Hi S.,
Unlike the previous response to your question given below, which i'm assuming might have overwhelmed you more than actually offering you some reassurance of your situation, I will not offer you a text, just personal experience. :)
Unfortunetly there some which think that texted solutions are better than listening to your own mom instinct. These individuals should realize and remember that there are many styles of parenting. Just you remember, that there is no such thing as a perfect "by the book" parenting style.
I personally have a 16th month old and am also returning to graduate school for my MBA in the week to come, while being a full-time career mom. When it comes to your sanity, your well-being, and your hunger for advancement in your career, it's hard to make the transition from catering to all of your child's needs to also involving non-mommy extras.
My little guy went through the same stage at about the same age, he was a sound sleeper before that. I too was one to bring him to bed with me, and then, came the sleepless nights. The only way I was going to function at work (upon returning from my maternity leave) was going to require me letting him learn to soothe himself back to sleep. I would stay in his room with him and sleep in a rocking chair with my hand on his tummy so he'd know I was there. After I could tell he was drifting back into lala land, I'd take me hand off, he'd wake up and start crying, i would talk to him a little and sing to him, letting him know I was there but wouldn't pick him up. The first night he cried for about 10-15 min. then dozed off back to sleep. The second night it was more like 5-10 min. and by the 3rd night he was fine, as soon as he knew I was there, and heard me, he'd snuggle up and curl his little legs in and fall back asleep.
Oh yes, I would also play some Baby Einstein Classical Music for him as he fell asleep and put a little night light in his room as well. Now he's a sound sleeper, and loves me just as much as he ever did, if not even more! His love for me and dad, whom by the way was and is extremely supportive, clearly shows in his mannerisms of just coming up to us out of the blue and generously disperses hugs and kisses! Moral of the story, your kids will love you unconditionally given you comfort and love them back, so NO, you will not be a "bad" parent for helping him/ her learn to soothe themselves to sleep!
Obviously I did not physcologically damage my child because as soon as he gets and ouchie or anything like that, he turns to dad and I, and knows we will pick him up, love him and comfort him! :)
Hope this helps and good look w/ school!