If you want to pursue long-term military service, an online university program can help you prepare for a successful career. Here's what to look for in an online university that'll prepare you well for a successful military career.
Make Sure the Online University Is Accredited
Accreditation is a mark of quality among colleges and universities, and you'll want to choose an accredited online university so that you know you'll receive a high-quality education that prepares you well. The level of instruction isn't the only reason to choose an accredited online university, though.
Several branches of the armed forces offer student loan assistance to active-duty personnel, and this assistance may pay a large portion or all of your student loans for you. In order to qualify for any assistance program, however, you'll have to enroll in an accredited university. Assistance is limited to loans from accredited schools.
Getting help with your student loans doesn't just provide you with a personal financial benefit, but it also sets you up for a more flexible military career. Without student loan payments, you won't have to take positions that pay the most immediately but rather can accept whichever post will best set you up for long-term success. Sometimes immediate payoff and long-term potential aren't the same.
Choose a Major That Has Military Relevance
When you choose a major to pursue, select one that'll be useful in the military. This requirement doesn't limit you to only a few fields, for many different areas of study are helpful in military settings. A few degrees to consider include the following:
- Computer Engineering, which is needed as computers become more and more prominent in military operations
- Management, which can help you motivate, discipline, and otherwise manage personnel below you if you become an officer
- Linguistics, which might lead to a military career as an intelligence officer or a translator in a region where people speak your studied language
- History, which can help when military leaders decide how to respond to developing modern situations that parallel historical events
- International Relations, which helps when making decisions about militaristic and diplomatic approaches to situations
If you're unsure which major is most suited to the type of military career you'd like to pursue, a recruiting officer can help you select a suitable major.
Experience with Future Military Personnel
An online university that works with other students who want to pursue a military career will know how to serve people like you well. Look for a school that has previous students who now are leading successful careers in the armed forces. Learn more about online universities for military personnel today.