From Service to Success

Career-Oriented Programs for Veterans
at Youngstown State University

Veterans Affairs

Welcome to Youngstown State University, where we are committed to supporting veterans in their transition from service to success. Our institution takes pride in offering a range of career-oriented programs specifically designed to empower veterans and help them achieve their professional goals.

At Youngstown State University, we understand that veterans bring unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. That’s why we have developed comprehensive programs that recognize and build upon their military training, providing a seamless pathway to civilian careers.

Our career-oriented programs are carefully designed to equip veterans with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in their chosen fields. We offer a diverse range of degree programs spanning various disciplines, including business administration, information technology, engineering, nursing, criminal justice, and more.

Through these programs, veterans gain specialized knowledge and expertise, which are highly valued in today’s job market. We combine rigorous academic coursework with hands-on learning opportunities, ensuring that veterans are well-prepared for their next career move.

Join us at Youngstown State University and embark on a transformative journey that will pave the way for your professional success. Together, we will honor your service by equipping you with the skills and opportunities needed to excel in the civilian workforce. From service to success, we are here to support you every step of the way. 

Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your contacting our Office of Veterans Affairs. We want to thank you for your service, but also, to invite you to ask any questions you have about our assistance for military veterans as you pursue your college career.
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Are you or a family member of yours a veteran of the United States military?

Quick Contact

Rick Williams

Rick Williams
(330) 941-2503
veterans@ysu.edu

Collegiate Purple Star Award

The Collegiate Purple Star recognizes public and independent colleges and universities in Ohio that are supportive and inclusive of military-connected students.

Career-Oriented Programs

Courses Offered Online and On-the-ground

Degree in Business Administration

A degree in business administration provides a versatile foundation that can lead to various career opportunities. Veterans may focus on areas such as management, marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship.
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Degree in Information Technology (IT)

Many veterans choose to pursue degrees in IT-related fields. This includes degrees in computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, or software engineering, leveraging their existing technical skills and expanding their knowledge in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
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Degree in Nursing and Healthcare

Veterans often transition into healthcare careers and seek degrees in nursing or other healthcare-related fields. These degrees can lead to roles as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or healthcare administrators.
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Degree in Engineering

Veterans with a strong background in technical skills often pursue degrees in engineering disciplines such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or aerospace engineering.
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Degree in Psychology and Counseling

Veterans may choose to pursue degrees in psychology or counseling to help others and make a difference in mental health and well-being. These degrees can lead to careers as counselors, therapists, or social workers.
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Degree in Education

Veterans interested in teaching or training may pursue degrees in education. This can lead to careers as teachers, instructors, or education administrators in both K-12 and higher education settings.
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Degree in Forensic Science

Given their experience in law enforcement and security, veterans may pursue degrees in forensic science. This can open doors to careers in law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, or other criminal justice-related fields.
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Degree in Social Work

Veterans passionate about making a positive impact in their communities may pursue degrees in social work. This can lead to careers as social workers, case managers, or community outreach coordinators.
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Resources for Our Veterans

Application Services

Our dedicated staff is here to assist you in navigating the complexities of VA education benefits. From registration to certification, we will guide you every step of the way, making sure you receive the support you deserve. Additionally, we are proud to be approved for Military Tuition Assistance, making education more accessible to our veterans.

VA Benefits

We understand the challenges that veterans may face when transitioning from military service to higher education. That’s why we strive to make the process as seamless as possible. As a token of our appreciation, we waive application and orientation fees, ensuring that the journey towards your educational goals begins on a positive note.

Registration

We value the importance of timely registration, and as a veteran, you will have priority registration. This means you can secure your desired courses and create a schedule that suits your needs. In addition, YSU offers Army and Air Force ROTC.

Advocacy

Advocacy is at the heart of what we do. Our Veterans Resource Center is committed to being your voice on campus, advocating for your rights and ensuring that you have a smooth and fulfilling educational experience. This includes ensuring that you get the maximum credit for your military and training experience. We also provide access to VA counselors who understand the challenges veterans may face and can provide guidance and support as needed.

Community

Joining our Armed Forces Student Association is a fantastic way to connect with fellow veterans who share similar experiences and aspirations. This supportive community offers a platform for networking, mentorship, and social engagement, fostering a sense of belonging throughout your academic journey.

Accomodations

Our institution is committed to maintaining military-friendly deployment policies. We understand the demands of military service and will work with you to accommodate your deployment schedules, ensuring minimal disruption to your educational pursuits. In addition to this, we offer Warrior Awareness Training to civilian faculty and staff to better understand the needs of our military / veteran population. 

Tour the Veterans Resource Center

Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center

Maj. (Ret.) Carl Nunziato, a distinguished military graduate of Youngstown State University, has a remarkable history of service and advocacy. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1961, he embarked on a journey that would include three combat tours to Thailand and Vietnam over eight years. Throughout his service, Maj. Nunziato earned numerous prestigious awards, such as the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Medal.

Tragically, during his last combat tour in 1966, Maj. Nunziato lost both legs, resulting in an extended stay at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. However, his determination remained unyielding, and he was honorably discharged in 1968. Maj. Nunziato’s resilience and passion for helping others led him to pursue a Juris Doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve School of Law in 1971. He subsequently served as an attorney for various organizations, including Dollar Savings and Trust Company, Ohio Bank Corp, and National City Bank, for 28 years.

Beyond his military and legal career, Maj. Nunziato actively advocated for individuals with disabilities in the Mahoning Valley community. He co-founded the Youngstown Chapter of the Governor’s Subcommittee for Barrier-Free Architecture, championing the construction of wheelchair ramps. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in initiating the statewide movement for handicapped parking.

In the early 1990s, Maj. Nunziato fought ardently to prevent the closure of Youngstown State University’s ROTC program. Furthermore, he established an endowment fund that currently provides $40,000 in annual scholarships for ROTC Cadets and military veterans. Maj. Nunziato, along with two fellow ROTC alumni, spearheaded a successful fundraising campaign, raising $1.4 million for the construction of the Veterans Resource Center on campus. The center opened in 2014 and now serves more than 300 veterans and military-connected students. In recognition of his significant contributions, the center was renamed the Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center in 2018.

Continuing his commitment to improving veterans’ access to care, Maj. Nunziato played a crucial role in bringing a new community-based outpatient clinic to Youngstown in 1993. This state-of-the-art facility, which replaced the previous location, will be dedicated as the Carl A. Nunziato VA Clinic on April 30, 2022, in honor of Maj. Nunziato’s exceptional contributions to the veteran community. 

Major Carl Nunziato
Major (Ret.) Carl Nunziato