Tuition Assistance Question!

[DTMA0616]

Hello All,

I joined the Air Force with an MBA; however, I was hoping to use AF Tuition Assistance to earn a second Master's degree in a technical field. With that being said, I recently was made aware that the TA Program will not pay for lateral or lesser degrees. My question for you all is, is there a waiver process to get around this stipulation and take advantage of the TA program, or are there any other programs I could use to earn a second Masters aside from the GI bill or the Hazlewood Act? 

 

Thanks for the help!

Edited January 16, 2018 by DTMA0616

[nunya]

I heard they're going to unmask PhD for Capt, so... chop chop.

[HU&W]

Hazlewood only works once you've used up TA.  And only if you're a Texan.

Edited January 16, 2018 by HU&W

[tac airlifter]

What is your career field?  Is TPS or AFIT an avenue you qualify for? 

[DTMA0616]

I am a student pilot with high hopes of going to TPS!. I have an undergrad in a STEM field and I have an MBA. My intention was to use TA to earn a second Masters in a STEM field to make a more competitive bid for TPS. 

I have not looked into AFIT and I don't know much about it.  I was hoping to begin working towards this second Masters within the first year or two of completing UPT. Would AFIT be a viable option? 

[HU&W]

2 hours ago, DTMA0616 said:

I am a student pilot with high hopes of going to TPS!. I have an undergrad in a STEM field and I have an MBA. My intention was to use TA to earn a second Masters in a STEM field to make a more competitive bid for TPS. 

I have not looked into AFIT and I don't know much about it.  I was hoping to begin working towards this second Masters within the first year or two of completing UPT. Would AFIT be a viable option? 

1.  Read this.  https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_te/publication/afi99-107/afi99-107.pdf

2.  Don't sacrifice being the best pilot by splitting your attention on a degree that won't get you closer to your goal.  Every iceberg can only hold so many penguins.

3.   TPS gives you another masters.

[HossHarris]

First year or six after upt you should be burning up every available brain cell learning how to master your field. Especially if you’re a fighter pilot. 

[Termy]

Thread bump for question:

Has anyone had success using tuition assistance (not GI Bill; I am talking TA while you are still active duty) to get a Harvard (or any other school) certificate when you already hold a higher degree?  I have an MBA but would like to keep learning more but I am not sure they will approve since that is a "lateral" or "lower" program.

[mcbush]

Asked that exact question to the education office last year. They told me no.

[HU&W]

7 hours ago, Termy said:

Thread bump for question:

Has anyone had success using tuition assistance (not GI Bill; I am talking TA while you are still active duty) to get a Harvard (or any other school) certificate when you already hold a higher degree?  I have an MBA but would like to keep learning more but I am not sure they will approve since that is a "lateral" or "lower" program.

Here’s the only lateral/lower exception I know. 6.6.3. An officer having a master’s degree and who has received SAF/IAPA approval to pursue a master’s degree in a designated program for a foreign language or international political-military studies with a foreign area concentration. Officers holding a doctorate (or equivalent) are ineligible. By participating in this MilTA option, officers will be considered for assignments under the Regional Affairs Specialist (RAS)/Language Enabled Airmen Program (LEAP) programs. Applies only to officers with 15 years or less TAFCSD. All other requirements in this AFI apply. (T-1)

[Termy]

Thanks! If anyone has done any Harvard certificates please drop me a note. Thanks in advance!