Online military science degree programs are
available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Concentrations
may be available in military science, military studies or military
history. A college degree can provide more opportunities for advancement
in the armed forces.
Overview of an Online Military Associate's Degree Program
Students of online military associate's degree programs study
international relations, political science and history. Prerequisites
typically include fundamental math and English coursework. Graduates are
awarded either an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Military Studies or an
Associate of Arts (A.A.) in
Military History. Upon completion, some programs also allow students to apply coursework towards a bachelor's degree program.
These online programs consist of approximately 60 required credits in
general education, military concentration and elective courses. All
classes are accessed via the Internet. To learn how to access online
courses, students may be required to take a prerequisite training class.
Some programs require a 15 credit-hour residency at the culmination of
the program.
List of Common Courses
Associate's degree-level courses in these online programs focus on
military history, foreign policy, war and politics. General education
requirements usually include communication, science, math, psychology,
humanities and basic history. Some of the classes are listed below.
Military History Course
This class focuses on the history of the military forces from
colonial times to present. The curriculum also covers operations and
strategies, military and societal relationships, traditions, technology,
and tactics used in both war and peace.
U.S. Foreign Policy Course
This course focuses on the institutions, forces, tools and actions
affecting foreign policy. Students also explore regional and bilateral
relations, economic and military issues, policy problems, national
security issues, and domestic forces that affect foreign policy.
Civilization and War Course
This class surveys national and international war and peace, and the
effects on security, policy, and strategy formation and changes.
Students also examine society and technology, and the global changes due
to war or peace.
In 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that all
branches of military require at least a high school diploma or its
equivalent for personnel, and other training and education requirements
vary by specialty (
www.bls.gov). The BLS also stated that in
2009, over 2.4 million served in the military. This number was expected
to remain stable through 2018, depending on political changes or events.
Overview of an Online Military Bachelor's Degree Program
Online military degree programs at the baccalaureate level move on to
broader historical perspectives and literature, research methods and
diplomacy studies. Concentrations are available in military studies or
military history. Prospective students must possess a high-school
diploma or its equivalent, and some schools have a minimum age and
English language requirement. For students continuing their education
after graduation, some schools offer a track that allows up to nine
credits in courses that apply to both bachelor's and master's degree
requirements.
These programs are offered entirely online. Some have specific
monthly start dates, and each course may last from 5 to 16 weeks,
depending on the school. Assignments typically have weekly due dates.
Transferable coursework or experience credits are allowed for up to a
maximum of 90 to 99 hours.
List of Common Courses
The curriculum of these online bachelor's degree programs include
standard general education requirements. Courses in the concentration
focus on all aspects of war, military history, diplomacy and politics.
Some examples of typical classes are listed below.
Military Leadership Course
Students study the ancient and modern leadership techniques of
successful military commanders. The class emphasizes solutions,
principles, practices and burden of command related to war.
Society and War Course
This class studies the relationship of war and society, and the
military strategy advances made over time. The course also examines how
these advances influenced political, technological and economic changes
during war.
Peacemaking History Course
The class examines behaviors of aggression, avoidance, threats,
obedience, prejudice and conformity. Activities focus on strategies in
negotiation, and students also learn common United Nations Peacekeeping
Operations terms and origins.
The BLS reported in 2009 that enlisted military personnel need a
bachelor's or master's degree for officer ranking. Four-year college
degree programs were offered at federal service academies and award a
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree upon completion.
Overview of an Online Military Master's Degree Program
Master's degree programs are offered online in concentrations of
military studies or military history. Some schools also offer
specializations in strategic leadership, as well as in air,
asymmetrical, joint, land or naval warfare. Students in these programs
learn advanced theory, concepts and frameworks behind military trends,
events and operations that have affected history. Requirements for entry
consideration typically include a letter of intent, essay, resume,
letters of recommendation, and a bachelor's degree with transcripts from
an accredited university. Some programs do require a week-long
residency.
These programs use online platforms to deliver assignments,
participate in virtual discussions and communicate with other students
or faculty. They consist of approximately 18-24 months of study,
depending on a student's start date and schedule. Transfer credits are
evaluated for consideration. Some programs have specific start dates,
four times per year. Others offer students more flexibility to start and
end at their own pace, and semesters in either eight or sixteen week
increments. Testing is also completed online; however, some professors
require a proctor for exams. Proctored testing requires students to be
online at a specific time for monitoring.
List of Common Courses
Courses in these online graduate degree programs include advanced
study in research, philosophy, tactics, strategy and operations related
to warfare. Some courses and their descriptions are listed below.
Military Strategy, Thought and Theory Course
Students learn how to use military power to develop related
strategies. The course studies methods used by theoreticians and
strategists such as Clausewitz, Mao Tse-Tung, Jomin, Mahan and Douhet.
Students also examine theories used in deterring nuclear war and
revolutionary warfare.
Military Research in History Course
This course provides advanced historical research skills and
methodologies. Students use case studies to formulate and apply research
questions, evaluate historical evidence and refine critical thinking
skills.
Ways of Warfare Course
U.S. and global conflicts are studied in this class along with
experiences and characteristics of war. Students also examine the
effects of strategy, technology, operations, tactics and doctrine on
warfare throughout history.
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) reported salary
ranges for military personnel for 2010 were based upon cumulative years
of service, individual age, pay grade and additional drill training (
www.dfas.mil).
DFAS also reported different pay structures based on active, retiree,
inactive, out-of-service, wounded warrior and special leave status.
Military personnel who are college graduates can attend further
training through programs offered in the Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast
Guard, Army and National Guard, according to the BLS. These programs
include weeks of intensive academic, leadership and physical officer
training and require active duty upon completion.
No comments:
Post a Comment