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

The way the SSDA program was tailored to the Special Operations community appealed to me because the courses were all applicable.

Sean Freitag

'13 Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis

Read Story

I was able to apply the skills that I learned and bring several large bureaucratic organizations together to reach a common goal.

Kevin Boyd

'13 Master of Arts in Diplomacy

Read Story

The knowledge and experience that I gained as a graduate student at Norwich helped propel me into my current profession as a college professor and administrator. I identify with the strong institutional values that Norwich has ingrained in me.

Orlando Saiz

'11 Master of Arts in Diplomacy

Read Story

Being an online course, I worked with professors and students from all over the world who had far different experiences and educations than I did. And so taking advantage of their knowledge and insight, was a huge benefit to the program.

Kyle Mathers

'22, Master of Arts Military History

Read Story