active duty military personnel and distance learning degrees?

[nick normandin]

I'm a 3rd year student at West Point, studying Systems Engineering with a minor in Applied Statistics. I chose all math/optimization related electives, and have a quantitatively rigorous background. West Point (the United States Military Academy) requires a 5 year active duty service commitment to the Army after my graduation in 2012.

I don't want my educational progress to become stagnant during this time, so i'm hoping to get a relatively stable staff position and get an online master's degree while fulfilling my service commitment to our country. Options I'm considering (and hoping for your input):

1. masters in Applied Statistics, MFE program post-commitment
2. masters in Applied Mathematics, MFE program post-commitment
3. masters in FE (Stevens Institute of Tech. online), MBA program post-commitment
4. masters in economics, MBA or MFE program post-commitment

What would prepare me best for a high salary job in finance and a high level of versatility? Also, due to my already ridiculous course load (23+ credits per semester), I am unable to take any C++ other than my own individual studying. Is there an online certificate program you'd recommend?
I have a very competitive class rank and GPA, so I'll have the ability to pick whatever branch I want to enter. I was hoping for guidance on this subject as well- do recruiters/admissions care what branch I serve in (Finance Corps, Signal Corps, Military Intelligence, Infantry, Air Defense Artillery, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,

Nick

 

[alain]

there is an alumni that graduated from West Point, Roger. He should be able to give you a more guided opinion. Hopefully he comes online and answer.

 

[coolharvard]

Columbia Video Network (CVN).

 

[Connor]

In terms of versatility, I would recommend Statistics and MBA. All forms of business are becoming more mathematical, even Google hires statisticians.

Another option you could consider post-commitment is a dual MBA/MFE. I know that Columbia and NYU have these.

 

[young]

It's great that youre making plans ahead, but I gotta say that much can happen in the next 7 years. Also, don't bet your plans on getting a "stable staff position" ever. I dont think such a thing exists anymore. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but I do want to let you know how busy (an understatement) Army life is as a young officer.

 

[nick normandin]

It's great that youre making plans ahead, but I gotta say that much can happen in the next 7 years. Also, don't bet your plans on getting a "stable staff position" ever. I dont think such a thing exists anymore. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but I do want to let you know how busy (an understatement) Army life is as a young officer.

You're absolutely right about that. I just got done a month at Fort Jackson (DCLT) in a basic training company and I know that staff personnel there had a daily schedule that was anything but stable. You're also right about change occurring, because I've changed my mind at least a dozen times in the past year. The only reason I'm planning ahead is that I worry that the electives I choose now might make it easier/more difficult for me to get accepted and excel in whatever graduate program I decide to apply to. I don't want to pigeon-hole myself with overspecialization, or close doors by being too generalized in my studies. Thanks for all of your helpful responses.

 

[young]

I suppose systems engineering can be considered more broad than most technical fields. But if you are serious about pursuing a degree in MFE you should look into courses that deal with Stochastic Processes, PDE, SDE and Numerical Analysis just to name a few. There are a few threads here that talk about ideal classes to take for an MFE candidate.
As for pigeon-holing yourself, I wouldnt worry too much unless you plan to pursue a masters degree in 18th century English Literature.