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

Rachel Lane in the North Dakota Badlands in Theodore Roosevelt National Park near the site of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

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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I was looking for a school with mature, highly ranked course. I wanted the curriculum to be certified by the NSA/DHS.

Michael Esch

'15 Master of Science in Information Assurance Computer Forensics and Incident Response Management

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I will use this degree to advance my career in the future and take on further leadership roles.

Emily Oliver

'22 Master of Business Administration

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The professors became my mentors and gave me an edge in conducting viable academic research that will pay dividends throughout my next career.

Vincent Cole

'22 Master of Arts in History

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I didn't choose Norwich; it chose me. I liked Norwich's unique military history, which I thought would provide a different perspective on world views.

Catherine Murtagh-Schaffer

'22 Master of Arts in Diplomacy

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Rachel Lane in the North Dakota Badlands in Theodore Roosevelt National Park near the site of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

Rachel Lane

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Michael Esch

Emily Oliver headshot

Emily Oliver

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Vincent Cole

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Catherine Murtagh-Schaffer