Air Force leadership center makes it easier for civilians to enroll in degree program

  • Published
  • By Phil Berube
  • Air University Public Affairs

The Air Force’s leadership development center has made it much easier for the service’s civilians to apply for its associate degree program.

The Ira C. Eaker Center for Leadership Development Civilian Leadership Development School has transitioned to year-round open enrollment for its associate of applied science in the Department of the Air Force Leadership and Management Studies program.

Previously, civilians had to apply during the civilian developmental education call’s “window,” a two-month period at the start of each calendar year. After the window closed, the Air Force Personnel Center reviewed and processed the applications.

Now, Department of the Air Force civilians don’t have to wait for an open window to apply. They can apply at any time directly to the Civilian Leadership Development School’s admissions department. Applying directly to the school also means students can start taking classes within four weeks of their acceptance into the program.

Realizing a high volume of civilians were interested in the program, offering open enrollment to reduce the wait time is the school’s ultimate goal. 

“We are excited to afford eligible civilians the opportunity to apply to the program at any time,” said Dr. Demetra Anderson, chief of student services for the Civilian Leadership Development School, which administers the degree program’s admission process. “Open enrollment grants applicants easy access to the program and mitigates the wait time for them to know if they were accepted to the program.”

Once applicants submit the required documents, their application is processed within seven to 10 days business days.

Additionally, open enrollment allows applicants to work directly with the Civilian Associate Degree Program admission team’s student support personnel when applying to the program. The addition of the student admissions office aligns the application process with that of other civilian schools, said Anderson.

The degree program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

For full eligibility requirements and information on the application process, visit the Civilian Leadership Development School website.