Higher Education by DCMilitary.Com

Supplement to The Pentagram, Stripe, Journal, Standard, Joint Base Journal, Sentry, Trident, Tester, Waterline, Capital Flyer and South Potomac Pilot

HIGHER EDUCATION & LIFE LONG LEARNING - ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

MARCH 2011

American Military University offers over 75 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s level through its seven distinct academic Schools.

School of Arts and Humanities The University is unique in offering a full range of online degrees in arts and humanities that are based on the great ideas, works, and thinkers that have defined civilization as embodied in the “great books” tradition. The curriculum addresses humankind’s fundamental topics through study of courses in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Coursework is designed to develop high-level research, analytical, and interpersonal skills and prepares students for a broad range of professional careers.

American Military University www.amuonline.com/comprint 111 W. Congress St. Charles Town, WV 25414 Admission Phone: 877-777-9081 Financial Aid Phone: 877-372-3535 Military Programs Email: info@apus.edu

Associate Degrees Associate programs are designed for students who seek a twoyear degree as either their final degree in higher education or the foundation for further study at the bachelor’s level. An associate degree typically requires 61-64 semester hours (20 courses and 14 labs). Students must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent to be admitted to an associate program.

Bachelor’s Degree The bachelor’s degree program is also open to students who possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. This minimum 120-124 credit program is the standard “four-year” undergraduate degree desired by most employers and prepares the student for graduate study. All students who enroll in the bachelor’s degree program must enroll in COLL100 - Foundations of Online Learning as their first course.

Master’s Degree AMU accepts students for graduate-level study who have earned a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. To earn a master’s degree, students must complete a minimum of 12 courses and take a final comprehensive examination, thesis option, or capstone/applied research project at the end of all course work. 1028735

School of Business The School of Business offers a flexible, dynamic and interactive program to accommodate many types of learners. We integrate new technologies to keep the classroom interesting and up-to-date. Students are taught not only the concepts but also the “real world” application of the materials. The curriculum provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge for students seeking preparation or advancement in business and leadership roles in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

School of Education Graduate programs in the School of Education are designed to meet the most rapidly growing demands of the profession. Our certification programs are built to the highest state and national content standards. We provide opportunities to practicing teachers to enhance their professional training in critical needs areas such as special education, reading and literacy, TESOL, and Gifted Education.

School of Management The School of Management offers relevant and dynamic management programs for students who seek broad managerial knowledge, skill, and ability. Specifically, specialized degrees are designed and offered in the high growth areas of sport sciences and the everprolific transportation and logistics management career fields. Students will address traditional and topical management and leadership matters, while at the same time be influenced by foundational and conceptual underpinnings that remain vital in today’s competitive markets.

School of Public Safety and Health The School of Public Safety and Health houses several of the university’s flagship programs; namely emergency and disaster management, criminal justice, and homeland security. It is also the home of up-and-coming programs in security management, legal studies, and public health. Our faculty combine top academic credentials with practical expertise. Our programs in many cases are professionally accredited or recognized in their industries. These recognitions include the Foundation of Higher Education for the emergency and disaster management program. Additionally, the public health program is an applicant for accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Other accreditations are pending with professional organizations.

School of Science and Technology Science and technology professionals are vital to society’s continued innovation. Academic programs in this school help students cultivate the problem solving, creative, and technological skills necessary for advancements in their chosen field - whether it be pursuing innovations in environmental policy, space studies, or one of the many professions within the information technology field.

School of Security and Global Studies The programs taught in the School of Security and Global Studies truly embody our motto, “Educating Those Who Serve.” Students with majors in this school have an understanding of the world - appreciating differences in political, economic, and social cultures. Our faculty members are highly credentialed and respected leaders in their fields, and many of them currently work in the U.S. government and in the U.S. intelligence community. Our graduates are employed in leadership positions at agencies ranging from the Department of State, Defense, and Homeland Security to the intelligence services, as well as private businesses throughout the world.

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MARCH 2011

GI Bill extends housing allowance to online students by Frank Hazzard

One of the more significant “ provisions of the new GI Bill is

“

that the student stipend, which until now only applied to in-seat students, will apply to online students … except online students will get half [of the full] stipend.

iStockphoto/carlofranco

Bob Larned, ECPI College of Technology

President Obama signed into law the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 in January. Known as the new GI Bill, it was designed to improve and streamline educational benefits for Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. The new bill modified specific provisions of a previous version of the Post9/11 GI Bill that went into effect on Aug. 1, 2009, according to Jim Becker, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The changes are scheduled to take effect over the coming year. “I think that [the new GI Bill] is a significant improvement to benefits,” said

Tim Battle, lead education services specialist for the Army Education Center at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Fort Myer, Va. Beginning Aug. 1, 2011, the new law will extend a housing stipend to students taking online classes, according to the VA website. “One of the more significant provisions of the new GI Bill is that the student stipend, which until now only applied to in-seat students, will apply to online students … except online students will get

Higher Education & Life Long Learning is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, under exclu sive written contract. Contents are not the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of Defense. Everything advertised in this supplement must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

half [of the full] stipend,” said Bob Larned, executive director of military education for ECPI College of Technology, which has a campus in Manassas, Va. The bill also allows veterans to transfer unused benefits to their spouses and children and places restrictions on unaccredited institutions, according to a statement by the VA. The Post-9/11 GI Bill replaced the Montgomery GI Bill, in effect since 1984, but did not revoke it. Therefore, members

who qualify for both bills may elect to continue using the old program if they feel it provides them with superior benefits. However, once they elect to use new GI Bill benefits, they cannot reverse that decision later, according to the VA website. One reason soldiers may elect to keep their old-bill benefits is so they can attend vocational school. The old bill was approved for apprenticeships, trade

See G I B I L L , Page 18

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS 9030 COMPRINT COURT GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877

Advertising Contacts Display Advertising Classified Advertising

(301) 921-2800 (301) 670-2543

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Service members deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan continue their education online by Frank Hazzard

In the past, military deployments often meant disruptions in soldiers’ college education. But thanks to the expansion of distance learning, this is frequently no longer the case. “A lot of my students are soldiers serving our country around the world,” said Laurie S. Coltri, an adjunct professor of legal studies at University of Maryland University College. Although not every duty station is equipped for distance, or online, learning, most leaders agree that the U.S. armed services have a good record when it comes to facilitating troops’ education. “Where soldiers have access to the Internet, many have continued taking classes, even in Iraq and Afghanistan,” according to Tim Battle, lead education services specialist for the Army Education Center at Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall in Fort Myer, Va. “Soldiers in downrange areas have been able to continue their education in both theaters.” In some ways, soldiers can make ideal online students. “Military personnel come with discipline in place, so they tend to be more committed to completing a program, they study well and they have the skills necessary to succeed,” said Jeff Arthur, vice president of financial assistance for ECPI College of Technology, which has campuses in Virginia. “We have students overseas that attend our online campus and we try to support the services in any way that we can.” All branches of the armed services offer distance learning options, mirroring trends among civilian higher education institutions, according to the Department of Defense website.

Statistics show there has been an increase in the number of military students pursuing higher degrees via the Internet. At Kaplan University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., military enrollment went up by more than 300 percent over the three-year period from 2008 to 2010 and topped 11,000, according to school spokeswoman Stacey Kovalsky. One reason for this increase is more flexible policies that provide a safety net for service members pending deployment. “When students receive a change of orders, such as deployment, and cannot complete their courses, the university forgives tuition for the terms they can’t complete,” said Kovalsky. According to GoArmyEd.com, more than 32,000 soldiers have permanently changed duty stations from their original enrollment sites and now participate in the eArmyU online education program from 50 countries, four U.S. territories and all 50 states. Navy personnel have a particularly successful history of distance learning through the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education, according to Arthur. “The Navy is a little bit unique because of their ships. People at sea are learning because the military promotes education as the way to get promoted in the military,” he said. Said Battle: “There is really no reason why a soldier wouldn’t take advantage of the opportunity to get an education. We even offer free SAT testing opportunities.”

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Admission Requirements BS degree programs: HS Degree or equivalent. Engineering and Computer Science courses require 4 years of HS math including Trigonometry. Masters program: Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or higher CGPA for full admission, students with less than 3.0 will be offered a provisional admission. Doctorate program: MS degree in a related field, 5 years work experience in the information assurance field, and industry certification or entrance exam. Why this school is the right choice for a military member and/or their family Capitol College is proud of its long history of educating active and former members of our armed forces. Capitol College provides active duty and veterans with affordable, accessible and innovative, career-focused bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in engineering, computer science, information technology, and business. Designated a military friendly school by both GI Jobs Magazine and Military Advance Education. Headquarters address 11301 Springfield Road Laurel, MD 20708 Web Site: http://www.capitol-college.edu Admissions Phone: 800-950-1992 Financial Aid Phone: 301-369-2800 Military program contact: Tony Miller: 800-950-1992 E-mail: military@capitol-college.edu Type of School Private College/University Credit for work experience Cost: Tuition: $9,945 engineering/comp sci undergraduate. Graduate $564 per credit. Doctorate $700 per credit. Yellow Ribbon Program Participant 1030063

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University of Phoenix 3157 E. Elwood St. Phoenix, AZ 85034 www.phoenix.edu/military6 Admission Phone: 800.774.4020 Financial Aid Phone: 800.774.4020 Military Programs Contact: Steve Fink

Military Programs Phone: 571.393.0324 Military Programs Email: steve.fink@phoenix.edu

Type of School: Undergraduate/Graduate/Doctoral, Private – online and local campus classes. Local locations: University of Phoenix – Northern Virginia Campus 11730 Plaza America Drive, Suite 200 Reston, VA 20190

University of Phoenix – Arlington Learning Center 1800 South Bell Street Arlington, VA 22202

University of Phoenix – Washington D.C. Campus 25 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001

University of Phoenix – Manassas Learning Center 9705 Liberia Avenue Manassas, VA 20110

University of Phoenix – Maryland Campus 8830 Stanford Blvd., Ste. 100 Columbia, MD 21045

Online Courses Available Top 5 Majors Available: Business Healthcare/Nursing IT Criminal Justice Education School offers credit for work experience Tuition cost: University of Phoenix makes education financially attainable through a variety of programs and scholarships for military members, family members, and veterans. The costs vary by degree program and modality (online or classroom). Contact Military Programs Advisor for details. Other costs: Flat book fee per course. Yellow Ribbon program participant. Benefits depends on the campus location. Contact Military Programs Advisor for specific details. Servicemember Opportunity College participant Special tuition rates available for military, spouses &/or children Whether you’re serving Active Duty, are a member of the Reserve or National Guard, or are the spouse of a military member, you are eligible for a discount on tuition. Deeper discounts are available based on duty location and special agreements made between the University and the Installation. Costs for Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard and Spouses: $250 per credit for Associates of Arts Degrees (Axia) and Undergraduate; $452 per credit for Graduate Nursing; $440 per credit for Graduate Education; $548 per credit all other graduate programs; $616 per credit for Doctoral/PhD. Admission Requirements: Requirements vary by programs. For more information contact the Military Programs Advisor. What makes this school the right choice for a member of the military, veteran, and/or family member? Support from Day One We are proud of all of the students in our military student community. Active duty members, their spouses and veterans are a top priority to University of Phoenix and we are honored to serve you. Support begins on the first day, when you will speak to an enrollment advisor in our Military Division. A number of our advisors have military experience, so they understand where you are, where you have been and where you may want to go. Within our Military Division you will also work with academic advisors and finance advisors. They will support you throughout your education journey and serve as part of your graduation team. Beginning on day one, we are here for you. How We Work For You Online and On Campus

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We understand that your schedule is tight. That’s why we offer degree programs online and at locations near you. Nationwide, we have more than 200 campus locations and student learning centers where you can go to class. 1030079

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MARCH 2011

distance learning

iStockphoto/lalvarez

College educators debate the merits for students with unusual circumstances

While many college instructors use web-based tools to facilitate learning, their opinions vary on the value of online-only classes. Representatives from several colleges and universities that cater to active-duty and retired military personnel agree the biggest problems with online learning are that it requires students to motivate themselves and that certain concepts are difficult to convey remotely. “Some people have the discipline to learn online and some do not. Some won’t get through the classes without the structure [that a classroom provides],” said Jeff Arthur, vice president of financial assistance for ECPI College of Technology in Virginia. “You are not sitting in a classroom with a professor who can nudge you if you are not paying close attention,” said Betty Vandenbosch, vice president of business and information technology for Kaplan University in Florida. “Students must have the desire and motivation to log on to their courses and earn their degree.” Laurie S. Coltri, an adjunct professor

of legal studies at University of Maryland University College, said, “Equally important is the difficulty of addressing learning objectives that involve face-to-face interaction, such as negotiation simulations.” “Distance learning is OK for imparting data and even some information, but it is poor for imparting knowledge and professionalism. Consequently it is not very good for certain disciplines, especially graduate-level work,” said Steven Jamar, a professor at Howard University School of Law who cochaired the committee that wrote the HU’s policy on distance learning.

Types of distance learning Online learning varies mostly by the degree of personal contact associated with the class. For most institutions of higher education, in-seat classes still outnumber those taken online with no face-to-face contact. “Ninety percent of our total population attends classes in brick-and-mortar classrooms, while 10 percent are taking classes

online,” said Arthur. Blended or hybrid, education where instructors mix face-to-face classes and online instruction may be synchronous or asynchronous. Furthermore, it may use video and audio or be by correspondence only. Often, the only face-to-face interaction is on days when proctored exams are administered, according to a 2008 study published by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences. By comparison, web-facilitated learning involves professors holding face-to-face classes and using the Internet as a tool. “Almost all of our faculty use an online learning platform to enhance our students’ education. In fact, we are [developing] mobile applications to better engage our students,” said Arthur. “For copyrights class, I use YouTube and other online sources quite a bit for pictures, music and AV materials. It adds quite a bit to the dry descriptions of the works at stake in the cases,” said Jamar.

See L E A R N I N G , Page 18

who have typically “Students been the quiet one in class find that online learning provides them with the confidence and voice they may not have had in a traditional classroom. While the quickest hand and the loudest voice often get the most attention in a traditional environment, this is not typically the case online. In the online classroom, every student participates and everyone receives the same amount of attention from their professors and peers.

“

by Frank Hazzard

Betty Vandenbosch, Kaplan University

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Completing CCAF gives enlisted Airmen the edge

A ‘‘Capital Scholar” encourages Air Force District of Washington enlisted Airmen to invest in themselves and their Air Force career by taking advantage of the many continuing education programs available to them. For Airmen, putting in the time to earn an associate’s degree through the Community College of the Air Force develops an Airman both personally and professionally. ‘‘Upon completion of basic training all enlisted Airmen are automatically enrolled in CCAF, this is just the first step in the professional and personal development of putting Airmen on the path for a successful Air Force career,” said Chief Master Sgt. Pat Battenberg, Air Force District of Washington command chief. ‘‘Basic training fulfills four semester-hour requirements of physical education.” CCAF is a worldwide multi-campus community college established to meet the educational needs of enlisted Airmen. Its primary goal is to allow enlisted Airmen to progress toward, and ultimately earn an associate’s degree in their Air Force specialty. Every enlisted Airman can earn an associate’s degree through CCAF. CCAF has 67 degree programs in five general areas of study, requiring a minimum of 64 semester hours. Enlisted Airmen can also earn up to 24 semester hours through technical school, and more credits are awarded when earning five- and seven-skill levels after completion of career development courses. Professional military education, comprised of Airman Leadership School, NCO academy and Air Force Senior NCO Academy, provide another six semester hours, fulfilling the leadership and management training requirements. “Earning a CCAF degree ties into the chief master sergeant of the Air Force’s strategic plan to transition enlisted Airmen into deliberately developed Airmen,” said Battenberg. “A CCAF degree gives enlisted Airmen the edge when competing for promotions, special duty and critically manned assignments.” In addition, traditional classes accredit-

iStockphoto/Neustockimages

by Aletha Frost

ed at universities or community colleges, online classes, passing College Level Examination Program test and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support exams, can earn an Airman up to 30 semester hours. All earned credit hours can also be applied toward a four-year degree or higher. ‘‘Supervisors must encourage and mentor Airmen to continue to seek professional and personal development, not just for their self but for the Air Force mission,” said Maj. Gen. Darren W. McDew, AFDW commander. ‘‘Currently, 57 percent of HQ AFDW enlisted Airmen have an associate’s degree or higher compared to 42 percent Air Force wide,” said Senior Master Sgt. Raymond Fleming, AFDW Manpower, Personnel and Services, superintendent. AFDW leadership’s goal is 100 percent of enlisted Airmen to earn their degree before becoming eligible for senior NCO promotion. For more information on achieving your educational goals, visit Air Force Virtual Education Center or contact the wing education office at 301-981-6347/ 5397.

Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs

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Tuition (per semester) 2010-2010 academic year

University of Maryland University College (UMUC)

3501 University Boulevard East Adelphi, MD 20783

Admissions Phone Financial Aid Phone

800-888-UMUC(8682) 800-888-UMUC(8682)

Military Programs Phone 877-275-UMUC (8682) Military Programs Email military@umuc.edu Type of School: 4 year Public College/University Online Courses Available

Active-Duty Military (Regardless of residency) Undergraduate: $237/credit Graduate: $445/credit Maryland residents Undergraduate: $237/credit Graduate: $445/credit Nonresidents of Maryland Undergraduate: $499/credit Graduate: $659/credit MBA, MS in cybersecurity, and MS in cybersecurity policy (regardless of residency): $694 per credit Doctor of Management (regardless of residency) $1,087 per credit Executive program MBA (seven courses) $49,602

LOCATIONS Academic Center at Largo 1616 McCormick Drive Largo, MD 20774 Dorsey Station 6865 Deerpath Road Elkridge, MD 21075 University System of Maryland at Shady Grove 9636 Gudelsky Drive Rockville MD 20850 Bolling Air Force Base 112 Brookley Avenue, Suite 110 Washington, DC 20032 Fort Belvoir 9625 Belvoir Road, Building 1017, Suite 128 Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

TOP FIVE MAJORS Cybersecurity Homeland Security Business Administration Criminal Justice Information Technology Offers Credit for Work Experience

CIO certificate (four courses) $28,344 Other Cost (per semester) Technology Fee: $13 per unit of credit Application for Admission: $50 Doctoral Program Application Fee: $100 Yellow Ribbon Program Participant Yellow Ribbon Amount (per semester) UMUC will contribute up to $615 per academic year to each student, up to 3,000 students per year Special tuition rates available for military, spouses, &/or children? Active-duty military servicemembers and spouses of active-duty personnel are eligible for the Maryland resident tuition rate. Admissions Requirements Students who are applying for undergraduate admission must have graduated from a regionally accredited or state-approved high school or have completed the General Educational Development (GED) exam with a total score of at least 2250 and no individual score less than 410. Applicants to the Graduate School of Management and Technology must have a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A few individual programs may have additional requirements. Please contact admissions for more information. What makes this school the right choice for a member of the military, veteran and/or family member? UMUC has a 60-plus year history of serving veterans, members of the military, reservists, and military family members -- and enjoys a deserved reputation for excellence. Our focus remains on putting educational resources within reach of our adult students so that they can meet their professional and personal goals. 0998053

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MARCH 2011

Check Out the Colleges & Universities with Special Military Benefits on

And Many More! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done your research for you. Come to www.DCMilitaryEd.com today and find the right school for you!

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Cost

BAKER COLLEGE ONLINE 1116 W. Bristol Road Flint, MI 48507-9843 Web Sites: http://www.bakercollegeonline.com Admissions: 800-469-3165 Financial Aid: 800-796-7064 Military program contact: Shawn Mann Phone: 800-469-3165 E-mail: military@baker.edu Type of School: Private, Not for Profit Campus locations: Baker Online 1116 W. Bristol Road Flint, MI 48507-9843 Credit for work experience Online classes available: Top 5 majors or degrees offered - Bachelor of Health Services - B.S. in Psychology - Bachelor of Computer Science - Bachelor of Business Administration - Bachelor of Information Technology and Security

Tuition: Active Duty Rate: $160 per credit hour undergraduate, $240 per credit hour graduate level; Non-military rate: $205 per credit hour undergraduate, $360 per credit hour graduate level Yellow Ribbon Program Participant Amount Available: See active duty military rate as listed above Admission Requirement Undergraduate programs require a student to have a high school diploma or GED. Assessments will be given at no charge to service members to determine writing and math levels to assist with placement into beginning courses. Graduate students are required to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2. on a 4.0 scale, three years work experience, along with three letters of recommendation and a written essay covering the service members goals for graduate education. Why this school is the right choice for a military member and/or their family Baker Online prides itself in meeting the unique student needs of the constantly changing military environment. From flexibility in the admissions process to flexibility in the classroom when deployments arise or relocations take place is one of the main things Baker can do in order to insure service member goals for education are still on track. A dedicated staff of admissions advisors, finanical aid professionals, VA site representatives, academic advisors all trained to work with those in the military, are there to assist whenever the needs arise. Baker Online is proud to be called a military friendly institution.

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Special Tuition rates available for military, spouses, &/or children? Special Rates Description Thomas Edison State College has a special Military Degree Completion Program, which provides special rates for military students and their spouses. In addition, Thomas Edison State College participates in the Post 9/11 GI Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Yellow Ribbon Program for our graduate degree programs.

Thomas Edison State College 101 West State Street Trenton, New Jersey 08608-1176 Admissions Phone: 1.888.442.8372 Financial Aid Phone: 1.609.633.9658 Military Programs Contact: Louis Martini Military Programs Phone: 1.866.446.1804 Military Programs Email: militaryeducation@tesc.edu Type of School: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees, and Certificate Programs Multiple Course Delivery Options Online Courses Available Offers Credit for Work Experience Tuition (per semester) Thomas Edison State College offers one annual tuition plan. For additional information or specific guidance, call 1.888.442.8372 or e-mail us at militaryeducation@tesc.edu. Yellow Ribbon Program Participant Yellow Ribbon Amount (per semester) For additional information, call 1.888.442.8372 or e-mail us at militaryeducation@tesc.edu. 0998153

Admissions Requirements Submit an original DD295, AARTS or SMART transcript. Army enlisted personnel, who entered the military after Oct. 1, 1981, may submit an AARTS (Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcripts System) transcript. Air Force personnel, who entered the service after 1972, should include a transcript from the Community College of the Air Force. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard may send transcripts from the U.S. Coast Guard Institute. To learn more, call 1.888.442.8372 or e-mail us at militaryeducation@tesc.edu. What makes this school the right choice for a member of the military, veteran and/or family member? Thomas Edison State College has been providing specialized educational opportunities for members of the United States military for more than 30 years, and continues to develop degree programs and certificates specifically for enlisted personnel that optimize military training and experience. Since 2007, the College has been named one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top ten military-friendly institutions by Military Advanced Education magazine. The College is a long-standing member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) and holds a Memorandum of Understanding with Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) as an external degree partner. Thomas Edison State College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association and Schools and offers several programs designed around the unique needs of members of the U.S. armed forces, regardless of where they are deployed, and veterans and their families. To apply online, visit military.tesc.edu. To learn more, call 1.888.442.8372 or e-mail us at militaryeducation@tesc.edu.

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COLLEGE DEGREE increases Sailors’ advancement percentage

Sailors with college degrees can increase their chances for advancement, according to data provided by the Navy Advancement Center (NAC) on March 7. According to the NAC data on the September 2009 through September 2010 advancement cycles for E4/5/6, Sailors with a college degree advanced at a rate that was higher than their counterparts without a degree. For example, on the September 2010 cycle 208 exams, 22.9 percent of Sailors with a degree advanced, while 16.4 percent of Sailors without a degree advanced. "The September 2008 exam cycle was the introduction of education points into

the calculations for the E4-E6 final multiple score (FMS)," said Lt. Cmdr. Jim LeViness, director of the NAC. "This review of the data shows the difference a degree can make, but only if it's combined with sustained, superior performance and excellent test scores. An important point is that degrees must be verified and recorded properly to earn points." Details of the education points process can be found in Naval Administrative Message 301/07. Sailors competing for advancement to paygrades E4-E6 will be awarded two points for an accredited associate’s degree, and four points for an

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by Ed Barker

accredited bachelor’s degree or above. Education points will be awarded for the highest degree held, and will increase the overall FMS points with no reduction in points from other factors. "According to our data, most of the Sailors with degrees would have advanced even without the education points," said Master Chief Electrician's Mate (SS) Jeromie Cook, Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center command master chief. "Education enables and reinforces the critical thinking skills that make a better Sailor, and a more efficient, more technical future force. Education points help, but a degree alone won't get you there. Sailors need to remember that the biggest point makers will always be their evaluations and exam score." To receive the advancement points for education, Sailors must ensure transcripts with degree information are forwarded directly from their academic institution to the Virtual Education Center (VEC) at:

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Center for Personal and Professional Development Attn: Virtual Education Center 1905 Regulus Ave., Suite 234 Virginia Beach, VA 23461-2099 Phone: 877-838-1659

"We've always known that education has a positive impact on performance and advancement, but this is the first time we had numbers to validate how much," said Jennie Humes, deputy director of Voluntary Education for the Navy. "Command leaders should guide Sailors in the attainment of their career goals by ensuring Sailors are aware of available education opportunities, including academic skills courses in addition to degree programs. Developing study habits from earning a degree can also help Sailors in their studying for exams." Sailors are also strongly encouraged to verify degrees and are documented in their Sailor Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript by visiting https://smart.navy.mil. To allow sufficient time for the VEC to process all documents, transcripts for Sailors competing for advancement for E4-E6 must be received by no later than the first of the month in which their advancement exam occurs. For more information about the Virtual Education Center and the Navy College Program, visit www.navycollege.navy.mil or www.navycollege.navy.mil/dsp_vec.cfm.

Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

MARCH 2011

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which coordinates two schools - the School for Extended Learning (on-site classroom studies) and the School for Online Learning. School For Extended Learning

8700 N.W. River Park Dr., Parkville, MO 64152 (877) 505-1059

Non-Traditional Learning from a University Steeped in Tradition. We understand what a challenge it is to work full-time, juggle family responsibilities and attend class. That’s why we offer a variety of quality education opportunities in accelerated formats that are designed to meet the needs of adult students with demanding schedules. Although Park’s roots are based on a 135-year history rich with traditional academic excellence, we are today very “nontraditional.” That’s because Park University specializes in highquality educational services, delivered in innovative ways, that allow working adults and military service personnel to complete their bachelor and graduate degrees. More than 25,000 students annually take advantage of Park’s programs. Students study at 40 campus centers in 21 states. They also study online from locations around the world. Together, these students are starting or completing degrees with 50 undergraduate majors, six online graduate majors and numerous certificates. Park Distance Learning

School For Online Learning For the ultimate in flexibility, try Park’s online classes that allow you to attend class any time you like, 24 hours a day .. . from anywhere in the world! Our online learning program fills the needs of students with hectic schedules and travel obligations. Again, it was the U.S. Military which encouraged Park to make distance learning even more accessible. As a result, Park University became one of the first accredited universities in the country to develop an integrated online learning program. Our extensive faculty of Internet instructors are particularly wellqualified. All online instructors have advanced degrees, and all have taught their online classes in a face-to- face academic environment. In addition, each instructor has completed an intensive training and certification program to develop the unique skills necessary for meeting the needs of our students. It is no surprise that extensive research regarding the effectiveness of Park’s online learning program reveals that a majority of students who choose to enroll in online courses actually perform better than they do in traditional, face-to-face classes. Earn an accredited degree that is affordable and convenient to your busy schedule.

Work And Military Credit Your experience counts at Park University! You may qualify for up to 24 hours of class credit through our Validated Learning Equivalency Program. In addition, credit toward major core requirements may be awarded for satisfactory completion of the CLEP/DSST/Excelsior College Subject Examinations. Park awards members of the military four semester hours of lower level electives for completion of Basic Military Training. Plus, Park University accepts transfer credits from a wide variety of accredited colleges and formal military service schools. More Choices. More Flexibility. Less Cost. At Park University our goal is to make it as easy and inexpensive as possible for you to complete your degree and to build your success. That’s why we offer more choices of class times, locations and online options. In addition, you’ll find Park’s tuition rates to be especially competitive, considering the university’s academic excellence and accreditation. Whether you are active-duty military, a military dependent, a veteran or a civilian student, Park can meet your educational needs and expectations. Count On Park University We’ll do everything we can to assist you in your pursuit of an undergraduate or graduate degree. That includes easy, online registration and fee payment. Our extensive online library supports every online class and is available 24/7. In addition, you’ll find our staff to be experienced, knowledgeable and helpful to you in planning your academic experience and your future career. Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This is the highest accreditation offered colleges and universities.

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Although Park’s association with the U.S. Military dates to 1889, it flourished with the establishment of the Military Resident Center System in 1972 and with Park’s development of accelerated, eight-week courses. With the advent of online learning, the program has evolved into Park Distance Learning

The degrees and majors offered at each campus center differ according to the needs of the local students served. That localization contributes to the fact that Park offers one of the nation’s largest accredited degree completion programs in the country. Park’s campus center locations are coast-to-coast and border-to-border. The specific degrees and majors available at each campus are available at www.park.edu.

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LEARNING

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Advantages of online learning “Students are attracted to the flexibility and convenience of online education because many of them are adult learners, juggling work and family responsibilities with their education,” said Vandenbosch. According to Coltri, interaction between teacher and student may be greater in online courses. “While being able to learn from far away is important and not having to attend lectures on particular dates and times is convenient, these are not its most important advantages, from my perspective as a teacher. I love instructing in the online environment because it allows continuing contact between the class members, including the instructor,” explained Coltri.“In a face-to-face course, I often don't have any contact with students for a week at a time. When a course is taught online, we can take the journey together.” “In addition, the online platform allows faculty to use video and web-based simulations to engage students and address a variety of learning styles. Our students use the tools that work best for them, whether they learn by listening, reading, watching or conversing with peers. Studying online allows students the

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE

1413 Arkansas Rd. Ste 103 Andrews AFB, MD 20762 301-420-2256

BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE 112 Brookley Avenue Bolling AFB, DC 20032 202-561-4382

autonomy to determine how best to complete their work and it helps them hone their written communications skills,” said Vandenbosch. “Students who have typically been the quiet one in class find that online learning provides them with the confidence and voice they may not have had in a traditional classroom. While the quickest hand and the loudest voice often get the most attention in a traditional environment, this is not typically the case online. In the online classroom, every student participates and everyone receives the same amount of attention from their professors and peers,” she said. Regardless of detractors’ opinions, many people are earning degrees online. According to GoArmyEd.com, more than 5,300 undergraduate degrees have been granted through the eArmyU program. One issue for many students is how prospective employers will view their online degrees. After all, most students seek an education to make themselves more attractive in the job market. “We are finding that employers do not differentiate between degrees earned online or on campus, as long as the degree is from an accredited university,” said Vandenbosch. “There are a lot of ways to look at it,” said Arthur. “Our preference is to see students attend in seat because of the experiences they will have, but we want whatever is best for the student.”

BUREAU OF MEDICINE & SURGERY (BUMED)

2300 E. Street NW Washington, DC 20372 202-223-9224

FORT BELVOIR

Barden Education Center 9625 Belvoir Rd Room 143 Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 703-781-7942

Visit our website for complete program listings Webster University - established in 1915 and now includes more than 100 campus locations throughout the United States and around the globe. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia has certified Webster University at Ft. Belvoir to operate in Virginia. 0997898

Delaware District of Columbia Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia

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Max. charge per credit hour $425 $266 $472 $934 $353 $269

Max. total fees per term $584 $310 $16,308 $6,110 $3,969 $4,277

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

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schools, flight lessons and other vocational training, but the new bill restricts these payments. Post-9/11 GI Bill funds must go toward classes that would lead to associate, or higher, degrees at accredited institutions, according to GIBill.com, a website dedicated to GI Bill issues. There are other reasons why members may choose to stay under the old bill, according to Battle. “Texas veterans get free in-state tuition,” he said, also noting the current reimbursement amount of $1,426 for a full-time student may exceed the basic allowance for housing amount. GI Bill benefits are offered in addition to tuition assistance benefits that activeduty members receive under the Armed Forces Tuition Assistance program, according to Battle. “You don’t have to separate from the military before you use the GI Bill, but most active-duty personnel choose to use [tuition assistance],” said Larned. Based on in-state tuition costs for the most expensive public institution in one’s home state (or, in some cases, district or territory), the maximum value of GI Bill benefits varies (see sidebar). Maryland has the 15th-highest maximum benefit level, while only Guam’s rate is lower than that of the District of Columbia, according to the VA website. “The same [tuition] limits apply whether the classes are taken online or in seat,” explained Larned. Tuition and fees are paid directly to schools each term, according to the VA website. New GI Bill funds can be used to pay tuition at private colleges and universities. This new provision has created a windfall for dozens of private schools that cater to active and retired military personnel, according to Larned. “We’ve seen about a 30 percent increase in the number of military-benefit-eligible students that go to our schools since

the new GI Bill,” said Larned. Another provision of the new bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, has further helped private institutions attract GI Bill students. According to GIBill.com, participating institutions with tuition and fees higher than the GI Bill maximum can agree to waive half of those additional fees and the VA will pick up the other half with no additional charge to the veteran’s entitlement. Essentially, this means the VA will pay three quarters of the full fees on behalf of the veteran as long as the institution will accept that amount in lieu of full payment. Many private universities and colleges have opted into the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program may be applied to out-of-state public institutions as well, providing maximum flexibility to veterans. Minimum service requirements under the new GI Bill have been substantially reduced so that National Guard troops activated over the past decade can qualify. Whereas members used to have to serve two years before becoming eligible, they now must have either 90 aggregate days of active-duty service or 30 continuous days’ service and a service-connected disability. However, benefit levels start at 40 percent of the maximum and increase to 100 percent as a service member’s active-duty tenure lengthens, according to the VA website. Also under the new GI Bill, the benefit period is extended to 15 years and participants pay no enrollment fees. Before, the period was 10 years and participants had to pay $100 per month for the first 12 months, according to GIBill.com. Battle remains a champion of soldiers bettering themselves while in uniform and afterward. “My point of view as a prior service individual is that [the GI Bill and tuition assistance are some] of the more tangible benefits that soldiers have after leaving the service. The acquisition of a degree can make [the] transition to civilian life much easier,” he said.

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Admission Requirement: Undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (NOTE: Some programs have higher GPA requirements) Application and $75 application fee Resume or CV Official college transcripts For degree program-specific requirements, visit advanced.jhu.edu Why this school is the right choice for a military member and/or their family: The Johns Hopkins University, through the Krieger School of Arts and Sciencesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Department of Advanced Academic Programs, offers several part-time and online graduate programs. Students can attend classes in the evenings and on Saturdays. And some programs are offered fully online. On-site classes are offered in three locations: Rockville, MD; Baltimore, MD; and Washington, DC. Online classes can be taken anywhere in the world, as long as you have an Internet connection. Advanced Academic Programs offer a wide variety of programs and certificates: Applied Economics Biotechnology Bioinformatics Bioscience Regulatory Affairs Communication Energy Policy and Climate Environmental Sciences and Policy Global Security Studies

Government Liberal Arts Museum Studies Writing Certificate in Geographic Information Systems Certificate in Biotechnology Enterprise Certificate in National Security Studies

Headquarters address 1717 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 104 Washington, DC 20036 Web Site: advanced.jhu.edu Admissions Phone: 202-452-1940 Financial Aid Phone: 410-516-8028 Military program contact: Gail Rauenzahn: 410-516-7071 E-mail: rauey@jhu.edu Type of School: 4-year Private College/University Campus locations Washington, DC Center 1717 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 104 Washington, DC 20036

Montgomery County Campus 9601 Medical Center Drive Rockville, MD 20850

Homewood Campus Wyman Park Building, Suite S740 Baltimore, MD 21218

Online classes available

Online Courses aap.sakai.jhu or blackboard.jhu.edu

Cost: Tuition: $3,020 for most programs; $2,330 for MA in Writing; $1,930 for Master of Liberal Arts Other: Technology fee for online courses is $150 Yellow Ribbon Program Participant

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