Hey everyone, I'm currently serving in the military and I've been seriously considering taking some online college courses. Does anyone have experience with this? Could you share some insights on the process and how to balance the two? Thanks!
Hi there! It's absolutely possible to serve in the military and pursue college classes concurrently, especially now that online options are abundant. For service members, some main considerations are flexibility, accreditation, and military tuition assistance program compatibility.
To start, look for online programs that offer asynchronous learning, meaning you can study and complete assignments on your own timetable. This flexibility will help you balance your service commitments and coursework. You'd want to avoid programs that require 'live' classes or synchronized sessions, which can be tough to accommodate due to varying duty hours and time zones if you're stationed abroad.
Next, ensure the institution is regionally accredited. Accreditation ensures the quality of education and it’s important if you’re planning on transferring credits to another institution or applying for grad school in the future.
After identifying suitable programs, check if they're covered by the military tuition assistance program or the GI Bill. The Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) program can cover much of your tuition costs, and any additional costs could be covered by the Top-Up Benefit or GI Bill. Be sure to discuss this with the school's veterans and military office.
In terms of balancing the workload, it's generally recommended to start by taking one or two courses and see how well you can manage the additional responsibility. It would be a good idea to communicate with your superiors about your educational goals so they are aware of your additional commitments.
Finally, note that it's okay to take it slow. You're juggling two significant responsibilities, and it might take longer than traditional students to finish your degree.
Good luck with your educational pursuits!
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