How to Get Your Master's Degree in the Military

In 2006, 39.4 percent of Air Force officers had master's degrees. Similar statistics are reported by the National Center for Education Statistics for each branch, and many of those service members have earned master's degrees while serving on active duty. Each branch of the U.S. military offers a tuition assistance program that pays most, if not all, college expenses incurred by active duty service members. Classes and coursework must be scheduled around regular duty hours unless unit commanders authorize school attendance during the workday.

Instructions

    • 1

      Contact your installation's Education Center. Most military installations have an Education Center located in or near the installation library.

    • 2

      Enroll in your branch's tuition assistance program by visiting the Education Center and applying. Even if you choose not to take tuition assistance from your branch, your unit may require you to visit the Education Center and obtain a letter of release that allows you to attend college courses during work hours or guarantees you will be released from duty at specific times on specific days to attend classes.

    • 3

      Visit the Veterans Affairs office on your chosen college or university's campus to activate your tuition assistance or other military benefits.

    • 4

      Enroll in and attend classes. Arrive at your classes on time; if you are called away from classes for duty, explain your absence in detail to each instructor. Many college and university professors are willing to make small compromises for required military duty.

    • 5

      Complete the full degree plan outlined by your academic counselor. If you do not complete all required courses, you will not be eligible to receive a master's degree. When your military duty precludes you from attending certain courses, meet with your academic counselor or personnel in the registrar's office to make alternate arrangements. For example, some classes can be taken on weekends or during evening hours; you may also be eligible to take some courses at other campuses or even other institutions.

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