Colorado Tech Online Students and Alumni
Meet SFC George
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
George - a Colorado Technical University graduate - like many other military professionals, knows how to prepare for almost any contingency and has learned how to overcome adversity. One of those challenges is preparing for the inevitable transition to civilian life. "I know I am not going to be in the military forever, so earning a college degree is important in order for me to compete with the rest of the civilian work force." What sets George apart from many other soldiers, however, is that he is continuing his education while on his sixth combat deployment with the U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan.
George discovered Colorado Tech Online through the "Enlightened Warrior" program. According to George, "the Army Special Operations community, with the assistance of the Army Education Program, researched various universities that are flexible and feasible for Special Operations soldiers. Colorado Tech Online is one of several universities recommended to Special Operations personnel. It would be extremely difficult for me to attend a traditional academic facility because of my current deployment schedule, but modern technology and Colorado Tech Online enables me to complete my course work wherever I go."
Colorado Tech Online's state-of-the-art Virtual Campus, the utilization of worldwide parcel shipping and faculty that gives personal attention to every student enables students like George to excel in their educational endeavors. "The Virtual Campus enables me to keep up with my course work and academic plan. All the information I need is literally a few clicks away at any time. Communicating with my fellow classmates and instructors is easy. I have not always been able to participate in the live sessions, but I can always access the archives. After informing my instructors of my deployment, all of them have been very accommodating when it comes to deadlines and my schedule. As long as I keep the bookstore up-to-date with my shipping address, my text books arrive on time. Overall, my experience with Colorado Tech Online has been great!"
George joined the ranks of Colorado Technical University alumni after he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He did not stop there. He is currently working on Master of Science in Management degree with a concentration in Information Systems Security. "I choose the Masters in Information Systems Security due to the fast-pace implementation of new computer technology throughout the world. While my current role in combat does not usually require the utilization of much of the knowledge and skills I am acquiring, it has allowed me to use some in certain situations. More importantly, however, I feel that earning a degree has earned me more respect from my peers and from my superiors."
George feels that his degrees can also help him after he retires from the military. "I feel that people who know how to maintain and protect information systems will excel in the future work force of America and my skills will allow me to better market myself when the time comes for me to make a transition from a tactical position to an administrative position. Earning a degree has opened many new doors for me and will allow me to pursue a position with more leadership responsibilities that is more economically rewarding when I do decide to leave the military."
George plans on finishing his current deployment and making the transition to civilian life after he completes his Master's degree through Colorado Tech Online. Earning a degree through Colorado Technical University may have already paid off for him. "I plan to continue serving my country by accepting a position with a civilian government central to America's security" George has a few words of advice for current and potential Colorado Tech Online Military students: "Do not let your current situation dictate your future, if you want it, go get it!" Earning a degree through Colorado Tech Online can help you "get it" too!
Back to Student/Alumni Profiles Home