Best online university for Intelligence professionals?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 11:08:22 -0400

So, I just got my credits evaluated through AMU for a Bachelor's in Intelligence Studies/Intelligence Analysis. Not the amount of credits that I expected to have transferred. They barely took anything from my Associate's Degree and I have all the credits that a 35F receives for A.I.T and ALC. Anybody on here have a better University suggestion for transferring the most credits? I do not wish to get a degree besides an Intel one, but if there is something else that would get me my degree faster and still help me transfer to the Intel Community as a civilian once I get out, then I'm all ears.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 21 at 2015 1:38 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 13:38:02 -0400

I have a degree from Excelsior (AS & BS). Credit transfer was 100%, including all CLEPS & DANTES. I'm a former Intel Analyst (0231).

When I got out, and became a government contractor, my clearance and experience were far more valuable than my degree at the time. Having a degree is nice, but a "specific" degree is secondary to "any" degree, and well below clearance and experience.

EDIT: Have you pulled up your JST to see what the ACE recommendations are?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2015 4:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 16:37:04 -0400

AMU took all my credits no problem from my JST (Joint Service Transcript). I'm not sure if Southern New Hampshire has an Intel program but all 78 of my wifes credits transferred there no problem.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2015 1:31 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 01:31:58 -0400

No easy answer for you SFC Private RallyPoint Member . When I separated I tried the same thing, I couldn't find anything specifically tied to the MI fields. If you're willing to do it the long way, I recommend the route I went. The first problem you'll run into is that most MI transcripts have that annoying line, " progression in this field shows a higher level of responsibility and proficiency, credit should be assigned based off experience." Find the school that will give you the most credits off the line. Most regionally accredited universities/colleges have a way to translate experience into credits. It isn't easy and all, I mean all, the work is on you.
Next find the schools course catalogue and match your experience to a similar course. Then find every sheet of supporting documentation you can. Look up the actual course requirements on the accrediting body's website, it's usually more detailed with what content should be covered and what level proficiency you should expect upon successful course completion.
Now figure out your schools process for submitting life experience for credit. I started with my schools VA rep. He had no idea that this process existed but he was a retired SGM who hated not knowing things. He found out how the system worked for my school and walked me through it. In my case it was a wash, instead of gaining credits, I was able to convert some non-specific generic credits to actual numbered courses that occupied elective slots.
I can't imagine any school giving out core course credit, I was told that was a non starter. Might be different at the school you choose.
Hope that helps.

Response by GySgt John O'Donnell made Jul 9 at 2015 12:25 PM

GySgt John O'Donnell — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 12:25:15 -0400

I would suggest Texas A&M- Commerce (Bachelor's of Applies Arts and Science Program). It and excellent school that in military friendly, and will maximize your credits. And can be done online. Example: I did zero college while in active duty, but received 47 credits toward degree for my career oriented class while in the Corps. This allowed me to complete my degree in 3 yrs, taking only 12 credits a semester.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Oct 30 at 2015 8:53 AM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 08:53:30 -0400

As far as I'm aware, AMU takes the most credits of any school. There is only one other school I've heard of that has an intelligence program and I believe it's only for a Master's degree (can't recall off the top of my head). The credits that don't transfer for the core requirements go towards electives. I personally didn't have a problem with the transfer since it maxed out my electives, so then I could focus solely on the core requirements.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2015 10:25 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 10:25:54 -0400

Ashford University applied 90% of my Military Credits torwards my BA in Criminal Justice and Human Resource Management.

Response by Sgt Brian Hoffman made Jan 17 at 2016 2:11 AM

Sgt Brian Hoffman — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 02:11:51 -0500

Because I didn't see this in any of the previous responses, I'll throw in my $.02.

Unless you're absolutely certain you will never leave the intelligence community, I recommend staying away from the degree mills if you can. I'm defining degree mills as exclusively online universities.

Here's my reasoning.

You can get exactly what you're looking for from the AMU's at brick and mortar schools. Throughout the last decade, especially the last 5 years, established brick and mortar state and private universities have vastly broadened their online program offerings. However, these degrees don't carry the stigma of being a *fake degree* or *degree for a dollar* that you'll find at AMU and many many others.

An overwhelming majority of universities in the US now offer at least a few of their degree programs online.

Given that, what's the upside to the AMU's out there?

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 12:43 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 12:43:14 -0500

Has anyone had any experience with Cochise College in AZ?