Royal Roads University (RRU) and Canadian Forces College (CFC) have entered into an agreement that will give more opportunities for post-secondary education to military officers.
Canadian Forces College, located in North York, Ontario is the training ground for senior officers in the armed forces.
The new agreement sees RRU’s Master of Arts program recognize the Joint Command and Staff Programme at CFC. This means graduates of the officers program can enter RRU’s Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program already having earned 12 credits – one third of the requirements for the degree.
“This agreement builds on the rich heritage of leadership and excellence at Royal Roads since its time as a military college,” Dr. Allan Cahoon, president and vice-chancellor of RRU, said. “Not only do we recognize the value of the (CFC) courses, but also the strong leadership, managerial skills and experience the graduates bring to the table.
Flexibility is a key component of the agreement, because students will still be active members of the military. Coursework may be completed online, or with short term on-campus residencies. Students will have a choice on how to complete the degree also, with the options of a major project, thesis or coursework exclusively.
“The Royal Roads curriculum in leadership, emergency management, human security, peacebuilding and conflict analysis permits (CFC) graduates to extend their studies in key areas,” Brigadier General Craig Hilton, commandant of the CFC, said, “thereby enhancing their credentials as military and national security professionals.”
Approximately 100 military students enroll at RRU each year. Over 700 Canadian Forces and Department of National Defence personnel have taken programs offered by the university since its establishment in 1995.
kwells@goldstreamgazette.com
