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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Connor LaClair headshot

Diplomacy fascinates me. In today’s uncertain world, proven and competent diplomats have never been needed more.

Connor LaClair

'18 Master of Arts in Diplomacy

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Rachel Lane in the North Dakota Badlands in Theodore Roosevelt National Park near the site of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

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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Kevin Boyd

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

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Ashley with family at graduation.

I couldn’t even see myself going anywhere but back to what I know.

Ashley Thacker

'26 Master of Science in Cybersecurity

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Conor Sweeney headshot

Conor Sweeney

Connor LaClair headshot

Connor LaClair

Rachel Lane in the North Dakota Badlands in Theodore Roosevelt National Park near the site of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

Rachel Lane

Kevin Boyd

Kevin Boyd

Ashley with family at graduation.

Ashley Thacker