�鶹AV

Taryn Cain, of Scott, Louisiana, enrolled in college immediately after high school without a clear idea of what she wanted to do in her career.  

After changing her major several times, she'd earned college credits but no degree.

“Eventually, I dropped out with the intention of getting my life together and figuring out what I wanted to do,” she says.

It was another 16 years before finishing her degree moved from “should” to “must” when her employer made earning her bachelor’s degree a requirement for her promotion.

A working mom of two, Cain needed a degree program that would fit with her life and accept her existing credits.

In the �鶹AV’s Bachelor of General Studies online degree program, Cain found the flexibility, applicability, and support to complete her degree.

Adjusting to Online Learning

After more than a decade away from school, Cain wasn’t sure how transitioning back to school would go.

“Working in an office setting, I was familiar with computers and Microsoft Office and things like that, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to learn all the material without actually going to class,” she says. “Online classes weren’t really a thing when I first went to college.”

Upon enrolling, Cain’s concerns quickly disappeared.

“Every class was a little different, but all my instructors made it so easy to navigate their course and complete the assignments,” she says. “Plus, I felt like everyone — advisors and instructors — really wanted you to be successful. They were all so helpful.”

The program’s flexibility, combined with support from her employer and family, also made a big difference.  

During downtime at work, Cain’s supervisors let her work on assignments as needed. In the evenings, she and her two daughters worked on homework together at the kitchen table.

When she had exams, her loved ones stepped in to help.

“I would have my husband take the kids out somewhere, or they would go to my mom’s house, just to give me that quiet time to focus,” Cain says.

Advancing in her Role

In the General Studies program, students choose from six concentrations: arts, humanities, natural sciences, behavioral sciences, applied sciences, or business studies.

With 15 years of experience in health care administration, Cain chose the business studies concentration to build skills that could directly support her work. Through health care-focused classes, including HLTH 411: Women’s Health and HSA 201: Health Care Delivery Systems, she gained knowledge she could apply directly to her role.

Meanwhile, classes like ENGL 365: Technical Writing and CMCN 320: Principles of Public Relations expanded her ability to communicate professionally.

“Working in public-facing roles, you never know what types of personalities you might encounter,” she says. “My classes gave me the knowledge to navigate difficult work situations and build strong relationships, even down to skills like professionally composing an email.”

Transitioning into a New Career

Six months before earning her bachelor’s in general studies online, Cain moved into a new career with a local travel agency.  

Taking HMGT 331: Principles of Tourism in her final semester gave her confidence as she adjusted to her role as a travel agent.

“Things will come up at work, and I’ll be like, ‘Oh! I learned about that!’”

As Cain begins her new career, she’s eager to grow in her field and thankful to have finally earned her degree.

“I was so impressed with how awesome the online program was, especially for older people, working people, moms, and dads. Anybody who wants to go back to school has that opportunity through �鶹AV Online,” she reflects. “I’m super appreciative of the opportunity to finish my degree.”

Finish your degree and apply your existing credits through �鶹AV’s Bachelor of General Studies online degree program.  

Request information