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 know that I can balance my personal, professional, and educational commitments while achieving the high standards that I set for myself.

Megan Roberts

'20 Master of Science in Leadership

Read Story

Because of my education at Norwich, I was very fortunate to learn topics that I was actually applying (to my job). I could take the concepts and the work from the labs we did in class and apply them to real-world scenarios.

Thomas Sittmann

'21 Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

Read Story

I have learned may things about myself including my drive to succeed. Through the group projects – to which I’ve always hated in the past – I have learned to be accommodating, tolerant, and not to sweat the small stuff.

Marcia Bryan

'16 Master of Business Administration

Read Story

I’m most proud of being recognized as a person people come to for insights that can’t just be Googled. I can give someone the feel for what’s normal when we’re looking at another country. What should be expected, and what should raise questions.

Kirsten Derynioski

'06 Master of Arts in Diplomacy

Read Story