Have questions about military online learning? We answer some common military online frequently asked questions.
Q. How Fast Can I Earn My Degree?
A. That depends on what school you choose. For example some schools have classes that last five weeks, while others have classes that last eight weeks. Then there are schools that allow you to “fast track” your way through classes, which makes it possible to finish classes “at an accelerated pace.” However, while those schools generally won’t have a minimum time to work “at an accelerated pace” they will have a maximum time that the class must be completed.
Q. Will My Classes Be 100% Online?
A. That will depend on the school you choose and the courses you take, however there are a number of 100% online schools, that don’t require any actual physical classroom time.
Q. What Kind of Equipment or Software is Required?
A. Generally speaking you will need reliable internet connectivity, and a computer. If any software is needed your chosen school will help you with the download and or purchase.
Q. What Can I Transfer For College Credit?
A. Many online schools will accept military transfer credits, and credits from other accredited schools. Some online schools have time restrictions on transferable credits, ask your school if they have these restrictions. To see how to obtain your military credits check our Tuition Assistance page, choose your affiliation, and follow step one.
Q. How Many Credits Will I Transfer?
A. That depends on where your credits are coming from and what program they are going into. Military credits earned while training may transfer into some programs, but not others. It also depends on the maximum credits your school allows you to transfer. Ask your school about their policy concerning the maximum amount of transferable credits. Have your online school perform a transfer of credit evaluation. This will let you know which credits transfer into a given program.
Q. How Much Does it Cost?
A. That depends on your school. Some schools are more expensive than others. Some schools will supply you with books, software, study guides, etc. at no additional cost. Ask about any available scholarships or military discounts at your chosen school. Keep in mind military tuition assistance may be available to you. Check to see what your benefits are Tuition Assistance.
Q. Will My Online Credits Transfer to a Traditional Brick and Mortar School?
A. The short answer is your credits should transfer, provided that they come from an accredited online college or university. However, each individual school sets their own transfer of credit policy. It’s at their discretion whether they accept it or not.
Q. How Does Online Learning Work?
A. That depends on your school; each school does it a little differently. Generally, you can expect to have everything a traditional school has, minus the physical in classroom time. Assignments, papers, studying etc. Check our Online Learning Methods for the two main types of online learning.
Q. Can I Really Complete a Degree in as Little as 2 Years?
A. That depends on you and your school. If you choose a school that allows you to go at an accelerated pace, and you work hard, really hard, than yes it is possible.
Q. What Happens if I get Deployed?
A. That depends on your school. Some schools allow “breaks” during deployment. These “breaks” allow you to pick up where you left off when you return from deployment, even during a class. Not all schools do this, however. Familiarize yourself with your chosen schools military deployment policy. Look at our Questions to Ask for more help.
Q. Will a Company Look at an Online Degree Differently than a Traditional Degree?
A. The short answer to this question is they shouldn’t look at an online degree differently. However, a company decides what degrees they will and will not accept. It’s at their discretion. If you are looking for a federal job, provided it’s accredited you shouldn’t have a problem with an online degree.
Q. What Degrees are Available Online?
A. There are countless degrees that are available online. From Health Administration to Computer Engineering. Chances are if you want to study it, it’s probably available. Check our Degree Profiles for information on popular degrees, job outlook, and potential pay.
Q. What is Accreditation?
A. Educational Accreditation is basically a guarantee that an institution and its operations have been examined by a third party, and applicable standards have been successfully met. Take a look at Accreditation Explained for more info.
Q. What Types of Accreditation are there?
A. There are two main types of accreditation Regional and National, look at our Accreditation Tips for general information.
Q. Is Online Accreditation Different From Traditional School Accreditation?
A. It depends on the accreditation but, for the most part, it’s the same. The accrediting bodies that accredit the traditional brick and mortar schools, accredit the online schools. They have to meet the same academic standards.
Q. What Kinds of College Level Testing are Available to the Military?
A. CLEP Testing, and DSST (formerly DANTES) are current college level testing available to the military. If you are looking to maximize your transfer of credits into your chosen university, this is a great way to do it. Check our CLEP page and DSST page for available tests.
Q. How Are Exams Taken?
A. That depends on the school, some schools have testing that takes place online, and timed. Some schools have proctored exams. Ask your school how tests are taken. See our Questions to Ask for more.