DANTES Master’s Degrees for Military Personnel
Enrolment in online degree programs has more than quadrupled over the past decade, and many schools have the military to thank. America’s increased emphasis on homeland security has made criminal justice the most popular online-only undergraduate major: it’s chosen by more than 25% of online bachelor’s degree candidates, many of whom are enlisted. Service members are also earning advanced degrees online – not only in security and criminal justice, but also in languages, engineering, education, and many other fields. DANTES, part of the Department of Defense (DOD), is dedicated to supporting such educational pursuits for military personnel.
Online Master’s Degree Programs in the DANTES System
From academic advising to video game production, the Department of Defense has approved hundreds of master’s-level distance learning programs for reimbursement. These programs are offered by traditional universities (e.g., Central Michigan University and Kansas State) as well as American Military University and accredited online-only schools. Here’s a sampling:
- Academic Advising – Kansas State University
- Accelerated RN to MSN – South University
- Accounting – Colorado Technical University Online
- Aerospace Engineering – Auburn University
- Biosecurity and Biodefense – University of Maryland University College
- Business Administration – American Military University
- Chemical Engineering – Kansas State University
- Civil Engineering – Colorado State University
- Early Childhood Education – University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Earth Sciences – Pennsylvania State University
- Educational Administration — Kansas State University
- Forensic Psychology – University of North Dakota
- Information Technology & Homeland Security Management -University of Maryland University College
- Spanish – New Mexico State University
- Video Game Production and Design – National University
Prior Approval is Key
When applying to master’s programs as a service member, be sure to get prior approval from your division’s voluntary education program. This would be known as the Education Center, the Navy College Office, the Reserve ESO, or the State ESO. By not obtaining prior approval, you could be denied tuition assistance and other benefits.
For additional online master’s degree programs approved by the DOD, see the DANTES catalog.