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

Conor Sweeney headshot

My degree will provide me with the deeper insight I need as an HR executive to make effective organizational design and leadership decisions over the years to come.

Conor Sweeney

'25 Master of Business Administration

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jacque shiner headshot

Norwich extends the same courtesy to civilians as their military students when careers take you out of town and in areas without Internet. And when times got tough, I followed the Norwich mantra: I WILL TRY.

Jacque Shiner

Master of Public Administration

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Isil Tan portrait

I am a professional, and I do not have time and budget to quit my job and come to the U.S. to study on-campus. Thus it was a must for me to study online. When I read the details, I realized that Norwich has a really good online system.

Isil Tan

'18 Master of Business Administration

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Derynioski headshot

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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Kim's photo

I believe that going back to school and choosing Norwich has allowed me to demonstrate the importance of lifelong learning to my children.

Kimberly Mallonn

'15 Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

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Conor Sweeney headshot

Conor Sweeney

jacque shiner headshot

Jacque Shiner

Isil Tan portrait

Isil Tan

Derynioski headshot

Kirsten Derynioski

Kim's photo

Kimberly Mallonn