SpouseWorks Scholarship (Formerly MyCAA) | Lionel University

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Military Spouse Benefits

What Is MyCAA?

The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) is a financial assistance program from the U.S. Department of Defense that helps military spouses pursue education, licenses, certifications, or associate degrees in portable career fields.

Through MyCAA, eligible military spouses can receive up to $4,000 in tuition assistance to gain the training and credentials needed for meaningful careers that can move with them wherever military life takes them.

This funding can be used for approved programs that lead to careers in high-demand industries like health, fitness, wellness, and exercise science.

At Lionel University, MyCAA funding can help you start or advance your career in the growing field of exercise science — 100% online and designed for working adults.

Military Spouse Benefits

Who Is Eligible for MyCAA?

You may qualify for MyCAA tuition assistance if you are the spouse of an active-duty service member

You must be able to start and complete your program while your spouse is on active duty
Programs must lead to a certification, credentials or a degree in a portable career field
You must create an education plan through the MyCAA portal

If you qualify, MyCAA can provide up to $4,000 in financial assistance to help you build a career you can take with you anywhere.

Military Spouse Careers

A Career That Moves With You

Military families relocate frequently, which can make it difficult to maintain careers that rely on state-based licenses. Many professions require transferring or retaking licensing exams every time you move.

Careers in fitness and exercise science offer a different path.

The certifications and credentials earned through Lionel University are industry recognized and portable, allowing you to build a career that can travel with you wherever military life takes your family.

With exercise science education, military spouses can pursue opportunities such as:

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Personal training

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Online coaching

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Fitness instruction

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Wellness coaching

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Strength and conditioning support roles

Trade In. Trade Up. Finish Faster.

You Don’t Have to Start Over

Already earned college credits, certifications, military training, or work experience? Don’t leave them behind — stack them toward your degree.

At Lionel University, we make it easy to trade in what you’ve already accomplished and trade up to a higher credential — whether that’s an associate's, bachelor’s, or master’s in Exercise Science.

✓ Certifications can count toward your degree

✓ Military and work experience may qualify

✓ Eligible transfer credit may reduce the number of courses, time, and tuition needed to complete your degree.

MyCAA Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about MyCAA funding, military spouse eligibility, flexible online programs, career opportunities, and using MyCAA benefits at Lionel University.

Can MyCAA cover the full cost of my program? ⌄

The MyCAA program provides up to $4,000 in tuition assistance for eligible military spouses. Depending on the program you choose, this funding may cover a significant portion—or in some cases the full cost—of your education. Our admissions advisors can help you understand how MyCAA benefits apply to your specific program.

Do I have to study full-time? ⌄

No. Lionel University’s flexible online programs allow students to progress at a pace that works with their schedule. Many military spouses balance their studies with work, family responsibilities, and military life.

What if my family relocates or receives new orders? ⌄

Because our programs are 100% online, you can continue your education from anywhere in the world. Whether your family receives new orders or relocates to a new duty station, you can stay on track without interrupting your studies.

How long does it take to complete a program? ⌄

Program length can vary depending on the program and your pace of study. Many students complete certifications in a shorter timeframe, while degree programs take longer. An admissions advisor can help outline the best timeline based on your goals.

What kind of careers can I pursue after completing a program? ⌄

Graduates can pursue careers in areas such as personal training, strength and conditioning, fitness coaching, corporate wellness, and health promotion. The exercise science field offers portable career opportunities that can move with military families.

Do I need prior experience in fitness or exercise science? ⌄

No prior experience is required for many programs. Courses are designed to help students build foundational knowledge and develop practical skills needed to succeed in the health and fitness industry.

Will someone help me with the MyCAA application process? ⌄

Yes. Our admissions team can guide you through the process of understanding your eligibility, creating your education plan, and applying your MyCAA funding toward your program.

Can I work while completing my program? ⌄

Yes. Many of our students continue working while completing their coursework. The flexible online format allows you to schedule your studies around your professional and personal responsibilities.

Is Lionel University approved for MyCAA funding? ⌄

Yes. Lionel University offers programs that are designed to meet the requirements of the MyCAA program, helping eligible military spouses apply their tuition assistance toward career-focused education in exercise science. Our admissions team can help guide you through the process of using your MyCAA benefits.

Can I use MyCAA if my spouse is deployed? ⌄

Yes. If your spouse meets the eligible active-duty pay grades and you qualify for the MyCAA program, you can still apply and begin your education even if your spouse is deployed. Because Lionel University programs are fully online, you can study from anywhere while balancing the responsibilities of military life.

Do I have to repay MyCAA funding? ⌄

MyCAA funding is tuition assistance, not a loan. If you meet program requirements and complete your coursework according to the MyCAA guidelines, the funds do not need to be repaid.

Fitness Sales Advisor (1)

Working While Learning

86% of students are employed while enrolled, with a majority working 30+ hours per week
Most students are balancing full-time work, family, and school — a powerful testament to Lionel’s flexible, stackable program design
Despite demanding schedules, student satisfaction remains high

Copy of Student 3

Consistently Engaged, Fully Invested

80%+ of students log in 3–6 days per week, showing strong commitment and consistent engagement
90%+ plan to continue to the next term, demonstrating exceptional retention and satisfaction
New graduate and certificate programs are earn high marks building confidence and sustained growth

Student 2 (1)

Satisfied — and Ready for What’s Next

98% of students said they are satisfied with their studies at Lionel
94–95% would recommend their course to a friend
90%+ achieved the learning goals they set at the beginning of the course

Student 3

Mentored by Industry Leaders

Instructors scored 4.6–4.8 out of 5 on average across all categories
Top-rated traits: respect for students, prompt grading, and helpful feedback
Nearly every student felt valued and supported by their instructors

Corrective Exercise Specialist

Corrective Exercise Specialist

Build the ability to assess movement patterns and design programs that improve function and reduce risk. This pathway supports roles in recovery-focused coaching and connects to clinical exercise science study.

Thumbmail FITNESS SALES SPECIALIST - BILLBOARD (279 x 173 px) (2-906 x 1-802 in) (1-802 x 2-906 in)

Fitness Sales
Specialist

Develop communication, leadership, and business skills essential for guiding gym operations and client engagement. This pathway prepares you for supervisory roles and aligns with fitness management degree tracks.

Facility Management

Facility Management Specialist

Learn core operations, safety, and service principles needed to manage modern fitness environments. This pathway supports leadership advancement and aligns with managerial degree pathways.

Behavior Based Coaching

Behavior-Based Coaching Specialist

Build communication and behavior-change techniques that help clients create sustainable, long-term progress. This pathway complements coaching roles and connects to leadership or psychology coursework.

Blood & Bio Spec-1

Blood & Biomarker Specialist

Learn to interpret key biomarkers that influence training, recovery, and long-term wellness goals. This pathway supports advanced work in performance optimization and future study in human physiology.

Linkedin (1.802 x 2.375 in)

LinkedIn Networking
Specialist

Enhance your professional presence and networking strategy to attract clients and career opportunities. This pathway supports job placement readiness and aligns with degree-level professional development tracks.

Launch Yourself (1.802 x 2.375 in)

Influencer Marketing: Launch You

Learn to create content, grow audiences, and build authentic partnerships in the wellness space. This pathway expands digital career opportunities and pairs well with coaching and nutrition programs.

Entrepreneur Tool Kit

Entrepreneurship
Toolkit

Develop essential business skills to launch, market, and operate a fitness or wellness brand. This pathway supports independent professionals and integrates with business or leadership-focused coursework.