Obtaining bachelors while serving.

Discussion in 'Military-related education topics' started by Racinkc1, Dec 3, 2017.

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  1. Racinkc1

    Racinkc1 New Member

    Hello. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the daily/weekly work load is like while working on an easier online bachelors degree. I would like to take advantage of my schooling allowance provided by the USAF and maybe sign up for OCS in 4 years. I actually just read that computer science is an easier degree which is what I would want to take. Also interested in political science.
    Thanks
     
  2. sanantone

    sanantone Well-Known Member

    Computer science is easier compared to what? What would be easiest is what aligns most with your strengths. If you're bad at reading and writing, then many humanities and social science fields would be difficult. If you're bad at math, then computer science and many other STEM fields will be difficult. You should pick your degree based on the occupation you want.
     
  3. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member

    I wouldn't be surprised if it is regularly called OCS but believe it is OTS in the Air Force. Gotta get it right when requesting it.
     
  4. It's a TON of work. I completed my BA in History while active duty Air Force. Most supervisors will want you to focus on your CCAF and OJT/5 level first. The good thing is that CCAF credits are regionally accredited so it's easier to transfer everything. I don't know about computer science being easy. I assume your AFSC is related to that. Otherwise, I think it's a lot of work (my personal opinion).

    Oh, and yes. It's OTS.
     
  5. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    I completed my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Troy University's University College while serving full-time active duty in the United States Marine Corps. The daily works comparing to school works depends on the phrase of my military ranking. When I picked up Sergeant, I had to wake up at 5 A.M and go to sleep at midnight. I usually get out of work at 7 P.M and work on my assignments 7 P.M to midnight and weekends.

    The good thing that I was a Platoon Sergeant, so I had little time during the day to do some research for my assignment.

    The easier major depends on your prior knowledge and interests. For the folks in the United States Marine Corps, the easiest major was Organizational Leadership or major that aligns with your specialty in the Military.

    My case I was a legal clerk, administrative chief, Platoon Sergeant, non-commissioned Officer Training. So, administrative and organization leadership was quite easy for me; but I used that as my minor.

    My recommendation is finding a major you are interested in. Realistically, a major that is low in unemployment. Then find a top school that offers the major. Then find the way to transfer credits from the Military training, CLEP, DSST, Straighterline Course and etc. before enrolling to the school.

    As you have mentioned you are interested in Computer Science and Political Science. T

    - Computer Science - University of Florida
    - Political Science - Pennsylvania State University

    https://thebestschools.org/rankings/best-online-bachelor-in-computer-science-degree-programs/

    https://thebestschools.org/rankings/best-online-bachelor-in-political-science-degree-programs/
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 13, 2017
  6. Neuhaus

    Neuhaus Well-Known Member

    The way it worked for me was that I would take two classes at a time. We went for, I believe it was eight weeks, and had a week off before the next set. Every week I had two assignments due in each class (four total).

    If I was lucky, it was balanced. One class would have a paper due while the other would have a discussion participation due. If I was unlucky I had to write two papers for the same due date.

    I would say that I spent roughly 20 hours per week on my courses. I was fortunate in that I had a work computer and we were allowed to work on our courses when we weren't doing actual work. My lunch time was generally dedicated to courses. I would usually take off Friday night and spent Saturday morning into early afternoon on coursework with the objective of clearing the Sunday. Some weeks I did more. Some weeks I did less. Some topics were easier to fly through. Some required extensive research.

    I also went into my program with an associates degree already and had to take two breaks from the rigorous schedule. It should have taken around 18 months if I worked straight through. Deployments and just needing time to recharge caused it to take longer. I also took a break to take a few of my CEBS exams before I graduated.
     
  7. fourdegrees11

    fourdegrees11 New Member

    I am very close to finishing my organizational management degree. I chose this degree because after all of the PME the subject is very familiar, and quite frankly, easy. Everyone has to find their own way to to make time for school work, I recommend making a schedule for yourself and sticking to it (these days for these hours etc). For me I do the majority of my school work for the upcoming week the weekend prior, Sundays most of the year, and Saturdays during football season. Usually after breakfast I put on some noise cancelling headphones and non distracting music (drum & bass for me) and get started. My family knows to leave me alone, and I can focus on what I need to. I will read my required materials, type up discussions posts on MS Word, take quizzes, and write papers if required. Only on the week of my final paper will I intentionally break up the work load. Usually it takes me anywhere from 3-8 hours every weekend. Not everyone is willing to do that, but I can not bring myself to do school work after a long day at work. I'm committed to finishing my degree, so I willingly sacrifice part of my weekend.
     
  8. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

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