The Army Reserve Officers Training Corps program, commonly known as Army ROTC, is a leadership training and development program for college-enrolled students designed to train and commission officers into the United States Army. Army ROTC programs began partly due to laws enacted in the 19th century, including the 1819 National Defense Act and The Land Grant Act of 1862. This Civil War-era law provided federal lands to state-supported colleges on the condition that the colleges provide military training to students. The modern ROTC program came with the passing of the National Defense Act of 1916, which brought military instruction on college campuses under a single, federally controlled program. The first cohort of the ROTC program produced 133 officers who served in World War I. As of today, the Army ROTC program has enabled over 600,000 men and women to become commissioned officers in the Army. Some notable alumni of the Army ROTC Program include former Secretary of State Colin Powell, General Anne E. Dunwoody, and General David Petraeus.
Gerontology is the study of aging. A gerontologist is an expert in the process of aging and the many aspects of growing older. A gerontologist studies aging in individuals and also how aging and older individuals affect society as a whole.
Mechanical engineering is one of the many engineering degrees you can choose to study. It is the study of objects and systems in motion, touching every aspect of modern life. It is one of the oldest engineering disciplines, combining engineering, physics, and mathematics. While studying mechanical engineering, you would learn and use tools such as CAD (computer-aided design), CAM (computer-aided manufacturing), industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, transport systems, watercraft, robots, and more. Mechanical engineering first emerged in Europe during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century. It has centered on creating technologies to meet human needs. As a mechanical engineer, you would work in offices, visit worksites, or even work in research and development.
Getting an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering would be a good way to prepare for a bachelor’s or to assist engineers in that type of role. The degree will take you about two years and you should be able to find both online and in-person programs.
While getting your associate’s degree you would most likely take classes in physics, chemistry, math, and calculus to help prepare you for bachelor’s level work in the future.
Most employers hiring for mechanical engineering-related jobs want candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree from an ABET (Accredited Board for Engineering and Technology) institution.
Consider classes in intermediate and advanced mathematics, life and physical sciences, engineering and design, CAD, fluid mechanics, terminal design, magnetism and aerodynamics, and circuits. A bachelor’s degree should take four years, two years if you have already received your associate’s degree.
There are in-person and online bachelor’s degree programs to study mechanical engineering. For online programs, The University of Alabama, Old Dominion University, and Indiana State University all have highly rated programs. For in-person programs, Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Brown University all have highly rated programs.
If you are a veteran or military dependent planning to attend college in the Sunshine State, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a powerful tool. But not all want to attend a public college. Some may choose a private university in Florida where the GI Bill may not cover the full cost of school. That is where the Yellow Ribbon Program comes in. The VA Yellow Ribbon program is an agreement between the Department of Veterans Affairs and participating institutions to address the tuition gap that standard GI Bill benefits cover at private schools. In Florida, this partnership can mean the difference between taking on student loans and earning a degree without large amounts of debt.
The University of North Dakota describes an MBA as "a postgraduate academic qualification. Programs offering such degrees explore advanced principles of business and management. They are designed to cultivate leadership qualities and managerial expertise through various subjects." A Masters of Business Administration degree prepares graduates to enter the business world, "enabling them to make informed decisions and navigate diverse professional landscapes. The versatility of an MBA makes it a valuable asset for those seeking to enhance their existing careers and explore new opportunities and challenges in the ever-evolving business environment." Many ask if the cost of an MBA is worth the expense, but what IS that expense? According to Nerdwallet, in 2022 alone, the typical price tag for an MBA was just over $225 thousand. Tuition costs seem to increase for many throughout a two or four-year degree program. What do you need to know about MBAs before you make a time and financial commitment?
Are you a veteran interested in a Masters in Business Administration (MBA)? Are you preparing to retire from active duty, Guard or Reserve duty and looking at your business college options? A Master’s degree in Business Administration is an advanced degree for career-minded business students and professionals looking to move to the next level in their education and careers. According to one college, the job applicant with an MBA potentially earns an additional $20k more in starting salary than those without one.
Veterans should consider pursuing their education beyond an associate's Degree because more education means more opportunities. There are plenty of benefits to going beyond a 2-year associate's program, including: More Money: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings for workers according to degree level (at press time) are as follows:
Georgetown University describes conflict resolution degrees as preparation "to resolve conflict in a turbulent world" and to learn "the theory and practice of understanding conflict and peace." Are such degrees in demand? They are, according to GU, which notes that graduates with conflict resolution degrees "are sought after by government, academic, private sector and international organizations. Focusing on humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and international development, they excel in program management, research, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, mediation, and facilitation." Opportunities include careers in education, government, and community-based organizations. Focusing on problem-solving skills that result in positive and flexible resolutions, courses will instruct learners on how to navigate the waters from family conflicts to international diplomacy with skills they can even apply outside the workforce to better their own lives and those of their families.
Earning a degree in Arabic studies can lead to a rewarding career. An Arabic studies degree can be helpful if you are interested in language, politics, history, or world events. Arabic studies is interdisciplinary and examines the Middle East from many angles and perspectives. Similarly named degrees may include Middle Eastern or Islamic Studies.
Radiation therapy involves using various kinds of high-energy radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. X-rays, gamma rays, electrons, and protons can all be used to help treat a variety of conditions and improve patients' health and well-being. According to the University of Iowa, "Radiation sciences professionals work with a team of health professionals to gather accurate patient information for diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury." RT Technologists operate X-ray equipment, perform CTs and MRIs, and perform many other hospital procedures.
Find GI Bill®-approved schools in Pennsylvania offering massage therapy programs.
The Yellow Ribbon Program is designed for veterans and military-affiliated students in North Carolina whose tuition and fees exceed the national maximum offered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. GI Bill students find that their benefit may cover the full cost of in-state tuition at public universities but comes up short for students attending private institutions or those classified as out-of-state residents at public schools. Participating North Carolina colleges and universities contribute a specified amount of funding to cover these tuition gaps, which the VA then matches dollar-for-dollar while funds last.
The University of New Hampshite says earning a biology degree helps students to find "careers that contribute to scientific advancements and societal wellbeing...Whether it's contributing to environmental policy, managing laboratory teams, or educating the next generation of scientists, your background in biology is both a solid and flexible foundation for a myriad of career paths." Some campuses may offer accelerated biology programs that can help get students into their advanced degrees faster, be sure to ask about this option at each school you evaluate. Biology is an exciting field. It is the branch of science that deals with living organisms. Biology covers a variety of fields, such as botany, evolution, marine biology, and zoology. Biologists study the growth, origin, function, structure, and much more about living organisms. Biology can be traced back to Aristotle, 384-322 BC.
According to Southern New Hampshire University, a degree in data analytics is preparation for careers that involve the collection and study of data "using software, surveys and other data collection tools," as well as performing "statistic analyses on data" to interpret the information gathered "to inform critical business decisions." Data analysts are in demand across a number of career fields including e-commerce, research, the tech sector, ad even military intelligence. A Degree in Data Analytics prepares students for careers in an increasingly data-driven world. This interdisciplinary degree prepares students for jobs in a variety of dynamic fields that require the application of interdisciplinary, scientific, and statistical knowledge.
The University of Arizona describes the field of study of aerospace engeineering as an opportunity to learn how to "design and maintain spacecraft, commercial aircraft, fighter jets, missiles, rockets and satellites. They graduate with working knowledge of aerodynamics, control system design, gas dynamics, solid and fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics." Graduates of these programs have prepared to enter career fields that require knowledge of "control system design, gas dynamics, solid and fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics." According to the U of A, this degree option has plenty of opportunities, with undergraduates working on "industry-sponsored capstone projects, some of which become commercial products."
The official site of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SUIE) says a supply chain management degree helps students develop "business fundamentals and develop proficiency in supply chain operations, inventory management and logistics." Some colleges offer a degree in Business Administration with a Specialization in Supply Chain Management while others may have different structures for their programs. No matter what options are offered, this academic pathway teaches students about "monitoring, controlling and improving processes and understanding the importance of effective communication, strategic alliances and networks, and basic international issues in supply chain management" according to SIUE. A Degree in Supply Chain Management oversees all the processes that work together to move a product, from creation to customer. Supply Chain Management encompasses all the factors along the way including raw materials, production, packaging, shipping, warehousing, delivery, and selling.
According to Eastern Washington University, a degree in Military Science is intended as a prelude to military service. "The Bachelor of Arts degree in Military Science will help prepare you for a military career. In the program, you'll study communication, social science research, political science, the history of war and society, and a variety of military skills and tactics." Some may pursue this degree as part of an ROTC program. A look at the University of Scranton's military science program includes this description: "In addition to classroom instruction all students enrolled in Military Science 401/402 will participate in Army Physical Training four days a week, Military Leadership Labs once a week, and a Battalion Level Field Training Exercise each semester. Additionally, all MS 401 Cadets will take part in a Military Staff Ride as part of the course and their professional development."
Ohio University says animation degree programs are a gateway to an expanding industry, "Animation is the art of bringing images to life, and it's a fast-growing industry...you’ll learn how to transform still pictures into moving objects — plus create visually engaging art for animation studios, special effect houses, and experience design companies." This degree program track can help students learn animation fundamentals, character design, and world-building.
Marquette University has a page dedicated to its advertising degree program, noting students who enter this field of study often go on to become "copywriters, graphic designers, web managers, marketing managers, media buyers, account executives and product managers in advertising agencies and the advertising departments of a variety of corporations and nonprofit organizations." A degree in advertising can prepare you for specific careers that incliude:
Professionals in aeronautics and aviation are always in high demand. Embry-Riddle University describes working toward a degree in aeronautics as study meant to help students, "Gain understanding in the areas of airplanes, helicopters, air traffic control or other areas of aviation" and "Develop practical skills focused on safety, training operations, dispatch, flight training and transportation."
According to George Mason University, economics is the study of economies large and small. "When you graduate with an economics degree, you will have a good understanding of the national economy and will be able to think critically about problems in the business world. You will also have good communication skills and skills in manipulating data and using computer technology. Thus you will be prepared for many careers." Thos who study economics prepare for a career in the business world. According to the George Mason University official site, "Many large corporations value the broad analytical training received by economics majors. Economics majors have also generally studied demand theory and estimation, production and cost theory, analysis of market structure, antitrust policy, government regulation of business, capital budgeting" and related topics. Ever wondered about what causes a recession? How inflation starts? What makes currency values fluctuate? If so, the field of economics could be the right direction as a field of study to go into. Economics can help us answer those types of questions and more. The field is the study of how societies and markets distribute resources, including raw materials, land, human labor, and capital, to create goods and services. Macroeconomics is the study of the economy as a whole, and microeconomics is the study of individual decisions.
Accounting.com describes accounting degree options for veterans and military members as a journey that may begin with an associates degree or a certificate, with learning in a variety of areas including finance, marketing, managerial accounting, and business math. "Most technical colleges, community colleges, and some four-year institutions offer associate degrees. An associate of arts (AA) or an associate of science (AS) in accounting is usually fully transferable to a bachelor's program, but an associate of applied science (AAS) is generally a terminal degree. Graduates may pursue entry-level careers in accounting." Accounting.com notes that the academic journey into this career field is diverse. "(M)any schools offer multiple accounting concentrations, like sports accounting, taxation, or management accounting, allowing students to specialize in an area of interest."
The College of Lake County describes its Massage Therapy program as blending book learning with hands-on experience. "After you complete this program, you are prepared to sit for the national Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). This exam is a requirement for licensure in most states, including Illinois and Wisconsin." Learning massage therapy in an academic setting typically combines theory and practice. A degree or certification in Massage Therapy is also an option for higher education in related fields such as Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy.
Southern New Hampshire University defines computer science degree programs as a field of study that combines the principles of engineering, mathematics, and science, "to study and develop computers, networks, hardware, software, databases, and much more. Because of that, there is a wide range of potential careers within the field, from software engineering to computer programming or system analysis." Computer science majors can choose from a variety of specializations within a course of study in computer and information technology. Some become computer network engineers, others may be focused on security, while others may choose app development or game dev concentrations. A degree in computer science can take you down many different career paths. From programming to networking to IT. You can work in:
