12 Career Paths in the Military With a Business Degree

The worlds of business and the military might seem wildly different at first glance, but there are more similarities than you might think. These similarities are most obvious in a few specific career paths. Although most people think of combat-focused roles in the military, many administrative roles can benefit from a bachelor's in business administration. However, the value of a business degree doesn't stop with these roles.

The skills taught in a business-focused college degree, such as management, organization, and problem-solving can be applied to many roles within the armed forces. The U.S. military has positions in various career fields requiring college degrees, specifically business degree programs.

Top Military Careers for Business Degree Holders

The overlap between military and business operations is bigger than it might seem. Graduates of business degree programs have skills like project management, knowledge of supply chains, and financial management. These skills have direct business-related applications in military service. However, other related fields benefit from these skills used by service members.

Commissioned officer status in the military requires a bachelor's degree at minimum. There isn't a requirement of which degree an officer pursues, but certain degrees will prepare them better for specific career paths.

1. Human Resources Officer

Human resources is a career field focusing on coordinating the people who make a business possible. The responsibilities of a human resources officer include many of the same roles as a civilian human resources specialist, like payroll, healthcare and education benefit allocation, conflict resolution, and other similar tasks. Military human resources officers often pursue additional certifications, much like HR managers in civilian life.

2. Administrative Officer

Many structures and hierarchies within the military function similarly to corporate systems. Administrative support roles provide management analysis, budget review, and general business management. These roles are needed on bases around the world and in Washington D.C. Administrative officers can also work with recruiters to coordinate newly enlisted members of the armed forces.

3. Operations Officer

Civilian business operations involve coordinating the day-to-day systems that make a business run. The military's global reach is made possible by employing similar operations officers to run bases and missions. These roles include supply chain management, budget analysis, and filing reports on daily operations. Operations officers in the military will also be involved in working with strategists to identify personnel and material needs.

4. Program Manager

Program managers work within the military, but sometimes there are also roles as contractors for the Department of Defense (DoD). Program managers need technical degrees that highlight skills around technology and engineering. There are roles for bachelor's degree holders, but many pursue master's degrees to enhance their skills.

5. Public Affairs Officer

Since the rise of the 24/7 news cycle, the American people have demanded more answers and coverage of military action. Public Affairs Officers work with senior military leaders to provide media training. This comes in on-camera interviews about strategy and policy and social media posts to explain concepts to civilians without military experience.

6. Strategic Communication Specialist

Information in the military comes in two main forms: classified and non-classified. Strategic communication specialists discern the difference in these types of information and help prepare non-classified information to be spread to civilians, including politicians and other stakeholders.

7. Risk Management Specialist

Risk management in business is most commonly associated with investments and resource allocation. Risk in the military has a different meaning, but there are similarities in how these skills can be used. Risk management is used in the military when planning tactics and strategies while minimizing potential drawbacks. Military training can help develop these skills, but not as deeply as a business degree can.

8. Research Analyst

Understanding the other organizations in your field is essential to business and military operations. Research analysts study foreign militaries and governments to understand the capabilities and structures of militaries that could be allies or potential threats. These roles compile information into reports for senior officers and politicians to inform decision-making about future military actions.

9. Development Manager

Development managers in civilian life fulfill training roles to bring out the most of their employees. Each military branch has its hierarchy for training and development. However, many skills civilian development managers use will apply to basic and more advanced training.

10. Intelligence Analyst

Military intelligence involves researching foreign militaries and areas of operation to inform strategy. This involves a balance of threat assessment and analysis combined with record keeping. Intelligence analysts need skills associated with data and computer science to make easy-to-access reports to assist in planning and monitoring potential threats.

11. Procurement Specialist

A procurement specialist serves the role of a logistics officer or supply chain manager. Procurement specialists handle monitoring supply levels and perform purchasing duties to ensure that bases and other operation centers have all the necessary supplies. These supplies range from food and medical supplies to military materials, such as weapons and armaments.

12. Contracting Officer

The armed forces use contractors to complete different tasks, and contracting officers are responsible for writing and monitoring these contracts to ensure all obligations are completed properly. These roles require an understanding of contract law and military responsibilities. These officers write and enforce contracts, much like a civilian contracting officer would, which requires knowledge beyond what an average military officer would have without a business degree.

FAQs About Military Careers for Business Degree Holders

Business degree holders looking to join the military, or enlisted members looking to go to school, might have questions about how this education will benefit their military life. A bachelor's degree will allow service members to become commissioned officers, but other benefits come from owning a business degree in the service.

Can You Be in the Military and Have a Business?

Owning a business while in the military is only possible if you don't see any drawbacks to your active duties. Army members, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps will generally have too many full-time obligations to properly run a business while enlisted or serving as an officer. Members of the National Guard are often business owners within their communities and find it easier to balance both due to the more limited responsibilities.

Can I Become an Officer With a Business Degree?

Yes, becoming a military officer with a business degree is possible in most situations. The main degree requirement for officers is at least a four-year degree. Your degree's subject matter will only matter with specialized career paths, but more generalized officer roles can be earned with nearly any accredited bachelor's degree.

Can You Get a Business Degree in the Air Force?

Enlisting in the Air Force grants eligibility for a variety of education benefits. These benefits include tuition assistance that can be used to earn a business degree from accredited universities.