On November 20, 2002, the Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC) and Webster University signed a Memorandum of Understanding that allows graduates of the Joint and Combined Staff Officer School (JCSOS) and the Joint and Combined Warfighting School (JCWS) to pursue a masters degree with Webster University through shared academic credit.

The purpose of this paper brief is to explain the cooperative degree program in terms of its development, student eligibility, participation, format, credits awarded for successful completion of JCSOS and JCWS, Webster University coursework required, and tuition rates.

The JFSC/Webster University cooperative degree program was developed in accordance with the American Council on Education’s Joint Statement on the Transfer and Award of Credit, which contains guidelines approved by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). Both the JCSOS/JCWS and Webster University curriculums were evaluated to insure there was educational quality; comparability of the nature, content, and level of the learning experiences; and experiences appropriate and applicable to the students’ educational goals. Information from program catalogs and discussions between knowledgeable and experienced faculty and academic administrators at both academic institutions were used in developing the arrangement.





Requirements for admission to this degree program are as follows:

1. Completion of a Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college or university or approval by Webster University and submission of an official transcript reflecting conferral of degree.
2. Completion and submission of a Webster University graduate school application form with applicable application fee.
3. Participants will not be required to complete separate graduate entrance examinations such as Graduate Record Exam (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or Miller's Analogy Test (MAT). Letters of recommendation will not be required.

Some graduates have already completed a master's degree from another regionally-accredited college or university. In accordance with Webster University policy, a student who has earned a master's degree from another regionally accredited college or university is eligible to complete a sequential degree with Webster University, and only the completion of core courses in the declared area are required. In many cases, students can reduce the number of hours required when comparable coursework has been satisfactorily completed elsewhere.

All military officers are authorized Tuition Assistance unless they already have a degree above the bachelors level. However, those using military Tuition Assistance are involuntarily extended on active duty for two years following the end of the last term that TA was used. Officers are involuntarily extended for one year upon completion of the course. The two years for TA are not added to that extension. Therefore, use of TA would result in one additional year extension.

Students should refer questions regarding TA eligibility, TA annual limitations, VA and VA/TA Top Up to an Education Counselor in their servicing Education Services Office.

All students may apply for a Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL) subsidized or unsubsidized. Eligibility will depend on information provided by the student on the financial aid application.

Required Webster University coursework may be taken at any Webster University campus offering the programs. Tuition cost will vary depending upon location and format.

If you have questions on any aspect of this cooperative degree program between the Joint Forces Staff College and Webster University, you may contact the Director of the Fort Leonard Wood Military Campus at leonardwood@webster.edu or the Academic Director for Military Programs at stclairr@webster.edu. Conforms to 2003-2005 Webster University Graduate Studies Catalog.
Consult with your Education Officer for details.
Not responsible for typographical errors.