When service members and educators consider funding for their educational endeavors, both groups typically gravitate towards traditional degree programs. While a large number of service members use their G.I. Bill at colleges and universities, the benefit can also be utilized at vocational schools for licensure and certification exams, on-the-job training, and apprenticeship programs. Certifications and certificate programs, especially graduate-level ones, have become increasingly popular in recent years. Those in higher education should place an emphasis on recruiting more service members for enrollment into certificate programs and preparation courses to assist transitioning military members to sit for professional certification exams, as not all individuals desire traditional educational pathways to success.

Traditional Degrees
Research has proven that individuals that enroll in bachelor's degree programs have a greater chance of graduation than associate degree seekers. This could be attributed to greater support and resources available to students at four-year institutions. Still, it may also be attributed to those individuals with higher aspirations (bachelor’s degree seekers) having a greater motivation driving them towards graduation. While education costs have continued to skyrocket over the past decade, studies have shown that attainment of a bachelor's degree is still a lucrative investment, with those degree holders earning approximately $1 million more than high school graduates over their lifetimes. Four-year degrees are the steppingstone for admission into professional degree-granting institutions such as law or medical schools. Performance in undergraduate programs also serves as the barometer by which entry into highly sought-after business schools is gauged. While traditional views on education have evolved, American society still holds college graduates in high esteem, especially when individuals have attained graduate or terminal degrees. This explains why some young adults may feel somewhat pressured to pursue a traditional degree-granting program instead of taking a more befitting, progressive route to perceived professional achievement.

Certifications
As enrollment in degree-granting programs has steadily risen in recent years, many individuals have chosen to supplement their professional qualifications with certifications to set them apart from their peers. Moreover, some people have selected to entirely forgo conventional educational programs in favor of multiple certifications to enhance their marketability. One particularly popular certification is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Estimates indicate that this certification can increase immediate earning potential by up to 20 percent in some cases, which makes the time spent earning this endorsement extremely beneficial. While there are some education and experience prerequisites prior to sitting for the exam, individuals in this field can leverage their familiarity with the subject matter by way of receiving official recognition through a governing body in the field of project management. Another widely regarded certification is the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) offered by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). Earning the PHR demonstrates your technical and operational knowledge of HR certifications, including U.S. laws and regulations, and there are educational and experience requirements associated with exam eligibility. There are countless certifications available to military-affiliated individuals, and the military are doing more to highlight and fund expenses related to these programs.

Credentialing Assistance
On May 11, 2022, the U.S. Army revised its Credentialing Assistance (CA) Policy (based on guidance issued by Department of Defense Instruction 1322.33) to allow Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) qualified soldiers (including commissioned and warrant officers) to make use of additional funding for licensure and credentialing programs. While some exclusions apply, this is another funding source independent of tuition assistance (TA) but subject to the same funding ceiling; the combined amount of CA and TA utilized in a fiscal year cannot exceed the authorized TA amount. Soldiers can research credentialing opportunities from approved vendors on Army Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL). One benefit that makes CA a better option for longer-serving service members is that there is no Active Duty Service Obligation (ADSO) associated with this funding. This is very attractive to service members that are within three years of retirement or separation, as they can continue strengthening their résumés without lengthening their current terms of service. Additionally, individuals can use this funding after exhausting all available TA in obtaining their traditional degrees.

Closing Thoughts
Academic institutions can increase the visibility of their certificate programs through partnerships with DoD for individuals retiring or separating. Syracuse University offers Onward to Opportunity (O2O), a free career training program that provides professional certification and job placement support to transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. I have several friends that have taken advantage of this program as they have transitioned from the military. They have all independently relayed that this opportunity was an invaluable resource, and each of them encouraged me to participate when it is time for me to move on from the Army. Some of these friends have even gone back to earn traditional degrees from Syracuse based on their experience in the O2O program. The relationship cultivated between the university and these transitioning service members has endured and serves as an example that other institutions could and should follow.

Article Topics

Military Educational Benefits Military Friendly Institutions Research on Student Veterans Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success

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