Adelphi, Md. (July 25, 2025)— University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) has expanded its collaboration with the United States Naval Community College (USNCC) to offer new online degree programs specializing in data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).
The joint partnership is for enlisted servicemembers under USNCC’s new Computer and Data Science academic umbrella. UMGC will launch an Associate of Arts in General Studies (AI) with an Artificial Intelligence Foundations Certificate and an Associate of Arts in General Studies (Data Analytics) with a Data Analytics Certificate.
Since 2021, UMGC has worked side-by-side with USNCC to provide eligible active-duty servicemembers—including sailors, Marines, coast guardsmen or coast guard reservists—the opportunity to earn an associate degree and/or a computer networking certificate.
“The role of artificial intelligence and data analytics in modern warfare is rapidly evolving. Service leaders have expressed that an infrastructure based on AI is an appropriate response to leverage operational effectiveness,” said USNCC’s Command Senior Enlisted Leader Command Master Chief Jordan Rosado. “The goal of this partnership is to deliver the necessary education to equip our maritime warfighters with the knowledge and tools to properly utilize AI capabilities to increase their operational readiness and lethality.”
Under the partnership, students complete their degree without dipping into military tuition benefits, allowing them to reserve those benefits for future education. As with all UMGC programs, students also are eligible to earn credit for past training and education, often shortening the time required to earn an associate degree. With UMGC’s undergraduate pathways program, students can earn a data analytics or AI certificate and stack that credit toward a bachelor’s in that field of study.
“UMGC has served the military for more than 75 years and is committed to finding new ways to upskill servicemembers and to prepare them to succeed and advance in their military careers,” said UMGC President Gregory Fowler. “UMGC’s expanded partnership with USNCC will transform digital learning opportunities for servicemembers and expose them to the latest in the rapidly advancing areas of AI and data analytics.”
USNCC leaders said that expanding education and technical skills of the enlisted force will be essential as the naval services adapt to rapid technological change, particularly in this intensifying global landscape of emboldened aggressors and advanced warfare.
With hands-on training in the AI programming language Python, emerging technologies, and user interface integration, the UMGC academic programs aim to equip students to apply AI across warfighting operations. The degrees and certificates are also designed to also enable servicemembers to interpret complex datasets, become experts with cutting-edge software, and embed analytic capabilities into mission support.
Each associate degree includes the USNCC Naval Studies Certificate, a five-course professional development program designed to foster pride in service and strengthen leadership.
For more information about attending gUSNCC, visit usncc.edu.
About University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military servicemembers. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland and continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide and more than 135 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.