A steadfast commitment to service has defined Dalton Becker’s journey. Enlisting in the military at just 18 years old, he has dedicated over a decade to protecting his country both at home and abroad. Currently, Dalton is deployed and serving in Germany as a trainer for partnership forces.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Temple University in 2018, Dalton served four years as a police officer in Philadelphia. Dalton felt that “a lot of people these days see law enforcement as just acting without listening,” so he decided to pursue a master’s in Communication Studies with a specialization in Organizational Leadership through UA Online to advance his skills and his career.
100% online degree allowed Dalton to juggle his military duties and studies effectively. “My professors were great,” he recalled. “I was on active duty for a year, and I just let them know whenever there was a conflict. They understood, and I could get an extension or turn something in early.”
Dalton found the program curriculum particularly impactful; one significant course was COM 572 Organizational Assessment and Intervention. “Being a military leader and a police officer, it was actually really cool to research my police department for the whole semester. I had to present my findings at the end and share what I would do if I were the police chief,” Dalton explained.
Dalton’s experience with UA Online not only brought him advanced skills that he can use on the job, but he also formed lasting connections with his professors and fellow students. “When I graduated at Coleman Coliseum, the faculty came up and spent time with me and my family,” Dalton recalled. “I still talk to the faculty, and two of the guys in my program live in different states and are fans; we got together and went to a game last year.”
Published: December 9th, 2024