Veterans explore educational options for post-military careers
Being prepared for life as a veteran is looking forward to the future.
Getting the educational tools veterans need to find employment in the career of their choice is a possibility with online schooling, financial aid and counseling services.
Holly Morrison, San Jacinto College Veterans Services Manager, said leaving active duty and assimilating back into civilian life can be an overwhelming task, especially when veterans begin exploring their educational options for post-military careers.
“We’re here to help our veterans transition into their education journey in any way we can,” said Morrison. “Some veterans start their first courses online if their discharge date overlaps the start of classes, and their residential address is in Texas. Veterans may virtually access the SJC application, registration, remote advising, degree planning, and online certification requests from their final duty station.”
According to Morrison, SJC has a Veterans Services Center on each campus with a dedicated staff ready to support veteran students navigating their educational options, and their federal and state benefits.
“The college offers more than 200 degrees and certificate programs,” said Morrison. “Many are offered tuition-free to veterans thanks to available benefits allowing veteran students to pursue their careers in health care, maritime, welding, truck driving, or many others. San Jac is committed to helping veteran students in every way possible.”
Information about these programs is available at www.SanJac.edu/Veterans.
Prospective students can contact the SJC Veterans Services team for assistance with applications, financial benefits, and questions.
Other options
Celina Dugas, MSW, director, Veteran
Services at the University of Houston, said with so many options to choose from, service members looking for certifications, continuing education or an advanced degree can always reach out to a campus military and veteran resource center to discuss their options.
Depending on where someone is serving, a person can choose from online, hybrid or in-person classes.
“If someone decides to study on campus, they need to ensure they will be in the area for at least four years to obtain their degree. Service members need to be committed to trying to finish a degree in a location where they start. Often, core classes taken in New York may only transfer as elective credit to a college in Texas, and so the member runs a risk of having to retake core classes. They also need to be very wary of predatory colleges and universities that prey on our service members,” said Dugas.
A good place to start finding a college or university ready to serve veterans is https://benefits.va.gov/gibill, Dugas said.
When getting started, Dugas suggested consulting their command, a mentor or the education center, as many factors could impact their ability to obtain a degree, and the command’s support is needed to start a degree.
“Many of the active duty personnel attending UH are part of the Marines’ MESEP Program that encourages enlisted Marines to obtain a degree and transition from enlisted ranks to officer ranks. Each branch has similar programs,” said Dugas.
Resources available
Need resources? There is plenty of assistance available.
In addition to www.GoArmyEd.com, Dugas said each service has a website for members to track their careers and plan their education.
“Many colleges and universities have military and veteran resource centers on campus. We usually can assist with university advising. Their education centers or education websites can assist them as well,” Dugas said.