Part-Time Civilian Astronautical Graduate Student Credits AFIT for Improving Work Quality

  • Published
  • By Jaclyn Knapp, Air Force Institute of Technology, Center for Space Research and Assurance
  • Air Force Institute of Technology

When choosing a graduate school, National Air and Space Intelligence Center civilian employee Justin Becker chose the Air Force Institute of Technology so he could continue working while attending school part-time.

“AFIT has and will continue helping me with my work, which is what I was looking for when furthering my education,” said Becker, masters of science astronautical engineering student.

In regards to his overall experience at AFIT, Becker has made many friends and never met professors “so willing to help”.  He enjoys the smaller class sizes since they facilitate a more personable learning experience for asking questions and getting to know peers.

“I have had a great experience and would suggest other students attend.  AFIT is a place that encourages group learning, communication and working together,” said Becker.

Civilians in the Department of Defense interested in attending AFIT can apply to the Civilian Development Education program.  The 2021 application window for CDE is 13 Jan through 28 Feb.  CDE provides education and leadership opportunities that will prepare Air Force civilians to successfully meet challenges across the wide range of operations and missions.

For program requirements, eligibility and current information, visit the Civilian Force Development page on myPers.  Select “Civilian Employee” from the myPers drop-down menu and search for “developmental education.”

“Finding solutions to the growing challenges facing operations in the Space Domain requires the participation of both our military and civilian personnel,” said Maj. Robert Bettinger, deputy director, AFIT’s Center for Space Research and Assurance.

“AFIT offers a unique and unparalleled environment in which students are immersed in cutting-edge space technology development, science, and space experiments,” said Maj. Bettinger.

The Air Force Institute of Technology, or AFIT, located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for technical professional continuing education.  AFIT is committed to providing defense-focused graduate and professional continuing education and research to sustain the technological supremacy of America’s air, space, and cyber forces.

For additional information about graduate or post-doctoral degrees in astronautical engineering or space systems, please visit the CSRA website at https://www.afit.edu/CSRA/ , call 937-255-6565 extension 4753 or email Jaclyn.knapp.ctr@afit.edu.