Military Science Degrees: Bachelor's, Associate & Online Course Info

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What will you learn in a military science program? Read about program requirements, the pros and cons of a bachelor's and associate degree and potential careers.
  • At a Glance
  • Associate's
  • Bachelor's

Associate and Bachelor's Degrees in Military Science at a Glance

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Military-associated programs at the bachelor's level are designed to prepare students for commissioning as officers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), officers typically need at least a bachelor's degree. Such programs are generally offered with a major or minor in military science and are available at some schools with Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) or equivalent programs. However, not all ROTC programs sponsor a military science major or even minor.

Military-related associate degree programs are designed for prospective soldiers and enlisted-rank veterans. These programs offer a variety of courses that are designed to develop core academic skills, as well as courses in military thought and life. These programs may be used in preparation for transferring to a 4-year program with the goal earning a commission as an officer, but veterans may use these programs in preparation for other career goals as well.

Associate Bachelor's
Who is this degree for? - Individuals who are planning to build a foundation of military knowledge and carry on to the bachelor's degree level - Veteran enlisted soldiers and other students who are planning to become officers in the military
- Students who are members of the ROTC who choose to focus their academic interest on military leadership
Common Career Paths (with approximate monthly salary based on less than two years of experience, plus housing expenses) - Private, E-1 rank ($1,468 per month)
- Sergeant first class, E-7 rank ($2,637 per month)
- Second Lieutenant, O-1 rank ($2,784 per month)
- Lieutenant Colonel, O-5 rank ($4,983 per month)
Time to Completion 1.5-2 years full-time 4 years full-time
Common Graduation Requirements Approximately 20 courses - Approximately 35-40 courses
- ROTC participation
- Contract for commissioning upon graduation
Prerequisites - High school diploma - High school diploma
- American citizen or permanent resident in process of applying for citizenship (commission will be denied if citizenship application fails for any reason)
Online Availability Some courses No

Source: *U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Manpower Data Center (January 2011).

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  • At a Glance
  • Associate's
  • Bachelor's

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Grand Canyon University

    Program Options

    Bachelor's
      • Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education (ITL)
      • Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education (ITL)
  • West Point, NY

    United States Military Academy

  • Moscow, ID

    University of Idaho

  • Cleveland, OH

    Notre Dame College

  • USAFA, CO

    United States Air Force Academy

  • Stanford, CA

    Stanford University

  • University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Cambridge, MA

    Harvard University

Featured Schools

Grand Canyon University

  • Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education (ITL)

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United States Military Academy

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