UCM and AU-ABC Add New B.S. Degree Pathway

 

United States Air Force members looking to continue their higher education have another bachelor’s degree option made possible by the Air University – Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) with the University of Central Missouri (UCM). 

 

The university was notified this summer that its application had been approved to include the Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies in its partnership with the AU-ABC. Since joining the partnership about three years ago, UCM has added a total of seven degree pathways. 

 

Courtney Swoboda, director of Military and Veteran Services at UCM, said UCM’s partnership with the AU-ABC allows Air Force members to obtain their bachelor’s degree more quickly by utilizing their military credit.

 

“Our office tries to maximize the resources and programming for our student base so as a campus, we can provide as much as possible for these service members,” Swoboda said. “Adding another degree program just adds to our toolkit of what we offer.”

 

After Air Force personnel have completed their degree from the CCAF, the AU-ABC provides an opportunity for them to transfer those credits to several partner institutions nationwide that will enable them to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

 

At UCM, students can complete their degrees online or in person through courses available at times suited to their busy schedules, even during deployment. Air Force members in any career field can pursue the new Communication Studies degree.

 

Swoboda said Professor Wendy Geiger and the Department of Communication and Digital Media Production reached out to her about adding the new AU-ABC degree. She noted that having faculty members who recognize the importance of what service members bring to campus highlights the university’s dedication to serving the military community.

 

UCM is committed to helping veterans, active-duty military and their families access higher education opportunities. The university offers tuition benefits for veterans and military members plus in-state tuition for their dependents. Other benefits include free entry to athletic events and access to the Military and Veterans Success Center, a one-stop resource for active duty military, veterans and military dependents enrolled at UCM. 

 

Several organizations have recognized UCM for its commitment to veterans and military members. The university has been named a 2023 Best College for Veterans by Military Times and College Factual, a 2024-25 Top 10 for large public Military Friendly School by VIQTORY, and a Best College for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report. 

 

Most recently, U.S. Veterans Magazine recognized UCM as a 2024 Top Veteran-Friendly School.

 

“It's an exciting time for us as a campus and for the support that we provide our military-affiliated students,” Swoboda said.

 

For more information about UCM’s Military and Veterans Services, including AU-ABC program offerings, visit ucmo.edu/military, call 660-543-8776 or email vets@ucmo.edu.