Has it been a while since you've taken a class, gone to school or even set foot in a classroom? Are you a first-generation learner with concerns about getting started?
Whatever your situation or background, it’s common for people to have concerns and fears about things that are new to us. Attend a Graduate and Continuing Education information session and turn those fears into encouragement.
- Technology is so advanced now, how do I use it?
The age of technology is upon us. Many of our classes are now offered through an online learning platform called Blackboard. 
Blackboard is an online course management system used to deliver web-based learning as a supplement to or replacement for face-to-face learning. Hesitant to try an online course? Try our online demo course and familiarize yourself with Blackboard, or reach out to the people who are here to help you succeed. Gain confidence by using the software and prepare yourself before jumping into a program.
- I’m too old!
While you may be concerned with being the oldest in the class, the age range for students in our Graduate and Continuing Education courses here at Fitchburg State is 18 to 80, with an average in the mid-30s. You'll probably find a lot of students who look just like you! Think of yourself as an experienced learner with lots to share with your peers, and know that your networking possibilities are endless!
- How can I possibly find the time?
Graduate and Continuing Education at Fitchburg State University offers day, evening and online courses to meet your busy, varied schedule. We offer 5 sessions a year (fall, winter, spring and 2 summer sessions) allowing you to focus on fewer courses over longer periods of time. Online classes are available and can be logged into at times that work for you. Not sure about the online option? Perhaps you'd be interested in hybrid courses which are offered online with a portion of the class held face-to-face. Our night classes, which start no earlier than 5pm, allow you the time to work a full day and get to class on time. You may be worried about finding the time if you work a full-time schedule, but we're here to tell you that you can do it! You'll just go at a different time, with other working adults.
- I can’t afford it!
The benefit of being an adult learner is you probably have either minimal or no student debt. You have a 
better handle on your finances and you're able to pay for some of your classes or you may even have a job that offers tuition reimbursement. If not there are scholarships available to graduate students to help them defer the cost of their program. Fitchburg State now offers a payment plan to help with the cost of tuition. Register early to allow yourself 4 installments to keep your payments low. Check out all of your financing options, including scholarships, loans and graduate assistantships.
- I didn't do well in school before, so I probably won’t do well now.
As adults we are totally different people than we were as children. If this is a concern of yours why not try a class before applying to a program? At Fitchburg State you can take up to 4 classes (12 credits) before applying to a graduate program, and even more courses if you want to pursue a bachelor degree. Why not test drive a class before making your program purchase? You may surprise yourself at how much your focus and determination have improved. You have 6 years to complete your graduate degree to allow you to focus on 1 or 2 classes at a time, and there is no time limit or expiration date for undergraduate credits. A lighter course-load over a longer period of time allows for more focus and more often than not, better grades. Check out the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society that acknowledges the academic accomplishments of our evening undergraduate non-traditional learners.
Times may have changed and you may have concerns about attending and/or returning to school, but there is no reason to let that intimidate you from completing that degree you've always wanted. Attend an information session and familiarize yourself with the school, library, advisors and other students interested in the same program. Once you see the amount of help, knowledgeable professors and accessible staff that is available to you here at Fitchburg State, your decision will be easy to make.
