Can I transfer my Army college credits to a university?

I've earned some college credits through the Army and am wondering if I can apply these toward a degree at a civilian university. How would I go about transferring these credits?

Yes, it's generally possible to transfer college credits you've gained in the Army to a civilian university. Military experience can often count toward college credits, especially depending on the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) you served in. However, the specific number of credits that can be transferred, and the types of courses they can be applied to, is largely dependent on the policies of the university you're aiming to transfer to.

As a first step, you'll need to access your Joint Services Transcript (JST), which documents your military occupational experience and training along with the corresponding ACE (American Council on Education) college credit recommendations. This transcript can be used to help colleges and universities better understand your military coursework and experience and determine how those might translate into their programs.

Then, you can send your transcript to the civilian college or university you're interested in. They have final discretion on if and how to transfer these credits. The school's admissions office or the transfer credit office will evaluate your JST and determine which credits can be applied towards your degree program.

The ACE works with the DoD to ensure that learning experiences can be translated effectively into the higher ed environment. Many universities follow the credit recommendations created by ACE to interpret military training and experiences, and apply them to civilian degrees. However, it is always recommended to verify this with the specific institution you're interested in.

The process may seem complex, as every university has different policies regarding the transfer of credits. It would be helpful to connect with the university's veteran's services office or with a school counselor who can guide you through this.

Also, know that college credits gained in the Army may apply more readily to some degree programs than others, depending on how they align with the educational goals of those programs. For instance, credits from technical or vocational training might not apply to a humanities degree.

Remember that while transferring credits can certainly reduce the time required to earn a degree, meeting with an academic advisor to map out your academic plan is an important step in this journey.