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
My motivation was to be competitive in the workforce following my active duty retirement and to leverage Air Force tuition assistance to help pay for my Norwich degree.
William Seaman
'15 Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis
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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
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A master’s degree transformed me into an even more effective international military operations planner and provided a broader strategic perspective in future assignments with a focus on international security.
Andy B. Anderson
'19 Master of Arts in International Relations
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The program created an environment that allowed for honest academic exchange and debate. It forced you to know your material and know it well.
Ralph M. Zecca, Jr.
'25 Master of Arts in Military History
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The leadership program was a natural fit as an officer in the Air Force, helping me become a better leader now and in future opportunities after the military.
Michael Blair
'19 Master of Science in Leadership
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William Seaman
Sean Freitag
Andy B. Anderson
Ralph M. Zecca, Jr.
Michael Blair