Moody offers opportunities for secondary education Published Aug. 4, 2006 By Airman 1st Class Eric Schloeffel 347th Rescue Wing Public Affairs MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Fall is fast approaching as many local area children prepare to head back to school. But while the days of packed lunches and big yellow buses may be in the past for many adults, returning to the classroom doesn't have to be. Six colleges offer Team Moody members on-base classes covering a wide variety of degree, diploma and technical certificate programs. The Air Force also provides 100 percent tuition assistance, giving Airmen a rare opportunity for a convenient and inexpensive education, said Rob Broaden, a Webster University representative. "Tuition assistance is one of the best opportunities Airmen have right now," he said. "Just compare what the Air Force offers to what it costs after retirement or separation. There's no excuse for not going to school." Visiting the base education office, located inside the Military Personnel Flight, is the first step to making the most of this opportunity, said Darryl Coleman, education office guidance counselor. "If you're interested in taking classes, make an appointment and come talk to me," he said. "We'll assess your goals and objectives, and then I'll direct you to the school that will meet your needs." With deployments on the horizon for many Airmen, on-base instructors usually try to work around the busy military schedule, said Mr. Coleman. "The primary goal is that Airmen don't get penalized for doing their job," said Mr. Coleman. "Airmen can usually withdraw from a class because of military duties, and the Education Office takes care of the tuition. The professor also can work something out to help them finish." Earning a college education can also benefit an Airmen's military career, said Mr. Broaden. "If an Airman takes the time to improve, most commanders and supervisors will see that," he said. "At promotion and award boards, the tie breaker often is the education factor. Stepping up and getting an education can help you stay ahead of the game." The colleges, degree programs and schedules offered on-base are as follows: - Valdosta State University Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Technical, Trade and Industrial Education Graduate: Public Administration Schedule: Two 16-week semesters, and an eight week semester in the summer Fall Semester: Aug. 14 to Dec. 4* Fall registration ends Aug. 14 * Prospective students who have not applied and been accepted are past the application deadline for the fall semester. - Park University Undergraduate: Computer Information Systems, Criminal Justice Administration, Healthcare Management, Human Resource Management, Management and Social Psychology Schedule: Five eight week terms Registration for Fall 1 classes on-base is closed Fall II semester: Oct. 16 to Dec. 10 Fall II registration begins Sept. 16- Georgia Military College Undergraduate: GMC offers two-year degrees in Behavioral Science, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Education and General Studies Schedule: Five eight week terms Registration for Fall I classes is closed Fall II semester: Oct. 9 to Dec. 5 Fall II registration begins Sept. 5 - Valdosta Technical College Programs on-base: Computer Information Systems, Accounting, Banking and Finance Valdosta Tech also offers diplomas and technical certificates that can be completed in two years or less. Schedule: Four 10-week quarters Fall quarter: Sept. 29 to Dec. 18 Fall registration begins Aug. 23- Webster University Graduate: Masters of Business Administration, Masters of Arts in Human Resource Management Schedule: Five eight week terms Fall I semester: Aug. 7 to Sept. 30 Fall I registration ends Aug. 11 Fall II semester: Oct. 16 to Dec. 9 Fall II registration begins Sept. 16- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Undergraduate: Professional Aeronautics and Technical Management Graduate: Aeronautical Science Schedule: Five nine week terms Fall I semester: Monday to Oct. 8 Fall I registration ends Aug. 11 Fall II Semester: Oct. 17 to Dec. 18 Fall II registration begins Sept. 18 Many of these schools offer more classes at their main campuses or on-line. For more information, call the Education Office at 257-3150.