Top-notch degree opportunities at JB MDL Education Center Published Oct. 14, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan 87th ABW/PA JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Institutions of Higher Learning Education and Training Center has the tools and experience to help anyone at JB MDL achieve just about any degree imaginable. The Education Center, which currently has the most base programs and colleges out of all Air Mobility Command instillations, offers the base community various courses from higher-education institutions. "The eight higher education schools offering classes here are some great schools, including Berkeley College, Rutgers University College-Camden and Central Michigan University," said Linda Richardson, Force Development flight chief. "You're going to receive a top-notch education taught by outstanding professors." The Education Center also offers classes from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Wilmington University, Southern Illinois University, Thomas Edison State College and Burlington Community College. With more and more colleges offering online degree programs, the Education Center also offers online courses for those who live far from base, but still want to get their degree. Online classes can also be helpful for stay at home parents who don't have an hour or two a week to go to a classroom. There are several different options available for classes, so a degree can still be a reality for anyone in any situation. "For Airmen at JB MDL, a Community College of the Air Force degree is a must, but a four-year degree should be their overall goal," said Gaylor M. Simons, Education and Training Center counselor. "All servicemembers here, along with dependents, can receive any degree, from an associate's to a doctorate." Not only can a community member attend classes at the Education Center, they can also learn what college major might interest them the most, said Simons. The KUDER Assessment is an internet-based career planning assessment tool to help identify interests, explore options and plan for career success through self-assessment and education. They can learn what they're good at, what they like to do and what is important to them. The assessment takes place every other Tuesday at the McGuire library. The Education Center also offers exams like College Level Examination Program, Dantes Subject Standardized Test, Excelsior and Pearson-Vue Certification Exam for those who don't wish to take traditional courses or would like to quickly finish off a few credits needed for their degree. A program specifically designed for Airmen is the commissioning program, said Simons. The Center provides information on various options for enlisted members interested in commissioning. Airmen over age 21 or who are married shouldn't be discouraged that the Air Force Academy is not the route for them, she said. The overall goal of the Education Center is to provide the community with an affordable and accessible higher education, said Richardson. The Center has a very qualified staff that loves to help servicemembers and their families to achieve any degree they are seeking. "Seeing the smile on a person's face when they receive their first college degree, or even a servicemember signing up for their first college class, is why I've spent more than 25 years in the education department here," said Simons. For more information on programs, classes or degree opportunities, contact Simons at Gaylor.simons@mcguire.af.mil or 754-5346. The Education Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is located on Schoolhouse Road in Falcon Courts North. Evening classes are available.