Being active duty while pursuing a further education can be challenging. Thousands of service members have enrolled in college during their military careers to boost professionals’ goals, accelerate personal development, and gain increases in rank and pay. Success in college has increased with the growth of military friendly colleges spreading online. Often times, an advisor may recommend a National University with face-to-face classes or online support. While many military students may prefer face to face classes, there is also the option to take a hybrid course, which offer both an in-person class and online element. For students that are deployed, a 100% online degree is the best option.

For the military members serving overseas, there are also several options. Some schools offer on-site classes at or near military bases, like Gulf Coast State College. Servicemembers stationed in one place for two or the years can earn credits in these traditional classrooms. Online degrees are increasingly popular for many active-duty military students, especially those who may be off shore during part of all of the term. Students who are trying to combine military and college at the same time may find formats like month long courses to better fit with their schedules. The four-week courses are brief but also intensive.

Active-duty students can enhance their existing job skills and even advance in rank as they apply why they’ve learned to their positions. Some servicemembers choose programs that closely relate to what they are doing on active duty. While, other students pursued degrees that don’t relate to their role in the military and opting for something that they might consider more marketable when they transition of the service.