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

I was attracted to the Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis program because of its relevance to my experiences downrange and my general interests as a whole.

Steve Grewell

'13 Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis

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I selected the strategic studies and defense analysis degree because it was not something that I had heard of in other schools and I understood the degree would set me apart from my peers when looking for future employment.

Melanie Soto

'19 Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis

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Hearing other people’s perspectives is where the real learning takes place.

Chris Lencioni

'27 Master of Arts in Military History

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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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