Hey guys, I'm thinking of joining the military while still earning a college degree. Are there colleges that offer quicker degree programs specifically for military students? Any suggestions would be really helpful!
Sure, I have a few suggestions that might helpful. Many colleges and universities understand the unique needs of active military members and veterans and therefore have specific programs in place to expedite the degree attainment process. Here are three primary ways that you could potentially shorten your time to degree as a military enlistee:
1. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST Exams: Similar to the Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams taken in high school, these exams could provide college credit in certain subject areas based on your performance. Many colleges accept CLEP and DSST exam scores and award you credit accordingly, enabling you to bypass certain introductory courses.
2. Military Training Credit: Many schools evaluate the training you receive during your military service and offer academic credit equivalencies. The American Council on Education (ACE) provides recommendations on how particular military training and experiences might translate into academic credit. However, the final decision rests with individual institutions.
3. Online and Accelerated Programs: Numerous colleges now offer online degree programs, many of which have flexible schedules that accommodate the unpredictable lifestyle associated with military service. Some of these schools also offer accelerated programs, which condense the content of a typical semester-long course into a shorter duration, thereby allowing you to complete your degree more quickly.
As an example, Boston University has an online degree completion program specifically designed for military students that offers accelerated seven-week courses that you can adjust based on your deployment schedule.
Remember, the quickest route to a degree might not always be the best route for everyone and careful consideration should be given to the course content, faculty expertise, institutional reputation, and student support services provided. Choosing a program that is accredited and widely recognized will also be beneficial in the long run for career progression. Best of luck!
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