AFIT master’s degree program open to NCOs - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

AFIT master’s degree program open to NCOs

If you’re a noncommissioned officer who wants to pursue a master’s degree in science, engineering or management, here’s your chance.

But you have to act fast. Applications are due to the Air Force Personnel Center by Jan. 29. Successful applicants will be selected in February.

The Air Force Institute of Technology is offering 10 NCOs the chance to pursue those degrees at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, through the Enlisted-to-AFIT program.

The program is designed to provide commanders with a diverse and renewable source of highly proficient and educated career NCOs.

“Providing the opportunity for enlisted airmen to attend AFIT demonstrates the value and importance of education and force development,” Col. Mike Morris, AFPC assignment support division chief, said in a statement.

“Not only is it an excellent opportunity to further their academic development, it’s a force multiplier in enhancing the skills that make up the combat capability of the service.”

The program lasts 18 to 24 months. Airmen interested in applying must be at least technical sergeants with a minimum of eight years’ time in service, 24 months’ time on station and three years of retainability upon graduation.

Applicants must have completed the appropriate skill-level upgrade and resident professional military education schooling for their rank.

They also must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a Community College of the Air Force degree.

Application packets should include academic transcripts and test scores from either the Graduate Record Examination or Graduate Management Admission Test, depending on the specific AFIT degree program requirements.

AFIT is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management and its institution for technical professional continuing education.

Since residence degrees were first granted in 1956, more than 16,000 master’s degrees and 350 doctorate degrees have been awarded.

The Enlisted-to-AFIT program began in 2002. Since then, 52 Air Force and nine Marine NCOs have graduated from AFIT.

There are currently 16 enlisted service members at AFIT: 15 airmen and one Marine.

TO APPLY

Applications can be sent to afpc.dpafe.orgbox@randolph.af.mil.

For more information on nomination procedures, visit AFPC’s “Ask” Web site.

You may also call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.

For more on academic qualifications, visit the AFIT site.