Jeremy Faller
Continuing my coursework while deployed to Jordan in 2020 was difficult for so many reasons. Norwich instructors were very understanding and, at times, helped me get through it one day at a time.
Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I'm originally from Glen Carbon, Illinois, and I'm married with a son due in September. I like to go off-roading/camping in the desert and mountains outside of San Diego, where I live. I love hockey, and I'm a huge St. Louis Blues fan. I joined the Navy in 2014 as an active-duty Intelligence Specialist, now a First Class Petty Officer (E6). In total, I've deployed 5 times aboard an aircraft carrier and destroyer and in support of naval special warfare in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. I'm currently stationed in California.”
Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: “I knew I wanted to find a program that complemented my role as an intelligence analyst. I'm transitioning to the Naval Reserve component in March 2025. I plan to continue my career as an intelligence analyst, applying to National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) positions in the St. Louis, MO area. I plan to use my degree to commission as an intelligence officer in the reserves in 2025-2026.”
Q: “Why did you choose Norwich?”
A: “While supporting naval special warfare, I met a green beret (and Norwich alumnus) who recommended I check out Norwich's online programs. The national security studies program fit well with my career intentions, so I started in the fall of 2018. Norwich stood out to me because of its strong ROTC history.”
Q: “Did you have any uncertainties with choosing an online program?”
A: “You hear stories about online bachelor’s programs that are easy and accelerated, so I was very selective when exploring different programs. I knew I'd have to deploy multiple times before finishing my degree, so an online program felt like the only option.”
Q: “What advice would you give future students enrolling in one of Norwich's online programs?”
A: “For online/continuing studies students: DON'T feel like you need to overload your plate to finish your degree in a certain amount of time. Try to forecast what life will throw at you over the next semester, as taking it one class at a time could be the most you can handle - and that's okay! You'll get more from each class if you have the bandwidth to absorb the material.”
Q: “What has been your biggest personal or professional success since starting your degree?”
A: “Continuing my coursework while deployed to Jordan in 2020 was difficult for so many reasons. COVID, security concerns, and 15-hour days meant I often had to choose between sleep and completing coursework. Norwich instructors were very understanding and, at times, helped me get through it one day at a time.”
Q: “Please tell us about a time you could put the knowledge you gained in the classroom to work immediately at your job.”
A: “I found that courses covering international policy were exceptionally helpful in my work. Geopolitical events are often the result of failed agreements or policies that are 100+ years old, driven by intricate socio-economic factors. You can't provide accurate intelligence assessments if you don't understand these nuances.”
