12 Jobs You Can Get in the Military With an Education Degree

Education degrees almost always lead to a career path teaching in high school or college. Although this is the most traditional career for graduates of an education degree program, it isn't the only one. There are many military opportunities for service members with a bachelor's degree in education.

Education positions are just some of the military jobs that require a degree. These positions use the skills learned in an undergraduate teaching program for education-based roles, as well as other roles where education-related skills may be useful but aren't required. Regardless of your career path, a bachelor's degree will entitle you to apply for Officer Candidate School (OCS) and become a commissioned officer.

Top Military Careers for Education Degree Holders

Education career paths aren't as common as other roles, but they are available. Graduates of accredited education college degree programs can pursue opportunities in each military branch. Some of these positions will be similar to civilian careers in education, while others will use education skills more generally.

1. Military Instructor

When people hear the term ''military instructor'', they likely imagine a drill sergeant shouting at enlisted members in basic training; however, there are multiple other types of instructors. Military instructors work in the service academies and other classroom settings.

These instructors often are subject matter experts and teach individual courses. These instructors generally have to have military experience, in addition to a degree, so this could be a good degree to pursue using tuition assistance programs or other education benefits.

2. Training Development Specialist

Training and development specialists coordinate individual training programs, as opposed to teaching regularly scheduled courses like a military instructor. These specialists are subject matter experts and teach different trainings. This knowledge is often learned from previous experience, in a civilian or military job.

These officer positions can work with the enlisted ranks and students in Reserve Officer Training Corps programs. ROTC programs are coordinated with universities to give the training required to be a military officer upon graduation.

3. Education Services Officer

Education services officers work with civilian programs to promote education. These roles often work through the National Guard to connect with civilian organizations in individual communities. These programs work with ROTC organizations and other groups to encourage recruiting efforts while enhancing communities and promoting military service.

4. Military School Teacher

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) offers positions for teachers to join the armed forces in education positions. These positions include ROTC programs, Service Academy instructors, and on-base schools.

Teachers and principals with education degrees are needed at global, DoD-sponsored military schools; however, there are positions for people with high school diplomas, GEDs, or associate degrees as substitute teachers and teacher aides.

5. Curriculum Developer

Most teachers don't develop their own curriculums. The education career field includes positions for curriculum developers who ensure that larger lesson plans satisfy the needs of students and meet the criteria set by bodies like the Department of Education.

Curriculum developers work to create teaching guides for ROTC programs, basic training, and other programs for active-duty military members. These positions don't provide front-line education, but they do work directly with teachers.

6. Training Coordinator

Training coordinators are responsible for analyzing specific training needs and developing courses to fill educational gaps. These officers are like curriculum developers, but there are a few key differences.

Training coordinators run short-form training programs as opposed to formal repeating courses. Military training programs include teaching new equipment or preparing service members to participate in specific missions.

7. Recruitment and Training Specialist

Recruitment and training specialists are responsible for finding, identifying, and training civilians looking to become enlisted members or officers. These officers are similar to human resource professionals in civilian organizations.

Recruitment and training specialists need to have skills to identify possible candidates for Officer Training School (OTS) and other specializations.

8. Behavioral Health Educator

Behavioral health education is a form of mental healthcare that works with individual service members to work through behavior-based issues. These educators lead counseling and therapy sessions and can benefit from an education degree; however, there might be additional mental healthcare certifications required.

9. Leadership Trainer

The military branches are subdivided into two groups: enlisted members and officers. Officers receive special training in Officer Training School and ROTC programs. These training programs require special trainers who can teach the skills needed to perform in the military and for leadership positions.

10. Military Education Coordinator

Military education coordinators work with curriculum developers and training coordinators to make sure that service members and recruits receive all the training that they need. These coordinators serve in administrative roles and design programs instead of leading the education efforts.

11. Professional Development Specialist

Professional development specialists identify individuals for advancement and ensure they receive additional training and support to grow their military careers. This sometimes includes entry-level recruits in boot camp, but more commonly, these specialists work with graduates of ROTC programs or people who completed Officer Training Schools.

12. Special Needs Education Specialist

Special needs education specialists work in on-base schools to teach the children of service members with special needs. These educators require additional certifications due to the specialized nature of their work.

FAQs About Military Careers for Education Degree Holders

Military careers in education are less known than some other career paths, which leads to common questions. Earning a degree in education can qualify you for many specialized roles in each military branch.

What Rank Do You Get in the Military With an Education Degree?

Most branches start college graduates as enlisted members with pathways to commissioned officer status. Individual ranks will vary based on your degree type and if you have any previous military experience. It can change if you earn your degree in tandem with an ROTC program or attend college while in the service.

Can Teachers Be in the Military?

Teachers can be in the military in education and non-education roles. Teachers can fill many education roles in active-duty branches, but there are also roles in the National Guard and Coast Guard.

What Are the Benefits of an Education Degree in the Military?

Education degrees provide multiple benefits for military members. First, college degrees allow service members to pursue officer status, which leads to a higher rank and pay grade. Education degrees will also allow you to qualify for specialized positions in active-duty service and the service academies.