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, 20187 yr by DTMA0616

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

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

Edited January 16, 20187 yr by HU&W

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

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? 

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.

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. 

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.

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

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)

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