ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative Program initiative establishes partnerships between the Air Force and accredited civilian higher education institutions to offer baccalaureate degree opportunities via distance learning.
"It is going to be one stop shopping, and members can now get their degrees sooner and easier," said Valerie Halseth, 316 MSS, Education and Training Flight chief. "The whole idea is they can do it online. These are all online courses, so an Airman can do them anywhere or anyplace, and as they PCS from place to place."
The program maximizes the application of military career education and training, and provides a multitude of online academic and support services for the enlisted member.
AU ABC links Airmen who have completed associate degrees to accredited "military friendly" baccalaureate programs. AU ABC applies Community College of the Air Force, or other 2-year associate degree credit, towards baccalaureate degrees and requires participants to complete no more than 60 semester hours after having earned an Associate in an applied science degree. AU ABC degree programs are linked to one or more Air Force-relevant degree programs currently offered by CCAF.
To participate, registrants must be serving in the Active Duty Air Force, Air Force Reserves, or Air National Guard. Degree requirements for CCAF must be completed on Active Duty, however, AU ABC requirements may be completed after a student retires or separates from the Air Force.
The Air Force Virtual Education Center serves as the gateway to AU ABC degree programs and associated student services such as on-line enrollment, tuition assistance processing, support services and access to distance learning instruction. Students will be able to participate in courses anywhere, anytime to earn career-relevant bachelor's degrees.
"This program offers a way for our Airmen to earn a bachelor's degree while supporting increased Air Force operations tempo and expeditionary deployments," said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinney. "By working through the virtual education Web site, and built upon distance learning courses with colleges and universities across the country, our Airmen are able to continue their degree programs whenever and wherever they serve. Through this program, the Air Force has provided an educational path for our enlisted Airmen to follow."
For more information, visit the Andrews Education and Training Flight in Bldg 1413, Room 100 or call 301-981-6377 for an appointment with a counselor to discuss CCAF degree completion requirements and other opportunities available to Airmen.