A military science degree may interest you if you want to join the military or build skills that are useful in the military or civilian life.
Military science degree programs are designed to help students gain soft and hard skills that are beneficial to several industries. It might be an appealing program to you if you want a mixture between academic coursework and active training sessions.
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A bachelor’s degree in military science is an interdisciplinary degree that includes the study of multiple subjects, so it can also help you discover new interests.
Online Military Science Degrees
Military science is the study of various military strategies, operations, institutions, and theories. If you have an interest in military-related topics, you might pursue a military science bachelor’s degree to further explore your interests.
Degrees in military science are interdisciplinary. This means that several subjects are explored under military science majors. Common topics that may be discussed in military science courses include:
- Military history
- Social and behavioral science
- Political science
- Leadership and communications
- Technology
A bachelor’s degree in military science typically requires general education coursework followed by coursework related to military sciences. You may also have the option to select a specialization.
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A specialization can help you pursue specific interests you may have in the military field. For example, you might be interested in military engineering, which could involve more courses centered around engineering subject matter.
Military science degree programs are a common path for individuals who wish to join the military. There are several skills that can be developed in military science programs that can also be carried into civilian life. Knowledge and skills obtained in a military science bachelor’s program could be beneficial for careers outside of the military field, such as:
- Museum curators or archivists
- Information security analysts
- Mechanical engineering technologists
The military includes several rankings that fall under three categories, including enlisted personnel, warrant officers, and commissioned officers. A bachelor’s degree isn’t needed to become enlisted personnel for those who are eligible. Individuals who wish to gain an officer position typically seek at least a bachelor’s degree to help advance their ranking upon entry.
Common Online Military Science Degree Specializations
Schools may offer military science degree programs that give students the option to specialize in specific military-related subjects.
Some potential specializations are:
- Military History: This specialization focuses on military-related historical topics, which can be helpful for positions in education or museum settings. A growing number of universities offer both on-campus as well as online military history degree programs.
- International Security: Commonly, this specialization involves learning about military threats and taking research-based courses on military analysis.
- Military Engineering: If you are interested in the technical aspects of the military, you may specialize in military engineering and learn how to design and build various military equipment.
- Resiliency: This specialization focuses on how to make a positive impact on the lives of current or retired military members by helping them cope with the mental, emotional, and physical stressors of their military experiences.
- Military Technologies: This specialization focuses on the design, development, and use of military technology.
Pursuing a specialization can help you learn more advanced skills in your area of interest. Specific coursework is typically offered for different specializations. If you’re interested in learning more about one aspect of the military, it might be beneficial to select a specialization to help you explore those interests.
Military Studies Careers & Salaries
Military sciences can help prepare you for a wide variety of careers. It’s an interdisciplinary subject that can give you the opportunity to explore specific interests related to military research and operations.
While earning a bachelor’s degree in military science, you may specialize in a specific subject. This can help you pursue a career in a specific field, such as engineering, research, law enforcement, or military service. A military science bachelor’s degree might help you enter the military as an officer or gain a civilian position in a related field. A bachelor’s degree is typically pursued to become an officer in the military upon graduation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates with a military science bachelor’s degree may pursue careers as:
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $128,170 |
| Nuclear Engineers | $120,380 |
| Information Security Analysts | $102,600 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $82,360 |
| Emergency Management Directors | $76,730 |
| Police and Detectives | $66,020 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $60,460 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | $59,380 |
| Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers | $50,120 |
| Correctional Officers and Bailiffs | $47,920 |
Salaries for positions as military personnel or officers can widely vary depending on ranking and amount of time served.With a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to enter the military as a warrant officer. You can still enter the military without a degree, but it’s likely you’ll earn a lower ranking within enlisted personnel.
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Position availability can vary wildly depending on location, how much experience you have, and job growth. Salaries for other military personnel in fields like engineering or technology can also differ.
Bachelor of Military Science Curriculum & Courses
Military science bachelor degree programs typically include general education coursework along with military-related coursework. Many programs offer core coursework that focuses on military leadership and problem-solving.
Some schools might have elective coursework that allows students to explore specific interests. The following courses may be offered as core or elective courses for military science majors:
- Military Leaders and Leadership: This course examines military leaders and leadership styles in history and may encourage you to analyze your own leadership style as well.
- Military Leadership and Problem-Solving: This class teaches problem-solving and leadership skills and discusses different military leadership roles.
- Concepts of Military Management: This course examines various aspects of military management, including how to train and mentor military personnel.
- Introduction to American History: This general education course provides an overview of America’s history from the time of settlement and onward.
- Computer Concepts and Applications: This course introduces the basic concepts and principles of computer systems, including programming, software, communications, and hardware.
- Introduction to Sociology: This class explores different social problems and changes and examines social behaviors in order to address various issues.
- Introduction to Military History: This class provides an overview of the history of American military operations, foreign and military affairs, and past wars.
- Terrorism and Counterterrorism: This course explores the threats of terrorism, its causes, and methods used to combat and resolve terrorist threats and violence.
- Introduction to Political Science: This class discusses the basic principles of political theory, comparative politics, and international politics.
- Methods of Military Analysis: This course introduces foundational skills and fields involved in military operations and methods used to defend the US at home and abroad.
This is just a sampling of classes you may take in your military science bachelor’s degree program. You may also be given specific guidelines that include recommended courses to take that align with your specific field of interest.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements vary depending on the college or university. These are some common admissions requirements for students seeking a bachelor’s degree:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA (if required)
- A personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require these)
Gathering these materials prior to applying to a prospective school can make the application process easier. Although some schools might have minimum GPA or test score requirements, these are not requirements for all schools. Specific admission requirements are usually posted on the school’s website.
Accreditation
The accreditation status of a school or education program is important to consider when researching prospective schools. Various accrediting organizations establish quality and performance standards for colleges and universities.
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Whether or not your school has regional accreditation can impact potential financial aid or educational opportunities. Employers often take regional accreditation into consideration when looking for job candidates as well. If you ever need to transfer credit hours, many schools only accept credits from schools that are regionally accredited.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
College can be costly between the price of tuition and school fees. Financial aid and scholarships are common ways for students to help reduce the cost of attendance.
Federal financial aid may help you pay for part of or all your tuition and school fees. You can submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out if you’re eligible to receive federal aid. Scholarships can be beneficial for students who may not be eligible for income-based assistance. Scholarships can be awarded for many reasons, including specific interests or academics.
Tuition assistance programs might also be available to you if you intend on joining the military or have already served. For example, qualified veterans may receive educational benefits or financial assistance through the GI Bill.
What Is a Military Science Degree?
A military science degree is designed to teach the essential skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the military. If you are interested in serving your country and studying military strategies and tactics, you might enjoy a military science bachelor’s program.
Military science degree programs are considered interdisciplinary studies programs because they involve the study of several different subjects. Attending one of these programs can give you the chance to gain a broad range of knowledge as it relates to the military and civilian life. As a military science major, you may specialize in specific subjects, such as international intelligence, military history, or engineering.
What Can You Do with a Military Science Degree?
Degrees in military science can be useful for a variety of industries. Joining the military is a common goal for many military science students, but it can also help you develop skills that are useful for other positions. For example, if you specialize in military history, you might work as a teacher or in a museum.
A bachelor’s in military science might allow you to enter the military as an officer, rather than enlisted personnel. Individuals who become officers in the military are typically responsible for managing enlisted personnel and guiding military operations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Military Science Degree?
A bachelor’s degree typically takes 4 years to complete if you’re enrolled full-time in a traditional 16 week semester program. Full-time students enrolled year-round in an 8 week semester program may finish earlier.
If additional credit hours are taken each semester, this could also lessen the amount of time it takes to graduate. Studying part-time can make it take longer to complete a bachelor’s degree. Most bachelor’s degree programs require a minimum of 120 credit hours. Many students take 15 credit hours per semester to finish within 4 years, but this could differ depending on specializations or minors.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Military Science Worth it?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree in military science is worth it for many students. Degrees in military science can be rewarding for students who want to learn about military strategies and operations.
If you wish to join the military, you may have several options between branches and positions to choose from, depending on your coursework. The skills learned in military science degree programs may also be transferred into civilian jobs.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that military branches are expected to remain stable and maintain adequate personnel. There are also chances of growth as potential conflicts and global events occur.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Military Science Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Champlain College offers an online program for a Bachelor’s in Integrated Studies. The program offers several focus areas, including Military Studies. The program is intended for working adults who have already completed at least 40 credits. It aims to help students leverage their educational and work experiences toward earning a degree.
Champlain College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Fayetteville State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies in which students can develop their own concentrations and individualized plans of study to their needs. Students may receive credit for past military experience. Military-connected individuals may choose concentrations such as Criminal Justice and Military Intelligence Operations or Criminal Justice and Military Leadership.
Fayetteville State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Hawai’i Pacific University offers a BS in Diplomacy and Military Studies. The curriculum consists of courses such as History of Warfare to 1500, International Relations, American Foreign Policy, and History of Military Thought. The program is available online and requires the completion of 120 credit hours.
Hawai’i Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Science in Military Studies that can be earned 100% online. Each course is 8 weeks long. Students can potentially finish the program in just 3.5 years. The program offers four specializations: History, International Security, Professional, and Resiliency. Liberty teaches from a Christian perspective.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Bachelor’s in Integrated Studies program at Murray State University is designed to be flexible and convenient. There are many pathways and fields of study to choose from within the program, including military science and military studies. The program is designed for working adults with previous college credits.
Murray State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Norfolk State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (Military). Classes are usually either 7 or 8 weeks long and are available both in person and online. The program is designed to help active and retired military service members leverage their experience toward earning a degree.
Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Norwich University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis. The program is specifically designed for those with military experience and requires prospective students to have at least 30 previously earned college credits. The curriculum consists of courses such as Military Literature, National Security Policy, and Comparative Politics.
Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Sam Houston State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies that can be earned online and on campus. Instead of choosing a major, students create their own unique program of study by choosing three minors and completing a capstone project. Military Science is one of the minor options.
Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas A&M University—Central Texas offers a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies that can be earned on campus or online. Students in the program create a customized degree by choosing three minors, with Military Science being one of the available options. The program was designed with non-traditional students in mind.
Texas A&M University-Central Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of South Alabama offers a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies. There are multiple concentrations to choose from. Coursework in military science can be included in either an Administrative Science concentration or a Professional Development concentration. Each student works with an academic advisor to plan a program of study.
The University of South Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Bachelor in Military Science Degree Online
Whether you wish to join the military or find the coursework of a military science degree appealing, military sciences might be beneficial to you. You may have the opportunity to explore a multitude of subjects, which can help you develop an array of skills.
Military science coursework typically provides a variety of research-based instruction and active training. Choosing a specialization can help you narrow down your focus to studies that align with your future career goals.
If pursuing a career in military sciences sounds right for you, you can start your educational journey by researching military science degree programs offered by accredited institutions.
