Move Your Degree Forward: Using Military Credits to Advance Your Academic Path

As a student veteran, your military experience has provided you with extensive training, leadership, and real-world problem-solving skills—many of which translate directly into academic credit. Applying these credits effectively may accelerate your degree progress, reduce unnecessary coursework, and allow you to focus on higher-level learning and career preparation.

Military credits are not simply about earning “easy” classes; they reflect the rigorous education and practical skills you’ve already demonstrated. Leveraging them strategically may position you to complete your degree faster while maintaining academic integrity and readiness for your future.

Step 1: Obtain and Review Your JST or CCAF Transcript

Your Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript is a formal record of your military training, occupational specialties, and professional development courses. These transcripts have been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) to recommend equivalent college credits.

What you need to do now:

• Ensure your transcript has been officially sent to your institution’s registrar or veteran services office.

• Verify that your academic advisor has reviewed the transcript for credit evaluation.

• Follow up regularly; many institutions require students to initiate this review process.

Step 2: Understand How Credits Apply to Your Degree Requirements

Every institution has its own policies regarding military credit acceptance and application. While some colleges may grant these credits as general electives, many have frameworks to apply them toward specific general education or major requirements.

Critical questions to ask your advisor:

• Which military credits can fulfill core or major-specific courses?

• Are there options for course substitutions or waivers based on your transcript?

• How will accepting these credits impact your total credits needed for graduation?

The goal is not merely to accumulate credit hours but to integrate your military experience meaningfully within your academic program, allowing you to progress more efficiently.

Step 3: Explore Additional Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Opportunities

Beyond your JST or CCAF transcript, many schools offer credit for prior learning through alternative assessments such as:

• DSST and CLEP exams, which test proficiency in subjects like mathematics, science, and history.

• Portfolio assessments that document your military and professional experiences.

• Competency-based education programs designed to recognize applied knowledge and skills.

These options can further reduce redundancy in your coursework and help you maintain momentum toward degree completion.

Step 4: Advocate for Credit Alignment and Substitutions

It is not uncommon for military credits to be initially applied only as electives even when they align with required courses in your program. In these cases, you have the right to request a reassessment.

Effective advocacy includes:

• Providing detailed course descriptions or training syllabi from your military experience.

• Consulting with your department chair or academic advisor about possible credit substitutions.

• Presenting the educational equivalency and relevance of your military coursework in writing, if necessary.

Advocating in this way ensures your military training receives the full academic recognition it merits, enabling you to avoid unnecessary repetition.

Step 5: Coordinate Credit Decisions with Your VA Benefits

Applying military credits toward your degree influences your use of VA education benefits. Completing your degree requirements more quickly may preserve your entitlement months for future education or training opportunities.

However, be mindful of:

• Maintaining the required course load to retain housing and other allowances.

• Consulting your School Certifying Official (SCO) before dropping or adjusting classes based on credit application.

• Ultimately checking with the VA for all clarifications and questions.
  

Your military service has provided a unique, valuable education that extends far beyond traditional classroom settings. Recognizing and applying this experience toward your academic goals is essential to advancing your degree efficiently and effectively.

By proactively managing your military credits, engaging with academic advisors, and coordinating with VA officials, you position yourself to graduate on a timeline that respects your hard work and prepares you for success beyond college.

Your military training has prepared you for rigorous challenges—now, let it accelerate your path through higher education.

Book an appointment with GGU’s Student Success Manager to make the most of your educational journey.