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
Every advisor, teacher, and counselor throughout my degree completion was heavily invested in helping me succeed in the classes and helping me to craft and refine the skills [needed] for a career in national security.
Ryan Leonard
'21 Bachelor of Science in National Security Studies
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Norwich made the entire process straightforward, from applying and being accepted to understanding what to expect. The experience has been so positive that it’s truly reignited my passion for learning
Jim Cepeda
'24 MA Military History, '25 MA History — American History Concentration
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For me, the biggest thing was the interaction with the faculty. They provide individualized feedback, advice, and concern for every student. Norwich makes online students feel just as valued as those attending classes on campus.
Thomas Mease
‘25 Master of Arts in Military History
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Stereotypes exist and I want to break them. As an Eastern European woman, I was raised to be a housewife. I didn’t want that; I wanted to make my own money. I want to demonstrate that as a woman, as someone with ADHD, you can do it.
Ilona Letran
'25 Master of Arts in Global Affairs
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Where Norwich says to excel, you do excel. Not only was I challenged, but I also achieved a level of comprehension and academic understanding that over my 40 years of government service, I thought I would never meet.
Tim Strong
'19 Master of Arts in Strategic Studies
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Ryan Leonard
Jim Cepeda
Thomas Mease
Ilona Letran
Tim Strong