Posted on Mar 15, 2015
What are the best online degree programs for the military?
157K
413
347
65
65
0
I earned a degree online through North Georgia University (formerly NGCSU). It wasn't a joke; it took a ton of commitment and a lot of time, but it was an awesome experience and I walked away with a lot more than just a piece of paper (Plus, they price right around TA-levels, so best value I've found).
I've talked to some Soldiers, NCOs and Officers who've gone through online programs and complained: professors weren't engaged, their classmates came across as idiots, or that the classes just weren't challenging (if you got through it, you'd have a degree but it was about the piece of paper).
What's your experience?
What are the best online programs you've found or heard about?
The ones you'd personally stay away from?
I've talked to some Soldiers, NCOs and Officers who've gone through online programs and complained: professors weren't engaged, their classmates came across as idiots, or that the classes just weren't challenging (if you got through it, you'd have a degree but it was about the piece of paper).
What's your experience?
What are the best online programs you've found or heard about?
The ones you'd personally stay away from?
Education
Bachelors Degree
Master's Degree
Associate Degree
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 168
1
1
0
Northcentral University is 100% online, regionally and nationally accredited, and VERY military friendly. But from experience, I tell you, a masters in psychology without a license is not going to make job hunting easy. You either have to get a degree in something like clinical psychology and be licensed, or consider changing to a Masters in Social Work (MSW). You won't find it online 100% but PLEASE consider it. You will never be unemployed, you will find $50K to start to be the norm, and you will have job security for decades to come.
(1)
(0)
CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
Great response Mark. What I note is that so many of the 'degrees' cited on RP would not receive much respect on Civvy street. As you said; A Nationally recognized institution and a degree designed for the civilian world, not for a SM's promotion credit. One of my sons had problems converting 'feel good' community college classes to transferable credits. He persevered, it was not easy!
(1)
(0)
SFC Mark Merino
Retirement sneaks up on us. For some of us, retirement was forced on us before we wanted. Military folks are too high-strung to stop working after retirement. There is definitely life after the military.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
I completed my degree from Trident University International. I liked the school and the programs they offered
http://www.trident.edu
http://www.trident.edu
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
My daughter completed her accounting degree with Phoenix. Her employer recognized her accomplishment with a raise. It was very good for her because she was working full time and a single mom.
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
That can be a tough question, CPT. Stay away from guidance provided by magazines and online ads that tout “top online this” or “top online that.” Most of these are paid advertisements where schools “pay to play.” Also, talk with other service members, like you are doing right now, and listen to their experiences. I see a little “for profit” vs. “not for profit” arguments below and I can tell you from personal experience, don’t judge a book by its cover. The biggest difference between a “for profit” college and a “non-profit” college is tax status. That’s it. For profit institutions are tax paying institutions. That is the biggest difference between the two. The best advice that I could give you is to look at the schools accreditation. It really is the bottom line. If you are still on AD, stop by your installation’s base education center. They can provide support and guidance. Best regards,
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Having no personal experience in this venue, I quickly dismissed it when it first came out. I have noticed program changes over the years. I am happy to have gone the traditional route myself.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
The link that shows the worst 25 for profit schools (good guide) also lists the best online schools by program. The school I went to, Thomas Edison State College made both BBA and MBA lists.
http://www.nonprofitcollegesonline.com/rankings/best-online-mba-programs/
Thomas Edison is a good school, they do have proctored exams though.
I did my Masters at Excelsior College for my Masters of Science in Management. This school is knocked mainly by the Sergeant Major crowd because Excelsior kind of panders to the US Army Sergeants Major Academy a little bit. If you actually take the classes like I did, you will learn a lot of stuff. Oh and I got a good career after retiring as well. I was one of 13 hired out of 100 interviewed and about 400 applied.
http://www.nonprofitcollegesonline.com/rankings/best-online-mba-programs/
Thomas Edison is a good school, they do have proctored exams though.
I did my Masters at Excelsior College for my Masters of Science in Management. This school is knocked mainly by the Sergeant Major crowd because Excelsior kind of panders to the US Army Sergeants Major Academy a little bit. If you actually take the classes like I did, you will learn a lot of stuff. Oh and I got a good career after retiring as well. I was one of 13 hired out of 100 interviewed and about 400 applied.
Best Online Master’s in Business Administration: Students Before Profits Award 2014-2015
Our Students Before Profits Award was created to promote nonprofit colleges and universities offering online degree programs that put students before profits and education before the bottom line. For our 2014/2015 Online Master’s in Business Administration award winners, we selected […]
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
How did feel about finishing your degree while active duty and not having student loans to pay and how is it a plus?
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Is it better to get a MS in leadership or a MBA? Who would you hire over the other and why?
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google