USS Monterey Sailors Earn College Credits While Underway

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sandi Grimnes, USS Monterey (CG 61) Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors on the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) have the opportunity to earn their degrees while underway through instructor-taught college level courses provided by Central Texas College and distance-learning courses with the Navy College Program Afloat College Education (NCPACE).

The at sea college classes are each three-semester-hour credit classes. There are 21 Sailors currently enrolled in the Business 101 course and an additional 18 enrolled in academic skills math.

Each class is taught three times a week, once in the morning and then repeated that evening for students who were unable to attend because of work or watch, said John Bruce, an instructor with Central Texas College who is currently teaching on board Monterey.

"Central Texas College is a community college and the courses taught on board are freshman and sophomore level that are transferable to the college of the Sailor's choice," said Bruce. "If the Sailor wanted, they could complete an associate degree with NCPACE courses, then complete a bachelor's degree at another college or university."

Another option for Sailors who are continuing their education while deployed is the distance learning courses, said Chief Personnel Specialist (SW) Paul Jiolia. While the instructor-lead classes are typically freshman and sophomore level, the distance learning classes continue through a master's degree.

The distance learning classes are self-paced and the student has 90 days to complete the course, said Jiolia. The course is administered on a CD-ROM, which does not require Internet access, and all exams are proctored.

"It's a great opportunity that takes self-discipline, especially with the distance learning because it's at your own pace," said Jiolia. "Sometimes you get so focused on the mission of your job, it's easy to forget you should be spending time on college everyday."

Monterey has 10 Sailors taking 21 distance-learning classes this deployment, said Jiolia. Each Sailor can take two classes a semester, a total of four during deployment, for only the cost of the books.

"Most Sailors joined the Navy for money for college," said Jiolia. "NCPACE courses gives them the avenue and the tools to continue their education while serving."

This article was sponsored by Navy Books.