Do You Need to Be in the Military?

Although Norwich is famous for its Corps of Cadets and military lifestyle on campus, civilian students thrive here, too. Our online student population is a mix of both military-affiliated students and others with no military connections at all.

For 200 years, Norwich University’s Guiding Values and mission have helped create an atmosphere of excellence. We are the nation’s oldest private military college and the birthplace of ROTC, serving a diverse student body that reflects the world today, civilian, military career-focused, and online.

The simple answer is no, you do not need to be in the military or associated with the military in any way to be a Norwich Online student.

Since 1997, our online student body has been composed of people from all over the world. Our students are business professionals, servicemembers on deployment, federal, state or city employees looking to advance their careers, veterans, first responders, hobbyists, and so much more! Offering bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and professional development certificates, Norwich Online graduates build upon their Norwich educations to launch or grow careers and make outsized contributions to their communities, the nation and the world.

Student Testimonials

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Norwich’s program stood out because its curricula appeared to be well balanced and very straightforward.

Jim Moschgat

'21 Master of Science in Leadership

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Norwich’s MBA program attracts individuals who have busy schedules, families, etc., and can appreciate online classes and their flexibility.

Lazaro Becerra

'25 Master of Business Administration

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I’m most proud of being recognized as a person people come to for insights that can’t just be Googled. I can give someone the feel for what’s normal when we’re looking at another country. What should be expected, and what should raise questions.

Kirsten Derynioski

'06 Master of Arts in Diplomacy

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With Norwich, I was applying what I learned immediately. There’s value in academic rigor. It’s not for everybody, and that’s part of the appeal.

Adam Thompson

'20 Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis

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Personally, the [history] program renewed my interest in research, critical thinking, and writing.

Tiffany Sakahar-Peterson

'17 Master of Arts in History

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Jim Moschgat

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Lazaro Becerra

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Kirsten Derynioski

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Adam Thompson

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Tiffany Sakahar-Peterson