Posted on Feb 3, 2015
Think you can't earn a college degree while being on active duty? Think again!
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Sometimes, when people reminisce about where they’ve been and where they’re headed, profound thoughts that are so simple, but so powerful, will emerge. About a year ago, while Alan Arnold, Master Gunnery Sergeant for the United States Marine Corps, was preparing for Grantham University’s commencement program, he dropped one of those gold nuggets of truth.
“I tell everyone,” he said, “do one of two things, join the military or go to college.”
Then he paused and added, “And if you’re lucky, you can do them both.”
What a remarkable goal: Be a part of the greatest fighting force the world has ever known and earn an online college degree at the same time.
Arnold isn’t the exception to the rule, but rather part of a group who has found the solution that helps service members do both: a 100% online degree program.
Consider another Grantham alum. Staff Sergeant Kevin M. Murphy, US Army, Associate of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies – stopped by to give his perspective on pursuing a degree while in the military.
Q1: What’s it like earning an online college degree while serving active duty for your country?
If you want it that bad, you can make it happen. With the help of the discussion posts and teachers with good hours, it comes together and you find out it isn’t as difficult as you would think going into it.
Q2: Why do it? Why work so hard for a degree while on active duty, whether you’re deployed or not?
Preparing myself now to transition to the outside world will make that transition that much smoother. Knowing that I have the military experience and a degree from Grantham sets me up that much more for success. It also doesn’t hurt that while I am in, earning a degree is something the Army is looking at more and more for promotions.
Q3: What does a degree do for your career?
The Army is drawing down from the battle rhythm of multiple deployments. Being deployed every other year is no longer an excuse. They are more focused on who has taken the time, in conjunction with what is going on at work, to earn a degree and not stop at just one, but continue to earn it as long as they can. Why stop at an online associate degree when you can earn a master’s?
Q4: Do you have tips for military service members considering pursuing a degree on active duty?
At the end of the day, just get your degree. I have known soldiers in all different situations, duty stations, jobs and so forth that have been able to earn a degree. It’s a matter of how bad you want it. There are so many ways to get your degree - even if it is one class at a time, you’re earning it.
Do more than be inspired by Kevin's story. Do something about it! Check out Grantham today.
Learn more about Grantham University!: http://rly.pt/GranthamUniversity
“I tell everyone,” he said, “do one of two things, join the military or go to college.”
Then he paused and added, “And if you’re lucky, you can do them both.”
What a remarkable goal: Be a part of the greatest fighting force the world has ever known and earn an online college degree at the same time.
Arnold isn’t the exception to the rule, but rather part of a group who has found the solution that helps service members do both: a 100% online degree program.
Consider another Grantham alum. Staff Sergeant Kevin M. Murphy, US Army, Associate of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies – stopped by to give his perspective on pursuing a degree while in the military.
Q1: What’s it like earning an online college degree while serving active duty for your country?
If you want it that bad, you can make it happen. With the help of the discussion posts and teachers with good hours, it comes together and you find out it isn’t as difficult as you would think going into it.
Q2: Why do it? Why work so hard for a degree while on active duty, whether you’re deployed or not?
Preparing myself now to transition to the outside world will make that transition that much smoother. Knowing that I have the military experience and a degree from Grantham sets me up that much more for success. It also doesn’t hurt that while I am in, earning a degree is something the Army is looking at more and more for promotions.
Q3: What does a degree do for your career?
The Army is drawing down from the battle rhythm of multiple deployments. Being deployed every other year is no longer an excuse. They are more focused on who has taken the time, in conjunction with what is going on at work, to earn a degree and not stop at just one, but continue to earn it as long as they can. Why stop at an online associate degree when you can earn a master’s?
Q4: Do you have tips for military service members considering pursuing a degree on active duty?
At the end of the day, just get your degree. I have known soldiers in all different situations, duty stations, jobs and so forth that have been able to earn a degree. It’s a matter of how bad you want it. There are so many ways to get your degree - even if it is one class at a time, you’re earning it.
Do more than be inspired by Kevin's story. Do something about it! Check out Grantham today.
Learn more about Grantham University!: http://rly.pt/GranthamUniversity
Education
Grantham University
Command Post
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 23
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My own platoon sergeant was a 19K with 13 rotations at NTC. He received his undergraduate degree shortly after pinning 1SG. It was an honor to be at his graduation and take him out for a drink. That moment when he received his degree is what inspired me to work on my own degree. It took him about 5 years. He did not quit.
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I misread the topic and was about to rant. I read it as think you CAN earn a degree.
I assure people that yes you can earn a degree in while on active duty in the military.
I entered a program at Arizona State University with 32 others. 30 of us completed our degree. About half returned to finish their masters as their first assignment as a 2LT. Three went on and completed their PhD.
I am proud to have served with this group of people.
I assure people that yes you can earn a degree in while on active duty in the military.
I entered a program at Arizona State University with 32 others. 30 of us completed our degree. About half returned to finish their masters as their first assignment as a 2LT. Three went on and completed their PhD.
I am proud to have served with this group of people.
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Many years ago when I was in the Army on tanks(1980's), it was normal to be envious of "the army with the women in it" , those people could do college courses/classes even while "in the field". Just went to show how easy the rear echelon had it compared to the combat arms. And the Air Force was the epitome of being able to do college classes while in.
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