Photo: Military student doing coursework
Whether you're active-duty military, transitioning out of service, or supporting a military family, your time is structured in ways most students don’t have to navigate. Deployments, shifting responsibilities, and family obligations can make the college experience feel out of reach. The question isn’t just “Should I go back to school?” It’s “Can I actually make it work?”
When deciding on a school, prospective military students need clarity on whether their VA education benefits will cover costs and what support is available. There is also the practical concern of how coursework can be completed on a timetable that works for you.
Penny Lipscomb, Director of the Center for Veteran, Military and Family Programs at West Virginia University, explains that “Military and veteran students want to know their time and training will count. They need to know they can complete coursework on a schedule that works alongside service, work and family responsibilities.”
At WVU, there are several resources available to make your transition into higher education effective and efficient.
Online Programs That Work with You
WVU offers a range of fully online programs that allow you to learn on your schedule. This flexibility matters most when your availability is constantly changing.
Many courses are asynchronous, meaning they don’t require you to log on at specific times, so work can be completed at your own pace. Whether your availability is early in the morning, later at night, or between obligations, your education fits into your life.
Some programs are especially aligned with military experience and career paths. For example, WVU’s partnership with the Defense Information School (DINFOS) allows students in the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) graduate program to build on military training and apply it toward a degree. For service members with a background in communications or public affairs, this creates a clear and accelerated path forward.
Outside of the DINFOS partnership, WVU offers several different online programs at discounted rates for military-affiliated students. If you’re looking to pursue different goals than marketing communications, there are other options for you.
Making Your Benefits Count
Through your service, you’ve earned your education benefits. The challenge is often figuring out how to use them effectively.
WVU helps military-connected students navigate options like the GI Bill® and tuition assistance, with staff who understand the process and can help you avoid common delays or confusion. Instead of leaving you to interpret eligibility requirements on your own, the university provides certification support and guidance to help ensure your benefits are applied correctly.
This support means fewer administrative hurdles, so you can maintain your focus on your coursework.
Support That Goes Beyond the Classroom
Flexibility and funding are only part of the equation. Success also depends on the support you receive once you are enrolled.
WVU’s Center for Veteran, Military and Family Programs, known on campus as “The Bunker”, offers both practical and personal support for military-connected students.
“The Center’s staff assists students with any issues that arise due to military duties or benefit related challenges,” Lipscomb explained. “The Bunker’s staff members have helped thousands of students navigate deployments, communicate with faculty and access both on and off campus resources, so they do not have to manage those challenges on your own.”
While The Bunker is a physical space to work, study, or reset, its resources are available for all military students, regardless of if you take classes in person or online. These resources include:
- Help with VA education benefits certification
- Academic advising and guidance
- Course-specific tutoring
For students facing unexpected challenges, the Bunker launched an Emergency Relief
Fund in 2024 to provide immediate financial support when it is needed most.
“This dedicated support system ensures that military and veteran students never
have to manage these complexities alone and can stay focused on their academic
goals with confidence,” Lipscomb said.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve been putting off school because the timing never felt right, it may be worth taking a closer look at what is possible now.
Start by exploring WVU’s available online programs that align with your experience or career goals. If you have questions about getting started, the WVU Online team can help you understand what to expect and what your next step should be.
If your biggest questions are about military education benefits, including what is covered, how to apply them, or how to make the most of what you have earned, WVU’s Center for Veteran, Military and Family Programs can walk you through the details.
You do not have to figure everything out on your own. Start with your questions and connect with the team that can help you move forward.