How Sarah M. Advanced Her Career With an Online MA in Communication Studies

Nearly 20 years after completing her bachelor’s degree, Sarah M. enrolled at NMSU Global Campus. In 2025, she graduated with her online Master of Arts in Communication Studies while balancing work, family, and real life.

While leading a STEM mentoring program at Doña Ana Community College, Sarah M. began thinking seriously about returning to graduate school. As an employee of New Mexico State University, she used NMSU’s tuition assistance program to make earning a master’s degree more affordable.

The support came at the right time. Sarah had already built a career centered on mentoring students and helping them see what was possible for their futures. Earning her own graduate degree became another way to model that same persistence.

In her online Master of Arts in Communication Studies program at NMSU Global Campus, Sarah found the flexibility, encouragement, and academic challenge she needed to keep going. After graduating in spring 2025, she spoke with the NMSU Global Campus Blog about returning to school, the support that helped her finish, and how her degree opened new career opportunities.

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

“It was incredible graduating!”

Sarah M., Class of 2025

Returning to Graduate School Nearly 20 Years Later

Sarah decided to pursue her master’s degree online almost two decades after earning her bachelor’s degree in biology. Her college experience had required persistence. More than once, she thought about taking a break from undergraduate studies as she navigated the challenges of trying to support herself in school.

“It was a slow climb, and I had to deal with low income, food insecurity, living alone, trying to get by on what I had,” Sarah recalled. “My landlord did help me [with] electricity, so I could use my laptop. She was my mentor, and she wanted me to keep going.”

Those challenging experiences stayed with her. By the time Sarah was settled into a full-time job, earning a master’s degree felt more like an old dream than a realistic next step. But the idea never fully went away.

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With the flexibility of an online program and NMSU’s tuition assistance, Sarah began to see graduate school as a real option again.

NMSU Global Campus strives to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. Visit our Costs & Aid page to find help financing your education, including loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities.

Finding Support as a Working Adult Student

Returning to school as a working adult came with challenges, especially during the final stretch of Sarah’s master’s program. Despite completing most of her coursework, she still had moments when she questioned whether she could finish.

“Even in the very final semester, when I only needed two more classes, I said, ‘I can’t do this,'” Sarah recalled. “I had to really stop and think and say, ‘ No, you got this. And people around you know you’ve got this.'”

Sarah shared that family and friends helped her keep going when doubt crept in: “Things happen, and life happens, and that’s when my spouse said, ‘You cannot give up.'”

Related: Get practical tips for staying motivated in an online degree program from the NMSU Global Campus Blog. ¹

For Sarah, finishing her degree became about more than personal achievement. It also became a way to set an example for her family.

“I’m really glad I listened and believed in what they were saying and believed what I was thinking and didn’t stop,” she said. “In a way, I’m setting the example for [my stepson], too. I hope I’m motivating not only him, but also my family. You know, if they want to, they can see that it’s never too late.”

How Online Flexibility Helped Sarah Earn Her Master’s Degree

Sarah does not believe she could have completed her master’s degree in a traditional, in-person setting. As a nontraditional, first-generation student, she needed an online graduate program that could fit with her work schedule while still providing meaningful support from faculty and staff.

The online format at NMSU Global Campus helped Sarah continue working while completing her coursework. It also allowed her to build skills she could apply directly to her professional goals on the job.

Her plans after graduation included exploring opportunities in marketing, public speaking, or leadership roles where she could communicate with diverse groups of people. Through her MA in Communication Studies coursework, Sarah strengthened her understanding of communication styles, leadership, and how people connect with information.

“Now I have the mastery and skills,” she said.

Sarah also found community through her online program. When she attended her New Mexico State University graduation ceremony, she was nervous because she did not personally know many of the other students there. Then another student asked to sit next to her. As they talked, they realized they had taken many of the same courses.

The moment helped Sarah see that online students can still build real connections and share a meaningful campus experience, even when their coursework happens at a distance.

“It was incredible graduating!” she recalled.

What Can You Do with an Online MA in Communication Studies?

Sarah’s experience shows how online learning, financial aid, and encouragement from others can help working adults take the next step in their education.

The online Master of Arts in Communication Studies at NMSU Global Campus is designed for students who want to strengthen their communication, leadership, and analytical skills while balancing school with work and personal responsibilities. Three career-relevant concentrations are offered:

• Organizational Communication, to develop as an effective communicator in workplace settings
• Leadership Communication, to improve your strategies for guiding teams and driving organizational goals
• Analysis and Decision Making, to help you manage complex challenges in a technical environment.

Through flexible online coursework, students in the communication studies master’s program build skills that support careers in advising, education, business, nonprofit work, public service, marketing, and other communication-focused fields.

Related: Get an in-depth look at where a communication studies degree can take you in the NMSU Global Campus Blog. ²

How Sarah Uses Communication Studies at Work

After Sarah earned her master’s degree, the contract project she had been leading at Doña Ana Community College was coming to an end. She knew she wanted to continue serving students and helping them pursue higher education.

The STEM mentoring program she helped implement had been successful, but it was time for Sarah to take her next step. When an opening became available with NMSU Global Campus, she applied to her alma mater and was offered a role as a Graduate Admissions Advisor.

In her new position, Sarah continues to support students as they explore their academic options. She also uses her background in communication studies to collaborate with local businesses and community partners in New Mexico and Texas. In conversations with employees of our partner organizations, such as El Paso Electric and Three Crosses Hospital, Sarah shares how NMSU Global Campus programs can support working adults who want to continue their education.

Her experience as both an NMSU Global Campus graduate and an advisor helps Sarah communicate meaningfully with prospective students, especially those who are unsure whether they have the time, support, or confidence to return to school.

Sarah’s Advice for Future NMSU Global Campus Students

Sarah often shares her story with prospective students who contact the advising team at NMSU Global Campus. She especially enjoys encouraging adult learners who may wonder whether it is too late to pursue a degree.

When asked what advice she would give prospective students, Sarah pointed to New Mexico State University’s motto.

“Be bold,” she said. “Be bold and make that decision. Just dive. Dive into it. It is for you, and if it’s not, dive again. You can do it. It’s never too late. Nontraditional student, regular student, it is never too late.”

She also encourages students that support is available to them. “Trust the process,” Sarah said. “The professors have a heart. They will guide you.”

For Sarah, earning her online MA in Communication Studies changed how she sees her own potential. “I know now what I’m capable of,” she said. “So, I have no excuses.”

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 Sarah M. 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.

Apply to NMSU Global Campus today. Our online application process 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. “Communication Studies Careers: Where This Degree Can Take You.” NMSU Global Campus Blog, 23 April 2026.

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