I've served in the military for a few years now and I'd like to use that experience to gain some online college credits. Can anyone guide me on how to go about it?
One way to gain online college credits for military experience is through the American Council on Education's Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. This guide provides a transcript of ACE recommended college credits for various military occupational specialties. You can match these credits with equivalent online courses offered by accredited institutions that recognize ACE recommendations.
Furthermore, you can take advantage of the Military Tuition Assistance benefit, which is available to active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve Component service members. This funding covers tuition expenses for courses that are taken during off-duty hours and can be used toward traditional or distance (online) learning.
Another option is to consider the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) or DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) examinations. These standardized tests allow you to earn college credits by demonstrating knowledge in a subject area.
In addition to these options, The Joint Services Transcript (JST) provides documentation of all military training and experience, including service members' occupational specialty. Most regionally-accredited colleges and universities accept these transcripts and convert the experience outlined into college credit.
Last but not least, ensure the college you are considering is military-friendly. Ideally, the school would have a dedicated Military and Veterans Services office which can guide you through the admission, enrollment, and credit transfer process.
Remember that the equivalency of military experience to academic courses may vary among institutions. Consult with an academic advisor at the online institutions you're considering to understand how your military experience might translate into credits at their respective school. They can guide you on the most advantageous path for why and how to gain online college credits for military service.
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