⇐ Please Choose a Tab
Higher Education - Army & Air Force
Members of the military community in Europe, whether active duty, family members or civilians, want higher education. They know that an associate, bachelor or postgraduate degree can mean promotions and better paying jobs, whether in or out of the service.
That is why the command here has established an elaborate program of university-level instruction. Five colleges and universities presently have contracts to provide this instruction: University of Maryland University College-Europe, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, The University of Oklahoma, Central Texas College and the University of Phoenix.
You may earn your degree while you are overseas, even if deployed, or you may transfer credits to a stateside college or university. It's possible to attend classes evenings and weekends, to get college credit without study for things already known, or to take advantage of the exciting new "virtual classrooms" of the cyber age.
So the excuse of "no time" is rarely valid here. Nor is the "can't afford it" excuse. An array of financial assistance is also available to deserving students.
DISTANCE EDUCATION
The cyber age has made possible a vast improvement over the old fashioned, mail-order correspondence course. Video/audio, CD-ROM, computer-based instruction, e-mail, internet and even satellite techniques provide a whole new dimension.
The "virtual classroom," which simulates the traditional classroom in many ways, arrived in the last decade and is here to stay, with a possibly revolutionary impact on the whole education system. Its presence is strongly felt in Europe. People here who can benefit from it are not only ones located in remote areas, but also people who do a lot of traveling (your "classroom" is anywhere you can find a networked computer) and persons whose work or personal situation demands that they be at a certain location during the time that classes are usually offered.
Much of this new kind of education differs markedly from the pencil-and-paper correspondence courses of yesteryear. A large portion of the distance learning taken within the military today is either video-based or web-based. The web-based courses have an instructor and last for a semester just like the traditional courses. The widely-dispersed students are expected to check in several times a week, read what the instructor has to say, ask questions, do their homework, write term papers and take an examination at the end of the semester. Most final exams are online but some are taken at an education center under proctored conditions.
A big advantage of distance education is that the student isn't required to be at a certain place at a certain time. Communication between members of the class and the instructor is generally asynchronous, meaning "not at the same time." Classes aren't chat rooms. Things are left posted until the student or instructor accesses them.
CREDIT FOR WHAT YOU KNOW
At the end of World War II, the Army realized that it had in fact interrupted the high school education of hundreds of thousands of young American men by drafting them to active duty. Likewise, the Army realized that a large majority of those soldier/veterans had acquired knowledge and skills because of their Army training and experience. Out of this realization came the original tests of General Education Development or the GED, tests originally owned by the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI).
Civilian educators rapidly realized the applicability of these GED tests to the general population and soon the civilian GED Institute was created to make these tests available to non-veterans as well. These tests were the forerunners of today's College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Likewise, the USAFI was the forerunner of today's Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).
The servicemember doesn't always have to be examined on what he or she knows. The American Council on Education (ACE) has recommended the number of credit hours that civilian schools may wish to award based on a servicvemember's military training and experience. All five colleges and universities presently under contract to EUCOM accept these recommendations.
DANTES also certifies distance education courses other than the ones offered by the contracting universities. There are thousands of such courses covering an incredible range of subject matter. And it is possible, in some cases, to get tuition assistance for taking these courses. But don't undertake one without first consulting an advisor at your nearest education center.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
A wide variety of financial aid opportunities are offered to members of the military community in the form of scholarships, student loans, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Loans, Veterans' Educational Benefits, the G.I. Bill, and more.
DANTES also offers tuition assistance in some cases, and financial aid advisors are available to answer questions and guide students through the financial aid process. Such aid can be used concurrently with VA educational benefits, scholarships, military tuition assistance, and military spouse tuition assistance.
The Army has established a centralized tuition assistance management system, GoArmyEd, to make tuition assistance available to soldiers anywhere. It's a dynamic online portal that automates many of the paper-based processes soldiers historically conducted with their Army education counselor.
ONLINE UNIVERSITY
The Electronic Army University (eArmyU) is an innovative e-learning program within the GoArmyEd portal. It provides soldiers worldwide access to more than one hundred degree plans at regionally-accredited colleges and universities. Through it they have the opportunity to earn a certificate or an associate, bachelor's or master's degree from a home college while taking courses from multiple colleges.
Once enrolled, soldiers receive up to 100% funding for tuition, course-related fees and books (up to the established semester hour cap and tuition ceiling). Army personnel interested in GoArmyEd or eArmyU should check with their Education Centers or the website at www.earmyu.com.
WHAT YOU CAN STUDY IN EUROPE
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has been providing post secondary education programs overseas for nearly three decades. More than five thousand of our students, stationed in eight European countries and the Middle East have earned undergraduate and graduate degrees, and have gone on to pursue successful careers in the military and in industry.
Embry-Riddle tailors its programs and classes to fit the needs of adult students, offering certificate programs and associates, bachelors and masters degrees. Whether the format is traditional classroom, condensed weekend or distance learning, Embry-Riddle can accommodate the busy schedules of working adults anywhere, anytime. Its faculty members are highly regarded in their field of expertise and bring creativity, experience and integrity to the "classroom". Embry-Riddle combines quality academic preparation, professional education and management training with the prestige of a world renowned university.
Emerging trends in the aviation industry require employers to recruit individuals with global aviation education and experience. Embry-Riddle students receive these necessary credentials. Combined with their career experience Embry-Riddle graduates empower organizations with the knowledge base and practical experience to handle the ever changing demands of the modern world. Organizations are looking for employees with an education foundation, practical experience and professional skills. Embry-Riddle offers everything students need to ensure success in their current and future careers.
Visit your local education office to find out what Embry-Riddle offers to boost your career!
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
CMR 429, APO AE 09054. (Europaallee 6, 67657 Kaiserslautern, Germany)
Tel: (DSN) 483-7811, (civilian) +49 (0) 631-303-27811
Web: www.erau.edu/europe
University of Maryland University College
University of Maryland University College offers unparalleled on-site support and course offerings that are matched with equally substantive online services and program opportunities. UMUC is the leading providers of education for the U.S. military and the largest public university in the U.S., serving 90,000 students worldwide, including 60,000 military students. By combining world class services with traditional academic values, UMUC has established itself as an integral part of overseas military life.
Students may enroll in a full range of undergraduate and graduate on-site and online courses leading to more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including certificates and associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees at over 60 sites across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
In addition to the wide variety of available programs, UMUC offers students numerous support services, such as: academic advising, library resources, writing assistance, career services, on-site computer labs, and financial aid.
To lower education costs for students, active-duty servicemembers, family members, and civilians stationed overseas receive the military contract tuition rate and may qualify for Europe-based student scholarships, Federal Pell Grants, loans, veterans educational benefits, and military tuition assistance. UMUC financial aid advisors are available to answer questions and guide students through the financial aid process.
As a pioneer in distance education, UMUC is the largest public university providing online higher education in the U.S. The award-winning Distance Education program extends the university's reach across the globe. Students may participate in UMUC on-site courses or online courses that originate in Europe, Asia, or Adelphi, Maryland, using the military tuition rate.
In partnership with Bowie State University, UMUC Europe offers in-demand master's degree programs in counseling psychology, school counseling, management information systems, and public administration. UMUC Europe also offers graduate certificates and a master's degree in information technology. Designated as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency, UMUC is committed to excellence in academics and providing professionals with the skills needed to improve the protection of the national information infrastructure.
Whether students deploy, relocate, or go on temporary duty, they can continue their education without interruption. Moreover, to accelerate student progress towards a degree, UMUC Europe awards credit for military schools and training, and maintains strategic collaborations with key military programs -- such as the Air University ABC program, GoArmyEd, Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership, and Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC) -- to allow students to earn a degree with ease.
Since 1949, active-duty servicemembers, reservists, veterans, civilians, and family members have achieved their academic and career goals through UMUC. To learn how to begin or continue with your educational goals log on to www.ed.umuc.edu.
University of Maryland University College-Europe/Bowie State University
Tel: (DSN) 314-370-6762, (civilian) +49-(0)6221-3780
E-mail: edstudent_svc@ed.umuc.edu or gradprog@ed.umuc.edu
Web: www.ed.umuc.edu
Central Texas College
Central Texas College offers vocational-technical programs leading towards Certificates of Completion and Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Applied Management-Military Science, Automotive Technology, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Early Childhood Professions, Emergency Medical Technology, Food Service and Hospitality Management, Paralegal Studies and Fire Prevention Technology. Classes are taught at times and dates designed to accommodate the students' work schedules. Online courses in several of these vocational-technical programs are available to help students finish their degree.
The college's other educational programs include a Microsoft Certification Program for Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, A+ and Network+, and an on-line High School Completion program. In addition, the college offers a large variety of education support functions. These include personnel who work in education centers as Administrative Assistants, Test Examiners, Learning Center Operators, Language Program Mangers, Facility Administrators, Automation Technicians and Counselor Aides.
Central Texas College provides foreign language instructors to teach Headstart and Refresher Maintenance and Interoperability courses as well as tutorial instruction. The college also offers basic, remedial academic instruction, and provides academic instructors to teach NCO development courses. At present Central Texas College operates at bases and posts throughout Europe; the Balkans; the Sinai; in Southwest Asia in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Qatar; and in Djibouti, Africa.
Central Texas College
Unit CMR 418 APO, AE 09058
Viernheimer Weg, Building 50, 68307 Mannheim, Germany
Tel: (DSN) 382-4213, (civilian) +49-(0)621-799-4213
Web: www.europe.ctcd.edu
There are plenty of opportunities available to take college courses and even pursue a degree whether you are at sea or at a shore installation.
A higher education can mean promotions and better paying jobs, whether in or out of the service. That is why the military has established an elaborate program of university-level instruction. Several colleges and universities presently provide this instruction. Among them are University of Maryland University College-Europe, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, The University of Oklahoma, Central Texas College and the University of Phoenix.
You may earn your degree while you are overseas, even if deployed, or you may transfer credits to a stateside college or university. It's possible to attend classes in the evenings and on weekends, and to get college credit without study for things already known. All of the contracting universities have agreed to recognize certain aspects of your training as helping you qualify for a degree.
The cyber age has permitted a big step forward in education. Distance Learning is now a very common way for students to take college courses. Video/audio, CD-ROM, computer-based instruction, e-mail, Internet and even satellite techniques provide a whole new dimension. And the chances are you can afford the education. Financial aid is available and can be used concurrently with VA educational benefits, scholarships, military tuition assistance, and military spouse tuition assistance.
The Navy has a number of different programs that cater to just about any service member's circumstances. Information about them can be found on the Navy College Program website (www.navycollege.navy.mil). According to the website, "The Navy College Program, NCP, provides opportunities to Sailors to earn college degrees by providing academic credit for Navy training, work experience, and off-duty education. The NCP mission is to enable Sailors to obtain a college degree while on active duty. In support of the four R's- Recruiting, Readiness, Retention, and Respect, the NCP signals Navy's commitment to education: by improving enlistment appeal; by demonstrating that Navy service and achieving a college degree are compatible; by helping Sailors apply themselves to new situations and challenges and better preparing them for advancement; by building up Sailors' self-image, and producing higher quality Sailors. The Navy College Program integrates all components of Voluntary Education. While the NCP is primarily geared toward enlisted Sailors, some NCP components are also available to officers."
You can find information on the website about many different programs. Among them are: Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES); Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE); NCP Distance Learning Partnership Schools, Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges - Navy (SOCNAV), Tuition Assistance and others.
What you can study
University of Maryland University College
University of Maryland University College Europe offers students more - more programs, services, affordability, and convenience. As the 12th largest degree-granting university in the U.S., UMUC serves 90,000 students worldwide. By combining world class services with traditional academic values, UMUC has established itself as an integral part of overseas military life.
Students may enroll in a full range of undergraduate and graduate on-site and online courses leading to certificates and associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees at 70 sites in Europe and the Middle East.
In addition to the wide variety of available programs, UMUC offers students numerous support services, such as: academic advising, library resources, writing assistance, career services, on-site computer labs, and financial aid.
To lower education costs for students, UMUC Europe offers a wide variety of financial aid opportunities and support services. Active-duty servicemembers, family members, and civilians stationed overseas receive the military contract tuition rate and may qualify for Europe-based student scholarships, Federal Pell Grants, loans, veterans educational benefits, and military tuition assistance. UMUC financial aid advisors are available to answer questions and guide students through the financial aid process.
As a pioneer in distance education, UMUC is the largest public university providing online higher education in the U.S. The award-winning Distance Education program extends the university's reach across the globe. Students may participate in UMUC on-site courses, or online courses that originate in Europe, Asia, or Adelphi, Maryland, using the military tuition rate.
In partnership with Bowie State University, UMUC Europe offers in-demand master's degree programs in counseling psychology, school counseling, management information systems, and public administration. UMUC Europe also offers graduate certificates and a master's degree in information technology. Designated as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency, UMUC is committed to excellence in academics and providing professionals with the skills needed to improve the protection of the national information infrastructure.
Whether students deploy, relocate, or go on temporary duty, they can continue their education without interruption. Moreover, to accelerate student progress towards a degree, UMUC Europe awards credit for military schools and training, and maintains strategic collaborations with key military programs--such as Air University ABC program, GoArmyED, Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership, and Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC)--allowing students to earn a degree with ease.
Since 1949, active-duty servicemembers, reservists, veterans, civilians, and family members have achieved their academic and career goals through UMUC. To learn how to begin or continue with your educational goals log on to www.ed.umuc.edu.
University of Maryland University College-Europe/Bowie State University
E-mail: edstudent_svc@ed.umuc.edu or gradprog@ed.umuc.edu
Web: www.ed.umuc.edu
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has been providing post secondary education programs overseas for nearly three decades. More than five thousand of our students, stationed in eight European countries and the Middle East have earned undergraduate and graduate degrees, and have gone on to pursue successful careers in the military and in industry.
Embry-Riddle tailors its programs and classes to fit the needs of adult students, offering certificate programs and associates, bachelors and masters degrees. Whether the format is traditional classroom, condensed weekend or distance learning, Embry-Riddle can accommodate the busy schedules of working adults anywhere, anytime. Its faculty members are highly regarded in their field of expertise and bring creativity, experience and integrity to the "classroom". Embry-Riddle combines quality academic preparation, professional education and management training with the prestige of a world renowned university.
Emerging trends in the aviation industry require employers to recruit individuals with global aviation education and experience. Embry-Riddle students receive these necessary credentials. Combined with their career experience Embry-Riddle graduates empower organizations with the knowledge base and practical experience to handle the ever changing demands of the modern world. Organizations are looking for employees with an education foundation, practical experience and professional skills. Embry-Riddle offers everything students need to ensure success in their current and future careers.
Visit your local education office to find out what Embry-Riddle offers to boost your career!
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Web: www.erau.edu/europe
Central Texas College
Central Texas College offers vocational-technical programs leading towards Certificates of Completion and Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Applied Management-Military Science, Automotive Technology, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Early Childhood Professions, Emergency Medical Technology, Food Service and Hospitality Management, Paralegal Studies and Fire Prevention Technology. Classes are taught at times and dates designed to accommodate the students' work schedules. Online courses in several of these vocational-technical programs are available to help students finish their degree.
The college's other educational programs include a Microsoft Certification Program for Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, A+ and Network+, and an on-line High School Completion program. In addition, the college offers a large variety of education support functions. These include personnel who work in education centers as Administrative Assistants, Test Examiners, Learning Center Operators, Language Program Mangers, Facility Administrators, Automation Technicians and Counselor Aides.
Central Texas College provides foreign language instructors to teach Headstart and Refresher Maintenance and Interoperability courses as well as tutorial instruction. The college also offers basic, remedial academic instruction, and provides academic instructors to teach NCO development courses. At present Central Texas College operates at bases and posts throughout Europe; the Balkans; the Sinai; in Southwest Asia in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Qatar; and in Djibouti, Africa.
Central Texas College
Web: www.europe.ctcd.edu
University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma has offered programs to the military around the world for over 40 years, at locations such as Naples, Rota, Yokosuka, Guam and Okinawa. Unique to OU is the accelerated course delivery format designed to meet the needs of working adults. Courses are taught around the world by faculty from the Norman, Oklahoma campus. OU integrates technology into its program delivery through continuous on-line enrollment and payment, electronic access to syllabi and textbook ordering, distance education courses and library resources available 24 hours a day.
University of Oklahoma
Web: www.outreach.ou.edu/military
University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix.Twenty-first Century problems require 21st Century solutions. As the world is changing, higher education becomes more valuable, and graduate degrees have become essential hallmarks for career success. Increased emphasis upon knowledge acquisition and communications mean today's graduate institutions stress research, critical thinking, and communication - all skills needed to excel in business, education, and the military.
You can earn your degree in less than two years. University of Phoenix representatives are located at Naples, Sigonella, Guam, Yokosuka, and Okinawa.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs emphasize disciplines such as leadership, finance, and marketing, and engage learners in comprehensive studies of businesses set within the Global Village. Master of Arts in Education (MAED) programs focus upon the changing methods of knowledge acquisition, differences in learning styles, and impart instruction that combines the latest in teaching technologies.
University of Phoenix offers several MAED programs of instruction, including those that provide certification for primary and secondary teaching. Another MAED program, Adult Education and Training, prepares the graduate to work in the world of corporate training and development.
University of Phoenix
Web: military.phoenix.edu