February 23, 2015

Veterans and active and reserved military personnel from all over the country are studying at Drexel University’s Goodwin College to earn college credit towards a degree, to learn new skills to help them excel in their post-military professions, or simply to enhance their knowledge as life-long learners by continuing their education.

Through Goodwin's online programs, active military personnel are given the opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree, even while stationed overseas. Recently, a Goodwin student completed his degree program while serving in Afghanistan.

Student Services develops an individualized educational program to meet each student’s goals and needs. Student Services support is available twenty-four hours daily via telephone and the Internet.

Military students need to be certain they are able to have the time to complete their work, have the technical skills required and have accessibility to the Internet. “Some can be in the field for three to four weeks so it is a balancing act,” states Dallas Daniels, a Student Services advisor.

Goodwin’s Director of Exploratory Programs, Regina Ruane, PhD, explains, “What is nice about General Studies is that undecided students have room to be creative. The program is very flexible. Transfer students can really maximize their earned credits.”

At Goodwin, many military students are completing their degrees by taking online courses. In Goodwin’s Undergraduate Non-matriculated Program, military students are able to enroll in courses that will allow them to eventually matriculate into a degree program at Drexel University. The Non-matriculated program also provides the option for students to complete courses to transfer to the students’ former college, and be re-enrolled at that institution.

Goodwin students are logged-in from all over the country. Many students are stationed in California, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Military students are also based overseas such as in Afghanistan and Japan. Goodwin’s military students represent all branches of the Armed Forces including the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force.

Take advantage of the military benefit known as the GI Bill

Active military and veteran students can become degree-completers in the Goodwin College General Studies program. If they begin as an undergraduate non-matriculated student they have the option to have their military experience, training and ranks evaluated by the American Council of Education (ACE). To receive this evaluation and recommendation for college credit, ACE reviews  military training and service. Once ACE reviews the military experiences, the applicant receives a transcript which can be used to apply to Drexel.

Veterans must serve four years of active duty in order to utilize the aforementioned military academic benefits. There is a ten-year window after completing one’s military service in order to take advantage of the military benefit known as the GI Bill. Veteran students of any age are eligible to enroll, but typically the range is 24 to 35 years of age.