Online Master's Program available for captains Published July 13, 2010 By 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Air Force captains looking for a way to advance their education and their careers need look no further than Air University's online Master's program. Eligible mid-level captains have a unique opportunity to enroll in the online degree program at no cost and knock out an advanced degree while balancing their day-to-day work schedules. Graduates of the program walk away with a Master's degree in Military Operational Art and Science and posture themselves for future success. Eligibility requirements are: - Six to seven years of commissioned service - Squadron Officer School completed (in residence or via distance learning) - Do not have a master's degree yet The degree is designed to be career-relevant and is intended to accommodate the current high operations tempo environment, said Dr. Bart Kessler, the Air Command and Staff College distance learning dean. The program, which was originally open only to majors, expanded to include captains back in December 2009. "Including captains in the online master's program is an exciting expansion of an exceptionally successful program," said Brig. Gen. Anthony J. Rock, the Air Command and Staff College commandant. "These officers have earned a degree that is directly related to their Air Force mission in a rigorous, interactive, Web-based environment. Many of them have done this from forward-deployed locations without any disruptive break in their education. Opening the program to captains is the next logical step as we look for innovative ways to deliver professional military education and continuing education opportunities to our warfighters." Doctor Kessler said the current program provides a common core curriculum supported by multiple areas of concentration. The existing online program consists of 11 eight-week courses that total 33 credit hours and reflect the educational outcomes of the ACSC residential program. From this program, seven of the existing online courses (21 credit hours) form the core curriculum required of all students, with the remaining 12 credit hours forming various concentrations directed toward specific professional development. The first of these new concentrations, the "Leadership Concentration," was designed by Squadron Officer College to meet the developmental needs of captains. Dr. Matthew Stafford, the academic adviser to the commandant at Squadron Officer College, explained that the four courses are specifically designed to meet developmental requirements outlined by the Air Staff. They will address foundations of officership, team-building and organizational leadership, as well as expeditionary leadership in an intercultural environment. Lt. Col. Robert Lass, the ACSC vice dean of distance learning, said this is a win-win situation for both Airmen and the Air Force because the program meets their needs simultaneously. "This is an amazing opportunity. To offer captains this level of targeted professional military education this early in their career, says a lot about how seriously the Air Force takes PME," he said. Both Colonel Lass and Doctor Kessler highlighted to potential applicants that this is a rigorous master's program that requires between 10-15 hours of work per week. Doctor Kessler added that the program moves rapidly, requires significant student commitment and is substantially more challenging than the traditional correspondence approach to PME. The next available term begins Oct. 25 and runs through Dec. 19. The application window for this term opened June 22 and continues through Aug. 23. Officers interested in the program should access the program's website at www.au.af.mil/au/dlmasters.asp for more details and specific guidance on the program. They may also contact the 18th FSS/FSDE, Education and Training Office, at 634-1500. Air Force Print News contributed to this article.