By Nicole Cooke,
September 3, 2024
United States Air Force members looking to continue their higher education have another
bachelor’s degree option made possible by the Air University – Associate to Baccalaureate
Cooperative (AU-ABC) with the ŷƵ (UCM).
The university was notified this summer that its application had been approved to
include the Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies in its partnership with the
AU-ABC. Since joining the partnership about three years ago, UCM has added a total
of seven degree pathways.
Courtney Swoboda, director of Military and Veteran Services at UCM, said UCM’s partnership
with the AU-ABC allows Air Force members to obtain their bachelor’s degree more quickly
by utilizing their military credit.
“Our office tries to maximize the resources and programming for our student base so
as a campus, we can provide as much as possible for these service members,” Swoboda
said. “Adding another degree program just adds to our toolkit of what we offer.”
After Air Force personnel have completed their degree from the CCAF, the AU-ABC provides
an opportunity for them to transfer those credits to several partner institutions
nationwide that will enable them to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
At UCM, students can complete their degrees online or in person through courses available
at times suited to their busy schedules, even during deployment. Air Force members
in any career field can pursue the new Communication Studies degree.
Swoboda said Professor Wendy Geiger and the Department of Communication and Digital
Media Production reached out to her about adding the new AU-ABC degree. She noted
that having faculty members who recognize the importance of what service members bring
to campus highlights the university’s dedication to serving the military community.
UCM is committed to helping veterans, active-duty military and their families access
higher education opportunities. The university offers tuition benefits for veterans
and military members plus in-state tuition for their dependents. Other benefits include free entry to athletic events and access to the Military and Veterans Success
Center, a one-stop resource for active duty military, veterans and military dependents
enrolled at UCM.
Several organizations have recognized UCM for its commitment to veterans and military
members. The university has been named a 2023 Best College for Veterans by Military
Times and College Factual, a 2024-25 Top 10 for large public Military Friendly School
by VIQTORY, and a Best College for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report.
Most recently, U.S. Veterans Magazine recognized UCM as a 2024 Top Veteran-Friendly
School.
“It's an exciting time for us as a campus and for the support that we provide our
military-affiliated students,” Swoboda said.
For more information about UCM’s Military and Veterans Services, including AU-ABC
program offerings, visit , call 660-543-8776 or email vets@ucmo.edu.