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

aiden maher headhot

I use the skills and knowledge I learned every day as a teacher and coach.

Aiden Maher

'25 Master of Science in Management

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Ann Kolawole at graduation

I have been applying my classroom knowledge in my patient care on the floor, being more detailed in my search and advocating for appropriate and prompt care for patients under my care.

Ann Kolawole

'25 Master of Science in Nursing: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

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Emily Churchill with family

Norwich’s program stands out because it is designed to accommodate the needs of working nurses while maintaining a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care.

Emily Churchill

'25 RN to BS in Nursing

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Justin Spangler headshot

Norwich stood out to me because it's a place that comprehends the Army lifestyle, and all my professors genuinely invested in my academic success.

Justin Spangler

'24 Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis

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Gene Procknow retrieving an American cannon ball shot at the British during the American 1775 assault on Quebec City.

My Norwich degree opens doors to further professional development and better research and writing.

Eugene Procknow

'22 Master of Arts in History

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aiden maher headhot

Aiden Maher

Ann Kolawole at graduation

Ann Kolawole

Emily Churchill with family

Emily Churchill

Justin Spangler headshot

Justin Spangler

Gene Procknow retrieving an American cannon ball shot at the British during the American 1775 assault on Quebec City.

Eugene Procknow