5 U.S.C. § 4107: Academic degree training

meeting an identified agency training need; resolving an identified agency staffing problem; or accomplishing goals in the strategic plan of the agency; is part of a planned, systemic, and coordinated agency employee development program linked to accomplishing the strategic goals of the agency; and is accredited and is provided by a college or university that is accredited by a nationally recognized body. maintain a balanced workforce in which women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, and persons with disabilities are appropriately represented in Government service; and provide employees effective education and training to improve organizational and individual performance; assure that the training is not for the sole purpose of providing an employee an opportunity to obtain an academic degree or qualify for appointment to a particular position for which the academic degree is a basic requirement; a noncareer appointment in the senior Executive Service; or appointment to any position that is excepted from the competitive service because of its confidential policy-determining, policy-making or policy-advocating character; and to the greatest extent practicable, facilitate the use of online degree training.