Editor's note: This sponsored interview is a part of MOAA's 2020 Transition Guide, which first appeared in the December issue of Military Officer magazine. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)
Who: Master Chief Petty Officer Bill Fancher, USN, recent graduate.
What: The University of Chicago offers a Master of Science in Threat and Response Management. Approximately 21% of students are veterans or actively serving in the military. Master Chief Petty Officer Bill Fancher, USN, who is based at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., graduated from the program in June.
What has your experience been like?
It’s been really eye-opening. The instructional staff is from all different genres of emergency management. You have guys that have been FEMA regional administrators — people who work in the field right now — so your instructors are … practitioners who have tons of knowledge. And then the students are from all over and [have] different backgrounds. Everybody learns from each other, so that’s pretty cool.
How do you believe your degree will help you in your future career?
Having a higher-level education qualifies you for more jobs. Just being exposed to different areas that I didn’t even know existed really broadened my horizons. Now I feel that I could sign up for business continuity or disaster management that I didn’t feel qualified for before.
What would you say to others about the program?
You’re probably not going to find a better selection of instructors anywhere. The University of Chicago is one of the premier universities in the United States, so you’re getting this super high level of education. The demands are high, but the rewards are high, too.
For more information about the UChicago Master of Science in Threat and Response Management, please visit trm.uchicago.edu, call (773) 702-1723, or email trm-admissions@uchicago.edu. Click here to schedule an appointment with an admissions advisor.
Return to MOAA's 2020 Transition Guide.
