Hello all, I'm in the planning stages of continuing my Education and want to start with an AS, then on to a BS before I retire from the CG. I have plenty of time left in the CG to accomplish this, but i want to get the AS fairly quickly, for I am going to attempt an OCS application. I'm 30 now and don't have much time left to be an applicant.
My question is, what are other Coasties studying that falls in line with a CG career? I'm not exactly Savvy on certain areas of study and would like to know which would best benefit my military career and roll over nicely into a civilian job once i retire. What I have always wanted a degree in is Forensics, but I'm fairly certain that does not fall in line with TA requirements or even a CG career path. With the exception of perhaps CGIS.
Comms: You seem to have 3 issues going on here - what degree would be best to get your commission, what degree would be best to have a long career as an officer, and what degree would be best for your post CG plans.
Well here's my take on these three issues.
I don't believe any particular AA/AS degree will have any more "weight" than any other in regards to your accession boards. There may be some BS degrees which would give you an edge (an engineering degree vice the proverbial degree in basket weaving), but not with an AA/AS. An AA/AS generally means you have completed your lower-level prerequesites and might (or might not) have taken a couple of classes "focused" in one general area.
What degree is best for a long career as an officer? The list is wide, but I'm not sure if forensics would be on there. If your primary goal is as a long career as an officer then I would recommend a degree in homeland security, finance/logistics, or engineering.
I think the last question is likely the most important: What degree should you get for your post-CG career?? That depends on what you want to do when you grow up. You said you always wanted a degree in forensics. Is this because you want to become a forensic scientist? If that is what you WANT to do, then DO IT! TA isn't an issue as long as you are taking classes from an accredited college.
I think this is important enough I'll repeat it. If you KNOW what you want to do for a 2nd career, then DO IT!
If you are not sure what you want to do when you retire, and therefore are not sure of what degree path to pursue, don't let that stop you from starting down the path. Find an accredited school and start working on your AS. Make sure it accepts your military credits. As you start your college career you will do research on various subjects and you may likely find one that captures your interest.
Biggest recommendation - GET STARTED NOW AND QUIT MAKING EXCUSES WHY YOU CAN'T DO IT.
