Arizona State University (ASU) has launched a new Associate of Science in Logistics program with a maritime concentration in collaboration with the U.S. Naval Community College (USNCC). This initiative aims to provide active-duty enlisted sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen with specialized education relevant to maritime logistics, emphasizing the importance of preparing service members for both military and civilian roles. The program commenced this fall with nearly 70 enrolled students.
Michele Pfund, a clinical professor and senior associate dean of undergraduate programs at ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business, expressed pride in this partnership, stating that it directly contributes to the readiness of naval forces while also establishing a pathway for lifelong learning. The USNCC serves as the official community college for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, offering programs and certificates that align with maritime and logistical needs.
The collaboration capitalizes on the expertise of the W. P. Carey Department of Supply Chain Management, which is ranked No. 2 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Ohad Kadan, the dean of the W. P. Carey School, emphasized the dual commitment to providing accessible yet high-quality education to U.S. military personnel. The 60-credit associate degree can be pursued online, allowing students to eventually apply their credits toward a Bachelor’s degree at ASU.
This program offers two certificates: one in logistics, instructed by ASU faculty, and another in naval studies, taught by USNCC faculty. ASU previously partnered with USNCC in 2022 to develop Associate of Arts degrees in organizational leadership and military studies.
Active-duty sailor Larissa Yuncker shared her positive experience in the logistics program, noting the diverse representation of ranks among her classmates. She expressed appreciation for the engaging nature of the online courses, saying, “The staff seem to truly care and are willing to help.” Yuncker intends to complete her associate degree in logistics by 2025, alongside the certification from both USNCC and ASU. Her passion for logistics stems from her role in the Navy, where understanding the intricacies of ocean commerce is vital, given that operations involve continuous import and export processes.
Overall, this educational initiative underscores ASU’s commitment to honoring military personnel while equipping them with valuable skills in logistics that can benefit their military careers and future opportunities in civilian life.
