Posted on Nov 10, 2016
SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds
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I am attempting to enroll in the University of Phoenix to study as a Family and Child Care Counselor but mostly focusing in Child. Do I enroll first or contact someone in my unit prior to enrolling? I have heard it both ways but I am attempting to find the one to where my college benefits would kick in immediately. I have attempted to discuss this among my Unit but the answers always differ.
Posted in these groups: 5a9f5691 CollegeMain benefits 1335181026 Benefits
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Responses: 7
MSG Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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First off, don't go to University of Phoenix. That is a for-profit school with quite a negative reputation amongst employers, who will likely view this school as a diploma mill. If you are set on an online degree program, many brick and mortar schools offer 100% online degrees and your diploma would be indistinguishable from a diploma offered by a resident program.

Beyond that, visit goarmyed.com, choose your school and degree program, sign your statement of understanding, upload your course planner, and you are set. You can also do this in person at the Education Center.
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SSG Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst
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SPC(P) Alexandra Bassett, I agree with SFC D K and 2LT James Montgomery on both avoiding the University of Phoenix and finding the degree for the job you want. I recommend looking into the exact same degree you want at Thomas Edison State University, which is reputable enough university that one alumnus graduated from the Frederick S. Pardee RAND Graduate School. (Seriously, the list of notable alumni is solid.) TESU also has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a built-in professional track in Child Development Services, AND they have an Undergraduate Certificate in Psychology, which will set you up for becoming a certified counselor. I took a few courses with TESU, and I can say that they are highly military friendly and are specifically designed for students who are also working in their careers. I didn't finish with them because I decided to change majors and attend brick and mortar with my GI Bill. Best of luck.

This is the link to the degree.
http://www.tesu.edu/watson/bshs/
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SPC Watercraft Operator
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Contact the VA. I tried to fill in the paperwork by myself and I was denied. Bureaucracy is tough, but you have to ask for help.
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PO3 Derek "Doc Potter" Wilson
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University of Phoenix has such a bad reputation to my understanding Navy wouldn't pay TA for them anymore. Try somewhere else. I go to American Military University online and they are very accepting of military experience, particularly in the area of electives. I've also heard Kaplan was really good.

The process depends on if you are active, reserve or veteran and what benefits you are trying to use. If you are active then use TA. DO NOT USE YOUR GI BILL WHEN ACTIVE DUTY!! I cannot stress that enough! If you qualify for TA then use that. TA usually starts with enrolling in college and then routing a request chit, your CoC should help you with that.

If you are using GI bill it matters which you are using. Personally, Post 9/11 is far superior to the Montgomery. If you are using the MGIB then you must enroll, get accepted, fill out the appropriate paperwork on ebenefits website and don't forget to WAVE in every month ( WAVE tracks your attendance at school )

If using the post 9/11 then enroll, get accepted, do the ebenefits paperwork, and supply a direct deposit information. Your school pretty much takes care of your attendance.

Something to keep in mind. Your GI bill benefits are laid out in 36 months so do as much schooling as you can in that time. If you only go half-time for the entire 36 months then you will be left with a bill to finish your degree. If you are active and/or eligible for any form of TA than use that first and reserve your GI bill till you get out. If you need help or have questions I can always be reached here. ( I guided many people through the process when I was active duty, but your CoC should be help to help as well )
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