At 33, Michael McCoy was married with a baby on the way when he made the decision to go back to school for his bachelor's degree to increase his earning potential and provide a better life for his growing family.
He knew he'd need flexible options to juggle work, school, and family obligations.
"I love sports and I love to write, which is how I knew my career was going to be in sports media," said McCoy, now 39. "I communicated to the (University of Miami) staff what my schedule was and how often I would be available for classes. It was just a matter of finding the classes I wanted, within the timeframe I was available. I was lucky to have great advisors to guide me."
Taking courses in sports reporting, sports information management, and sports marketing, McCoy earned his degree through the University's Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Program, which is designed to help adult learners and working professionals complete their degrees, through online or Saturday classes and the flexibility to design a customized curriculum that meets their professional goals.
McCoy is one of a handful of successful BGS alumni who speak to prospective students about their experiences as adult learners going back to complete their degrees. The University's Bachelor of General Studies Program will host an open house for the program at the Watsco Center on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Prospective students will have the chance to learn about the application process, meet with enrollment advisers and alumni, and tour the University of Miami campus.
The Bachelor of General Studies is offered through the University's Division of Continuing and International Education and is also eligible for the University's tuition remission benefit for all eligible University and UHealth employees.
While an undergraduate, McCoy made the most of his time on campus, joining the campus radio station WVUM as a sports announcer, producer, and radio show host, as well as writing articles for "State of the U," an online sports fan site owned by Vox Media.
During his last semester as an undergraduate, McCoy took on a role with SLAM! Radio on Sirius XM channel 145, where he developed his on-air personality as host of his own show.
He now works part time as a radio producer and board operator at ESPN West Palm, while working full time at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
He still gets to conduct interviews with his beloved Hurricanes through "State of the U," including his most recent, a "behind the scenes" chat with Joe Zagacki, the "Voice of the U," for Miami basketball on the Hurricanes' historic run to the NCAA tournament.
McCoy said he never would have been able to continue his education without the flexible options offered by the BGS Program.
"Classes started the week before my first-born arrived, and my three-year-old was born in April 2020 in the middle of the COVID madness," said McCoy, who has had to pull more than a few all-nighters to cram for exams or complete projects.
The extra effort was well worth it, he said.
Since completing his bachelor's, McCoy has gone on to pursue his Master's in Sport Administration through UOnline and the School of Education and Human Development. He is expected to graduate in December.
His advice to others looking to go back to school after time away?
"Do not take breaks between semesters and take advantage of all the resources the school has to offer in terms of academics, activities, and anything else you come across," he said. "Don't just take classes. The degree will mean so much more to you if you participate in school activities."
Also, take your work seriously, he said.
"You decided to come back for a reason, you may as well make the most of it," he said. "'The U' is a world-renowned academic institution, and people would do anything to be a part of this fraternity."
He said the connections he has gained through the University's extensive alumni network have been considerable.
"Being an alum means everything to me," McCoy said. "It was something I knew I wanted since the 4th grade. The alumni network has helped me immensely since graduation with networking and connecting me with individuals in my career field. The reception I get from fellow alumni when I mention I graduated from 'The U is always warm."
To learn more about the Bachelor of General Studies Program, visit the website or contact an Enrollment Advisor.
