Posted on Mar 15, 2015
What are the best online degree programs for the military?
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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
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CPT (Join to see), I completed an MBA from Liberty University just as I was retiring. Liberty is a regionally accredited university with about 15,000 students on campus in Lynchburg, VA, and nearly 100,000 online students. Military members make up a significant percentage of the online students, as they offer tuition at the TA rate for all degrees through the doctorate level. not only to the military member, but to veterans and dependents! These rates do not apply to courses taken in residence. For military students at the undergraduate level, there is a generous book voucher program.
Like any program, you get out of it what you put into it. I busted my butt and wrote a LOT of papers. I spent 10-20 hours per course per week, sometimes more. There is group work, which can be frustrating depending on who you have to work with. Or, it can be very rewarding. In most courses, there is a certain amount of Christian world view that must be incorporated into papers. Frequently I was able to identify a relevant moral topic to discuss, then used biblical references to tie it all together.
Liberty University does not discriminate between online programs and those taken on campus when issuing diplomas or transcripts.
Like any program, you get out of it what you put into it. I busted my butt and wrote a LOT of papers. I spent 10-20 hours per course per week, sometimes more. There is group work, which can be frustrating depending on who you have to work with. Or, it can be very rewarding. In most courses, there is a certain amount of Christian world view that must be incorporated into papers. Frequently I was able to identify a relevant moral topic to discuss, then used biblical references to tie it all together.
Liberty University does not discriminate between online programs and those taken on campus when issuing diplomas or transcripts.
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CPT (Join to see)
Good choice Msgt Weeden. I completed my bachelors as a resident while in the ROTC program and am currently earning an MBA online. Amazing program, regionally accredited, and moral yet relevant worldview.
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I went to Concordia University in St. Paul, MN to get my BA and MA degrees. They are now fully available online. I'm somewhat biased because I am now an adjunct instructor in their Information Technology in Management Program, but I think the programs they have now are wonderful Instructors are engaged and other cohort members seem to be on task. Would highly recommend a look at them! http://www.csp.edu
Concordia University, St. Paul
Concordia: one of the most affordable private universities in Minneapolis St. Paul. Offering undergraduate, graduate & transfer programs on campus & online.
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I received my Masters through Kaplan University online. They have a military counselor that processed my TA and was very helpful in degree selection. They have a set course list for each degree so you now from the start what you need and you choose how many classes to take at a time. I was able to complete the degree in 18 months, taking 3 months off in the middle due to a field exercise with no internet. I was very surprised with the willingness of the instructors to work with my schedule and respond to questions.
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http://www.webster.edu/military/academics/
I had a great experience with Webster university. For Officers, they offer credits upon completion of your CCC and ILE. I received my MA in Management and Leadership with only having to take 7 classes (21 hours) due to the credits. I did one on-line and the other 6 at a satellite campus in Louisville, Ky.
I enjoyed in the in person classes more than the on-line. Great interaction and interesting classes. 8 weeks long per term, so I spread it out over a year and a half (was in a teaching assignment, so I had time) and enjoyed the class. Lots of writing, but that is to be expected at the Masters level.
I would highly recommend Webster!!
I had a great experience with Webster university. For Officers, they offer credits upon completion of your CCC and ILE. I received my MA in Management and Leadership with only having to take 7 classes (21 hours) due to the credits. I did one on-line and the other 6 at a satellite campus in Louisville, Ky.
I enjoyed in the in person classes more than the on-line. Great interaction and interesting classes. 8 weeks long per term, so I spread it out over a year and a half (was in a teaching assignment, so I had time) and enjoyed the class. Lots of writing, but that is to be expected at the Masters level.
I would highly recommend Webster!!
Military Academics | Webster University
Classes are offered at 39 military installations in the U.S., over 30 U.S. metropolitan campuses, numerous metropolitan locations overseas and conveniently online. Our courses meet the most stringent accreditation criteria, and satisfy the education training requirements for many military and civilian career fields.
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LTC (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) It's a solid university. I used TA for my degree and ended up paying less than 3K for books and what not.
There is a satiate in Louisville, about 45 min to 1 hour away. One night a week is not bad. They were doing a few classes in Radcliff (much closer), but don't know if that stuck or not (it's been several years).
It was a good program, I enjoyed it. It was worth the drive.
http://www.webster.edu/louisville/
There is a satiate in Louisville, about 45 min to 1 hour away. One night a week is not bad. They were doing a few classes in Radcliff (much closer), but don't know if that stuck or not (it's been several years).
It was a good program, I enjoyed it. It was worth the drive.
http://www.webster.edu/louisville/
Webster University Louisville | Webster University
Webster University at Louisville is a Non-Profit university offering top graduate degree programs, online learning and online degrees and certification. Request more information about Webster University's academic programs online to earn your degree from an accredited college.
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COL Vincent Stoneking
CPT (Join to see) I've belabored this elsewhere on RP in the past, so I won't beat it up here - much.
When you say "solid institution or a for-profit program" you make the implicit assumption that it cannot be both. This is not a fair assumption. ANY college should be assessed by the same criteria, and you should compare like populations. (For instance, one "statistic" commonly shared about for-profit schools is that they have low degree completion rates, measured by the % of incoming freshmen who have a degree from that school within 5 years. However, for-profit schools tend to have a greater % of students who are mobile and older with jobs. Comparing THAT population would give you different outcomes. Moreover, students that attend a for-profit school may well go on to graduate from a DIFFERENT school - "transfers" don't count as "degree completion" for that stat.)
Once that is done, draw the appropriate conclusions about that school. I think it is healthy to be skeptical of for-profit schools and to do your research. I think it is healthy to do the same for "regular" schools (which, for the record, are not in the "for-loss" business) as well. I think there ARE more bad apples in the for-profit camp, but there are also some great schools - if what they offer matches up with what you want.
Using the University of Phoenix example, I have hired people with degrees from UP, other online schools, and brick & mortar. As an employer, I noticed no difference in academic preparation. However, the UP grad did seem more grounded in the real world.
When you say "solid institution or a for-profit program" you make the implicit assumption that it cannot be both. This is not a fair assumption. ANY college should be assessed by the same criteria, and you should compare like populations. (For instance, one "statistic" commonly shared about for-profit schools is that they have low degree completion rates, measured by the % of incoming freshmen who have a degree from that school within 5 years. However, for-profit schools tend to have a greater % of students who are mobile and older with jobs. Comparing THAT population would give you different outcomes. Moreover, students that attend a for-profit school may well go on to graduate from a DIFFERENT school - "transfers" don't count as "degree completion" for that stat.)
Once that is done, draw the appropriate conclusions about that school. I think it is healthy to be skeptical of for-profit schools and to do your research. I think it is healthy to do the same for "regular" schools (which, for the record, are not in the "for-loss" business) as well. I think there ARE more bad apples in the for-profit camp, but there are also some great schools - if what they offer matches up with what you want.
Using the University of Phoenix example, I have hired people with degrees from UP, other online schools, and brick & mortar. As an employer, I noticed no difference in academic preparation. However, the UP grad did seem more grounded in the real world.
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CPT (Join to see)
LTC (Join to see) good intel, sir; thanks. Looks the campus @ Knox is still pretty active with a somewhat limited range of degree options focused on Human Resources... Wonder why. Thanks for the link. This has reopened the debate on whether to use the free credits.. which raises the question:
Would you go for a degree you wanted with a much heavier course load / degree requirements (e.g. likely an extra year to execute) or a degree that wasn't quite as interesting but was significantly cheaper/quicker to earn?
Would you go for a degree you wanted with a much heavier course load / degree requirements (e.g. likely an extra year to execute) or a degree that wasn't quite as interesting but was significantly cheaper/quicker to earn?
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COL (Join to see)
LTC (Join to see) I earned 2 masters from Webster University. In the DC area the professors were top notch. Well worth the time and the minimal investment by using TA. Although they have increased their prices since I went, it is still worth it to earn a masters.
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I'm working on my BA in Homeland Security and Emergency Managment with Ashford University and have had nothing but good experiences with them thus far (2 years into the program). I would have no issue recommending them to another service member seeking higher education.
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MAJ Raúl Rovira
SGT Trinity Davis, although I am not enrolled with Ashford, it came up in the top 10 of the research I did for universities. They are a Yellow Ribbon university. They take care of Soldiers and Veterans.
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CMC Robert Young
My wife completed one of her degrees at Ashford. Nothing but a good experience for her!! Very military friendly.
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I would stay away from anything not regionally accredited.
Which is one reason why I don't understand the promotion of Grantham. Credits won't transfer to a traditional "state" school. Even a bachelors degree won't allow you to pursue a masters since it's not regionally accredited.
Take that into account, what would a potential employer think of it?
I'm a fan of known schools that are brick and mortar. Preferably state schools such as Alabama, FL institute of technology, Southern Cal, etc.
I will throw a recommendation for the new college life track program at Alabama. Absolutely a wonderful program that understands and realizes the struggles of an adult student, especially one in the military.
Which is one reason why I don't understand the promotion of Grantham. Credits won't transfer to a traditional "state" school. Even a bachelors degree won't allow you to pursue a masters since it's not regionally accredited.
Take that into account, what would a potential employer think of it?
I'm a fan of known schools that are brick and mortar. Preferably state schools such as Alabama, FL institute of technology, Southern Cal, etc.
I will throw a recommendation for the new college life track program at Alabama. Absolutely a wonderful program that understands and realizes the struggles of an adult student, especially one in the military.
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Ma'am, I earned one of my MAs through an online program at American Military University. My experience was nothing but positive. The class work was challenging; some particularly so (constitutional law and my ethics classes). The professors were all working professionals who were currently or had been practitioners in their respective fields. They included lawyers, subject matter experts at DOD, and local/state law enforcement. My classmates were all mid career professionals with as expected a heavy dose of military experience; all of whom were thoughtful contributors to the process.
Nothing but good things to say about the program at AMU.
Nothing but good things to say about the program at AMU.
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I'm not sure if Benedictine University is still offering this incredible deal but I did get my MBA there with 25% off just for having a DD-214. Benedictine is a very military friendly university as well as first responders. You can't beat a free college degree. As far as the online approach I have taken a couple of online classes but I prefer a face face environment of the classroom. You need to be very disciplined with online classes as they often have very time consuming assignments that one can very quickly get behind with the work load and reading required. I also found the test to be harder due to the lack of interaction with the instructor makes it impossible to know what they are looking for you to know. So you need to know all subject mater that was covered.
http://www.veteranstoday.com/2008/05/09/benedictine-university-offers-free-education-to-military-veterans/
http://www.veteranstoday.com/2008/05/09/benedictine-university-offers-free-education-to-military-veterans/
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MSG (Join to see)
I am attending Benedictine University and it has been awesome! They have a user friendly staff and challenging material.
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Great topic CPT (Join to see). Personally, I highly recommend the Mississippi State MBA program I took on active duty. Several of my close friends completed degrees there as well.
When evaluating any school or degree program, the most important areas I look for are:
1- Accreditation. Will this degree be accepted & respected in industry? We all know most of us will be working as civilians someday and you definitely want the time you put in to be worth it.
2- Instructors and online software tools being used. If looking to do an online degree, it's always good to know what kind of instructional software is being used and also do your own research on the professors. You can find all kinds of great information through the school website and on LinkedIn.
3- Any friends or colleagues that went through the school. I always ask admissions folks if anyone at my base may be taking courses and then I try to get in touch to ask specific questions about how enjoyable & useful the classes are.
4- Specific active or veteran discounts & support programs. I've seen a lot of great schools that closely match TA rates so you don't have to pay out of pocket. I've also seen some schools like Mississippi State who have excellent advisors to walk you through the application and TA funding requirements. Cindy Smith Was a huge help for me.
When evaluating any school or degree program, the most important areas I look for are:
1- Accreditation. Will this degree be accepted & respected in industry? We all know most of us will be working as civilians someday and you definitely want the time you put in to be worth it.
2- Instructors and online software tools being used. If looking to do an online degree, it's always good to know what kind of instructional software is being used and also do your own research on the professors. You can find all kinds of great information through the school website and on LinkedIn.
3- Any friends or colleagues that went through the school. I always ask admissions folks if anyone at my base may be taking courses and then I try to get in touch to ask specific questions about how enjoyable & useful the classes are.
4- Specific active or veteran discounts & support programs. I've seen a lot of great schools that closely match TA rates so you don't have to pay out of pocket. I've also seen some schools like Mississippi State who have excellent advisors to walk you through the application and TA funding requirements. Cindy Smith Was a huge help for me.
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SGM Billy Herrington
CPT (Join to see) look at New Mexico State University. 100% online. I'm torn between there or doing an MPA concentrated in non profit management.
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SGM Billy Herrington
CPT (Join to see) yes they are. They are a D1 college football school as well, to add to their resume'.
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GySgt George Vukovich
Great points Capt Charters. I would also add to your list:
Transfer of Credit (particularly from joint military transcripts) / cost / flexibility / and number of military & veterans graduating each year. These points tend to depict a schools academic quality and dedication to successfully working with students.
Transfer of Credit (particularly from joint military transcripts) / cost / flexibility / and number of military & veterans graduating each year. These points tend to depict a schools academic quality and dedication to successfully working with students.
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I've been shopping schools for a Master's program, and if I'm looking at online courses/programs, they're from regionally accredited universities and state schools. Outside of that, I've seen the coursework and faculty bios for American Military U. and it's one of the few that I would feel safe recommending.
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CPO (Join to see)
CPT Starr,
You might want to check out Arizona State University. They have an online MA program in Sociology. I've thought about transferring over to ASU myself after I've finished my degree with Ashford U.
You might want to check out Arizona State University. They have an online MA program in Sociology. I've thought about transferring over to ASU myself after I've finished my degree with Ashford U.
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CPT (Join to see)
CPO (Join to see), thanks for the tip. I looked them up and can't believe how many graduate programs they offer... Looks like they've got a good veterans support program in place too though a little outside the TA range. What degree would you be looking at?
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PO3 Jonathan Cooper
Pretty sure Arizona State also has the Pat Tillman center for Veterans, or something along those lines. I've actually looked at ASU as well, even as far back as 2008...Great programs out there, so I wpuldn't expect anything less if they have the online programs
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CPT (Join to see)
You're spot on. Looks like it's a great resource for vets. Would be curious if anyone has a perspective on what it offers AD if anything. Maybe just a resource knowledgeable on TA?
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