Daron Miller is a current student in online biblical studies program, a husband, father of two, veteran and employed full-time and serving in his church. Here, the Maryland native shares how he used his GI Bill® to finance his education at LBC, what online classes are like and whether or not he’d recommend the program to other veterans (spoiler alert: he does).

1. What branch of the military do you or did you serve in?

I served 13 years in the United States Navy as a SEAL.

2. How did you hear about LBC?

Lancaster Bible College was recommended to me by a dear friend at church. His recommendation came at the same time I was inquiring with the VA to see if I was still eligible to use my GI Bill as I had been separated from service for over a decade.

3. What made you decide to study at LBC?

The biggest draw for me, a 46-year-old with many decades of work place experience, were the life experience credits offered at LBC. Surprisingly, after my previous credits transferred and my military service was taken into account, I did not need to apply for life experience credits, but I think this is a great benefit for veterans that have been separated from service for an extended period of time.

4. What are the online courses like?

In addition to taking the accelerated online degree program, I am working a full-time job, serving at church, and raising two daughters with my wonderful wife. The amount of course work is manageable but requires clearly defined priorities. I feel the structure of the online courses are set up to allow someone with a military background to thrive. The majority of the classes I’ve taken have a Sunday night deadline for assignment submissions. This gives you complete control over how you want to execute the week to meet the requirements.

The assignments vary between online discussions with the rest of the class, tests, traditional papers, creative projects such as developing infographics, watching videos, and plenty of reading. The variety of assignments make each course new and exciting. I devote around twenty hours per week on course work, and it is some of the most rewarding and fruitful time I spend. It’s never a burden and I look forward to each assignment.

5. Why did you decide to earn your degree in Bible? What do you hope to do once you graduate?

I decided to complete a Bible degree to help satisfy an intense desire to do more in my life to pursue Christ and to make Him known to others. I am unsure as to what I will do upon graduation, but I am absolutely excited to see how God will use my degree to bring Him glory.

6. How is your education at LBC setting you up for success?

I believe completing a Bible degree through LBC is setting me up for success by laying a solid biblical foundation and worldview that will equip me to interact with the world in meaningful and impactful ways while fulfilling the Great Commission.

7. Is the online program compatible with your lifestyle?

The online program is not only compatible with my lifestyle, but it is the only way I would be able to complete a degree in this season of life while staying true to my commitments as a husband and father.

8. Would you recommend our online program to other veterans?

I would recommend the online program to veterans because of the flexibility and freedom to study around work schedules and life commitments.

9. Is there something you think a fellow veteran should know about our online programs?

The process of registering and attending LBC utilizing the GI Bill is incredibly easy. The wonderful staff takes care of everything which allows me to devote all of my attention to my studies.

10. What’s something that has really impressed you about LBC’s online program?

I am continually impressed by the amount of effort put forth by the professors. It has been my experience to receive almost daily encouragements through Scripture verses, quotes from theologians or thought-provoking questions sent by my professors. There are no limitations on the access to professors while taking online courses. They are always available, and many provide their mobile number and actively encourage questions.

11. How was your overall experience with the program?

Every step in this journey has been a blessing and a joy. From my first inquiry to LBC via phone call to the interactions with my fellow classmates, I have been in fellowship with a wonderful body of believers that are devoted to serving one another.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.