Continuing Education for Military Veterans

After serving our country, many veterans are ready to pursue new employment opportunities. As many realize, a high school diploma or even an associate’s degree is often not enough to procure employment with a decent salary and benefits. Also, some veterans may have unfinished college coursework or dream jobs that require additional education, which may not seem feasible if they are working already and supporting families. Fortunately, the rise in online education has allowed more veterans the ability to pursue their passions, interests and, ultimately, careers. The following are some of the benefits for veterans who pursue online continuing education.

You can utilize your experiences.

Through online education, many veterans can pursue careers that help other military personnel, having once been employed in similar, high-stress occupations. No one can empathize better with active personnel, as well as other veterans, than those who have served in their positions. There are numerous online programs in military social work, including a flexible program at the University of Southern California. This program prepares students to provide support to active and retired military personnel suffering from conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. Students work towards master’s degrees at their own paces, accessing interactive, online coursework as well as getting hands-on practice during live field experiences.

Your time is flexible.

Military.com Education emphasizes that online education offers the luxury of flexibility. You can choose how many courses you wish to take and when you want to access your courses. You can do your coursework in the middle of the night or early in the morning. You can manage your school time around your work schedule and other activities. If you have children, online education allows you to spend more time with them and cuts down on childcare costs. Naturally, online classes require self-discipline because professors still post assignment deadlines and offer rigorous coursework. It requires a fair amount of organization, so make sure that you are self-disciplined enough to handle it. Try taking one course to see if the format is right for you.

There are financial aid incentives.

As long as you take courses from an accredited institution, you are still eligible for financial aid. Get Educated describes the various financial aid options available to military veterans. Some veterans use the older Montgomery GI Bill, while those who have served for a minimum of three years since 2001 can access the post 9/11 GI Bill, which can cover the entire cost of your education. Some veterans are eligible for both incentives. You can find out exactly what types of aid you are eligible for by contacting the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 or visiting the website of the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.

Achieve your dreams.

It is never too late to go back to school and prepare for a new career in something that you love. Online education allows you to explore your passions while still working and spending time with your family. Whether you have always yearned to be a teacher or a therapist, education has never been so accessible.

This post was written by Joshua John, he handles community relations for the University of Southern California’s Online Masters of Social Work.