Thomas Edison State University: Online courses and degrees for members of the U.S. Coast Guard and their Spouses

Ryan began his career in military education in 2009, when he worked for the federal VA. He was responsible for the payments to colleges and universities for Post 9/11 veterans. In 2022, Ryan served as a regional base representative serving the Pacific Northwest for Thomas Edison State University.

Ryan graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a BA in Environmental Studies with a minor in Biology. He also attended Troy University for his (MSIR) Master of Science in International Relations with a concentration in National Security Affairs. He pursued his second master’s degree with Thomas Edison State University, where he graduated with a Master of Management in Organizational Leadership.

What He Has to Say

The higher education field is very rewarding and constantly changing. As a former Coastie, he likes working with students to help them further their education and careers. His favorite job with Thomas Edison State University is conducting outreach and meeting with prospective students. While stationed at TRACEN Cape May, he met a counselor from TESU and that meeting was instrumental in him attending the University.

Why It Matters

Chartered by the New Jersey Board of Higher Education in 1972, Thomas Edison State University pioneered and established distance-learning options, long before "online" became our present everyday reality. We have not been idle through the years, as we have also worked to take full advantage of your military training and experience by developing competitive and relevant degree programs, which enable you to transfer the maximum amount of credit for your military experience and transfer credit.

Top Five Coast Guard Degree Options

The below are our five most popular degrees, which generally represent the most open or flexible options for our Coast Guardsmen, based on their experience. Does a program below fit your needs? If so, we invite you to apply, as we can get you started quickly, and free-of-charge.

Associate in Applied Science in
- Electrical/Mechanical Systems and Maintenance
- Applied Electronic Studies
Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Associate in Science in Electronics Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Bachelor of Science in Electronics Systems Engineering Technology

Not connecting with the above, or looking for a more specialized route? We realize every service member is unique and as such, you may be looking for a degree that reflects this. Browse our more than 100 available degree programs.

Our Promise to You

In order to ensure your success in completing your degree, Thomas Edison State University strives to meet or exceed the following Principles of Excellence, as established under Presidential Executive Order 13607.

Up-front and transparent pricing, in order to gain a better understanding of the total cost of education.
Minimize out-of-pocket expenses, by identifying potential military and veteran education benefits.
A no-pressure, self-determined educational experience, emphasizing degree completion, over institutional compensation.
Delivering only high quality accredited educational programs.
A seamless readmission process, should a service member experience an interruption to their education.
Accommodations for our deployed service members, should they need to drop or extend a course, as a result of service in the field.
Academic evaluations outlining degree requirements, credits that have been earned, and a clear path to completion.
From application to registration, each student is assigned a dedicated enrollment counselor who is there to help.

Thomas Edison State University is a participating institution with the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (DoD MOU). We provide the following information and resources to ensure military and veteran students, and their families, make an informed decision about the university they plan to attend.

Please visit the The College Scorecard and The College Navigator, provided by the U.S. Department of Education, for statistics and information about colleges and universities that you may find helpful.

Financial Aid and Financial Planning Resources:

All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid, which can be used in conjunction with Tuition Assistance and Veterans Education Benefits.

Thomas Edison State University has established scholarships to recognize the service and sacrifice of U.S. Active Duty, Reserve, and Air or Army National Guard service members, their spouses and dependents, Veterans and wounded warriors.

These free resources can help you understand your financial cost and benefits available for attending Thomas Edison State University: