Practical Time Management Tips for Online Grad Students

Balancing graduate school with your already busy life can feel daunting, but as many University of Scranton students have proven, it’s achievable with the right strategies. Whether you're working full-time, raising a family or juggling other personal commitments, pursuing an online graduate degree doesn’t mean putting the rest of your life on pause. 

Many students choose online graduate programs for the flexibility they offer. But with that flexibility comes responsibility. The ability to manage your time effectively can make or break your graduate school experience. Keep reading to discover some actionable advice for mastering this skill in order to find success in grad school. 

Six Time Management Tips for Online Graduate Students

If you're considering enrolling in an online graduate program, here are some practical, proven time management tips to help you stay focused, reduce stress and reach your academic goals with confidence. 

1. Understand Your Commitments from the Start 

Before classes even begin, take stock of everything already on your plate — work hours, family responsibilities, volunteer roles, and even social priorities and downtime. Then, realistically estimate how much time you'll need to dedicate to coursework each week. Most online graduate courses recommend 10–15 hours of study time per week per class. 

Having a realistic understanding of your full list of priorities up front can help you proactively carve out the time needed to balance everything. 

Tip: Use a digital calendar or planner to visualize your schedule. Block off time for studying, attending virtual classes, and completing assignments — just like you would for work meetings or doctor’s appointments. 

2. Create a Consistent Weekly Routine

One of the biggest advantages of online learning is the flexibility. But too much flexibility can easily lead to procrastination. Establish a weekly routine that includes set times for coursework, reading and assignment prep. Your brain thrives on structure — it’s easier to stay motivated when study time becomes a habit. 

Consider these ideas: 

• Early mornings: If you’re a morning person, carve out quiet time before your household wakes up. 
• Evenings: Block an hour or two after work when you can focus. 
• Weekends: Reserve time on Saturdays or Sundays for larger projects or discussion board participation. 

3. Break Big Tasks Into Small Milestones 

Looking at a long syllabus or a hefty final project can be overwhelming. Instead of focusing on the entire workload at once, break each assignment into manageable pieces. 

For example, let’s say you have a 10-page paper due in three weeks. You could break it down like this: 

• Week 1: Research and outline 
• Week 2: Write first draft 
• Week 3: Edit and finalize 

This approach not only makes tasks feel more achievable but also helps you avoid last-minute stress. 

4. Eliminate Distractions

Whenever you sit down to study, make it count. That means minimizing distractions so you can fully focus. This might require some creativity, especially if you're sharing space with others. 

Try this: 

• Designate a study zone (even if it’s just a corner of your dining room) 
• Silence your phone or use focus apps like Forest or Freedom 
• Let friends or family members know when you’ll be unavailable for interruptions 

Even short bursts of undistracted time can be much more productive than hours of multitasking. 

5. Lean Into Your Support Network

You don’t have to go it alone. In fact, successful online students often cite their support systems — family, friends, professors and classmates — as key to their success. 

University of Scranton online graduate students benefit from: 

• Responsive faculty and advisors 
• 24/7 tech support 
• Interactive discussion boards 
• A student-first culture rooted in Jesuit values 

If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out. Whether it’s asking a classmate for clarification or talking to your professor about a deadline, a little communication goes a long way. 

6. Give Yourself Grace and Space

Graduate school is challenging by design, but it’s also deeply rewarding. There will be weeks when everything clicks, and others when life gets in the way. That’s normal. 

Just remember: 

• Progress is better than perfection 
• Short breaks can boost productivity 
• Mental health matters (don't sacrifice sleep or self-care) 

Celebrate small wins and learn from setbacks. Every quiz you pass, paper you submit, or discussion post you write is one step closer to earning your degree. 

Prepare for Success with Scranton's Online Graduate Programs

Time management is a critical skill for any graduate student, especially those pursuing their degree online. The University of Scranton offers a wide range of fully online graduate programs designed with flexibility and support in mind — ideal for working professionals ready to take the next step. 

Whether you’re pursuing an MBA, MHA, MAcc, or MS in Human Resources Management, our programs are built to empower you to succeed both academically and professionally — on your own schedule. 

Explore our graduate programs today!