Higher Education While in the Corps

[Dougemd]

Ok, so I'm working on my packet for OCC. I passed the ASTB and having my physical/initial PFT in the next month. Now I realize blowing sh*t up for a living and training with the meanest best mother F***ers in the world will probably be ranked as the best and most meaningful experiences in my life. However, I gotta plan for what I'm going to do after.

Can someone give me as honest answers on taking getting another degree while in the Corps? I have a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering. I was thinking MBA and another MS in something. Is this possible during my at least 8 years in the Corps (if the selection board likes me that is)? I've heard about it with the Navy during your shore time, but how does it work with the Marines?

Thanks,

Doug

 

[skidkid]

not impossible but not easy. That is a lot of schooling to try to get done in 8 years where your primary focus should be on being a Marine Officer and by the way deployments are not really conducive to school.
Best bet is to do an MOI tour and get a masters, another bachelors and a masters may be a stretch.

 

[Dougemd]

I'd just like to get another Masters of Science or maybe a Masters of Business Administration. Not both. Sorry for the typo. I'd just like to be as far ahead of the curve as possible when I leave the Corps.

 

[skidkid]

You will be ahead of the curve having been a Marine Officer. Many compnaies are actively seeking junior offciers who are getting out for management positions and they are beating out many MBA holders. Im not saying not to go after the MBA, just make sure you are focused on being a Marien, I think it will be challenging enough. Like I said the best time for an MBA type thing is after your first fleet tour.
Good luck

 

[phrogpilot73]

not impossible but not easy. That is a lot of schooling to try to get done in 8 years where your primary focus should be on being a Marine Officer and by the way deployments are not really conducive to school.
Best bet is to do an MOI tour and get a masters, another bachelors and a masters may be a stretch.

I agree wholeheartedly with skidkid on this one. I'm working on my masters through a Distance Learning program with Embry Riddle. It's not easy, especially considering how flexible our schedules are. TA only pays for two classes at a time, and since I have 12 to take, you do the math. If you're willing to sacrifice some of your weekends (our schedules flex so much, I've been up to three weeks behind, luckily all my instructors are retired military so they understand), then it's entirely doable. That's where I get most of my homework done.

I haven't been in the classes while on deployment, but I'd assign two words to that: "nearly impossible". Way too much real world stuff going on during those. You can do it while you're in the fleet, but it will take planning in regards to when you're home from deployment, etc... I would also recommend against doing anything until after your first deployment. Your learning curve for your platform and squadron is usually pretty steep, and then levels out after your first deployment.

 

[ChuckMK23]

The Marine Corps has always been the leaders in intellectual thought on warfare - among all the services. Seriously - no other service values education and intellectual development, liberal studies, etc for their officer corps that the Marines.

 

[skidkid]

The Marine Corps has always been the leaders in intellectual thought on warfare - among all the services. Seriously - no other service values education and intellectual development, liberal studies, etc for their officer corps that the Marines.

I agree but remember a Masters degree is not thought of as highly in the Marines than the Navy. Blue side correct me if I ma wrong but for O-5/O-6 they want to see an advanced degree. The Marines would honestly have you do a Military school before a civilian one so your focus can be on warfighting.

Masters are basically career neutral

 

[eddie]

The Marine Corps has always been the leaders in intellectual thought on warfare - among all the services. Seriously - no other service values education and intellectual development, liberal studies, etc for their officer corps that the Marines.

You say ONLY service... does this mean that the Navy, Army, and Air Force will never look highly upon that kind of study, or just not as often?

 

[HH-60H]

I agree but remember a Masters degree is not thought of as highly in the Marines than the Navy. Blue side correct me if I ma wrong but for O-5/O-6 they want to see an advanced degree. The Marines would honestly have you do a Military school before a civilian one so your focus can be on warfighting.

Masters are basically career neutral

I still don't think they are technically required (i.e. no reg stating such) But rather informally "required".

 

[usmcecho4]

Here you stat hounds go 2006 stats are as follows:

Colonol Stats
Doctorate In Zone: 0/1
Post Masters Degree Promotion In Zone: 1/3
Masters Dregree Promotion In Zone: 76/134
Bachelors Degree Promotion In Zone: 45/103
High School Promotion In Zone: 0/2
https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/pls/p...ION_BOARDS/FY05_COL_PRMBRD/FY06 COL STATS.PDF

Lt Colonol Stats
Doctorate In Zone: 4/5
Post Masters Degree Promotion In Zone: 2/2
Masters Degree Promotion In Zone: 120/148
Bachelors Degree Promotion In Zone: 198/328
High School Promotion In Zone: 1/1
https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/pls/p...TION_BOARDS/LTCOL_PRMBRD/FY06 LTCOL STATS.PDF

Major Stats
Doctorate In Zone: 2/3
Post Masters Degree Promotion In Zone: 1/1
Masters Degree Promotion In Zone: 46/47
BAchelors Degree Promotion In Zone: 469/546
High Sschool Promotion in Zone: 24/28
https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/pls/p...RDS/FY06_MAJOR_PROMOTION/FY06 MAJOR STATS.PDF

Semper Fi,
usmcecho4

 

[eddie]

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I don't understand this, and I can't read the .pdfs; any help?