Masters Degree at USNA

D

DSANN

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Can some explain how a Mid can earn a Masters degree while at USNA and what the "give-back" is? Thanks. There is a little bit of information here but more details are needed. Thanks!
 
There are several threads that address this specific topic. Have you tried the search function above, typing in “graduate school” or “masters degree”? May have to dig a bit, but it’s there.
 
Thanks! I will but my Mid is saying that there was a policy change recently and now extra service years are required.
 
DSANN said:
Thanks! I will but my Mid is saying that there was a policy change recently and now extra service years are required.
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I think the general rule is if USN is paying for Masters program, it can be taken that extra obligation is there.
 
There are faculty liaisons for all of those programs. Your mid is in the perfect location to research this with his academic advisor and appropriate USNA intranet sites. Payback years of obligated service can either run concurrently or consecutively to other periods of obligated service, and no surprise, the needs of the Navy and Marine Corps will always direct that.

The VGEP program is the one where mids complete all undergraduate coursework by December of 1/c year. Typically, these are mids who have validated classes, taken heavy course loads, used summer leave blocks to take a course, have impeccable grades in academics, and have shiny conduct, honor and military aptitude records. In January of 1/c year, they start a one-year Master’s program in an approved field of study at a local university such as Johns Hopkins, UMD, Georgetown, GWU, etc. They still live in company in the Hall but commute to classes. They complete any remaining USNA obligations. They graduate with their USNA class in May with their BS and stay on in the area in “duty under instruction” (DUINS) status until they graduate with their Master’s in December after graduation. They then report with the last of their USNA classmates to their ship or pipeline training.

Most military officers get their Master’s degree in their first shore or non-operational tour, with many opportunities and paths, so there is no urgency.


https://www.usna.edu/GraduateEducation/index.php
 
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Capt MJ said:
There are faculty liaisons for all of those programs. Your mid is in the perfect location to research this with his academic advisor and appropriate USNA intranet sites. Payback years of obligated service can either run concurrently or consecutively to other periods of obligated service, and no surprise, the needs of the Navy and Marine Corps will always direct that.

The VGEP program is the one where mids complete all undergraduate coursework by December of 1/c year. Typically, these are mids who have validated classes, taken heavy course loads, used summer leave blocks to take a course, have impeccable grades in academics, and have shiny conduct, honor and military aptitude records. In January of 1/c year, they start a one-year Master’s program in an approved field of study at a local university such as Johns Hopkins, UMD, Georgetown, GWU, etc. They still live in company in the Hall but commute to classes. They complete any remaining USNA obligations. They graduate with their USNA class in May with their BS and stay on in the area in “duty under instruction” (DUINS) status until they graduate with their Master’s in December after graduation. They then report with the last of their USNA classmates to their ship or pipeline training.

Most military officers get their Master’s degree in their first shore or non-operational tour, with many opportunities and paths, so there is no urgency.


https://www.usna.edu/GraduateEducation/index.php
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Thank you!
 
DSANN said:
Thanks! I will but my Mid is saying that there was a policy change recently and now extra service years are required.
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If you have a Midshipman at USNA now, I would suggest that you ask them about details..... particularly if you know there has been a recent change.
Two almost certainties ... 1) Big Navy encourages post graduate degrees (and "almost" a requirement for higher advancement, and 2) If Navy pays for it, there is a payback (it used to be 2 years for every 1 year )
 
DD wrapped up VGEP in Dec. 2020. Her program ran just as Capt. MJ describes. He lived at Bancroft thru USNA graduation, after that she lived on her own dime (shared a place with 3 other VGEPers).

DD was responsible for paying her own tuition for the entire Grad School course of study. That said, USNA provided food/housing until graduation; after that she was drawing Ensign Pay and living allowance while she completed the masters program (finished in 1yr). Because she was paying tuition, her service obligation was not increased; (really a pretty sweet deal). She still owes 5yrs, from the date she reports to her specific service training; school starts in a week, but I think she started her 5 in Dec..

I recall DD mentioning that hers might be the last year that VGEP would involve no additional service obligation. Talk was that in future the USN would pick up tuition and add years to service obligation for participation in the program. All Hearsay coming from me, but worth checking for a change if a given DD/DS figures they have a shot at the program.

DD was gonna turn VGEP down because she thought it might interfere with her service selection, but got told (very directly) that you don't say "no" to this program.

They had such an awesome set up for spring 2020. 4 Mids sharing big Apt in DC. A spring semester week end crash pad for all their USNA buddies and one year of living the "normal college life" before joining the fleet. Boom COVID----ah what could have been.

PS: All my best to current Midshipmen and Parents (especially CL2024). DD lamented what "coulda been"; you folks are traveling a tougher road.
 
I suggest focusing on "why" you'd want to pursue a Masters, as well as what the Navy expects to gain from the additional investment by both parties. You need to understand why the military makes this investment and over what period of time during service. A Masters degree (cost borne by military) is expected to contribute to your service (quality, effectiveness) in the Naval career - not something to be gained for quick exit to a private sector career. This is a great academic presentation using historical data on how officers are developed vis-a-vis academic preparation/investment: https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a333414.pdf
 
Couldn't agree more
Paine1776 said:
I suggest focusing on "why" you'd want to pursue a Masters, as well as what the Navy expects to gain from the additional investment by both parties. You need to understand why the military makes this investment and over what period of time during service. A Masters degree (cost borne by military) is expected to contribute to your service (quality, effectiveness) in the Naval career - not something to be gained for quick exit to a private sector career. This is a great academic presentation using historical data on how officers are developed vis-a-vis academic preparation/investment: https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a333414.pdf
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Couldn't agree more, and this matches DD's thinking. I'd be genuinely surprised to see DD "5-n-Dive". Reference to a "sweet deal" is just an objective recognition that It is a....................... "sweet deal" in terms of the quid-pro-quo of time in service exchanged for education and training in the USN.

BTW: "Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it." A favorite Paine-ism
 
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@Just Dad Thanks for your response. I actually think (just my opinion) that my mids class - 2024 doesn't know any better in comparison to 2021, 22, and 23 - my heart hurts for them - they know what they are missing. And your 2020 missed commissioning week - that must have been a tough one to deal with. Prayers this is over soon for EVERYONE!!!!

Your DD was right - she was the last class to receive the "sweet deal" as far as I understand from my two minute here and there convos with my mid. Best of luck to her!!
 
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