Continuing Education While PCSing: Online Options Guide

Bottom Line Up Front

PCS moves don't have to interrupt your education. Fully online programs allow you to continue coursework from any duty station, including OCONUS. The keys to success are choosing PCS-proof programs (no residency requirements, military-friendly policies), planning ahead for moves, and protecting your progress through credit transfer strategies. You can complete degrees, certifications, and professional development regardless of how often you move.

The Military Spouse Career Challenge

Traditional education fails military spouses:

Start degree at one location, can't finish
Credits don't transfer
Mid-semester PCS disrupts everything
Lose momentum and motivation
Feel like starting over each time

The Solution: Select programs designed for mobility, create systems that survive chaos, and leverage online learning to make location irrelevant.

Choosing PCS-Proof Education

Essential Criteria

Must-Haves for Military Spouse Programs:

Fully Online Option
- No mandatory campus visits
- No in-person residencies
- All coursework completable remotely
Military-Friendly Policies
- PCS deferral/pause options
- Deployment accommodations
- Understanding of military life
Accredited (Regionally)
- Credits transfer broadly
- Employers recognize degree
- Financial aid available
Flexible Scheduling
- Asynchronous courses (no set meeting times)
- Multiple start dates
- Self-paced options
Credit Transfer Friendly
- Accept prior credits
- Recognize military training
- Accept CLEP/DSST

Red Flags to Avoid

Avoid Programs That:

Require campus residencies (even short ones)
Have strict semester start dates only
Don't accept transfer credits
Aren't regionally accredited
Have unclear PCS policies

Best Online Programs for Mobility

Top Military-Friendly Online Universities

Western Governors University (WGU)

Competency-based (go at your own pace)
Flat-rate tuition
No residency requirements
Strong military support
Best for: Self-motivated learners

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Traditional online format
200+ programs
Very transfer-friendly
Good military rates
Best for: Wide program selection

Purdue University Global

Designed for working adults
Military tuition discount (significant)
No residency requirements
Career-focused programs
Best for: Adult learners, career changers

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)

Created for military families
Overseas locations for support
Very military-friendly
Excellent IT/cybersecurity programs
Best for: OCONUS, tech careers

Arizona State University Online

Ranked online programs
Yellow Ribbon participant
Large program selection
Brand recognition
Best for: Prestige, variety

Specialized Options

Competency-Based Learning:

WGU, Purdue Global, Capella
Finish faster if you already know material
Self-paced
Good for experienced professionals

Accelerated Programs:

8-week terms (vs. 16-week)
Finish faster
More starts per year
Good for focused periods between PCS

Semester-Free Options:

Some schools have monthly starts
Reduces impact of mid-term moves
More flexibility

Managing Education Through PCS

Before PCS (60-90 Days Out)

Communicate with School:

Notify academic advisor of upcoming move
Discuss options: pause, continue, adjust

Evaluate Current Courses:

Can you complete before move date?
Do you need to withdraw from any?
What's the deadline for withdrawal without penalty?

Plan for Gap:

Will you have internet immediately at new location?
Any overlap between work obligations and coursework?
Build buffer time into schedule

During PCS (The Chaos Period)

Realistic Expectations:

First 2-4 weeks: Minimal study time
Accept reduced productivity
Focus on essentials only

Maintaining Continuity:

Keep coursework accessible offline (download materials)
Set one small goal per day (even 30 minutes)
Don't fall behind on deadlines silently—communicate

If You Must Pause:

Take incomplete or withdrawal if needed
Better to pause than fail
Military-friendly schools understand

After PCS (First 30 Days)

Re-Establish Routine:

Week 1: Get internet, set up workspace
Week 2: Resume coursework
Week 3-4: Return to full schedule

Check In with School:

Confirm nothing fell through cracks
Update address and contact info
Re-engage with advisor

Protecting Your Progress

Credit Transfer Strategy

Before Enrolling in Any School:

Request transfer credit evaluation upfront
Send transcripts before fully enrolling
Know exactly how many credits will transfer
Get evaluation in writing

Credit Maximization:

CLEP exams (test out of gen ed)
DSST exams (more subjects)
ACE-evaluated military training
Prior Learning Assessment (experience to credit)

At Enrollment:

Get transfer credits applied to transcript immediately
Verify they count toward your degree
Don't retake courses unnecessarily

Completing Degree Across Multiple Schools

If You Must Change Schools:

Choose new school with strong transfer policy
Request evaluation before enrolling
Take courses that are likely to transfer
Keep all syllabi and course descriptions
Graduate from ONE school (don't keep transferring)

The 60-Credit Rule: Many schools require 30+ credits earned at their institution for degree. Factor this into planning.

Documentation System

Keep These Forever:

Official transcripts (multiple copies)
Course syllabi (for transfer evaluation)
Grade reports
Correspondence with advisors
Financial aid documents

Digital Organization:

Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
Organized by school and term
Backed up in multiple locations

Continuing Professional Education (CEUs/PDUs)

Maintaining Licenses Through PCS

Challenges:

CEU requirements vary by state
Moving may interrupt courses
Different states count different CEUs

Solutions:

Complete CEUs online
Use nationally-recognized providers
Get CEUs that count in multiple states
Track all CEUs carefully

Where to Get CEUs Online

General Professional Development:

LinkedIn Learning (often free through library)
Coursera and edX
Professional association courses

Healthcare:

NetCE, Elite Learning, CE4Less
Professional association webinars
Specialty-specific platforms

Teaching:

University continuing education
District-approved online providers
Professional association courses

IT/Tech:

Vendor certifications (Microsoft, AWS, Cisco)
CompTIA continuing education
Conference attendance (virtual)

CEU Tracking System

Create Tracker With:

Course name and provider
Date completed
CEU hours earned
Category (if applicable)
Certificate location

Set Reminders:

6 months before license renewal: Assess CEU status
3 months before: Complete any remaining requirements
1 month before: Submit renewal application

OCONUS Education

Challenges Overseas

Time zone differences
Internet reliability
Limited library access
Isolation from classmates

Solutions for OCONUS Success

Time Zones:

Confirm courses are asynchronous (no set meeting times)
If synchronous, check if recording available
Plan schedule around time differences

Internet:

Research connectivity before arrival
Have backup options (Starlink, mobile hotspot)
Download materials when possible
Work in focused sessions when connection good

Support:

UMGC has overseas offices
Online tutoring available 24/7 from some schools
Connect with other military spouse students

Testing:

Proctored exams may need planning
Confirm online proctoring available
Check for approved testing centers overseas

Funding Continuing Education

GI Bill (If Transferred)

Full tuition at most online schools
Housing allowance (at 50% of national average for online-only)
Book stipend

MyCAA (If Eligible)

Up to $4,000 for portable career training
Covers many certificate programs
Some degree programs qualify

Military Spouse Scholarships

NMFA: militaryfamily.org
ThanksUSA: thanksusa.org
Pat Tillman Foundation

Tuition Assistance (Service Member's)

Some allows use for spouse education
Branch-specific policies
Check eligibility

Federal Aid

Complete FAFSA
Pell Grants available
Federal student loans (use cautiously)

Success Stories

Amanda, Army Spouse - BSN Across 3 Duty Stations "I started my BSN at SNHU in Texas, continued through Germany, and graduated while stationed at Fort Lewis. The program was 100% online. When we PCS'd, I just kept logging in. Clinical placements were the only local piece, and SNHU's placement team found sites at each location."

Marcus, Navy Spouse - MBA During Deployment "I completed my MBA through WGU during my wife's deployment. The competency-based format meant I could go fast when I had time and slow when I didn't. I finished in 14 months, less than half the normal time, because I was motivated and had evening hours free."

Priya, Marine Corps Spouse - Certifications Through Chaos "I gave up on degrees and focused on certifications that I could complete in 3-6 months each. Got my PMP, then my SHRM-CP, then data analytics through Google. Each one was online, and each one made me more employable. Shorter timelines = less PCS disruption."

90-Day Education Planning

Days 1-30: Assessment

Evaluate current education status
Identify goal (degree, certification, CEUs)
Research PCS-proof programs
Calculate costs and funding sources

Days 31-60: Selection

Apply to chosen program(s)
Submit transcripts for transfer evaluation
Apply for financial aid/scholarships
Enroll in first courses

Days 61-90: Establish Routine

Complete first term successfully
Build study habits that survive chaos
Connect with support resources
Plan for upcoming PCS (if applicable)

Resources

Military-Friendly Schools:

WGU: wgu.edu
SNHU: snhu.edu
Purdue Global: purdueglobal.edu
UMGC: umgc.edu
ASU Online: asuonline.asu.edu

Testing (Credits):

CLEP: clep.collegeboard.org
DSST: dantes.doded.mil/DSST

Financial Aid:

FAFSA: fafsa.gov
MyCAA: mycaa.militaryonesource.mil
NMFA: militaryfamily.org

CEU Tracking:

State licensing board websites
Professional association portals
Personal tracking spreadsheet

This Website:

Education Guide
Online Degree Guide
militarytransitiontoolkit.com

Education doesn't have to stop when orders arrive. With the right program, proper planning, and systems built for mobility, you can advance your education regardless of how often you move. The degree you earn online is the same degree—without the location dependency.