After 35 Years Away From School, Sonya Earned Two Online IT Degrees

NMSU Global Campus offers a clear, flexible path for adult learners balancing school, work, and life. Just ask Sonya S., Class of ’25, a proud Global grad who earned two online IT degrees while continuing to build her career as a systems administrator.

At New Mexico State University (NMSU) Global Campus, IT professional Sonya S. earned an online Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in 2024, followed by an online Master of Information Technology in 2025.

During the Fall 2025 Ring Ceremony, she gave an in-depth interview about her academic journey. “It’s taken me 35 years to get my bachelor’s degree,” she said. “I want to tell everybody that it’s possible to get your degree at any age.”

At 56, Sonya was proud to graduate in front of her children and make incredible strides in her professional career. While she acknowledged that her educational journey was filled with hurdles and that, at times, she wanted to give up, Sonya was able to achieve her dream without breaking the bank or putting her professional and personal life on hold.

Explore 90+ flexible, affordable online programs at NMSU Global Campus.

How NMSU Global Campus Supported Sonya’s IT Career

As Sonya discovered, NMSU Global Campus offers students an affordable, flexible path to earning a bachelor’s degree. “NMSU Global Campus is an awesome school,” she explained. “It’s very flexible. You can go to school full-time, and you can work full-time. You can look at the lectures after you get home from work, after you eat dinner. You have the weekends to do your homework and meet deadlines.”

Sonya noted that online learning “requires a lot of time management” and emphasized the importance of being strategic with one’s schedule. ¹ However, Sonya quickly pointed out that even in a long-distance learning environment, the professors at NMSU Global Campus were always accessible to help her.

“The faculty was awesome,” Sonya said. “Every instructor that I had was very, very good… The good thing about NMSU Global Campus is that your instructors are available even on the weekends. They’ll always make time to help you out.”

Sonya gave particular praise to Dr. Mark Lawrence, a professor who helped guide her every step of the way, even when things got difficult. “He was like my mentor, my friend, my advisor, the person who hyped me up so I wouldn’t give up at times when I didn’t even want to continue because I was overwhelmed,” she recalled. “He was there.”

From Her Bachelor’s in ICT to a Master’s in IT

Reminiscing about her accomplishments at NMSU Global Campus, Sonya expressed pride in achieving a long-held dream and setting an example for her family, fellow Hispanic students, and other adult learners.

“I’m trying to encourage my son to follow me,” Sonya shared. “You know, anything’s possible at any age — anything — as long as you have the will, the motivation, and the support. I’m very proud to be Hispanic and very proud to be a female in a man’s world, and being able to hold up my own amongst some of the guys at work.”

After completing her bachelor’s in ICT, Sonya’s next step was clear: “Graduate school.” A year after receiving her undergraduate degree, Sonya earned a Master of Information Technology in December 2025.

New Mexico State University offers accelerated pathways for ICT undergraduates, allowing students to hit the ground running for a master’s. Learn more about how a master’s in IT can help you move into leadership roles. ²

Today, Sonya makes good use of her two degrees in information technology as a professional systems administrator. For any prospective students still considering online learning, her advice was simple and straightforward: “Come to NMSU Global Campus. It’s the best thing you can do.”

It’s Never Too Late to Earn Your Degree at NMSU Global Campus

Take the next step and follow in the footsteps of proud Global grads like Sonya S. With 90+ career-focused online programs and a personalized Graduation Team dedicated to your success, NMSU Global Campus is here to support you, no matter your professional interests or where you are in your academic journey.

The online application process at NMSU Global Campus takes only about 10 to 15 minutes, and your first application is free. ³

References

1. “Your Guide to Staying Motivated in an Online Degree Program.” NMSU Global Campus Blog, 12 December 2025.

2. “How an IT Master’s Can Help You Move Up Into Leadership Roles.” NMSU Global Campus Blog, 7 May 2026.

3. “3 Easy Tips to Help You Complete Your Application to NMSU Global Campus.” NMSU Global Campus Blog, 9 June 2025.