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Higher education opens the door to valuable opportunities for those in the military community. Taking the first (or next) step in their educational journey can help active-duty or veteran military students reach their goals for personal and professional development. And the right degree program can help students discover new ways to apply the skills they’ve gained in service, which in turn helps them launch successful civilian careers, whether that means continuing the work they were doing in the military or pursuing a career in a new field.
When it comes to selecting a school, some colleges offer unique advantages for the military community. Augusta University is dedicated to providing academic programs, campus resources and financial assistance to support military-affiliated students.
Institutions like the renowned Augusta University Medical Center give students direct access to impactful research opportunities, and Augusta’s partnerships with entities such as the U.S. Cyber Command provide students with professional opportunities that can lead to exciting careers.
What Is a Military-Friendly College?
Typically, a military-friendly college is one that strives to ensure its campus culture and program offerings are inclusive of active-duty and veteran students, many of whom come to higher education with experience that sets them apart from traditional students. For instance, a student may have already served an operational tour when they begin pursuing a degree. Or they may be studying to secure a specific military promotion or start a career as a civilian — perhaps while also working to support a family.
For prospective students researching military-friendly schools, national programs like Military Friendly set a measurable standard to recognize institutions in the United States that promote positive outcomes for military students. Augusta University has been recognized as a military-friendly school by several agencies since 2016, most recently in the 2022-23 academic year, with its Office of Military and Veteran Services receiving the Military Friendly Schools Bronze recognition.
Among the benefits students enjoy by attending a military-friendly school such as Augusta University are financial support through participation in government funding programs, and the opportunity to connect with others in the military community through partnerships with nationally recognized programs. Augusta offers students programming that supports the transition from the military to academic culture, reviews military training for academic credit and provides 1:1 assistance with the application and financial aid processes. In addition, Augusta’s connections to local health organizations and national government networks provide students with unique professional opportunities as well.
Participation in Federal Financial Aid Programs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides resources for students to determine which schools meet the criteria for its Principles of Excellence program. To access GI Bill benefits, students must attend a school that participates in this program.
Schools that qualify for this program agree to follow guidelines that support students in the military community, including by outlining a clear plan and timeline for graduation, providing academic and financial guidance, and permitting long- and short-term leave for service obligations. Augusta University is part of the VA’s Principles of Excellence program and accepts funding from the Post-9/11 GI Bill as well as the Active Duty and Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bills.
Beyond accepting VA educational benefits, the State of Georgia provides multiple ways to waive out-of-state tuition fees, including the VA’s Yellow Ribbon Program. Students who qualify for this program can use the funds to help pay for private schools with higher tuition, foreign schools or nonresident costs to attend a public school.
Opportunities to Connect With Other Military-Affiliated Students
Financial support can drive military students’ decision to select one school over another, but social support through community is also an important consideration. A college that is nearby or in partnership with a military base may be a good pick for those who want to connect with fellow service members and veterans. Attending courses with peers who share similar backgrounds can promote a culture of belonging, and these connections are key to building personal and professional networks. Augusta University is a participant with American Corporate Partners, a free mentoring program for active-duty and veteran students.
Choosing a school with an established Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter is another way for students to connect with other military-affiliated students — through on-campus meetings and events as well as national conferences and summits. Augusta University’s SVA chapter provides access to resources and services that benefit veteran students, such as leadership training and professional networking, and it connects chapter members with opportunities to lead in the local community.
Augusta University’s partnership with the Fort Gordon military base provides opportunities for students to take classes with active-duty military members, attend career panel discussions featuring military leaders and meet professionals from government agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD) who are located on base.
Pathways to Professional Opportunities and Career Advancement
Which school is the right one for an individual student depends on what specialized skills they are seeking to gain, though military members and veterans can choose to expand on skills they gained in service.
For instance, a veteran who thrived in a military leadership position may pursue a teaching certificate, or an experienced veteran educator may decide to earn a master’s degree in education. An officer with experience leading through the COVID-19 pandemic may pursue a master’s degree in public health. An active-duty student with a computer science degree may enroll in a cybersecurity master’s program with the goal of applying for a job at the National Security Agency (NSA) or DoD upon graduation.
Those interested in a government role, either within the military or as a civilian, might consider a school recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence (NCAE) by the NSA. Per the NSA’s website, the NCAE designation is awarded to institutions whose “academic delivery to students is producing the qualified workforce needed by the nation.” NCAE designations include the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), Research (CAE-R), and Cyber Operations (CAE-CO).
Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences is among the U.S. institutions designated as a CAE-CD. Augusta is also part of the U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) Academic Engagement Network. As one of the 70 participating universities in this network, Augusta works closely with CYBERCOM to prepare workforce-ready graduates trained to meet national cybersecurity needs.
Military-Friendly Graduate Programs at Augusta University
Augusta University offers a tight-knit, military-friendly environment where active-duty and veteran students can hone the skills they need to launch rewarding careers in the military or the private sector. Augusta’s online graduate programs help prepare students for a variety of in-demand roles in growing industries.
Master of Public Health (MPH)
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vital role of the public health field in educating and protecting the population, and public health professionals remain in demand across the country. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average job growth for public health roles through 2031, with 12 percent growth projected for health education specialists and community health workers and 26 percent for epidemiologists.
For military members and veterans who want to begin careers as public health officers, Augusta University Online’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program is a good place to begin. As one of only four public research universities in Georgia, Augusta provides graduate students with opportunities to begin exciting research in an area they’re passionate about.
Master of Science in Information Security Management (MSISM)
Active-duty or veteran students who have a background in information technology or computer science — either through an undergraduate degree or demonstrated career experience — might consider Augusta University Online’s Master of Science with a Major in Information Security Management (MSISM) program.
Skills gained by earning this degree are applicable to roles in the military, the private sector or government agencies, and these roles are growing in demand — according to the BLS, computer and information systems manager and information security analyst jobs are projected to grow by 16 percent and 35 percent, respectively, through 2031.
Master of Education (MEd) in Instruction
K-12 education has changed dramatically in the last few years, and many educators are looking for new approaches that are inclusive of the latest industry trends. For veterans who already have their teaching certificate, Augusta University Online’s Master of Education (MEd) in Instruction can help them dive deeper into teaching strategies, classroom management and instructional technology.
The MEd program coursework provides actionable tools and techniques that allow educators to apply theoretical frameworks in the classroom to make meaningful improvements in meeting educational objectives and supporting diverse groups of learners.
Supporting Military Student Success at Augusta University
Whether students are pursuing a master’s degree right after earning their undergraduate degree or returning to school after an operational tour, Augusta University’s flexible online programs meet those in the military community where they are in their educational journeys. Explore Augusta University Online to find out more about our program offerings.
Sources:
Military Friendly, Military Friendly FAQ
National Security Agency, Cultivating the Next Generation of Experts
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Principles of Excellence Program
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Yellow Ribbon Program
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Systems Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Epidemiologists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts
