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
I remember speaking to one of the administrators when asking about different programs, and when they mentioned the nursing component at Residency, I literally got goosebumps, and I knew then that this was the right program for me.
Laurel Ghose
'19 Master of Science in Nursing: Healthcare Systems Leadership
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In high school, Joshua Hartley defended attacks on the gridiron as an offensive lineman. At Norwich, the computer programming phenom studied network defense for malware, cyber attacks, and other malfeasance as a CSIA major.
Joshua Hartley
'16 Computer Security & Information Assurance
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I was delighted to have great professors who had incredible public history backgrounds and were so invested in helping the students grow as aspiring museum professionals.
Rachel Lane
'21 Master of Arts in History
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Norwich has had a profound impact on my personal and professional life. It gave me the confidence to pursue goals that once felt out of reach, like earning my degree while serving full-time in the Coast Guard and preparing for Officer Candidate School.
Emily Max
'25 Bachelor of Science in National Security Studies
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I didn't choose Norwich; it chose me. I liked Norwich's unique military history, which I thought would provide a different perspective on world views.
Catherine Murtagh-Schaffer
'22 Master of Arts in Diplomacy
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Laurel Ghose
Joshua Hartley
Rachel Lane
Emily Max
Catherine Murtagh-Schaffer