Defense authorization bill impacts potential degree programs Published Jan. 22, 2008 By Christine Harrison Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) -- With the finalization of the 2008 defense authorization bill, Air University will have the authority to grant a new master's degree in flight test engineering to graduates of the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. That program, which already resembled an academic degree program, can offer the degree with "a little tweaking" and approval from the regional accrediting body, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, said Dr. Bruce Murphy, the Air University chief academic officer. What isn't included in this year's defense bill is an amendment proposed by U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions of Mobile, Ala., that would authorize granting a doctor of philosophy degree in strategic studies and a master's in air, space and cyberspace studies. "We are going to continue to look for areas to give credit where credit is due and to provide appropriate, high-quality, niche programs that meet the force development needs of the Air Force," Dr. Murphy said. Because Air University is a federal institution, it requires congressional approval to grant accredited degrees under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The concept for a Ph.D. in strategic studies is that a handful of the top graduates of the School for Advanced Air and Space Studies will be chosen to return to Air University to participate in the program. The master of air, space and cyberspace degree would involve a combination of resident study and distance learning targeting company grade officers, Dr. Murphy said. "This is a long process and we have been at it a long time," he said. "In fact, it takes about four to six years from the time we decide to develop a new program to the time we can actually enroll degree students because we must go through the U.S. Department of Education, then the U.S. Congress and finally the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, our regional accrediting body. Proposed legislation is "in the pipeline" to enable Air University to be more responsive in the future, Dr. Murphy said. "While we were advocating for changes to the '08 bill, we are also working with Air Staff and the other services on proposed '09 wording," he said. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page