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

Christopher Tucker headshot

Norwich is unique because alumni are encouraged, and expected, to go forward upon graduation and apply the knowledge and skills gained to benefit society.

Christopher Tucker

'15 Master of Public Administration

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John Joseph Baranowski headshot

I have grown both professionally and personally. I have a much-improved grasp of history as a profession and feel very confident in my ability to teach history at the college level.

John J. Baranowski

'24 Master of Arts in Military History

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Tim Strong

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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Kim's photo

I believe that going back to school and choosing Norwich has allowed me to demonstrate the importance of lifelong learning to my children.

Kimberly Mallonn

'15 Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

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Ashleigh and husband on top of mountain

It's still a shock to this day that I even did half of the stuff that I did while going through the things that I went through.

Ashleigh Bruce

'22 Master of Arts in History

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Christopher Tucker headshot

Christopher Tucker

John Joseph Baranowski headshot

John J. Baranowski

Tim Strong

Tim Strong

Kim's photo

Kimberly Mallonn

Ashleigh and husband on top of mountain

Ashleigh Bruce