Educational opportunities at Malmstrom are numerous Published Dec. 18, 2009 By Ingrid Callahan Chief, Force Development Flight MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The Education and Training Center is in a modern facility complemented by a professional staff committed to guiding military people, family members and civilian employees into academic areas, vocational-technical and special interest courses, college undergraduate or graduate degree programs, counseling and testing services, and military/civilian training. On-base educational and training opportunities prepare people for the future, encouraging them to learn and be leaders within their chosen career fields. Professional educational counseling services are available to ensure that each student's preparation is relevant to the needs of the military, government and industry. The center maintains active contact with several internal and external government agencies, colleges, and universities to provide resources and support for the wide range of programs represented on base. Counselors provide assistance to Airmen preparing for commissioning programs, professional military education and the Air Force Institute of Technology. Extensive testing services allow people to earn college credit, gain college admission, attain professional certification, and determine interests and aptitudes. Hundreds of standardized tests have been designed by the College Level Examination Program, Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support and Excelsior College Examination Program. These tests are available through Troy University to measure the college-level knowledge and competence a person has gained through work experience or independent reading and study from college and university course examinations. Unless otherwise noted, the examinations are given free of charge to active-duty military, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard personnel. People may pursue undergraduate degree programs through on-base universities located in the Education and Training Center. The on-base degree programs are equal in quality and content to programs offered on resident campuses. Active-duty military members and DoD civilians may qualify for tuition assistance funding, whereby 100 percent and 75 percent, respectively, of tuition costs are paid, subject to the availability of funds and other conditions. Veterans Administration funding, GI Bill, Pell Grant and loan information may be obtained at the center. The education center is located in Bldg. 1240, and may be reached at (406) 731-3531, DSN 632-3531, or e-mail education@malmstrom.af.mil. The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, closing at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Community College of the Air Force The Community College of the Air Force is an accredited member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers two-year associate in applied science degrees to enlisted members of the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. Degrees are offered in every Air Force specialty by combining Air Force technical and management education with selected off-duty college courses and Air Force work experience. Credits may also be obtained by successfully passing DANTES, CLEP and Excelsior College subject and general tests. The base education center serves as the pivotal point of contact in all matters pertaining to CCAF, including formal registration, course advisement and degree completion requirements. Graduation ceremonies are conducted each spring and fall in conjunction with other on-base schools. The CCAF Web site has more information at www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf. Park University Park University, Malmstrom Campus Center, offers full associate and baccalaureate degree completion programs in the following areas: Criminal Justice Administration, Computer Science, Management, Management/Accounting, Management/Computer Information Systems, Management/Marketing, Management/Finance, Management/ Health Care, Management/Human Resources and Social Psychology. Park University also offers an additional 40 plus degrees online, including the brand new Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Degree. All courses are scheduled within five accelerated eight-week terms, with classes scheduled in the evenings. Park University originated in Parkville, Mo., and has more than 42 military resident centers across the continental United States. Park University, established in 1875, is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Park University's staff and faculty welcome military, military family members, and civilians to the Malmstrom/Great Falls campus center. Troy University Troy University's main campus is located in Troy, Ala., and was founded in 1887. The university offers graduate and undergraduate degrees at 62 sites in 17 states and 11 foreign countries. At Malmstrom AFB, the university offers a Master of Science in Management with concentrations in human resource management, international management, leadership and health care management. Troy-Malmstrom also offers the Master of Science in International Relations with concentrations in Global Studies and National Security Affairs. Troy conducts five 9-week terms per year at its Malmstrom site. Courses are typically scheduled for two weekends, which are spaced throughout the term. Faculty with a Ph.D. or equivalent credentials teach the courses. Troy also offers several associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees online through their eCampus programs. All of the university's degree programs, regardless of where they are offered, are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Both military members and civilians are welcome to enroll and attend classes with Troy. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was founded in 1926 and is the world's largest aeronautical university. Fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ERAU is open to both military and civilians, offering courses in 130 extended campus centers located throughout the world. Onsite courses and distance learning lead to undergraduate degrees in Professional Aeronautics and Technical Management, while undergraduate certificates in Aviation Maintenance Technology Type 65, Security and Intelligence and Aviation Safety are also available. A graduate degree in Aeronautical Science offers extensive specializations, including Management, Safety Systems, Space Studies, Space Operations Management, Operations, Human Factors, Education Technology and Aeronautics. Five accelerated nine-week semesters include evening classes with an occasional weekend format for graduate courses. Other college-level opportunities There are many other educational opportunities available to Malmstrom people in the local community. Some of these include the University of Great Falls (761-8210), Montana State University (MSU) - College of Technology (771-4300) and MSU - Northern (771-4302). Tuition assistance is available for these schools. More information on these programs may be found by contacting each respective institution.