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Bachelor of General Studies Degree SOCCOAST and SOCNAV

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"As the mother of two sons who are currently serving our country in the military, I am acutely aware of the necessity for coursework that can be taken through flexible course delivery and scheduling. By only taking 30 credits at Eastern and transferring the rest to meet graduation requirements, sevicemembers who wish to obtain a Bachelor's degree have the flexibility and transportability they deserve. SOCNAV and SOCCOAST provide written assurances that those servicemembers in the Coast Guard and Navy who serve our country along with immediate family members are educationally well served."

--- Rochelle Giménez, Dean, School of Continuing Education

About this Special Program for the Navy and Coast Guard

Eastern Connecticut State University is a Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC). Eastern participates in both SOCNAV and SOCCOAST. This program for Servicemembers and the adult members of their families makes it easier to complete your Bachelor's degree at Eastern, even when transferred. Eastern is a member of the SOC Degree Network System which includes approximately 160 colleges and universities that provide enhanced educational opportunities for servicemembers and their families. By signing a SOCNAV and SOCCOAST, you can finish your degree no matter where you're stationed. Eastern will help you reach your lifetime goal!

Coast Guard Retirees, civilian workers at a Coast Guard Facility, and civil service workers at a Coast Guard Facility should contact our advisors. They may be eligible for the benefits of SOCCOAST.

How the Program Works

The Bachelor of General Studies Degree Program (BGS) is a flexible adult degree program offered through the School of Continuing Education at Eastern. Available to students who are 25 years of age or older at the time of matriculation to the University, it is especially appropriate for those who have gained significant learning through their work/life experience.

Each student completes a learning contract with a Continuing Education advisor. This contract outlines the student's proposed plan of study and ensures that all degree and University requirements will be met. A minimum of 30 credits must be earned through actual coursework completed through Eastern.* Transfer credits from other colleges and universities can be easily transferred into the BGS degree; there is no time limit on when transfer courses were taken.

Degree requirements may be met by a combination of coursework at Eastern, transfer credits from regionally accredited colleges or universities, CLEP or DSST examinations and institutionally-approved ACE recommendations for military training and experience as well as Eastern's Credit for Lifelong Learning Program. There are a minimum of 10 courses required from Eastern, where on-campus or at our off-campus sites in Groton and at the Submarine Base. Non-classroom options are also available; such as courses by CD and online courses.

Credits
General Education Requirements 36-49
Major Concentration, completed through Eastern 30
Minor Concentration 15
Electives 26-39
Total Minimum 120
*Note: A minimum of 30 credits must be earned through Eastern coursework. Within the total 120 credits required for the degree, students must complete 60 credits of coursework number 200-level or higher and within that 60, 30 credits must be 300-level or higher.

How to Get Started

  1. Schedule an appointment with Jennifer Beatty, Outreach Coordinator for the Groton Sub Base at (860) 445-0333.
    OR
    Schedule an appointment with Jennifer Beatty, Outreach Coordinator for the Coast Guard Academy every 2nd Wednesday from 11 am to 1 pm in Munro Hall.
    OR
    Contact the main campus in Willimantic for an advisement appointment at 860 465- 5125 or toll free at 877-353-3278.

  2. Bring transcripts or prior college or military credits from regionally accredited institutions with you to your initial appointment. Start with 60 or more prior credits from regionally accredited institutions. (There's no time limit on when transfer courses were taken.)

  3. Review various possibilities for additional college credits, such as:
    ACE recommended Military credits
    College Level Exam Program (CLEP) tests
    DSST (DANTES) tests
    Credit for Lifelong Learning
    CD-based coursework through Eastern

  4. Apply for Admission to Eastern by completing a part-time student application form.

  5. Enroll in a SOCNAV or SOCCOAST Contract to ensure that your degree will be completed through Eastern should you be deployed or relocated.

  6. Complete a minimum of 10 core courses over 24 months to meet Eastern's residency requirement. (Complete two courses per semester and one summer course for two years.)

  7. We'll help you complete the other credits you need at Eastern or through CLEP and DSST tests, Credit for Lifelong Learning, or when enrolled in SOCNAV or SOCCOAST, additional approved courses taken elsewhere should you be deployed or relocated.
Note: RN License 60 Credits
LPN, Medical Laboratory Technician, Radiological Technologist or Respiratory Therapist diploma or license 30 Credits
ACE Military Credits are transferable  

Tuition Assistance

For active duty Navy personnel:

According to the Navy College News, July 2006, "the Navy Tuition Assistance limit has been increased to 16 semester credits per fiscal year (with equivalent increases in quarter credits, clock hours and CEUs). Students requesting a waiver to exceed this new cap must follow the procedures outlined in the Navy College Web site. Keep in mind that the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) limit of $4500 per fiscal year at the $250 semester hour cap WILL REMAIN IN PLACE AND CANNOT BE WAIVED."

For active duty Coast Guard personnel:

Contact your Coast Guard Education Services Officer for Tuition Assistance details.

The Curriculum

These are the suggested major concentrations for the Bachelor of General Studies. Below are the links for our three recommended programs.

And our newest addition:

Talk to our Advisors Now!

Jennifer Beatty, Sub Base Office: Building #83, Room 148
Phone: (860) 445-0333
Email: beattyj@easternct.edu
Jennifer Beatty, Coast Guard Academy, every 2nd Wednesday from 11 am to 1 pm in Munro Hall

Gail Turner, Groton Site Office: 591 Poquonnock Rd.
Phone: (860) 446-9457
Email: turnerg@easternct.edu

George Steele, Vernon/Rockville, Vernon Adult Education Center, 33 West Main Street
Phone: (860) 871-8482
Email: steeleg@easternct.edu

Main Campus: 83 Windham Street, Willimantic, CT 06226
Phone:(860) 465-5125 or Toll Free (877) 353-3278
Fax (860) 465-0062
Email: cewebmail@easternct.edu (Please, put SOCNAV or SOCCOAST in the Subject of your email!)