Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Brian, Associate of Science in Marine Technology
For someone like Brian Saulmon, who is quick to point out that his job with the U.S. Navy "is not even work" because he enjoys it so much, earning his degree was less about making a career change than standing out in his current one.
Name: Brian Saulmon
Age: 38
Marital Status: Married
Children: 2 sons; ages 13 and 16.
Current Location: Panama City, FL
Advice for Students: Discipline yourself and set aside enough time to study and do your work.
School: National Polytechnic College of Engineering and Oceaneering
Target: A.S. in Marine Technology
"If you get a degree, it puts you ahead a notch, shows you have more motivation to better yourself," says Brian, "and if you do it within your field, it just increases your knowledge."
Brian earned an Associate of Science in Marine Technology degree with a concentration in Homeland Security Management from National Polytechnic College of Engineering and Oceaneering, which he discovered while searching online.
It was one of only two regionally accredited schools that offered a degree in diving.
And because National Polytechnic credited so much of his diving experience in the Navy toward his degree, along with previously completed coursework at a traditional community college, Brian knew that he could get his associate's degree in a relatively short amount of time.
"Plus, diving is a very possible 'next career' option after I retire from service," he points out.
Brian is the kind of person who likes being on a traditional campus, but he knew that sitting in classes would take more away from family and personal time than he had to spare.
In addition to offering the fastest avenue to a degree, National Polytechnic also ended up being inexpensive for Brian, who received tuition assistance through the military.
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