Education Center - MCAS Miramar

The Education Center has two higher learning institutions that offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses. These institutions offer programs aboard the military installation, online, and on campus locations in the local area.

New Postsecondary Complaint System (PECS) Who should submit a complaint?  If you or your family member receives active duty military Tuition Assistance or is a Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) Scholarship recipient, and are experiencing problems with your school, you are encouraged to submit feedback at the PECS site.

Testing Programs The Education Center offers a variety of tests, free of charge, to eligible patrons. Please contact the testing office at [email protected] with any questions or for more information. Tests offered include:

• Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)
• Military Classification Exams (AFCT, DLPT, DLAB, OPI)
• Air University (SNCOA, CDC, etc.)
• SAT (expected to resume October 2020)
• FAA A&P Certification Testing
• Free Distance Learning Proctoring Services

Calendars and testing dates will be published when we return to normal operations.

NOTE: Prior registration is required for all testing except TABE. Please call the Education Center at (858) 307-1801 to schedule an exam.

Information on SAT/ACT/GMAT/GRE reimbursement can be found here: Testing Reimbursement.

CLEP, DSST & Pearson Vue Testing is offered through National University. To schedule a CLEP or DSST follow these instructions. A list of available CLEP & DSST exams can be found [ here ].  For additional information or questions, contact the National University testing office via e-mail for information: [email protected].

Tuition Assistance Military Tuition Assistance is available to eligible active duty Marines Corps personnel. The Tuition Assistance Program FY maximum is $4,500 per year, $250 per semester credit hour. First time TA users must complete the JKO “Higher Education Preparation” course prior to using TA.

Military Academic Skills Program (MASP) The Military Academic Skills Program (MASP) has come to a halt this Fiscal Year (FY) due to unforeseen circumstances. We are doing our due diligence to get it back up and running in the future. Please contact the Education Center for assistance if you do not have the GT score required to use TA. ADD updated checklist to Please click [here] for a Tuition Assistance checklist.

Virtual College Tours Start your free tour of over 600 schools. Please visit the following links: • YouVisit Virtual College Tours • Service to School (A non-profit that provides free college and grad school application counseling to military veterans and servicemembers)

Joint Services Transcript (JST) The JST (formerly SMART) is a record of each Service Member’s military training for which the American Council on Education (ACE) recommends college credits.  Service Members can get a copy of their JST at the Education Center or online by clicking [ here ]. 

The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) USMAP is a formal military training program that provides active duty Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Service Members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while on active duty.  The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides the nationally recognized Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship upon completion of the program.  USMAP requires no off duty hours. It combines on-the-job training and related technical instruction to allow members to achieve status as a journeyman in their MOS field, enhancing job skills and showing motivation for more challenging military assignments. In addition, completing  USMAP provides a competitive edge civilian job market because employers know the value of apprenticeships. For more information visit [ this page ].

Leadership Scholar Program (LSP) Leadership Scholar Program (LSP) is a partnership between highly selective universities/colleges and the U.S. Marine Corps to assist qualified and honorable discharging Marines to continue their education. To find out if you qualify and which schools participate in LSP, click [ here ].

Financial Aid & Scholarship In addition to Tuition Assistance, there are many opportunities to fund your education.  Please visit the Education Center in Building 5305, “The HUB” for assistance with the [ Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ] or for guidance on alternative funding opportunities, including grants and scholarships.

Marine Corps COOL Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) helps Marines find information on certifications and licenses related to their Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).  COOL explains how Marines can meet civilian certification and license requirements and provides links to numerous resources to get started.  To access Marine Corps COOL, click [ here ].