Which methods have worked best for pursuing a graduate degree after commissioning?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 11:46:54 -0500

I commission in May and am looking into different options for grad school. I know GRADSOs typically do not happen until after holding command. Have any of you pursued another degree shortly after commissioning with a local school or online using TA? Have you found that during your PL time that you did or did not have the time to set aside for college classes?

EDIT* I will be on active duty

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2016 12:17 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 12:17:06 -0500

TA all the way!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 5 at 2016 5:01 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 17:01:45 -0500

I waited until my second assignment at the 6-year point to work on my first MA. I used my VA benefits to cover the tuition. Mississippi State University offered on-base classes. I PCS'd after I had completed 2 semesters and finished up with Webster University through on-base classes at my new assignment. Check with your installation education office. My daughter completed her Bachelors Degree in accounting through Phoenix on-line and was pleased with the experience.
I know there's lots of choices now that weren't available in the 1980s and 1990s, so a combination of on-line and on-base classes might work best for you. You should seek advice from your chain of command, also. They can advise you on the necessity for an advanced degree to help ensure promotion. I see you will be a prior-service officer, but I'll remind you anyway: the most important job you'll have as an officer is the one you have now; do it well first.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2016 6:13 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 18:13:52 -0500

I might be in the same boat next fall. The idea of taking classes at a local school appeals to me, but I'm concerned about being able to finish the degree before changing assignments, especially if I'm only able to take a class at a time. Transferring credits at the UG level is a pain and I hear doing so at the Graduate level is doubly so. There are some really great schools offering online options now and the portability can't be beat if you PCS in the middle of your studies.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2016 6:18 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 18:18:05 -0500

What is your branch? Branches that can and do attend the Maneuver Captain's Career Course are given an opportunity ti apply for a Master's Program through Columbus State University. This would stabilize you on Fort Benning for an additional six months following MCCC, IF you fall into that category.

At ILE you are required to earn a Master's degree if you do not already have one.

Or you can go the old fashioned route and pursue a Master's while serving in your respective area. I would recommend getting it knocked out as a lieutenant as opposed to waiting until you've been promoted to Captain. It's difficult but not impossible.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 6 at 2016 8:32 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 20:32:54 -0500

I guess it depends on how efficient you are as a PL.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Mar 7 at 2016 12:51 AM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 00:51:45 -0500

There are several ways to go about this. Some branches offer a masters program with the advanced course.

When I arrived at the LOG career course I put myself though a masters with UMUC on-line. I used TA for it. No regrets. I am glad I went on-line as I PCSed 3 times and had one deployment.

I also found a program with Central Michigan University for a Masters of Science in Administration (MSA). They grant 5 classes (15 credits) from ILE towards the MSA. I used my tax exempt funds from the combat zone to pay for the remainder.

Since you are a LOGI consider applying for TLOG which is a masters program in Logistics

To answer your question about time. In my PL days (1999) I did not have reliable internet. But I was doing a lot of correspondence courses. If technology was more advanced back then I would have started graduate school earlier. I comes down to how you balance work, life, family, school and so on.

Best of luck.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2016 10:25 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 10:25:34 -0500

CAPELLA UNIVERSITY ONLINE...CANT BEAT IT!!!!