Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a journey filled with uncertainty, challenges, and opportunities. On a recent episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking about education options with Dr. Joshua Corona, a U.S. Army veteran who has successfully navigated this transition. Dr. Corona served for over 10 years, first as an Apache helicopter technician and later as a CID Special Agent, contributing to Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Inherent Resolve. Today, he serves as the Director of Military and Veteran Outreach at National University and is the Managing Director of P3M Strategies LLC.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Corona is dedicated to assisting veterans in finding academic and professional opportunities that lead to fulfilling careers. He is also an aspiring author, with his debut book, The Project Manager’s Guide to Lessons Learned, currently in publication.
In this blog, we explore Dr. Corona’s military transition, his passion for education, and the opportunities available for veterans seeking higher education.
The Challenges of Military Transition
Dr. Corona’s transition out of the military was not entirely by choice. While attempting to join Special Forces, he suffered an injury that led to a medical retirement. Like many veterans, he faced the daunting question: What’s next?
“Most people ask why I got out, and honestly, I didn’t have much of an option. I tried to go into Special Forces, but while I was in selection, I got injured. That injury led to other complications, and ultimately, I was medically retired.”
As a former CID agent, Dr. Corona knew he did not want to continue in law enforcement post-military. Instead, he explored different career paths and found a passion for project management. However, what he truly enjoyed was teaching—a skill he had honed as a non-commissioned officer (NCO) in the Army.
“When you’re an NCO, you train and lead troops—that’s the bread and butter of the job. I loved that part of my military service, and I wanted to continue that in some capacity.”
After earning his doctorate at National University, he realized he wanted to move into academia to help others navigate their career transitions and educational journeys.
The Role of Higher Education in Transition
Dr. Corona’s journey highlights an important aspect of veteran transition: education as a pathway to new opportunities. However, transitioning into higher education can be intimidating, particularly for veterans who have spent years in a structured, mission-driven environment.
“You hear all the buzzwords when you transition—‘you can do anything’—but in the back of your mind, you're wondering, can I really?”
Through his role at National University, Dr. Corona helps veterans identify educational programs that align with their skills and career goals. He acknowledges that many veterans struggle with choosing between traditional in-person and online programs.
“For some, the idea of sitting in a classroom is ideal—they want that college experience. But for many others, especially active-duty personnel, online learning is a necessity.”
National University provides flexible learning options, offering over 190 programs, including degrees and certifications, that cater to the unique needs of military students.
National University: A Veteran-Focused Institution
Founded by a Navy Captain, National University has deep military roots. With physical campuses in San Diego and Los Angeles and a strong online presence, the institution is committed to serving the military community, not just veterans but also spouses and dependents.
“We understand that for veterans and active-duty service members, education isn’t just about them—it’s about their families as well.”
Key Offerings at National University
Over 190 degree and certification programs
Yellow Ribbon School, offering tuition assistance for eligible students
Tailored industry partnerships with companies like Amazon to create job-aligned opportunities
Flexible learning options, including fully online and hybrid programs
A holistic approach to student success, known as the Whole You initiative
Through the Whole You initiative, National University focuses on supporting the entire student experience—from academic success to career readiness and personal well-being.
Online vs. In-Person Learning: What’s Best for You?
One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the evolving landscape of learning online. While some veterans, like Dr. Corona, prefer online programs for their flexibility, others find value in the traditional college experience.
Dr. Corona shared that institutions are beginning to adapt to changing student preferences, particularly among military learners. For example, some National University students travel to California once a month for a hybrid learning experience, combining online coursework with occasional in-person interactions.
Dr. Hera, co-host of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, emphasized that choosing the right educational format depends on the individual:
“It’s about finding the best-fit environment for your personal and professional goals. Whether it’s fully online, in-person, or a mix of both, the key is to choose what works for you.”
Why Veterans Should Consider National University
Dr. Corona provided a compelling case for why veterans should consider National University as their education partner:
Military-Friendly: With a deep commitment to the military community, NU understands the challenges of transitioning service members.
Flexible Programs: Whether students prefer online, in-person, or hybrid learning, NU provides options that fit different needs.
Career-Focused Education: The university partners with major corporations to ensure students receive relevant training for the job market.
Comprehensive Support: NU’s Whole You concept ensures students receive not only academic support but also career guidance and mental well-being resources.
Spouse & Family Inclusion: NU recognizes that military transition affects entire families, offering programs and support for spouses and dependents.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Educational Path
Education can be a transformative tool in the military transition process. Whether pursuing a degree for career advancement or obtaining a certification for skill enhancement, the key is to find the right institution that aligns with your needs, goals, and lifestyle.
As Dr. Corona emphasized, military members and veterans already possess valuable skills—leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving. Higher education simply helps translate those skills into meaningful career opportunities.
At VET S.O.S., we are dedicated to providing veterans with resources to help them succeed in their post-military lives. If you’re considering going to school, National University might be the right fit for you.
Stay Connected
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Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!
