There are currently 26, 168,000 working mothers with children under the age of 18. That is 12% of the U.S. civilian population according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although being a parent is one of the most difficult and most rewarding jobs that a person can have, being a working mother means having to report to work too.

Being a working mom is no easy task, and many women experience feelings of guilt when trying to find a balance between their work and being a mom. It can be difficult trying to build a career when you have to manage both your schedule and your children's.

If you are looking for a promotion, want to start a new career, or simply get an education, you may want to consider taking courses online. Online classes make education more accessible. You can log into your virtual classroom from home, and study after the kids are asleep.

If you've been thinking about going back to school, online programs might be for you. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Education, 61.3% of schools across the United States offer educational courses and degree programs over the Internet.

An online degree program may save you money. Think about how much it might cost if you had to drive or travel to a campus location once or twice a week. For some, the nearest campus is at least a 45 minute drive (or more), and rising gas prices may start to strain your family budget. Online classes let you study in the comfort of your own home, so you won't have to worry about paying for a babysitter.

Areas of online study include psychology, nursing, business, and education degrees. Online colleges and universities offer professional certificate programs, individual courses and entire degree programs online. So whether you are looking to stay on top of the competition and only need to take one accounting course, or if you’re starting a new career and need to earn your bachelor's degree in education, there is an online program that is perfect for you.

Having a rewarding career and being able to be there for your family are important to every working mom. Luckily, today’s technology provides more options for parents looking to go back to school.

To review a top accredited online school and find the program that fits, your schedule, career and life best, log on to www.elearners.com.