About Eastern's Special Program for the Navy

Eastern Connecticut State University is a Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC). This program for Servicemembers and the adult members of their families makes it easier to complete a Bachelor's degree at Eastern, even when transferred. Eastern is a member of the SOC Degree Network System which includes more than 1800 colleges and universities that provide enhanced educational opportunities for servicemembers and their families. By signing a SOCNAV contract, you can finish your degree no matter where you're stationed. Eastern will help you reach your lifetime goal!

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.

How to Get Started

1. Schedule an appointment with Jennifer Beatty, Outreach Coordinator for the Groton Sub Base at (860) 445-0333.
   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 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, additional approved courses taken elsewhere should you be deployed or relocated.

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."

The Curriculum

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

• Business Information Systems Management

And our newest addition:

• Environmental Management

Talk to our Advisors Now!

Jennifer Beatty, Sub Base Office: Building #83, Room 148
Phone: (860) 445-0333
Email: beattyj@easternct.edu
M-Th, 10 am-2:00 pm.  Please, call for an appointment.

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

George Steele
Phone: (860) 465-5101
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!)