What Degree Do You Need To Be an Officer in the Military?

The military hierarchy identifies two categories: enlisted service members and officers. The enlisted ranks are eligible for anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED. However, a four-year college degree is required to start your military career as a commissioned officer.

The career path of an officer will vary based on your military branch. However, all United States Armed Forces officers must have a college degree or complete special Officer Candidate School (OCS). Each branch requires a bachelor's degree for officers, but there isn't a single program viewed as better than others for aspiring officers.

Degree Requirements for Aspiring Military Officers

You must complete a four-year professional degree program from an accredited school to become an officer in the Army, Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps. This requirement is in place for a few reasons. Primarily, completing a four-year degree program shows commitment to a goal.

College graduates must use time and resource management skills to complete a degree program. This discipline is crucial for those planning to transition to military training. Additionally, college graduates will learn skills applicable to specialized and leadership roles.

Some roles even require advanced degrees. There are positions for lawyers, doctors, and other roles that require students to complete the appropriate civilian degree before transitioning to the equivalent military role.

Is a Specific Major Required To Become a Military Officer?

No. There isn't a specific major required to become a military officer, but some majors will be more applicable than others. A business administration degree can teach some leadership skills that military officers need. When evaluating a degree major to become an officer, you'll want to review the primary skills learned in the program and see how well they relate to the responsibilities of an active duty officer.

Top Degrees for Military Officers

There is no official degree program for military officers. Acceptance into Officer Training School (OTS) is a highly competitive path, choosing an applicable degree program can help increase your chances.

Engineering

Engineering is a degree program focusing on the practical applications of science and mathematics. At first glance, this might not seem applicable to a military officer. However, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a division of the Army full of trained engineers. An engineering degree benefits officer status in this unit. Particular specialties to study include civil engineering, architecture, and biology.

Supply Chain Management

Each military branch has specialists who focus on supply chains. A degree in supply chain management prepares graduates to work with international supply chains. This is a critical skill for keeping front-line service members supplied. Students in an SCM degree program can select international-based concentrations.

Computer Science

The armed forces no longer exist solely on battlefields and bases. The rise of drone technology and cyberwarfare has created multiple career paths based on computer science degree programs. Officers with training in computer science fields, especially with a focus on cybersecurity, can find opportunities in several branches of the military, including the recently created Space Force.

Healthcare

There are many healthcare-related roles in the various military branches including physical and mental health. A four-year degree is only the minimum requirement for an officer in healthcare, though. You must complete an advanced degree to become a doctor or a similar role within the military.

Finance

Money isn't what most people think of when they think of the military, but there are multiple applications of finance knowledge within the armed forces. Finance degree programs can benefit budgeting, but other skills, like risk management, can be applied to non-monetary situations.

Information Technology

Information technology (IT) has growing importance in the military. The technological advancements within the military have created the need for officers who can understand and coordinate teams of technology-focused service members.

Psychology

Healthcare isn't just physical. There is a need for doctors and nurses in the military, but there is also a need for mental health professionals. These psychologists receive military and civilian training, allowing them to assist service members in ways that civilian psychologists might not be able to.

Criminal Justice

Each military branch has its criminal justice system. These units include military police officers (MPs) and specialized lawyers who train in military and civilian law. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice allows graduates to pursue MP roles, but becoming a Judge Advocate General (JAG) requires an advanced degree. Many legal students study criminal justice before law school and this is a viable path for those planning to be military lawyers.

Steps To Becoming a US Military Officer

There are multiple steps to becoming a U.S. Military officer. Each branch will have slightly different paths but share many similar general requirements.

1. Meet Educational Requirements

You must have a four-year degree to be an officer. These degrees can be earned in different disciplines. However, applicants should consider their goals within the military to make sure they select a degree that teaches skills that will benefit their military service.

2. Pathways to Commission

Earning a commission can happen in multiple ways. If you don't know which path is best for you, speak with a recruiter. Recruiters can help you plan your time through college and into the military.

Apply for Direct Commission

Graduates can apply for direct commission like they would apply for a civilian job. Direct commissioning is usually the best path for specialized roles, like engineers, chaplains, and lawyers. Direct commission ranks are given up to the rank of Colonel.

Attend US Military Academy at West Point

Completing the U.S. Military Academy is one of the most direct routes to commissioned officer status. You can apply for officer jobs once you graduate from your four-year program.

Attend Officer Candidate School (OCS)

Officer Candidate School is a 12-week program that trains students in the tactical skills required to be an officer. This program is divided into two phases. The first phase covers materials on leadership while the second phase is an 18-day field mission to demonstrate how well you learned the skills. Graduates of OCS are commissioned as officers.

Participate in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

ROTC programs teach military-relevant skills while providing tuition assistance to students. Students who enlist after graduation can receive tuition support up to the full cost of their schooling. Graduates who completed an ROTC program can become commissioned officers more quickly than those who don't.

3. Complete Basic Training

Commissioned officers still have to complete basic training, as enlisted service members do. Basic training requirements vary based on your chosen branch, but all branches have some form of it. Most basic training programs range from 8 to 12 weeks.

4. Pass Background Check

Applicants to any branch of the military must pass a background check. This reviews any possible connections to criminal activity, both foreign and domestic. Applicants can be barred from service based on a felony conviction, multiple misdemeanors, or knowingly misrepresenting facts about their past.

5. Meet Physical Fitness Requirements

Each branch has unique physical fitness requirements, but you must meet them to be approved for commissioned officer status. You can learn more about your branch's requirements from their website or a recruiter.