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TOP FIVE MAJORS Business History Security and Protective Services Transportation and Materials Moving Natural Resources and Conservation
American Military University
Headquarters Address: 111 W. Congress Street, Charles Town, West Virginia, 25414
Admissions Phone: 877-777-9081 Military Programs Email: info@apus.edu
Type of School: 4 year Public College/University Online Courses Available
Offers Credit for Work Experience Tuition (per semester) Undergraduate: $250/credit Graduate: $325/credit Special Tuition rates available for military, spouses and children: Yes Undergradate book grant is available. Transfer credit evaluation and technology fees waived for Active Duty Military, Guard, and Reserve applicants. What makes this school the right choice for a member of the military, veteran and/or family member? American Military University (AMU) is the #1 provider of higher education to the U.S. military*. As a top online university supporting the nation’s servicemembers, AMU provides quality and affordable online education to U.S. Armed Forces, members of the public safety, service and national security communities, and working adults in a wide range of fields. At AMU, we have earned our reputation as a leader in online higher education by always focusing on you: the student. We were nationally recognized by the prestigious Sloan Consortium for quality online education in 2009; and in 2009 and 2010 received their effective practices award. • 180+ online certificates and degrees • No admission fees • Federal Student Aid and Armed Forces Tuition Assistance accepted
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Adult Education A
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Catherine McNulty Creators.com
lot of people believe that education ends with college, but learning is a lifelong process. Continuing education is more important now than ever before. The job market is incredibly competitive, and the world has never been so connected. If you can’t keep up, you will be left behind. So what’s the best way to keep learning as an adult? And if you’re a busy adult, how can you fit education into your schedule? Almost everyone can benefit from continuing education. Professionally, it could sharpen your skill set and keep you updated on current technology. It also proves to your employer how engaged in your work you are and can make you more marketable. Plus, you might gain new contacts and networking opportunities. There are also personal benefits: meeting new people with shared interests. And while many traditional colleges are now charging
It’s never too late to learn
a premium to attend classes, never have there been more nontraditional options available. The Internet has truly democratized the spreading of knowledge; all the knowledge in the world is there at your fingertips. There will always be traditional classrooms, but a plethora of educational resources can be found online. Online classes offer a great opportunity to people who might not otherwise be able to attend classes. It also gives you the chance to engage with people you might never have met under any other circumstance. While many people are still skeptical of degrees that are earned through online-only universities, every college has some classes available online. You may not even have to pay for them. MOOCs, or massive open online courses, allow you to access some of the best classes elite universities have to offer—for free. Because it is free, you are auditing the class and not actively working toward a
degree. You will still get all of the course materials, but you are not held accountable in the way that students who have paid for the class at the university are. This means that it can be hard to stay motivated. A recent survey of a Duke University MOOC showed there was a 97 percent dropout rate. So MOOCs are best for people who can keep themselves on task and focused. The offerings MOOCs can be a bit scattered, as well. A recent search of classes commencing soon turned up The History of Rock, Water Supply and Sanitation Policy in Developing Nations, and The Brain and Space. If you’re interested in MOOCs, you can find out more information at www.coursera.org and www.edx .org. If you’re a bit more serious about online education or you want to actively pursue a degree or certificate, pretty much every college offers paid online classes. This is great for anySee ADULT continued on page 10
COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS 9030 COMPRINT COURT GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877 Advertising Contacts Display Advertising
301-921-2800
Classified Advertising
301-670-2543
Higher Education & Lifelong 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 exclusive 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. COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN MILITARY UNIVERSITY 1041466
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HIGHER EDUCATION & LIFELONG LEARNING | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • Fall 2014
Smart Idea: T
A Degree for Defense, Intelligence and Homeland Security
By Jim Mahaffie
he State of Maryland boasts more than 19,000 job openings, according to a wide-ranging 2013 survey of technology companies and agencies by The Abell Foundation and CyberPoint International, LLC. A short list of private sector companies looking for talent includes Lockheed Martin, Constellation Energy, Marriott International, Coventry Health Care, and Catalyst Health Solutions— all located in either Bethesda, Baltimore or Rockville. Good news: Fifteen local universities have become certified by the National Security Agency as Cyber Security Centers of Academic Excellence—and many of these offer certificates and degrees in like areas such as law enforcement, intelligence, mission support, travel security, prevention and response, and more. Cyber security is a high-visibility element of homeland security—which is a top priority and a critical issue for local, state and the federal government, as well as the corporate sector. Jobs and opportunities at the Department of Homeland Security are widely available for professionals with a variety of educational backgrounds and work experiences. (Go to http://www.dhs .gov/about-dhs and click on “Careers.”) Jobs include law enforcement, information security, immigration and travel security, border security, prevention and response and more. Two area education leaders are University of Maryland University College and the American Military University.
Looking at University of Maryland University College
Since 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security and the NSA have consistently recognized University of Maryland University College (UMUC) for leadership in cyber security education. “Providing innovative and world class cyber security programs is one of the major strategic goals of UMUC,” said Dr. Amjad Ali, associate vice president and cyber security advisor to the president. In June, the agencies renewed UMUC’s status as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense Education (CAE IA/CD) for the academic years of 2014 to 2021. Jeff Tjiputra, DSc, is UMUC’s academic director for their undergraduate program in cyber security. Tjiputra said it’s one of the hottest employment fields today. “Lots of companies don’t have anyone on staff with cyber security in their job descrip-
Education Resources Along with University of Maryland University College and American Military University, look to these educational institutions for programs to help you get ahead in the civilian workforce:
Area Community Colleges
Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Md. offers an Associate of Applied Science in Homeland Security Management. Frederick Community College has an AAS degree in emergency management. www .aacc.edu/homeland/degree.cfm and www .frederick.edu AMERICAN MILITARY UNIVERSITY
American Military University works with employers who offer career opportunities for those in the military.
tion,” he said. “Yet everyone needs to be aware of it.” “UMUC is big in this area, one of the first schools to offer a degree in cyber security,” said Tjiputra. University of Maryland University College offers bachelors and masters degrees, and two majors in the field that work toward a Bachelors of Science. Nearly 4,000 students have declared cyber security as their major. “Cyber security is a skill that’s a mile wide and a few inches deep, with so many areas you can concentrate on,” he said. “But no single person can master it all.” It’s not just technical work, either, said Tjiputra. There are many people with cyber security skills where all they do is create policy, standards and best practices. “They’re writing and researching, not working on firewalls and servers.” He also listed cyber crime investigation, programming and management as just a few other areas to specialize in the field. Recognition as a CAE IA/CD allows UMUC students to apply to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Information Assurance Scholarship Program, said Ali. Scholarships come from grants to select institutions of higher learning from NSA and the Department of Homeland Security. (For more information, go to dodcio.defense .gov) More than 6,000 students enrolled in UMUC’s cyber security undergraduate and graduate programs in 2014, according to UMUC Provost Marie Cini. According to James Selbe, senior vice president for partnerships, marketing and enrollment management, UMUC has 50,000 military personnel, veterans and their families enrolled in courses. They account for more than half of the student body.
Fall 2014 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | HIGHER EDUCATION & LIFELONG LEARNING
“UMUC is one of the premier institutions serving the military community,” said Tjiputra. “Most service people know us, as we’re on base or have at least an online presence almost anywhere in the world.” For information on UMUC’s offerings for active-duty military, go to www.umuc.edu/ active-duty-military.
A Closer Look at the American Military University
American Military University was founded in 1991, when Marine Corps officer James P. Etter retired from teaching at Marine Corps Base Quantico. His vision was an education institution designed to meet the unique needs of the military— transient, working adults in need of traditional courses such as criminal justice and unique courses such as counterterrorism and military intelligence, which are not readily available at most colleges. Today, the institution offers more than 180 degrees and certificates; 53 percent of the institution’s more than 100,000 students are active duty, from all branches of service. Degree programs in security and global studies cover counter terrorism, counter intelligence, criminal justice, public policy and weapons of mass destruction preparedness, among many other areas. Sonia Ferraro, a senior manager of employer relations in career services, works with employers and student veterans every day. “Vets look for lots of jobs that often aren’t related to traditional military jobs,” she said. “Public health and hospitality and food service inspection are popular. Logistics is always in demand, and we offer a See EDUCATION continued on page 7
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University offers a certificate in national security studies, as well as degrees in government, international relations, bioscience and military affairs.advanced.jhu .edu
National Intelligence University
Headquartered at Joint Base AnacostiaBolling in Washington, D.C. with other locations in College Park and Fort Belvoir, National Intelligence University is a federal, degree-granting institution that educates intelligence officers. It’s the only institution in the nation that allows students to study and complete research in the Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (TS/ SCI) arena. National Intelligence University offers a Bachelor of Science in Intelligence, a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence, a Master of Science and Technology Intelligence, and graduate certificates in intelligence studies. www.ni-u.edu
Towson University
Towson University offers a master’s degree in homeland security management, as well as a post-baccalaureate certificate in security assessment and management. Programs are exclusively online, and both are specifically designed to prepare qualified people to fulfill workforce needs in homeland security. grad.towson.edu/program/master/ ihsm-ms/
University of Maryland
University of Maryland offers an undergraduate minor in global terrorism as well as a graduate certificate in terrorism analysis. The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) is a university-based research and education center committed to the study of causes and human consequences of terrorism in the U.S. and around the world. www.start .umd.edu 5
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Jones International University® 9697 E. Mineral Ave., Centennial, CO 80112 Admission Phone: 877.811.5668 Financial Aid Phone: 877.811.5668 Web address: jiumilitary.com Military Programs Phone: 877.811.5668 Military Programs Email: admissions@jiu.edu Type of School: Jones International University® is an online university offering associates, bachelors, masters, doctorate and certificate programs Online Courses Available?: Yes Top 5 Majors Available at Your School: Bachelor of Business Administration – Generalist Accelerated Bachelor of Business Administration – Entrepreneurship Accelerated Bachelor of Business Administration – Information Security Management, Cyber Security Bachelor of Business Administration – Health Care Management Masters of Business Administration – Information Technology Management Does Your school offer credit for work experience: Yes, Jones International University (JIU®) does offer credit for work experience however, a student must present a portfolio of their work to be reviewed for credit, and there is a $145/credit hour fee associated with presenting a portfolio. Tuition cost: Undergraduate degrees for military students, spouses and dependents are at $250/credit hour. Graduate level degrees receive a 20% reduction in tuition costs and range from $480-644/credit hour depending on the program. Other costs: Undergraduate books are covered by JIU’s military book program. Graduate program books are an out-of-pocket expense for students and vary per program. Is your school a Yellow Ribbon program participant?: Yes
How much does your school offer in yellow ribbon benefits and to how many students a semester and/or year? JIU contributes a maximum of $1035 for Undergraduates and $1992 for Doctoral students. Because JIU has very affordable tuition rate, we rarely meet the Yellow Ribbon tuition maximums so we have not had any students receive the benefits this year. Is your School a Servicemember Opportunity College participant? Yes. JIU is a SOCNAV-4, SOCMAR-4 and SOCCOAST-4 participant. Are special tuition rates available for military, spouses &/or children? Yes Special rates available: At JIU we understand the challenges military families face while trying to advance their careers and education due to frequent transfers, building new relationships and military deployments. That is why JIU is proud to offer spouses and dependents reduced tuition rates for undergraduate programs and a 20% reduction in tuition costs for graduate programs. Plus, all undergraduate program books are provided free of charge, and there are no application fees! Admission Requirements: JIU’s School of Business and a School of Education each have specific admission requirements, but our most general requirements for a bachelor’s degree in general business include: evidence of prerequisite skills proficiency through one of four options such as an official high school transcript showing evidence of graduating or an official passing GED transcript, official transcript of an earned associate degree or an official transcript that documents six credit hours or more that can be transferred into JIU from a college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A student should also have a min. of a 2.5 GPA to be admitted, however on occasion JIU does conditionally admit students with GPA’s lower than 2.5. Students are also required to complete an application form. What makes this school the right choice for a member of the military, veteran, and/or family member? Jones International University is the pioneer in online education and a longtime supporter of service members and their families. As the first 100% online institution in the U.S. to be granted regional accreditation we have set the bar in delivering the most current, relevant and engaging degree programs. Our mission is to provide students with an unparalleled educational experience, arming them with practical skills and confidence to move up the ranks or transition into a civilian career. 1042582
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Yellow Ribbon E
By C.D. Carter
J Goodroe said the military’s Yellow Ribbon program—designed to fill in Post 9/11 GI Bill tuition gaps—not only affords him a top-notch education, but it will also give him peace of mind as he enters the workforce. Goodroe, a Navy veteran and senior criminal justice major at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., said Yellow Ribbon assistance will be the difference between having to shoulder the heavy financial burden of post-graduation student loans and starting a career debt free. And Goodroe’s debt load would have been significant if it weren’t for the Yellow Ribbon program. Under the program, the Department of Veterans Affairs matches voluntary contributions from participating colleges and universities. Goodroe’s annual tuition bill would have been around $48,000. “It’s a truly fantastic program when you realize how much tuition costs are rising,” he said. “All I have to do is show up for class and do my best and not worry about loans or paying them back when I’m done with school. That’s one
huge burden off my back … and off the backs of a lot of veterans out there.” George Washington University came to an agreement with the VA that the school would match government contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 50 percent of the difference between the student’s tuition benefit and the total cost of tuition and fees. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers up to $17,500 annually for private colleges and universities, according to the VA, and up to 100 percent of instate public tuition. The Yellow Ribbon benefits are available to anyone who served at least 36 months after Sept. 10, 2001, as well as those who were honorably discharged from active duty after at least 30 days of service. More than 1,100 schools nationwide agreed to participate in the military’s Yellow Ribbon program right after it was launched in 2009, the Army News Service reported. Dozens of colleges and universities in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, from schools as small as Capitol College in Laurel, Md., to institutions as large
EDUATION continued from page 5
transportation and logistics program. After all, name a company and I’ll bet they have a logistics need.” She also listed business management, finance and public administration and said that many of the skills gained in the military are transferable. Along with defense organizations and IT contractors, AMU works with employers like Wal-Mart, Target and CarMax. Ferraro said employers are all looking for hardware and software experience, security clearances, and people trained in IT and security. In addition to degrees, AMU offers career assessment and coaching, interview training, career search help and more. Ferraro talks to students daily. “They all
as Johns Hopkins University. Maximum Yellow Ribbon contributions vary from school to school. Johns Hopkins’ School of Education, for example, will match $1,000 while Washington College in Chestertown, Md., will match up to $25,000 in tuition costs. Many schools, like Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, Va., don’t have a limit on the amount they will match in Yellow Ribbon funding. In August, the VA made it easier for military veterans to research which colleges and universities match Yellow Ribbon tuition assistance with the launch of the GI Bill Comparison Tool, designed for service members to more easily find the VA’s approved education and training programs covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The online comparison tool includes a section showing veterans whether a university has entered into a Yellow Ribbon agreement, and if so, how much tuition assistance the school has pledged to match. Yellow Ribbon assistance comes as the average student loan balance stands at $24,301, according to research from American Student Assistance. One in four stu-
want to know what jobs they can get with what degree,” she said. “They want to know what they can do or they have a plan and want to see if they can make it happen.” She said a degree adds theory and complementary knowledge to their experience. “A degree will help you, but it’s not a guarantee,” echoed George Vukovich, director, veteran’s outreach. “It’s so key to be able to interview and communicate effectively. In your acclimation back to society, you need to rid yourself of the military language with all those acronyms and brevity.” However, the Marine Corps veteran said to keep the physical bearing and leadership qualities. “Those are good things.” “The first thing I tell prospective students is that you need to be able to write
Fall 2014 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | HIGHER EDUCATION & LIFELONG LEARNING
For veterans, more than an opportunity
dent loan borrowers owe more than $28,000, while one in 10 borrowers owe more than $54,000. Goodroe struggled throughout high school prior to entering the Navy and served as a field radio operator and satellite communications specialist. He said the military’s educational offerings were a key selling point for his parents, though he didn’t knew how beneficial that tuition help would be until he started school at George Washington University. “I’m getting a world class education here, and I decid-
ed to just put my head down and work as hard as I possibly could,” he said, adding that the Yellow Ribbon application process was a simple one. “I can have a leg up with having no student loans to pay back. It’s unbelievable, really. Sometimes I ask myself, ‘What did I really do to deserve this?’ Sometimes I feel like it’s almost not fair.” “Yellow Ribbon should be a great recruitment [tool],” Goodroe continued. “It really lets you start a career without having to go on worrying about huge loan payments.”
Online resources • www.defense.gov • www.services.military.gwu.edu/ yellow-ribbon-program-procedures • www.army.mil • www.asa.org
and communicate very well—outside of the military setting,” said Dr. Nicole Drumhiller, program director, intelligence studies at AMU’s School of Security and Global Studies. “Not only do you need that skill in the workplace, but all our courses have writing components, and our graduate program requires a master’s thesis.” She said that in most workplace settings, writing and communicating well demonstrates the ability to learn new things and think critically. Drumhiller added that being able to “repackage” your applied experience in the military for employers is also important. “Add new skills sets to your existing ones and you’ll see wide ranges of applications,” she said. She added that keeping any secu-
rity clearances active and valid could also be valuable in public sector employment. Vukovich said that veterans find out through networks and organizations like Student Veterans of America about educational opportunities. “Often, multiple deployments have gotten in the way of completing their degrees,” said Vukovich. “For recent discharges in particular, I tell them to focus and don’t wait too long to make a decision. You only have 15 years of education benefits eligibility with the Post9/11 GI Bill.” “Drop your packs and assimilate back to society,” he said. “Then, when you’re ready, start your academic program and see it through.” 7
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Face of Defense: Army Reservist Pursues Higher Education
A
rmy Spc. Joshua Meyer used his physical strength and stamina to finish first during the road march portion of the Best Warrior competition hosted here by the Army Reserve’s 99th Regional Support Command and 76th Operational Response Command last week. In civilian life, Meyer is using his intellectual prowess on the road to obtaining his undergraduate degree from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, N.Y. “Being in college during the week and then on duty during the weekends works out quite well with my schedule,” said Meyer, a trumpet player with the Army Reserve’s 198th Army Band, headquartered in Rochester. “The Army Reserve has helped me out quite a bit financially with my civilian education.” Meyer has served in the Army Reserve for the past three years and is a recipient of the gold German Proficiency Badge. “Being a citizen-soldier in the Army Reserve means that I get to have a civilian life with a job and school, then I get to become a soldier when I put the uniform on,” he said. “It is the best of both worlds.” In addition to the road march event, the Best Warrior Competition tested citizen-soldiers’ war-
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one with children or those who may have trouble getting to a scheduled class every week. You will have to apply to the college or university and be accepted to be able to take classes in this manner. Check your local colleges. Many offer degrees and certificate programs for working adults. Some things are still best experienced offline. While many people 10
rior skills with events such as the Army Physical Fitness Test, M16 qualification and “move and shoot” ranges, hand-to-hand combatives, day and night land navigation, and urban combat. “We’ve been planning this for the past eight months,” said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jesus DeJesus, coordinator and noncommissioned officer in charge of the Best Warrior Competition. “Some of us don’t do this type of training all the time, so it’s good for the competitors.” The Best Warrior Competition tested the physical, mental and emotional stamina of its competitors over several days, pushing them to their limits. “The competition was a great experience that was offered to me, and I could not pass it up,” Meyer said.
Army Spc. Joshua Meyer, a college student in civilian life and a trumpet player with the Army Reserve’s 198th Army Band, participates in the road march event as part of the Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., April 23, 2014. U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SGT. SALVATORE OTTAVIANO
enjoy engaging in discussions on message boards, nothing can beat a lively, in-person conversation. Consider the type of class you are taking. An in-depth analysis of Emily Dickinson’s poetry could easily have thoughtful discourse online, whereas learning a new language might be easier in a traditional classroom setting, where you can actively engage with fellow students. Also, don’t be intimidated as an
adult taking a class. Younger students will inspire and energize you, while you can bring a different perspective. Don’t discount nontraditional ways of gaining knowledge, either. Apple stores offer free classes in Mac programs, and other computer stores may, as well. If you’re trying to learn another language, see whether there are any native speakers in your area and whether they are willing to do a language exchange. Want to learn to cook? Offer to
work in a restaurant kitchen for no pay several nights a week. Taking classes and gaining knowledge should not only be about furthering your career, but it should also help you engage with the world around you and give you a better, well-rounded life. Maybe taking a class in Norse mythology has nothing to do with your career or your life in general, but if it’s something you’re curious about, why not do it?
HIGHER EDUCATION & LIFELONG LEARNING | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • Fall 2014
1042399
Address:
37 & O Streets, NW Rafik B. Hariri Building, Suite 474 Washington, DC 20057 msb.georgetown.edu
Important Numbers Admission Phone 202-687-2691 Military Programs Contact David Shearman Military Programs Phone 202-687-2708 Military Programs Email veteranservices@georgetown.edu
The Top 4 Degrees offered are: 1.Georgetown Executive MBA 2. Georgetown-ESADE Global Executive MBA 3.Georgetown Executive Master’s in Leadership 4. Corporate International Master’s in Business • We are Yellow Ribbon Participants
Admission Requirements At Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, we seek individuals who endeavor to enrich the business environment and who also possess diversity in every sense of the word: gender, age, ethnicity, variety of industry and job function, and geographic location. Applicants are required to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or the equivalent from an international college or university. A business background is not required; however, all applicants should demonstrate high potential for leadership. Additionally, applicants must possess a minimum of eight years of work experience and are required to submit for review a resume, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, a letter of support from their current employer, and official transcripts from all academic course work. All applicants also are required to interview with a member of the Admissions Committee.
Why is this School the Right Choice for Military Members or Military Family Members Georgetown’s executive degree programs are designed to train leaders to identify where their organization stands in relation to the current global environment, shows them how to best position their enterprise for the future success, and equips them with the tools to achieve desired objectives. A combination of course work, residencies and a capstone project provides the framework to attain personal and professional leadership. Our classes are led by experienced faculty who offer practical and applicable knowledge and are equally committed to our students as mentors beyond the classroom. Our students span a wide range of industries and functional areas. Global in nature, our curriculum integrates all functional business areas, and incorporates international consulting projects. It also capitalizes on our location by providing a world view that can only be derived from Georgetown’s access to the key institutions and leaders in Washington, D.C.- the epicenter of global business and policy. 01040345
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