Argosy University’s Flexible Programs Help Working Mom Pursue Her Education

SANTA ANA, Calif. — After a divorce left Mary Ellis the single mother of two young children she realized she needed to come up with Plan B. Ellis decided she needed to make a life-altering decision. She quit her job as a pre-school teacher and enrolled at Argosy University, Orange County Campus.

“I wanted to better myself and make a better life for my two young boys,” said Ellis, who lives in Irvine. She left behind her 10-year career and enrolled in Argosy University’s Paralegal program. Ellis said returning to school as a full-time student was a tough decision.

“It was difficult making the change to go back to school after so many years of not being a student,” said Ellis, who works part-time in the University’s Student Services department. “I chose Argosy University because the staff was very enthusiastic and made me believe I could do it.”

“The staff at Argosy University encourages students,” Ellis said. “The attitude here is ‘Your education is important to us.’”

Dr. Jeb Egbert, Argosy University, Orange County Campus president, said both staff and faculty members are committed to the success of their students. “Many of our students are working adults who have taken time out of their busy lives to further their education. Our goal is to give them the best education possible that can help them move to the next level of their careers,” Egbert said.

Ellis said it was the encouragement of the Argosy University staff that gave her the confidence to continue in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree completion program after she finished her associate’s degree.

She also said that Argosy University’s flexible programs are perfect for single parents. “The associate’s degree had a morning and afternoon program,” Ellis said. “While my children were in daycare, I was taking morning classes from 9 a.m. – noon,” she said.

As a student in the Psychology bachelor’s degree program, Ellis is also taking advantage of Argosy University’s flexible scheduling. She says she has taken online, evening and weekend classes. “I can take 49 percent of my bachelor’s degree program online and 51 percent of it on campus,” Ellis said. “They always have something to fit my schedule.”

After she finishes her bachelor’s degree program, Ellis is considering working with at-risk youth or pursuing a master’s degree in forensic psychology.

For more information about Argosy University’s Orange County campus call (714) 338-6200 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/orangecounty.


Argosy University’s Orange County Campus is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master's degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor's degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate's degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440; www.ncahlc.org).