MyUMUC Military Story

Daniel Murphy Makes Time for His Degree While TDY

By Stephanie Edwards

Daniel Murphy admits that sometimes taking classes while enlisted in the military can pose some challenges. For example, as an engineer diver, Murphy is deployed on Temporary Duty (TDY) assignments around the world, throughout the year. However, he explained that soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen and women who aim to further their education are willing to go beyond the ordinary to accomplish their goals and provide a bright future for their families.

In Murphy’s case, there are two motivating factors that inspire him when things get extra stressful. He said he is inspired by his fiancée, who finished her master’s degree in less than two years. She continues to motivate him through her hard work and dedication.

Another factor that keeps him going is the noticeable difference in his ability now that he is dedicated to learning. He said he truly wants to expand his knowledge base and take in everything he learns—something that was a little harder for him to focus on in the past. “Now I am amazed at the amount of information I am able to retain when a little extra effort is placed into my coursework,” says Murphy.

Being constantly on the verge of deployment can certainly complicate matters when trying to attend classes. Murphy says that constantly having to re-register for make-up exams can be tough, but this is where his advisor and professors have been particularly helpful.

“My academic advisor, Melissa Stein, continues to amaze me with her prompt and thorough responses whenever I have a question or concern,” says Murphy. “Also, being able to work at somewhat my own pace makes taking classes possible, since I am TDY almost nine months of the year.”

Murphy, who takes all of his classes online, is excited to finally have the chance to finish the degree he started seven years ago. He said he chose UMUC because it was one of the few universities that offers a bachelor’s degree in finance. He also was impressed with the availability of classes in the course catalog.

Along the way, Murphy’s career goals have changed, but he still expects to get great use from his degree. Originally, he had planned on becoming a financial advisor, but today he is hoping to use his knowledge to either start his own business or improve his father’s construction company.

Well on his way to completing his degree, Murphy explained that his true goals are family oriented.

“My ultimate goal is to be able to provide a comfortable life for my family,” says Murphy, “and to get to a point where my wife only has to work part-time, if she chooses.”