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.
Any help? recommendations? Thanks all
P.S. I will post this discussion on the Education Forum as well, but i wanted it here aswell to hear from my fellow OS's.
With my military background and a few courses at TCC I have just 15 classes left on my BS degree at AMU for Security management. Using strictly the TA I will finish my degree in 2.5 years. AMU is now authorized for federal funding (pale grant, federal loans, etc) so you could finish your degree even faster if you want to push yourself. Books are free. Classes are online so you can complete them on your schedule. You just have to be self motivating. TCC in VA was a good school with quite a few online courses as well. I would ask a recruiter what officers they are currently looking for as well, that would possibly help you in getting an extra "point" in the selection process.
When I was in college prior to enlistment..2001-2005ish.. I was majoring in Geography and took some really good courses in GIS, oceanography, cartography, and remote sensing. All of these would be really beneficial as an OS. I did not finish my degree becuase I decided I'd rather teach Social Studies which really screwed up my degree plan. I wish now that I had stuck with it. But I was young, frustrated and impatient. Plus i really wanted to get married (do not regret that) and would have never joined the CG if I had finished it (so i can't say i regret that either). I am also considering OCS by way of PPEP if I can get it. I just have to finish my first four years. Good luck to you!
My advice would be to get a degree that will help you after you get out of the CG. I have never seen a TA request turned down for any course as long as the college is accrediated. Good luck and have fun.
I would suggest finding a study field that INTERESTS you first and foremost. For any officers fields, the nature of the degree is irrlevant. For our field, well, it just isn't rocket science and the specialty field or classes just don't have any direct benifit. The process of obtaining a degree will be of more benifit than any potential courses themselves. If you get your degree in a field that interests you, it would provide benifits after the CG, in 2 or 28 years as the field would then interest you.
Thanks all for the input, I've taken a look at the Coastline website and seen an AA in marine engineering that seems interesting. This seems like it would fit nicely into my CG career aswell as a career outside of the CG, or even as a civilian for the CG. The Forensics I spoke of earlier is what I've always wanted to do, but unless I can find a school to physically show up to classes (vice predominantly online), then thats out of the picture. However, I understand that a degree in general can really do nothing but improve my self worth. So at this point, I'm speaking with CCC to see what my options are. Thanks JEKELKAT for the link, very usefull.
