Today, online classes make it possible to pursue an education from practically anywhere in the world, making college more accessible than ever. If you’re serving in the military and are currently deployed (or may be deployed in the near future), you might wonder whether it’s possible to take classes while actively serving.
The reality is that with the right time management skills, you can pursue an education with online classes while you’re deployed. The key is to know what to expect and narrow your options to military-friendly online colleges.
Can You Really Take Online Classes While Deployed?
With the right amount of proactive planning and a little support, it is possible to take online college classes while you’re deployed. In fact, many military-friendly schools are specifically designed to support military members during their deployment.
The main thing to keep in mind is that taking online courses requires some basic technical skills. Specifically, a reliable Internet connection and a laptop are key to accessing course portals and staying on top of your assignments.
The Reality of Learning While Serving
While it is absolutely possible to take college classes while you’re deployed, it’s also important to recognize some of the inherent challenges you may face. Depending on where you’re deployed, for example, you may not have the most reliable Internet connection. Meanwhile, if you have an unpredictable schedule and are trying to take synchronous online classes in another time zone, this may also be difficult.
Thankfully, there are ways to overcome these obstacles. For example, many deployed military members will take asynchronous college classes, which allow them to work entirely at their own pace without the need for live class meetings or strict assignment due dates.
What Online Education Options Are Available to Active Duty Military?
If you’re interested in taking online classes for military personnel while you’re deployed, the good news is that there are many options available to you. These days, it is possible to explore fully online associate, bachelor’s, and even master’s degree programs in just about any field imaginable. From business and healthcare to IT and beyond, you can pursue classes in the field that interests you most.
Even if you haven’t decided on a degree, you can explore short-term options (like certificate programs). In some cases, you may even be able to transfer previous credits and earn additional credits through prior learning assessments (PLAs).
Educational Benefits for Active Duty Military and Their Spouses
So, what are some of the most common military benefits and active duty military spouse education benefits? Let’s dive in:
Tuition Assistance (TA)
The TA program is offered through the Department of Defense, offering financial assistance to help active-duty service members pay for tuition while in college. As of 2025, eligible service members can receive up to $250 per semester hour, totaling a maximum of $4,500 per year.
GI Bill®
Meanwhile, the GI Bill® education benefit is available to help military service members pay for their college, graduate school, and even vocational training programs. More specifically, this program includes the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty, and the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve.
MyCAA for Military Spouses
For spouses of military service members, the My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) scholarship through the Department of Defense can provide up to $4,000 in benefits towards college, university, technical school, and even certificate programs.
Scholarships and Military Discounts
Some schools may also offer special financial aid options for military service members, including scholarships or even military discounts to make higher education more affordable. At Baker College, for example, military students and their spouses enjoy special tuition rates. Likewise, military students may be eligible for deferred payment, ensuring that no payments need to be made until eligible education benefits have been disbursed.
In addition to tuition discounts and deferred payment options, Baker College also offers scholarship opportunities specifically for military families like the Dependent of Active Military Scholarship, which provides up to $1,500 per year to eligible dependents of active duty, National Guard, or Reserve service members.
Benefits of Taking Online Courses While Deployed
Still not sure whether taking online classes while deployed is right for you? Here are a few benefits to consider that could help you make your decision.
Maximize Military Education Benefits
Taking classes while you’re deployed can help you make the most of your military education benefits, many of which have time limits or usage restrictions—so it’s wise to use them while you’re actively eligible.
Flexibility and Portability
With so many online colleges for military members, higher education is more portable and accessible than ever. You can earn college credits while you’re deployed just about anywhere with Internet access, and some colleges even offer asynchronous classes that give you the freedom to work around your duty schedule.
Use Downtime Productively
Depending on where you’re deployed and what your assignment is, you may have periods of downtime between duties. In these situations, online classes provide a constructive and meaningful way to use that time, keeping your mind active and focused while you work toward a greater goal.
Maintain a Sense of Purpose and Progress
Sometimes, deployments can feel isolating or routine. By enrolling in online classes during your deployment, you can perpetuate a sense of forward momentum and achievement, which could give you the additional structure you need to stay motivated throughout your deployment.
Continue Your Education Seamlessly
By starting your education online while you’re deployed, you may also have an easier time transitioning into full-time study or civilian education after you’ve completed your service. This can save you from having to start from scratch with your education after your deployment.
Build Skills Relevant to Military Roles
In many cases, the online classes you take while deployed can help you build skills directly applicable to your military role. Classes in logistics, cybersecurity, and management could directly enhance your performance while helping you prepare for whatever lies ahead.
Career Advancement While Serving
Taking courses while you’re deployed also gives you the opportunity to earn credentials to move up the ranks or prepare for a transition to civilian roles. This may be especially true if you take courses in such areas as cybersecurity, business, healthcare, and logistics, which often align well with military experience.
Set Yourself Apart in Promotions
Looking to stand out when it comes to promotions during your military service? Taking classes towards a degree or certificate can strengthen your promotion packet while showing the initiative and commitment that could help you advance into higher positions.
Smooth Civilian Transition
Pursuing a college degree or certificate during your military deployment can also help you build a strong resume and professional network before you complete your service. This could make your job search and transition into civilian life go more smoothly.
Tips for Succeeding in Online Classes While Deployed
While juggling the demands of your deployment and a college course load can be challenging, there are some practical tips you can follow to find success.
Plan Ahead
Once you register for classes, keep an eye out for course information. As each course syllabus and schedule becomes available, take time to review the requirements and additional class information. It’s also not a bad idea to let your instructors know about your deployment, along with any potential interruptions or schedule challenges.
Communicate Frequently
A little communication goes a long way, so be sure to keep in touch with your professors, advisors, and even tech support as needed. When meeting with advisors for any reason, consider requesting a military-friendly advisor who will be familiar with the unique challenges and needs of a deployed student.
Create a Study Routine That Works for You
It may take some time to settle into a routine with school and deployment, but one strategy that many military students find effective is utilizing downtime strategically. Working short study sessions into shift breaks and other small pockets of free time can really add up.
Utilize Support Services
Most online colleges have dedicated support and resources for remote learners, so take advantage of these. Options may include online tutoring, discussion boards, and even military academic coaches who can help you get the most out of your college experience.
Stay Motivated
If motivation is an issue, consider setting short-term goals for each week rather than looking at graduation as the end goal. Finishing all your assignments, passing a test, and even finding time to study each day are all milestones worth celebrating. When things get challenging, remember your long-term reason for enrolling in school in the first place — whether it be to advance your career, support your family, or enjoy a sense of personal growth.
Learn About Baker College’s Military-Friendly Online Programs
Taking college classes while serving in the military can be an excellent way to build valuable skills, maintain a sense of progress, and even set yourself apart for potential promotions. At the same time, taking rigorous college classes while serving can present its own set of challenges, which is why choosing an online college for military members is so important.At Baker College, we’re proud to be recognized as a Military Friendly® Silver-Rated school and a Gold-Rated Veteran Friendly® school for veterans. Whether you’re deployed locally or overseas, our team is committed to helping you succeed and use the active duty military education benefits available to you. Get in touch to learn more about the programs we have to offer, or take the next step in completing an online application today.