10 Best College Majors If You're Going into the Military

If you're planning to enter the military after college, you may be wondering about what to study in school. So, are there any bachelor's degree programs that lend themselves particularly well to military careers?

Various college degrees can equip you with skills like communication and problem-solving, which can benefit you in both the military and civilian career fields. There are benefits to earning a bachelor's degree before joining the military.

For example, some degrees, such as homeland security and international relations, may cover topics specifically beneficial for military service.

Keep reading for more information about these college majors.

Top 10 Pre-Military College Majors

A four-year degree isn't necessary for every military career, but having one can give you an edge over the competition and help you qualify for better positions as commissioned officers or other professionals. Let's look at some of the best degree programs for military students.

1. Criminal Justice

A criminal justice degree teaches about the justice system, the psychology of criminals, and how to protect and serve others. All these skills will come in handy as you pursue a military career.

A criminal justice degree can help you pursue other careers after you get out of the military. You could pursue a law enforcement career and become a police officer or investigator, or advance your training to become a paralegal or attorney.

2. Homeland Security

A homeland security degree prepares students to work in various capacities serving their country. It's an excellent choice of a major for those interested in pursuing active duty with the National Guard.

Additionally, those with a homeland security degree could pursue protective careers after leaving the military. They could become secret service agents, special agents, political scientists, and more.

3. Engineering

You can choose from various engineering degrees, most of which focus on a specific type of engineering. A generic engineering degree teaches the principles of different kinds of engineering.

A degree in an engineering discipline could be highly beneficial for a military career. Depending on your specialization, you could design weapons or equipment, vehicles, aircraft, and more to help the U.S. stay at the leading edge of technology.

4. International Relations

A degree in international relations can help you develop diplomacy skills, which can be highly beneficial in various military settings. Understanding our relationship with other countries can help you make more informed decisions in whatever military position you pursue.

Majoring in international relations also gives you other professional opportunities outside of the military. You could become an ambassador, a politician, or a journalist, for example.

5. Political Science

A political science degree can provide a strong foundation in history, law, policy, communication, economics, and many other subjects. Majoring in political science can expand your knowledge and soft skills, which will greatly benefit your military career.

It can also lead to many civilian careers that may interest you after your time in the military. For example, you could become a political analyst, a politician, or a social worker, to name a few possibilities.

6. Computer Science

Those with a strong understanding of math and an interest in computers could consider majoring in computer science. This versatile degree can lead to a range of career options, from computer programming and web design to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Having an array of technology skills is necessary for many military professions. You can use these skills to design, build, or program systems for communication, strategic planning, or testing other systems.

7. Nursing

A degree in nursing can help you develop valuable medical skills that can serve you well throughout your time in the military. This degree can help you pursue various job titles, including combat medic and field nurse.

What's more, there is always a demand for skilled nurses in and out of the military. If you choose to continue your career as a civilian, your military experience could give you an edge over the competition and allow you to continue serving those in your community.

8. Health Sciences

A health sciences degree provides a broad foundation leading to many allied health professions. It provides a good starting point for those interested in earning advanced or professional degrees in healthcare.

The broad knowledge gained from this degree can benefit those in the military. You could serve in various healthcare and medical roles, caring for your fellow service members and ensuring they stay healthy.

9. Business Administration

A business administration degree helps students to become proficient in a range of business-related topics. Many business degrees offer specializations in a particular area, such as management, marketing, accounting, or human resources.

This degree can help you develop strategic thinking skills that can serve you well in a military career. It also provides many career options in business once you return to civilian life.

10. History

Knowing where we came from and how we got to this point in history is essential for anyone hoping to serve the U.S. in a military career. A degree in history will give you this foundational knowledge.

Some schools offer more specific degrees in military history or American history, which are also beneficial. Regardless of the type of history degree you choose, studying history can also prepare you for careers as a teacher, historian, or political analyst once your military service is over.

Best Courses for Soldiers

While pursuing your degree, you'll have the opportunity to take various courses, including electives. Below, we've listed some top college courses to consider adding to your undergraduate degree program to help you better prepare for joining the U.S. Military.

Leadership Courses

Many colleges and universities offer courses on leadership. These are excellent choices for soldiers, especially those who aspire to be officers one day.

Consider courses focusing on strategy and planning, leading groups, and developing leadership qualities.

Specialized Training Courses

Specialized training courses like ROTC programs can help you prepare for specific roles within the military. These courses can help you become more job-ready by the time you graduate.

Many schools offer military science courses that provide these more specialized courses. Find out if one of these programs is available at your school.

Health Courses

A good basic understanding of health, wellness, and first aid is essential for any soldier, not just those interested in a medical career in the military.

Colleges typically offer a wide range of health and wellness courses. These courses may cover topics from basic anatomy and physiology to CPR and other lifesaving interventions.

Can You Become a Military Officer with an Online Degree?

If you are a civilian hoping to begin your military career as an officer, you'll need at least a bachelor's or master's degree. But what if you studied online? Will the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps accept your online program?

Generally speaking, any degree is acceptable for an aspiring service member. You will still need to complete some military training, but you don't have to have this ahead of time as part of your degree.

This means that even a degree you obtained online should be acceptable. As long as you have a college degree, you should be able to become an officer.

What Degree Do You Need to Be a U.S. Army Officer?

You'll need to obtain a bachelor's degree by the time you become commissioned as an officer; that said, the specific major you choose is up to you. In addition to the degrees listed above, some top degree choices for aspiring officers include:

• military studies
• healthcare
• information technology
• aerospace engineering
• psychology