10 Jobs You Can Get in the Military with a Bachelor's Degree

A military career can provide great benefits and many ways to serve your country. If you're interested in working for the Army, Navy, Air Force, or another branch of the military, you may be wondering what jobs are available depending on the college degree you have. Specifically, you might wonder what types of military jobs you can get with a bachelor's degree.

Earning a degree before joining the military can provide opportunities for various careers within all branches. While you can become an active-duty service member with only a high school diploma or GED, having a bachelor's degree enables you to pursue various career paths in the military that you wouldn't otherwise be qualified for.

Some military careers available to college graduates include aerospace engineer, logistics officer, and counterintelligence specialist. Read on to learn more about these careers.

Top Military Careers for Bachelor's Degree Holders

If you're ready to join the U.S. military, a four-year degree program can be your ticket to many entry-level and advanced careers. Consider the following options we've listed below.

1. Military Officer Positions

If you hold a bachelor's degree, you can become a commissioned officer in any military branch. Let's look at these options.

Army Officer

Army officers are those who have received commissions and hold specific ranks within the U.S. Army. Those holding a bachelor's degree can pursue a commissioned officer position by attending Officer Candidate School (OCS); those still in school may choose to participate in a Reserve Officer Training Corps program to help them become an officer later on.

Navy Officer

A Navy officer is a commissioned officer who serves in the U.S. Navy. These military members may serve in various capacities and lead different teams depending on their specific rank. They often hold leadership positions on warships and submarines. Those hoping to become Navy officers must undergo rigorous military training while pursuing their bachelor's degree or after obtaining it.

Air Force Officer

Air Force officers are commissioned officers serving in the U.S. Air Force. They typically hold at least a bachelor's degree and complete specialized training through ROTC programs, military academies, or Officer Candidate School. They may perform various duties, including piloting aircraft, performing medical services, and engineering new technologies.

Marine Corps Officer

A Marine Corps officer is a commissioned officer serving in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). There are many ways to become a Marine Corps officer, including attending the U.S. Naval Academy, completing USMC Officer Candidate School, and completing a specialized ROTC program. There are many different kinds of USMC officers who hold a variety of responsibilities.

Coast Guard Officer

This type of commissioned officer serves in the U.S. Coast Guard. These officers are tasked with responding to emergencies on the water, enforcing maritime laws, and performing search and rescue. Coast Guard officers typically hold a bachelor's degree and complete their training at Officer Candidate School.

2. Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers are responsible for designing and developing various types of aircraft to improve aerospace technology. They may also work on satellites, spacecraft, and other systems.

These professionals work to address technical issues and advance technology. They typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.

3. Civil Engineer

Civil engineers typically design and oversee construction projects relating to bridges, roads, waterways, and other types of civilian infrastructure. However, they may also work for the U.S. Armed Forces, applying their skills in wartime or to help rebuild war zones.

To become a civil engineer, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, civil engineering, or a similar program. An advanced degree may be helpful but is typically not required.

4. Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers design, develop, and test various electrical devices. They can work in both civilian and military capacities, managing the manufacturing process and overseeing the installation of their designs.

Those hoping to become electrical engineers in the military should pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.

5. Judge Advocate General

The judge advocate general serves as a legal advisor to the officers and the Secretary of the Army. This professional performs various duties aside from offering legal advice, including recruiting and assigning staff judges and creating and publishing personnel policies.

Those interested in becoming a judge advocate general must have a bachelor's degree in pre-law or a related field. They must then complete a 10-month judge advocate graduate course, accredited by the American Bar Association, which incurs a two-month service obligation.

6. Human Resources Officer

Human resources officers commonly work in business in the civilian world, but they are also employed by the military. These professionals oversee activities related to recruiting, training, and meeting service members' needs.

Those interested in pursuing this career path should have a bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources, or a similar field.

7. Logistics Officer

Logistics officers also typically work in business settings. They can also fulfill similar roles in the military. These professionals are responsible for managing and overseeing the movement of goods and services within an organization and collaborating with all teams involved.

Logistics managers usually have a bachelor's degree in business, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field.

8. Military Intelligence Specialist

Military intelligence specialists ensure that military operations are successful by providing the most up-to-date, accurate intelligence possible. They oversee teams that gather, analyze, and exploit intelligence from many sources, including radios, satellites, radars, and electronic monitoring devices.

Intelligence specialists play a crucial role in all branches of the military. If you would like a career in this exciting field, pursuing a bachelor's degree is the best way to get started.

9. Research Scientist

Research scientists commonly work in both military and civilian capacities. They perform, analyze, and interpret scientific research in their particular specialization. They may be chemists, physicists, or biologists, or they may specialize in a more specific area of science.

These researchers typically hold at least a bachelor's or master's degree, though a doctoral degree is often preferable. Consider majoring in your chosen field of science, then pursuing more specialized or specific studies during your graduate school years to narrow down the field in which you hope to work.

10. Counterintelligence Specialist

Counterintelligence specialists are also known as counterintelligence special agents. Their job is to conduct investigations and analyze evidence pointing to foreign intelligence. These professionals must also be able to detect terrorist threats and plan the appropriate steps to nullify them.

Aspiring counterintelligence specialists should hold at least a high school diploma or GED. That said, having a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic psychology, or a similar field can make you a more desirable candidate for the job.

Should I Join the Military If I Have a Degree?

Whether or not you join the military after earning your bachelor's degree will depend on your career goals. That said, joining an ROTC program or Officer Candidate School (OCS) while earning your degree can provide many educational benefits.

What's more, enlisted service members have opportunities to pursue higher ranks if they join the military after earning a bachelor's degree. So, choosing to join the military after earning your degree can be an excellent idea if it aligns with your career goals.