Contact the CPS Team
A CPS team member experienced in supporting ArmyIgnitED learners will respond directly to
your inquiry.
Military and Civilian Pathways
Learning that Strengthens Service and Leadership
We advance the education and careers of active-duty service members and Department of Defense civilians through flexible, career focused programs.
Rutgers Continuing and Professional Studies is honored to partner with active duty service members and Department of Defense civilians who dedicate their careers to public service and national security.
Our mission is to make professional education accessible, affordable, and relevant to the unique demands of military and government life. We understand the structure, discipline, and commitment that define military service, and we design our programs to reflect that same standard of excellence.
Whether you are advancing in your current role, preparing for transition, or developing new skills for civilian leadership, CPS provides clear pathways, flexible learning options, and dedicated support from application to graduation.
Department of Defense approved CPS professional certificate programs qualify for ArmyIgnitED Tuition Assistance and related military and civilian education funding opportunities, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to continued growth and service.
Military Officer’s ArmyIgnitED Process
Rutgers Continuing and Professional Studies is an approved Army IgnitED education provider. Through Army IgnitED, U.S. Army soldiers can use Tuition Assistance to enroll Department of Defense approved CPS professional certificate programs that builds professional expertise for
today’s complex communication and information environments.
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- Meet with your Education Services Officer or Army Education Center to confirm eligibility and discuss your academic goals.
- Log in or create your Army IgnitED account at www.armyignited.army.mil.
- Select Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, as your home school.
- Choose your CPS program or course and confirm cost and schedule details.
- Apply to your chosen CPS program and await admission consideration. You must be accepted into a CPS program before your Tuition Assistance request can be finalized.
- Once admitted, submit your Tuition Assistance request through Army IgnitED.
- Wait for TA approval, then complete your registration through Rutgers CPS.
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- Identify the CPS certificate or course that aligns with your professional goals.
- Confirm course schedules and start dates with your CPS Program Coordinator.
- Complete your CPS application and await admission consideration before registration.
- Once admitted, submit your Tuition Assistance request through Army IgnitED.
- After approval, your CPS Program Coordinator will guide you through registration and confirm Tuition Assistance and billing directly with the military education office.
Department of Defense Civilians Guidance
Department of Defense civilian employees interested in professional certificate programs should begin by contacting their agency’s training or human resources office to confirm funding eligibility and internal approval requirements.
Military civilians working in Public Affairs or Communications may also contact:
Susan Hand
Public Affairs Professional and Career Program Manager
Functional Community / Program Manager, Public Affairs and Communications Media
U.S. Army Civilian Human Resources Agency
Email: susan.a.hand.civ@army.mil
The Public Affairs Professional and Career Program Manager is a U.S. Army civilian who supports professional development across the Public Affairs and Communications Media community. She can provide guidance on available funding pathways and help determine eligibility for CPS programs.
The Public Affairs Professional and Career Program Manager will discuss program funding with interested Army civilian employees. Individuals selected to participate will be referred to CPS for the next phase. Once CPS receives your information a CPS Program Coordinator will contact you directly with a personalized application link to formally apply.
After your application is reviewed and you are accepted, CPS will enroll you in your selected program and work directly with the military for invoicing and payment coordination. CPS also works with Department of Defense civilians to update ArmyIgnitED records in
alignment with current Army policies and procedure.
Next Steps for Department of Defense Civilians
- After the Public Affairs Professional and Career Program Manager or your agency representative confirms your selection, CPS will contact you with a personalized application link.
- Submit your application for review and await acceptance into your program.
- Once accepted, CPS will enroll you in your selected program and coordinate directly with the military for invoicing and payment.
- CPS will also work with Department of Defense civilians to update your ArmyIgnitED record in alignment with current Army policies and procedures.
- Your CPS Program Coordinator will remain in contact to guide you through course logistics and program milestones.
Have Questions?
We are proud to partner with those who serve. Whether through ArmyIgnitED or direct civilian pathways, our team ensures every learner has a clear process, responsive support, and a seamless experience from inquiry to completion. We look forward to helping you continue to learn, lead, and serve.