How long to get a masters with validation?

Coach62

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Oct 9, 2015
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I read the recent post on a masters degree, but no answer there.

If DS validates a lot of classes, how realistic is it to get a masters in 5 years (civil engineering)

Obviously the related question would be his time commitment assuming the above happens, I assume 7 years after graduation?

Also, he's been accepted to a top engineering school already with a scholarship offer. How does NA's engineering program work, and I assume their engineering degree is considered on par with other top schools?

Thanks!
 
Its hard to say. My room mate at USNA holds the validation record. She completed her Masters the summer after we graduated, but was the first to have done this. If he validates enough courses he could be set up to qualify for VGEP... Voluntary Graduate Education Program. What would happen is second semester his senior year he would start his Master's classes at a local university such as Georgtown, JHU, Maryland, etc. He would still have a class or two at USNA. He would then continue his Masters then report to his school. I believe most complete in Dec or May after graduation. There are other opportunities such as Rhodes, etc that Mids are groomed for also. They are usually identified early on and work with professors to prep for these.

USNA's engineering programs are very solid. Remember USNA does not have civil engineering as an under grad option. Each program such as VGEP, IGEP, Rhodes, etc each has its own additional service commitment. Some run concurrently others tack on 2 years additional per year of education (not sure if they have changed since I went through). If he validates a lot of classes they usually have Plebes declare a major first semester and help set up the track to either double major, minor, and look at grad school options. If he gets to that point, the advisers take care of them and ensure they are on track for everything.
 
I don't know about civil engineering but for PoliSci I'm pretty much done if all the classes I've taken at GV will validate with the department head so I'm hoping I can get a good jump on a masters or maybe double or triple major as I'm already half way done with a double major in Pre-Med (bio medical science) and Political Science. Hoping I can validate most of them because not taking organic chemistry again would be pretty ok in my book. Is your DS a prior?
 
Don't expect the majority of them to be validated. You have to be selected for a Masters program and it takes more than grades. They factor in conduct, PE and performance grades also. We had a guy in my company who was brilliant, but a miserable Midshipmen when it came to performance. I mean he couldn't bother to show up to formation with a shave and his shoes were literally falling apart. He applied for a waiver because his performance grades did not meet the qualifications for VGEP. He was denied. Yes USNA is a college, but its end state is to produce a professional military officer, not an engineer or scientist. Memorize the USNA mission, everything they do there is to produce a well rounded officer of character. Grades are important, but no one in the fleet cares if you had a 4.0 if you don't lead, take care of your people and know your job. Bottom line... learn to roll with the punches in the military, keep a good attitude and humor and worry about what you can control.
 
Don't expect the majority of them to be validated. You have to be selected for a Masters program and it takes more than grades. They factor in conduct, PE and performance grades also. We had a guy in my company who was brilliant, but a miserable Midshipmen when it came to performance. I mean he couldn't bother to show up to formation with a shave and his shoes were literally falling apart. He applied for a waiver because his performance grades did not meet the qualifications for VGEP. He was denied. Yes USNA is a college, but its end state is to produce a professional military officer, not an engineer or scientist. Memorize the USNA mission, everything they do there is to produce a well rounded officer of character. Grades are important, but no one in the fleet cares if you had a 4.0 if you don't lead, take care of your people and know your job. Bottom line... learn to roll with the punches in the military, keep a good attitude and humor and worry about what you can control.

Thank you for the advice! I'm in no way an academic, my grades aren't perfect nor do I think academic success is something to brag about. The reason I'm transferring is to be the best officer I can, something I could not accomplish at my current school. I can't wait to get to the academy but I cannot be more excited for my career in the Fleet. It's been my dream job since before I can even remember. Thanks again!
 
Oh she is brilliant. Put me to shame academically. Her only down fall was marrying a West Point grad.
 
Ouch, marrying a WP grad. If they make any type of wagers on the GAME, she has been winning for what 14 and counting years. Lets continue the streak... Go Navy, Beat Army!
 
NavyHoops do you know anything about the option to get a Masters from MIT? I know it is possible but I was not sure how it works and just how rare it is, also if it was only limited to certain degree paths.
 
Couple of ways. The first being IGEP, http://www.usna.edu/Viewbook/academic.php (towards the bottom under advanced education). The other way is to be selected for a Masters by the Navy for a Masters program. There are plenty of options on how to do this. It usually happens after their first sea tour on up to be a senior LT (and sometimes even later). I had a buddy actually selected as an ROTC LT for MIT and they earned their masters while worked. Plenty of options for grad school in the USN to include NPS or other schools. Programs vary and when they go in their career pipeline can also vary by career field (SWO, Subs, pilot, etc).
 
OP - your DS is aware that Civil Engineering is not offered at USNA?. Ocean Engineering is. Civil Engineering is also classified as Restricted Line.
 
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