Online fire science degree

U.S. Navy active-duty personnel can receive college credit for their military training and experience and complete a two-year associate's degree entirely on the Internet through Rogers State University, Claremore, Okla.

The Navy recently signed an agreement with Rogers State University (RSU) allowing Navy personnel to receive a two-year Associate's Degree in Applied Technology by completing two blocks: 30 hours of approved Navy training and experience and 30 hours of online college courses taken entirely by computer at naval bases, ships or any other location.

"This is an unprecedented opportunity for enlisted personnel to earn college credit for their naval training and experience and obtain a college degree," said Glenn Gardner, a U.S. Navy education specialist.

Through its innovative and nationally recognized RSU Online Program, students may complete a variety of courses and all requirements for four associate's degrees entirely on the Internet, without ever having to step foot on campus. RSU was one of the first universities in the nation to offer classes and degrees on the Internet.

Students may enroll in a variety of classes specially developed for the U.S. Navy in areas such as computer science, English, political science and others. All Navy on-line classes will be taught by highly-qualified professors from RSU's main campus. Navy personnel also may enroll in more than 50 classes offered each semester through the RSU Online program.

To enroll in on-line classes, or get more information about RSU's special offer to Navy personnel, visit the RSU web site and virtual campus at www.rsu.edu. Click on the Navy agreement link.

Navy personnel will not be charged out-of-state tuition. All Navy personnel will pay a low in-state tuition rate of $44 per credit hour and accompanying fees for a total of $85 per credit hour. Several Navy financial aid and tuition assistance plans are available, Gardner said.

Navy personnel may receive RSU credit for training and experience in eight Navy ratings areas, including: Advanced Electronics and Computer Field (AECF Electronics Technician -- ET); Advanced Electronics and Computer Field (AECF Fire Controlman -- FC); Aviation Electronics Technician (AT); Fire Control Technician (FT); Nuclear Field Electrician's Mate (NF, EM); Nuclear Field Electronics Technician (NF, ET); and Nuclear Field Machinist Mate (NF, MM). Other ratings will be added based on student needs.

College credit granted for Navy training and experience is based on guidelines developed by the American Council on Education (ACE).

Details about qualifying Navy training courses, job experience credits and ACE recommendations also are available on RSU's web site at www.rsu.edu.

Credit also may be granted for classes taken at other colleges or universities or through vocational-technical schools.

To complete requirements for RSU's Associate's Degree in Applied Technology, students will take 30 hours of college block classes, including general education requirements and electives. The college block classes include communications, U.S. history, U.S. government, math and either general education or technical electives. A total of 60 hours, including naval training and experience and college block classes, are required to receive the degree.

The degree will be offered through the Department of Applied Technology in RSU's School of Business and Technology.

In addition to currently enlisted personnel, students may complete the college block credits before they enlist in the Navy, or may qualify for the special terms of the agreement two years after separation from the Navy.

Pending final approval, students may also complete requirements for three proposed Bachelor's Degrees in Applied Technology, Business Information Technology and Liberal Arts from RSU completely via the Internet, beginning in the fall of 2000. Students who complete their Associate's Degree in Applied Technology can easily pursue their Bachelor's Degree in Applied Technology through RSU's seamless "two plus two" program.

RSU is accredited by the Commission on the Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.