Posted on Mar 5, 2014
Should the military grant a 4 year "General Studies" degree to soldiers whom have served in the Armed Forces?
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I am currently working with a LTC who is pursuing his PhD and at current, is posing a question for a research paper about the military partnering with higher education institutions with the question above.
In an economy with a financial crisis, and knowing that a four-year degree is starting to become the “standard” certification for employment beyond the military, should the military actively push this initiative?
I know from my experiences, working on the civilian government side, that it is virtually impossible to switch to a GS grade job without a degree. With all of the training and education that the Armed Forces provide for its SMs should that equate to an earned degree after service? If so, why? And how long should
the soldier serve before earning a “general studies” degree?
In an economy with a financial crisis, and knowing that a four-year degree is starting to become the “standard” certification for employment beyond the military, should the military actively push this initiative?
I know from my experiences, working on the civilian government side, that it is virtually impossible to switch to a GS grade job without a degree. With all of the training and education that the Armed Forces provide for its SMs should that equate to an earned degree after service? If so, why? And how long should
the soldier serve before earning a “general studies” degree?
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Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 119
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First and foremost, I like the idea in concept. I also believe it is 30 years overdue. An Army University with established degree programs form Associate to Masters is long overdue and would (would have), and will, greatly benefit transitioning soldiers at every level.
The challenge will be in the execution. Up to now the Army's largely relied on external agencies to accredit its courses (e.g. my former enlisted MOS carried an ACE recommendation of 21 semester hours of college credit. That coupled with the CLEP General Exams equated to 51 semester hours of credit. IF, I was willing to pay a university to accept them...).
The Army should, and in fact must, establish an accredited university capable of granting college degrees and certifications up to the Masters level. I hope this comes a reality.
The challenge will be in the execution. Up to now the Army's largely relied on external agencies to accredit its courses (e.g. my former enlisted MOS carried an ACE recommendation of 21 semester hours of college credit. That coupled with the CLEP General Exams equated to 51 semester hours of credit. IF, I was willing to pay a university to accept them...).
The Army should, and in fact must, establish an accredited university capable of granting college degrees and certifications up to the Masters level. I hope this comes a reality.
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LTC Joseph Gross
This is a great idea but I'm broke. What would be required to go the cheap route and simply allow our Soldiers access to the USAF version.
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i think everyone that is honorably discharged should get a 2 yr associates degree
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The Air Force does this at the Associate Degree level to an extent. Members take a few general education requirements at civilian schools and then the Comm. College of the AF melds those credits with military couses. Ta da! An accredited degree is awarded.
The trouble is, CCAF degrees aren't worth the paper they're printed on outside the AF. I've got two of them and I don't even put them on my resume anymore.
A military issued Baccalaureate degree would never be respected at the same level as one earned at a traditional institution. Such a program would be a waste of resources that would be better spent on tuition assistance or enlisted fellowship programs.
The trouble is, CCAF degrees aren't worth the paper they're printed on outside the AF. I've got two of them and I don't even put them on my resume anymore.
A military issued Baccalaureate degree would never be respected at the same level as one earned at a traditional institution. Such a program would be a waste of resources that would be better spent on tuition assistance or enlisted fellowship programs.
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I like the concept but I do not think it would work very well since the military is not an accredited school. Yes there are schools out there that are not accredited that issue degrees but they are not held in the same "prestige" as accredited schools. Most colleges and universities require core curriculum consisting of English, Math, and social science how can the military relate to the core, it cannot.
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That would certainly make pursuing a degree a lot easier for veterans, but would it be useable in any way other than honorary?
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With Military TA, Pell Grant or the GI bill there is no reason why anyone in the military cannot get a degree. All it takes is a little hard work and dedication. I have a BS in Information Technology Management. It took me 7 years to do it but I know I have earned it. I am now working on a Masters which I hope to finish before I have to retire. This also includes any professional certificates. I preach this all the time to my Soldiers.
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