Campus Location
Dallas Campus (Online)
Date of Award
5-2026
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2666-3239
Document Type
Dissertation
Department
Organizational Leadership
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Committee Chair or Primary Advisor
Joe Perez
Second Committee Member or Secondary Advisor
Marisa Beard
Third Committee Member or Committee Reader
Timothy Stafford
Abstract
Within organizational and societal contexts, there persists a belief that technologically infused asynchronous or synchronous educational programs, such as online, blended, or seminar-style formats, are inferior to in-person courses. Despite recent shifts in attitude caused by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and global threats, the perception of such programs as substandard remains prevalent. This dissertation addresses the necessity of researching the applicability and benefits of these formats, particularly within the United States Marine Corps Enlisted Professional Military Education programs. Emphasizing the potential enhancement of warfighting abilities and leadership skills, this research investigates how technology-based educational programs can benefit enlisted marines across various ranks and demographic profiles. By providing greater access and flexibility, asynchronous or synchronous online platforms can cater to the diverse needs of marines, thereby aligning with the United States Marine Corps’ principles of equality and readiness for combat. However, the failure to transition from traditional, in-person educational norms to technologically advanced platforms pose significant risks to critical thinking skills and preparedness for future conflicts. This research highlights the urgent need for the United States Marine Corps to embrace information-age educational platforms to enhance readiness and competitiveness in the face of evolving global challenges. Keywords: asynchronous learning, online education, blended learning, seminar-style programs, enlisted professional military education (EPME), United States Marine Corps (USMC)
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Hensley, Michael W., "Modernizing United States Marine Corps Enlisted Professional Military Education: Benefits of Transitioning From Industrial to Technological Learning" (2026). Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1029.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/1029
Included in
Educational Leadership Commons, Other Educational Administration and Supervision Commons
Comments
This qualitative grounded theory study examined the perceived benefits, challenges, and organizational implications of technologically enhanced Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) within the United States Marine Corps. The research explored how asynchronous, blended, and technology-enabled learning platforms influence readiness, leadership development, flexibility, and modernization in support of future warfighting requirements.