time options boost your skills and earning potential while strengthening your resume. Employers value these certificates, especially when you combine them with relevant experience.

Remote and freelance work

Stay-at-home moms have many remote opportunities in accounting. Virtual bookkeeping is one of the most profitable work-from-home options, and you can earn $20-$50 per hour. As a freelance accountant, you’ll work on:

• Financial ledger management
• Account reconciliation and analysis
• Tax document preparation
• Financial report development

You might also launch your own virtual bookkeeping business to serve small businesses that want to focus on growth instead of accounting. This path lets you control your schedule completely while helping clients manage their finances.

Accounting ranks among the best degrees for stay-at-home circumstances because it combines flexibility, earning potential, and job security in a unique way.

6. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity stands out as a career field with amazing growth potential. It ranks among the best degrees for stay-at-home moms who want stable and flexible careers. The digital protection industry lets you balance your family life with professional goals.

Why cybersecurity is good for stay-at-home moms

The cybersecurity sector needs talent badly. Unfilled positions will reach 3.5 million globally by 2025. This huge demand creates job security and competitive pay. Information security analysts make a median annual salary of $120,360. Entry-level positions start around $50,000 and can reach up to $117,000 for IT security specialists.

Jobs in this field grow faster than most other industries. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 33% growth between 2023 and 2033. Companies posted almost half a million cybersecurity-related jobs between May 2023 and April 2024 alone. This creates great opportunities for moms who want stable, high-paying careers.

Part-time degree options

Modern cybersecurity education programs work well for busy parents. Many schools offer learning at your own pace without fixed class times or deadlines. Harvard Extension School’s cybersecurity program lets you study part-time and set your own pace. Most courses run for about 12 weeks, so you can manage them while taking care of your family.

Many programs include industry-recognized certifications in their curriculum. You won’t need to pay extra for these valuable credentials that boost your employability even before graduation.

Remote work flexibility

Remote work makes cybersecurity perfect for moms. Over 70% of cybersecurity professionals work remotely full-time or part-time now. You can work from home in roles like:

• Security analysts and consultants
• Threat analysts and incident responders
• Vulnerability testers and security engineers

Remote cybersecurity jobs help both employees and companies. Professionals get flexible schedules without commuting while companies find talent worldwide. This setup works great for moms who want to advance their careers while managing childcare.

7. Data Science

Data science offers a perfect career path that combines verbal and numerical skills for moms with a knack for languages. This field grows faster than ever and comes with great flexibility and competitive pay.

Why data science is perfect for stay-at-home moms

Your organizational abilities and multitasking skills make you a natural fit for data science careers. One former stay-at-home mom said, “I love how data science has numbers but also language,” which shows how her language background was perfect for this analytical field. A mom’s patience and problem-solving abilities are highly valued in data analysis roles.

The path starts with coding courses that are available to everyone. Former stay-at-home mom Alla Bannikova says, “When I began my data science experience, I was excited about the chance to learn programming and gain new skills”. She found that there was a well-laid-out learning path that made complex concepts easier to grasp, starting from basics and moving to advanced applications.

Part-time learning paths

Many universities now have flexible online master’s programs that work well for busy adults. The University of Michigan has a fully online applied data science master’s with real-life applications. Indiana University’s online program lets you finish coursework around your family schedule.

Most programs include:

• Study at your own pace during naptime or evenings
• Clear steps for advancement
• Real projects that build your job portfolio

Successful moms view part-time study as “a part-time job” and spend 4-6 hours each day when they can. Program forums create a supportive community that helps when you need answers.

Remote job opportunities

The United States alone has more than 15,000 remote data scientist positions. These jobs spread across pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and banking sectors. Remote data scientists analyze data to help companies spot patterns and make smart decisions.

The salary outlook remains strong, and experienced professionals earn great pay. Best of all, these roles let you control your schedule to balance family life with career growth.

Data science stands out as one of the best degrees for stay-at-home moms who want challenging work with flexibility.

8. Computer Science

Tech-savvy moms find computer science degrees a perfect match. These programs blend career advancement with schedule flexibility that works well with family life.

Why CompSci is good for SAHMs

Online computer science programs combine core programming concepts with specialized technical knowledge. Students start with general education requirements and basic programming courses. They move on to advanced topics like computing ethics and information assurance. Most programs give you cloud-based virtual environments to access technology right from home.

These programs shine with their exceptional flexibility. Course structures adapt to different schedules. Students need strong self-motivation because these programs don’t have traditional classroom’s built-in structure.

Part-time flexibility

Part-time computer science programs let you spread your education over about two years. Students take 6-9 credits each semester to reach 30 credits total. Balancing coursework with family life can be challenging. Many schools help by offering self-paced learning platforms and evening classes.

Plan to spend 10-20 hours each week on studies – similar to a part-time job. Notwithstanding that, this time investment pays off. You’ll save commute time and can study during quiet moments, like waiting at appointments.

Salaries and growth

Computer science graduates see bright job prospects. The field expects 15% growth through 2031. Median salaries reach $97,430 – more than double the average salary in other jobs. Web development stands out as a great fit for mothers. Remote work options give them ultimate flexibility.

Many stay-at-home moms have found success in tech careers. A mother of three landed a junior developer position after studying just one hour daily for nine months between childcare duties. Another mom built a six-figure tech career while raising four daughters, including one with disabilities. She credits her success to setting clear boundaries between work and family time.

9. Management Information Systems (MIS)

MIS degrees bridge the gap between business knowledge and technical expertise. They offer better advantages for mothers who want flexible career paths compared to specialized degrees.

MIS vs. IT: What’s better for moms?

MIS degrees give you a balanced education that’s half business, half technology. You’ll study computer programming and database design along with management, finance, and accounting. IT degrees focus mainly on computers and their functionality. This mixed approach helps you communicate both business and technology needs within an organization, which creates more diverse opportunities.

Stay-at-home moms benefit from MIS degrees because they teach both how technology works and why businesses need it. This business-first view often guides you to management roles where remote work and flexible schedules are common.

Part-time online programs

Many universities now offer flexible MIS programs that work well for parents with busy lives. Texas A&M’s Flex Online Master’s program lets you take one class every eight weeks to complete 37 credit hours over two years. Northwestern University’s part-time format takes 2-5 years with one or two courses per quarter.

These programs typically feature:

• Asynchronous learning (no fixed class times)
• Eight-week course formats rather than semester-long commitments
• Multiple start dates throughout the year

University of Cincinnati’s program works perfectly for part-time students. You can finish in less than two years with dedicated student success coordinators who provide one-on-one support.

Job roles and remote potential

Remote MIS jobs exist in many industries. As a work-from-home IT analyst, you could earn $80,191 annually while helping companies solve technical problems. Virtual assistants ($40,842/year) and contract recruiters ($62,899/year) are other flexible options.

The future looks strong. Employment for computer and information systems managers should grow by 17% through 2033, with about 54,700 job openings annually. The median annual salary reaches $169,510, showing strong demand for these professionals.

An MIS degree ranks among the best degrees for stay-at-home moms who want tech careers without compromising family life.

10. Entrepreneurship

Moms who want to create flexible work opportunities rather than find them can take the entrepreneurship path. Women now own 42% of all businesses in the US, which gives them complete control over their career path.

Why entrepreneurship is great for stay-at-home moms

The entrepreneurial journey fits perfectly with motherhood’s demands. You can shape your work around family life instead of the other way around. “Mompreneurs” – women who run businesses while raising families – have become a powerful economic force. Starting your own business brings several benefits:

• You show your kids what hard work looks like
• You can follow your personal passions
• Your children learn business skills directly from you
• You can save money for specific goals

The SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership helps through their district offices. They provide business training, counseling, federal contracts, and ways to access capital. The Tory Burch Foundation also gives tools that help women at every stage of their business journey.

Part-time degree options

Many universities have created entrepreneurship programs that work for part-time students. Northwestern University’s Kellogg School teaches a mix of strategy, finance, organizations, and marketing to help you create successful ventures. Loyola Marymount University lets you choose between full and part-time paths in their M.S. in Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Innovation program.

These programs teach you about:

• New venture development
• Acquisition of existing businesses
• Entrepreneurial finance
• Strategic planning

Entrepreneurship and home-based businesses

Starting a home-based business needs minimal paperwork and you can launch within a week. Stay-at-home moms often succeed as virtual assistants, freelance writers, online store owners, and social media managers. The pandemic sparked a trend – 47% of moms started side hustles, and this number keeps growing.

Your best bet might be a business that lets you work in short bursts or creates passive income. Digital products stand out because “you can create something once and sell it thousands of times”.

11. Economics

Economics degrees help students develop analytical skills and provide remarkable flexibility. These qualities make them excellent choices for stay-at-home moms who want to return to education. The blend of social science and quantitative skills creates many career paths that work well with remote arrangements.

Online degree structure

STEM-designated online economics programs focus on how human behavior relates to resource allocation. Students need 120 credits to complete these programs that balance theoretical knowledge with practical applications. The curriculum covers:

• Microeconomics (consumer and producer behavior)
• Macroeconomics (national income and price determination)
• Econometrics and statistical analysis
• International finance and trade concepts

These programs help students become skilled at analytical and critical thinking. You will learn to assess everyday problems through economic theories and statistical analyzes. The coursework teaches you to communicate complex ideas through written, spoken, and visual methods.

Part-time study options

Students can earn credits at their own pace through part-time economics programs. Universities offer flexible formats with online, on-campus, or hybrid courses. To name just one example, Johns Hopkins University offers fall, spring, and summer entry terms. Students can complete their degree within 12-24 months.

Most part-time economics programs use asynchronous learning methods that eliminate fixed class schedules. This approach works especially when you have childcare responsibilities alongside your studies.

Why economics is a great career path for moms

An economics degree opens opportunities in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Like other flexible degrees, many economics positions allow remote work. Career options include:

• Market research analysts (13.4% projected job growth over 10 years)
• Economic analysts in government or private industry
• Financial advisors and consultants
• Policy analysts at think tanks

Economics majors often earn higher salaries than graduates from many other fields. Data scientists receive competitive compensation while data analysts help companies spot patterns and make strategic decisions. The economics field’s steady growth and flexible work arrangements make it one of the best degrees for stay-at-home moms who seek intellectually stimulating careers.

12. Education

Education degrees give mothers the best of both worlds – flexible career options and skills that help with raising children. The education field changes faster than ever and offers career paths that work well with family life.

Education degrees for online teaching

These degrees open doors to become tutors, educators, consultants, curriculum designers, policymakers, and researchers. Students learn essential skills in learning principles, instruction methods, classroom management, and child development. The rise of online teaching means graduates now get training specifically for virtual classrooms.

Starting a home-based daycare becomes possible with an online associate degree in early childhood education. This setup lets you watch your own kids while earning money by caring for other children.

Part-time programs

Drexel’s online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education shows how these programs fit around family life. Students can take 2.5-5 years to finish their degree. The programs let you customize your study plans and transfer up to 90 quarter credits from previous education.

Students can complete coursework whenever works best – during naptime, evenings, or weekends. Graduates receive two years of support after finishing, including classroom coaching and networking help.

Why education provides career flexibility for moms

A teacher’s schedule matches your children’s routine – same working hours, shared holidays, and summers free for family time. Teaching is just the beginning – you could work in curriculum development, non-profits, school administration, counseling, or library sciences.

Remote education jobs are accessible to more people now, with hundreds of online teaching positions available. The field’s flexible scheduling makes education one of the best degrees for stay-at-home moms who want to grow professionally while putting family first.

Next Steps

Learning about flexible degree options helps you take concrete steps toward your educational experience. Most online programs let parents enroll anytime during the academic year. You don’t need to wait for traditional fall or spring semesters.

Begin Your Journey with These Practical Steps:

Pick specific programs that match your career goals and family needs. Your education will substantially affect your lifetime earning potential. Bachelor’s degree holders earn 84% more than those with only high school diplomas.

A structured daily schedule that mirrors a professional work routine helps balance studies and parenting. This practice sets boundaries and makes your return to academic life easier. Student moms who succeed often read or listen to lectures during downtime. They also stick to weekly study plans.

Your long-term professional goals matter beyond immediate educational targets. Chart your desired career path. This could mean part-time work, moving to full-time as children grow, or getting advanced credentials to move up.

A reliable support network leads to academic success. You can connect with other students through program forums and join professional groups in your field. Don’t hesitate to ask family for childcare help during important study periods.

Note that self-compassion matters in this experience. Better professional development helps both you and your family. One successful student mom puts it well: “If you’re more fulfilled professionally, that can translate to your personal life as well”.

Comparing Degrees for Stay-at-Home Moms

FAQs

Q1. What are some of the best degree options for stay-at-home moms?

Some of the best degree options for stay-at-home moms include Business Administration, Information Technology, Healthcare Administration, Marketing, and Accounting. These fields offer flexible online programs, part-time study options, and good potential for remote work opportunities after graduation.

Q2. How can stay-at-home moms balance earning a degree with family responsibilities?

Many online degree programs are designed with flexibility in mind for busy parents. They often offer asynchronous learning, self-paced courses, and part-time study options. This allows moms to complete coursework during convenient times like evenings or weekends while still prioritizing family commitments.

Q3. What are some high-paying remote job opportunities for moms with degrees?

With the right degree, moms can pursue well-paying remote jobs such as IT analyst (average salary $80,191/year), marketing specialist, virtual bookkeeper ($20-50/hour), cybersecurity analyst (median $120,360/year), or healthcare administrator (median $110,680/year). Many of these roles offer flexibility to work from home.

Q4. Are there good degree options that don’t require previous college experience?

Yes, many online degree programs are designed for adult learners without prior college credits. Fields like Business Administration, Information Technology, and Healthcare Administration often have flexible admission requirements and offer foundational courses to get you started, regardless of your previous educational background.

Q5. How long does it typically take to complete an online degree program part-time?

The time to complete an online degree part-time varies, but many programs can be finished in 2-5 years. For example, some accelerated IT programs can be completed in as little as 17 months, while part-time MBA programs may take 2-3 years. The exact timeline depends on the specific program and how many courses you take each term.