Balancing Work and Study: How to Succeed in Your Online MSL Program

Balancing a full-time career, family responsibilities, and personal goals is no small feat. For many professionals considering graduate school, the prospect of adding coursework to their list of responsibilities can feel overwhelming. 

It doesn’t have to be, though. In fact, 76 percent of graduate students work full time while earning their degrees. Their success shows it’s possible to balance both—and thrive.

If you’re thinking about enrolling in George Washington University’s (GW’s) Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program and wondering how to fit study into your already busy schedule, this article is for you. Read on for practical tips for managing your workload and thriving in the GW online MSL program. 

Understand the Flexibility of the GW MSL

The GW online MSL is designed for individuals with demanding schedules. The 100%-online program consists primarily of asynchronous coursework, accessible 24/7. That means you can log in to complete your reading and assignments at a time most convenient to you. 

In addition to asynchronous coursework, students typically spend between 60 and 90 minutes per course per week attending synchronous online class sessions. Live classes allow you to connect with faculty members and peers, discuss what you’re learning, ask questions, and receive real-time feedback. 

Set a Realistic Routine

Setting clear expectations for how and when you’ll complete coursework is essential. One approach is to block out dedicated study periods each week and treat them like any other professional responsibility. Use a digital calendar to reserve this time in advance, and consider sharing your schedule with family or colleagues if needed to protect that time. The goal isn’t to overextend yourself but to build sustainable habits that integrate with your existing responsibilities.

Another practical approach is to establish a consistent daily or weekly routine by pairing your study sessions with existing habits. For example, you could review course materials with your morning coffee or dedicate time after dinner to watch asynchronous content. Associating coursework with familiar parts of your day can make studying feel more natural and less like a disruption.

Task management tools or apps can help you break larger assignments into smaller, manageable steps. This approach can prevent last-minute stress and give you a clearer sense of progress throughout the week. Prioritizing tasks and setting mini-deadlines can keep you on track, especially during busier periods.

Lean Into GW’s Support Systems

George Washington University offers a range of support services to help students succeed. Faculty hold regular office hours for questions and in-depth discussions, while course forums and peer boards foster collaboration and assignment clarity. Responsive tech support is available for technical issues. Students are encouraged to explore these resources early to ensure they know where to turn when challenges arise.

Build Connections With Your Cohort

Graduate school is not only about what you learn, but also who you learn alongside. Your classmates will bring diverse experience from sectors such as government, nonprofit, corporate, and healthcare, and many will be balancing the same types of demands as you. Participating in discussions and forming connections enhances the academic experience and opens the door to valuable professional relationships. Whether you’re seeking fresh perspectives or motivation during a busy week, engaging with your cohort can be a crucial part of your success.

Be Kind to Yourself

Balancing professional responsibilities with graduate coursework requires focus, discipline, and self-awareness. Burnout is a real risk when your schedule is full and your standards are high. One way to manage this is to recognize that progress doesn’t always look perfect. Some weeks will go smoothly; others may not.

A few strategies can help:

• Celebrate small wins. Completing a challenging reading or submitting an assignment on time is worth acknowledging.
• Ask for help early. If you’re struggling with a concept or falling behind, reaching out to your professor or a classmate early can make a big difference.
• Revisit your “why.” Whether you’re pursuing the MSL to grow your expertise, transition into a new role, or simply broaden your legal understanding, keeping that goal in mind can help sustain your motivation.

The reality is that you don’t need to be perfect to succeed in this program. You just need to stay engaged, communicate when challenges arise, and commit to steady progress over time.

Conclusion: You Can Do This

Balancing graduate study with a full professional and personal life is achievable. The GW online MSL program is designed with that reality in mind, offering the flexibility, structure, and support working professionals need to succeed.

By earning your MSL degree, you’ll gain new legal knowledge and learn to navigate complex issues in your field, positioning yourself for new opportunities and achieving a goal with long-term personal and professional value.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a program overview or start your application today. Your future self will thank you.