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 have grown both professionally and personally. I have a much-improved grasp of history as a profession and feel very confident in my ability to teach history at the college level.

John J. Baranowski

'24 Master of Arts in Military History

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I was looking for a school with mature, highly ranked course. I wanted the curriculum to be certified by the NSA/DHS.

Michael Esch

'15 Master of Science in Information Assurance Computer Forensics and Incident Response Management

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From the very beginning of submitting my application to graduation day, the one-on-one interaction with the faculty and staff made me feel a part of the Norwich family.

Steve Gonzalez

'16 Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis

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Norwich has such a prestigious reputation and some very convincing choices for graduate programs. The history along with the willingness of the staff and student participation in the classroom is something that makes a Norwich student feel at home.

Gabriel Galindo

'16 Master of Public Administration

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