STA-21 and choosing a major

[navymech]

If one is picked up for STA-21 (SNA option), which is written in their contract, are they free to major in whatever they wish? I know folks applying through OCS that have technical degrees have better chances of getting SNA, but when you have SNA written into your contract before, is one "clear" to major is something non-technical like PolySci or History?

Assuming that you get SNA written into your contract, I could have that wrong.

Thanks guys,

 

[Spot]

In the paperwork after you are selected, it states (at least mine did):

"You are expected to complete baccalaureate degree requirements in a discipline that has direct application to the designator in which you have been selected. Although not required, you are strongly encouraged to pursue a technical degree program. If you were selceted for a Target Option, please note the specific degree requirements for your assigned option as delineated in OPNAVINST 1420.1A of May 03."

Also, be sure that you can complete the degree in the 36 months. Some technical degrees at some colleges can't be crammed into 36 months. But when you get your degree plan drawn up, they can determine that.

Just talk to your STA-21 placement officer at the STA-21 office after you get selected and shoot him a degree plan. If he likes it, your're golden. If not, bump your major up to a more technical one.

 

[navymech]

I see, and that's what I figured. I would like to get selected at about 4-6 years in, which would allow me enough time to get some college out of the way, instead of (which won't happen) go in with under 2 years in the Navy with no college done.

What would your advice be to a kid (me) who really isn't interesting in a technical degree like Aviation Engineering, etc etc, but excels greatly in History or PolySci. If the time comes, go for a technical degree and essentially lower GPA, or a non-tech degree with a much higher GPA?

It's still way to early, hell I'm not even in the Navy yet, but I want to know what to do, and when to do it.

Thanks,

 

[fc2spyguy]

When I applied for the program I wanted an electrical engineering degree. After realizing that UW-Madison only took 17 credits I decided to change my major. I changed to poli-sci, no one had a problem with it.

 

[Spot]

btw, I've got a BS in Psychology lined up.

 

[etnuclearsailor]

You'll include your desired major in your application. You'll also have to submit a degree plan if you are accepted. If you get orders, then the degree plan was OK.

Why are you enlisting first if you want to be a pilot? Why not NROTC or the USNA? STA 21 is difficult to get into, it is probably easier to get into an NROTC or USNA spot.

 

[navymech]

You'll include your desired major in your application. You'll also have to submit a degree plan if you are accepted. If you get orders, then the degree plan was OK.

Why are you enlisting first if you want to be a pilot? Why not NROTC or the USNA? STA 21 is difficult to get into, it is probably easier to get into an NROTC or USNA spot.

I don't have the grades for NROTC let alone USNA, basically high school was never an interest to me. But more importantly, I felt like I owed my country something. I know they odds are against me, but I would rather serve my country proudly as enlisted and work my butt of for a commission, than simply going to college and becoming a pilot. Believe me, I am very determined to become an Naval Aviator someday, but at this point of my life, I'd rather serve as enlisted.

 

[ripperman94]

If you get picked up for STA-21 SNA option your major doesn't really matter as long as it gets approved by CNET. I am currently working on a BA degree and am in the STA-21 SNA pipeline. We do not compete with the NROTC midshipmen during service selection as we already are approved during our STA-21 selection. However if you get picked up for STA-21 CORE you are competing nationwide with all the NROTC students for your desired community. Good luck with your dreams.

 

[nateb]

My case was very similar to fc2spyguy, and I just got selected for SNA this past cycle through the Core Option.

 

[jjordan19]

However if you get picked up for STA-21 CORE you are competing nationwide with all the NROTC students for your desired community. Good luck with your dreams.

You don't compete against NROTC students for service selection, just against other STA-21 Officer Candidates who have the CORE option. I was selected for SNA from CORE option and the degree I was recieving was never questioned. Although tech major do get higher points in the rack and stack process.

I later got switched to SNFO due to them changing thier mind about my age wavier.

 

[Ex Rigger]

If the time comes, go for a technical degree and essentially lower GPA, or a non-tech degree with a much higher GPA?

Take the non-tech major.....it is much more important to have a high GPA. That said, if you can have a high GPA and major in engineering go for it. It is very difficult to do so within three years. PoliSci to fly!!

 

[navymech]

Take the non-tech major.....it is much more important to have a high GPA. That said, if you can have a high GPA and major in engineering go for it. It is very difficult to do so within three years. PoliSci to fly!!

I see, thats good to hear. Like I said above, I never was a math/science guy, not really bad, just found no interest in it. But History/PolySci on the other hand... nothing but A's through high school. Thankfully I'll be able to major in my forte and actually enjoy the learning process.

Thanks for the replies all

 

[hourocket]

You will get enough math having to do the 1 year of Cal and 1 year of Physics/Cal, I hated those classes, I dont understand the people that actually want to take them. Unless you have ALOT of prior credit THAT transfers, then a non-tech is your only option for the 36 month time period.

 

[etnuclearsailor]

I'm a nuke who didn't have college transfer credits. I am set to finish an engineering degree in 36 months without any transfer credits.
I might be able to finish in 30 now (thanks to an engineering chairman who gives a few extra credits to nukes and old college transescripts I might resurrect).

 

[DevDan1]

Major Choices

Originally I was going for and Electrical Engineering degree and now must step back for a Physics degree becasue virginia tech will not take enough credits of mine. There was no problem changing just as long as you can finish in 36 months.
I dont know how ETNUC got enuff credits must just be the school.