Two enlisted servicemembers became the first to receive Associate of Arts degrees under a new collaboration between the United States Naval Community College (USNCC) and University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). Carsen Paukowits and Marine Ryan Rohr, both members of the U.S. Coast Guard, also earned certificates in computer networking from UMGC.
Under the joint arrangement, UMGC provides basic general studies courses, as well as the computer networking certificate—which is an embedded component of the degree—while USNCC is responsible for the five naval studies courses it requires toward completion of the associate degree.
Students complete their degree without dipping into other military tuition benefits, allowing them to reserve those benefits for future education. As with all UMGC programs, students also are eligible to earn credit for past training and education, often shortening the time investment required for an associate degree.
For Petty Officer 1st Class Paukowits, whose degree comes fairly late in his 15-year Coast Guard career, the benefit of his additional education was immediate. The Coast Guard has created a position—cyber mission specialist—and promoted him into that role. Previously, Paukowits was an information systems technician. He is stationed at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C
“The timing of it was just perfect,” he said. “I had been whittling away at a degree for some time, but D.C. is a great melting pot to go to school. With the new [job], I could learn all of the ins and outs of it.”
He said UMGC came highly recommended to him, and with one degree down, he is already well on his way toward a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity at UMGC.
USNCC was launched to upgrade educational opportunities for enlisted personnel in the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, as well as Coast Guard reservists. The goal of the online program is to enhance operational readiness and improve warfighting capabilities while putting students on the path to lifelong learning.
Because of UMGC’s long history of educating military personnel, the university was selected to help USNCC develop its educational program. USNCC was founded in 2019 and went through two pilot stages before It became a full program in the fall of 2023. UMGC is now one of eight university partners providing the classes for the associate degree.
USNCC anticipates a total enrollment of 15,000 students by 2026.
Students cannot sign up for this program on their own, as happens with most UMGC programs, said Bethany Taylor, UMGC director of non-traditional programs. Instead, USNCC must approve their participation, and the students must follow a strict course sequence under the watchful eye of their military advisers.
“It helps them build a relationship with the school and their adviser at an early point that will allow them to be more successful later on,” Taylor said.
The students must pursue their associate degree with the embedded undergraduate certificate in computer networking, said Tracey Conrad, UMGC assistant director of non-traditional programs for Stateside Military Operations. Completion of the associate degree puts them on track to a bachelor’s degree, if desired, while the computer networking certificate advances them toward a major in cybersecurity, a skillset that is in high demand in the military.
Paukowits advised younger military personnel to get started earlier on their degree goals in their careers than he did.
“I think having that background with the Navy and the certificate would probably be very helpful in building a long-term career,” he said. “I’m kind of on the back end, but it was still a good thing for me to do.”
UMGC now hopes to offer the Computer Networking certificate to students who already have a bachelor’s degree and are seeking specialized training, Taylor said.
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