Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 3/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: Respected Mam,
i am CECN Karthik Vardhan, 29 years old, i was born and raised in India, i came to US when i was 23 years old. i earned my Bachelors in Electrical Engineering in India with 3.64 GPA and i evaluated the degree and found that its US equivalent BS and i earned my Master's in Electrical Engineering in Fairleigh Dickinson University,US with 3.33 GPA. currently i am active duty with NMCB 4 been to Kuwait and Afgan OEF 2008. i am interested in CEC, with this will i be qualified for OCS? and i am a American Citizen  .


ANSWER: Dear Karthik --

Your masters degree from Fairleigh Dickinson, an accredited US university (http://view.fdu.edu/default.aspx?id=5211) qualifies you academically for officer candidate school.  You should ensure you have completed all the required leadership courses for your current rank.  If you have, you should apply for OCS as soon as you feel ready.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you.  Thank you for your service.




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Respected Mam,
so, i dont need to worry about my Bachelor's and i can apply with my Master's is that correct Mam. and what i have to for my SMART Transcript for my Bachelor's? please advice.

Karthik vardhan, USN

Answer
Dear Karthik --

I recommend you use your master degree as your qualifying degree for your OCS application.  Then the issue of US equivalency for your bachelors degree is moot.

You might want to talk directly with your billeting officer to discuss your special circumstances, but your masters degree fully qualifies you for officer candidacy.

Good luck to you.