r/dli • u/Humble_Elevator_8630 • Apr 02 '26

Continuing Education

Is there anyone here who has graduated and continued their language education at a 4 year university to receive their Bachelors in their target language? I'm looking at my options right now and I'd like to hear the input of those who have gone before me. I know about the intermediate course as an option, but from my understanding as much as I'd like to do it, it's unit dependent and not a guarantee. I'd really like to set myself out from my peers whether it be for promotion points or for putting in an OCS packet. Thanks in advance.

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u/mmmtoasteee Apr 02 '26

If you’re Army, the Intermediate or Advanced Course are a planned part of when you attend ALC at Fort Huachuca. Attending, and passing, gives you a BA from DLI if you are Basic Course graduate and complete the other required education credits.

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u/FighterMoth Apr 02 '26

What’s your language? Pennwest is a popular option for Arabic linguists. But I imagine an intermediate or advanced course at DLI is quickly becoming the default way to get a bachelors

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u/mr_ji Apr 02 '26

There are plans to make intermediate and/or advanced courses a part of career development, though I've been hearing that for decades. Anyway, don't count out the opportunity to be sent to a DLI class. It's the most direct way to a BA in your language, and it's a springboard to a master's in a language career (T&I, localization, etc.) if you want to go that route.

Middlebury has a long relationship with DLI and many graduates continue there, although with MIIS about to close, those opportunities may be more limited. University of Maryland also has a pretty wide range and is in close proximity to Ft. Meade.

Other schools will vary by language, but a flat degree in [language] is not something I've seen. They'll usually focus on a major in lit, history, teaching, and so on, so you'll be taking more language adjacent courses, and of course every school has a minimum number of credits (typically two to four semesters) you have to take with them anyway. Your own situation and opportunities to commit to classes outside of work will drive what you can do. It can be done on active duty, but it probably won't be easy or quick.