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

Eric Dembinski headshot

I appreciated Norwich University's military culture, and they easily transferred much of my military experience into course credits to complement my degree.

Eric Dembinski

'25 Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis

Read Story
matthew bambrick norwich jeep

The MBA included much more group work than my earlier degrees, and I enjoyed that because it mirrors real life. You work with people from different backgrounds. Military, civilian, and corporate learn how to communicate and deliver together.

Matthew Bambrick

’10 MS in Business Continuity Management, ’12 MS in Information Assurance, ’24 MBA

Read Story
Eli Willey portrait

My job is demanding in that I travel often for work. Being able to work on class work on the road was a big contributing factor.

Eli Willey

'17 Master of Business Administration

Read Story
Wendy Gallagher headshot

I decided to return to school in the hopes of making a difference for trafficking victims.

Wendy Gallagher

'17 Master of Public Administration

Read Story
payne student image

I am glad that I had the opportunity to pursue a college degree while in a combat environment.

Sergeant Major Thomas P. Payne

'17 Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis

Read Story
Eric Dembinski headshot

Eric Dembinski

matthew bambrick norwich jeep

Matthew Bambrick

Eli Willey portrait

Eli Willey

Wendy Gallagher headshot

Wendy Gallagher

payne student image

Sergeant Major Thomas P. Payne