Meeting Students Where They Are: How NAU’s BSIT – Focused Degree Supports Career Mobility in IT

For many students, especially those serving in the military or balancing careers and families, education isn’t just about earning a degree. Rather, it’s about achieving forward momentum without starting over. That’s why National American University (NAU) designed the new Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Focused: a transfer- and mobility-friendly online degree created to fit the realities of today’s learners.

Why “Mobility” Matters in 365体育官网

Mobility isn’t just a military concept, it’s a modern student reality. Whether due to deployments, job changes, or life commitments, adult learners and military-affiliated students often navigate multiple institutions, academic credit structures, and time zones in pursuit of a single degree.

NAU’s BSIT – Focused was developed with these learners in mind: people who need an academic path that’s flexible, transfer-friendly, and efficient, without sacrificing the academic integrity expected from a regionally accredited university.

A Degree Designed for Real-Life Transitions

The BSIT – Focused is a 135-credit bachelor’s degree program that can be completed in approximately three years with full-time enrollment. It offers a fully online structure and four career-relevant concentration areas:

• Cybersecurity
• Network Administration
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cloud Computing

“We recognize that many of today’s students aren’t on a traditional four-year path,” said Dr. Cindy Mathena, President of National American University. “This program provides a more efficient option for learners who need a quality degree that fits their lives and careers, not the other way around.”

Credit Where Credit Is Due

A defining feature of the BSIT – Focused is its transfer credit allowance. Students who previously completed NAU’s Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology program may transfer up to 94.5 quarter credit hours, potentially shortening their time to completion and overall cost.

“When students come to us with prior learning, especially from military service or associate programs, we believe it should count,” said Mr. Steven Balke, Dean of the School of Business at NAU. “This program reflects that belief by honoring past achievement while focusing forward on real-world IT skills.”

NAU also offers prior learning credit (PLC) through standardized exams, military training, and professional portfolios. NAU’s PLC provides additional avenues to accelerate progress for qualified students.

Flexible, Affordable, and Military-Aware

The BSIT – Focused supports multiple payment options, including:

• VA education benefits
• Active-duty military tuition assistance
• Employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement
• Out-of-pocket payment

Important Disclosure: NAU is actively pursuing approval to extend Title IV federal financial aid eligibility (e.g., Pell Grants, federal student loans) to the BSIT – Focused program. Until approved, those options are not available for this specific degree.

This transparent structure ensures students can plan confidently, especially those leveraging military benefits across state lines or during PCS transitions.

Student Support

NAU’s student support team, including personal advisors and military-experienced staff, helps students stay on track, even during geographic or life changes. Advising continuity is prioritized to ensure that learners aren’t repeating steps or reexplaining their background every time life moves forward.

Why the BSIT – Focused Stands Out

• Accelerated timeline: Designed to be completed in approximately 3 years
• Career relevance: 4 specialization options aligned with IT workforce demands
• Transfer credit-friendly: Up to 94.5 credits accepted from prior NAU coursework
• Fully online: Built for working adults and military learners
• Accredited: Delivered by NAU, a university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

A Smarter Option for a Mobile Workforce

As the higher education landscape shifts toward flexibility and relevance, the BSIT – Focused degree reflects NAU’s long-standing commitment to access, efficiency, and real-world applicability.

“We’ve been helping learners advance their careers since 1941,” said Dr. Mathena. “This is just our latest evolution—one that meets students where they are and helps them move forward faster.”

Explore the BSIT – Focused Degree Today
? Call: (877) 500-1310
? Email: nauadmissions@national.edu
? Visit: national.edu/degreecert/information-technology-bs-focused

National American University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program availability may vary by state. Contact admissions for details.

?Source: Mobility Isn’t a Choice: How Higher 365体育官网 Can Better Serve Military Learners, Higher Ed Today, American Council on 365体育官网, May 27, 2025. https://www.higheredtoday.org/2025/05/27/mobility-isnt-a-choice/