Wednesday 4 August 2010

Online College Allows Education Anywhere the Military Life Takes You

Choosing to enroll in the military is an admirable and worthy pursuit. Not only does an individual have the honor of serving his or her country and becoming all they can be, but they also have the opportunity to travel around the world. Another advantage is the armed services offer its troopers access to continuing their education, so they can also take advantage of these higher education opportunities. As a result, these military students frequently leave the service with valuable qualifications in hand.

However, how can military students pay for their education? It is common that the military will pay for a student's degree if he or she commits to several years of service after graduation. This can seem like an advantageous option for many. Not only does an individual get to achieve a bachelor's degree, but he or she then has the opportunity to get hands on experience to learn, travel and work on what they learn with the military.

Probably more important is what kind of degree the soldier walks out with. These students may want to look for online degree programs in order to maximize time with friends and family before traveling abroad with their unit. Online schools offer flexible study programs, so military students often fulfill their service to their unit while enrolled in courses. They then can put money away for their future.

Other military students might find that scholarship programs help them afford the education of their dreams from other outlets besides their branch of the armed services. One such program was recently highlighted by Topeka, Kansas, CBS news affiliate, Channel 13 WIBW. Military students were offered scholarships by the home state installation, Fort Riley.

Thanks to community donations and other support, the base known as "the Home of America's Army" was able to offer 10 students funding to complete their education. These individuals were either related to or spouses of Fort Riley military personnel.

This is not an unheard of situation. Such programs are not unique to military families and can give students an extra financial boost. In addition, online schools may be the best option for these learners, for they can study on a more flexible basis and therefore spend more time with family members when they are on leave or visiting home.

One thing all members of the armed services know, they can be deployed at any time and to anywhere. Online education will allow them to access course materials at the times they can, whether one is stationed in the Middle East or on a battleship on tour of duty in the Pacific Ocean. As long as they have access to Wi-Fi, they can work on their studies. In fact, many virtual schools will cut a soldier slack regarding deadlines if they are on a mission.

Modern technology, therefore, can help military students keep their studies going for their online degrees while doing admirable work for their country. Military scholarships and grants help pave the way. This invaluable experience may be complimented by a bachelors or associates degree if the individual chooses to enroll in an online degree program, subsequently forming the foundations of their future.