NDU’s iCollege Offers Elite Grad Programs for Military and Gov. IT Leaders

By Military Connection Staff Writer Joe Silva.

Education is the key to success in any field. Currently, there are numerous military officers and civilian government employees who are preparing to take the next step needed to change their world. But fitting advanced educational programs into working specialists’ schedules can be difficult. Potential professional leaders should consider enrollment at National Defense University’s Information Resources Management College (NDU iCollege).

iCollege, formerly known as IRMC, was established in 1988. Since then, iCollege has developed more than 16,000 military and government leaders from around the globe.  iCollege’s mission is to prepare military and civilian leaders to optimize information technology management and secure information dominance in cyberspace.

iCollege offers several graduate level courses of study in cyber and information technology leadership. Last May, 245 iCollege students graduated with more than 400 certificates in programs that included Chief Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Cyber Security, Cyber Leadership, Government Strategic Leader, Enterprise Architecture, and IT Program & Project Management. Certificates can be earned in as few as 14 weeks.

iCollege also offers a Master of Science degree in Government Information Leadership. This Master’s Degree program addresses the educational needs of military and civilian leaders who seek to successfully lead complex and diverse information-age organizations. iCollege’s MS degree, as well as their graduate level certificates, are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In June, 2013, iCollege graduated 28 students with Master’s degrees.

Most NDU colleges and programs only accept students who were appointed through their military branch or government agency. But iCollege takes open enrollment from all eligible DOD personnel and government employees. To be eligible, all military personnel must be an O-4 or higher, and all civilians must be a GS-12 or higher, or sponsored by a government agency. Prospective students must also possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

iCollege offers more than 50 courses that can be completed by any combination of online, and in residence at Fort McNair. In-class programs are highly interactive, student-centered educational experiences that focus on collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills.

NDU’s iCollege boasts nearly 40 Academic Partners that include universities across the country. Through this partnership, the other universities have agreed to accept between nine to fifteen graduate transfer credits for students who successfully complete iCollege certificates towards enrollment in their university’s selected degree programs.  In many cases, this means that iCollege certificate graduates are already nearly half-way towards a Master’s Degree at the partner schools. This can result in a huge savings on future education and degrees, especially for DOD personnel who can attend iCollege at no charge; but still pay TDY if applicable.

The National Defense University was chartered by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The university and its five colleges, including iCollege, are funded through the Department of Defense. But like all institutions of higher learning, NDU also runs on private donations from individuals and organizations. If you are interested in contributing to the education of our world leaders, please visit the NDU Foundation’s website.

For more information about the NDU iCollege, please contact coopersmithp@ndu.edu or visit the college’s Facebook page or website:  https://sites.google.com/a/irmcollege.net/icollege/.

NDU is the premier national security institution focused on advanced joint warfighter education, leader development, and scholarship.  The University provides rigorous Joint Professional Military Education to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and select others in order to develop leaders who have the ability to operate and creatively think in an unpredictable and complex world.  For more information about the National Defense University, please contact:  Daniel Magalotti, Acting Public Affairs Officer, at 202-685-3140 or daniel.magalotti@ndu.edu; or visit www.ndu.edu.