Part-time courses are credit or non-credit courses that last less time or have fewer contact hours than full-time courses. Many part-time courses are distance learning courses, which allow students to attend class from the comfort of their own homes and work at their own pace. The scheduling benefits of part-time courses are numerous, but the most obvious is that a person can learn important skills or further his or her education with less time and possibly even less money.
Part-time continuing education courses are frequently offered to accommodate the schedules of full-time employees who need to learn valuable skills in order to advance their careers or learn a new trade. These courses can be completed in as little as a few weeks, with work done during off-hours or in small chunks. Part-time courses are usually quite accommodating to people who work full time or cannot travel to an on-site classroom, and the format of the course will vary depending on the institution, topic, and instructor.
Other advantages of part-time courses include the ability to learn new skills and become certified in specific areas, which can help to improve one’s resumé or qualify for a specific job. Many students enroll in part-time courses to obtain job-specific certifications or to prepare for a career change. Other part-time courses may not be related to one’s career at all, but rather to a hobor another activity. It is possible to obtain certification in first aid, CPR, or other topics that can benefit one’s health and safety. Picking up a new hobis also an option; for a low cost and commitment, one can enroll in a class to see if the new activity is something he or she wants to pursue further.
Teachers frequently enroll in part-time courses in order to obtain a higher-level degree that will allow them to advance in their careers and earn more money. A teacher with a bachelor’s degree, for example, could work full-time while pursuing a master’s degree. Part-time classes fit into a teacher’s busy schedule and allow him or her to work at their own pace or in small chunks. Many teachers may choose to take courses during the summer months because they have all or part of the summer off.