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Fastest Online Military Studies Degree Programs for 2025
For individuals drawn to leadership, strategy, and the study of national security, an online military studies degree offers a structured path toward understanding how defense, diplomacy, and intelligence intersect. These programs attract active-duty personnel, veterans, and civilians who want to deepen their grasp of military history, organizational tactics, and global conflict while building credentials quickly for roles in government, defense, or consulting.
In this guide, I will outline what to expect from today’s online military studies degree programs, including how long they typically take to complete and how some students shorten their timelines through transfer credits or accelerated tracks.
I will also cover tuition structures, common admission requirements, and the types of careers available after graduation, from federal service to private security roles, so you can map a faster route to your goals.
What are the benefits of getting an online military studies degree?
Military studies graduates can work in sectors like the Department of Defense, FEMA, FBI, and the UN, with online and flexible degree tracks and transfer credits allowing entrance in as little as two years.
Graduates can earn $60,375–$93,935 as military officers, $111,789 as FBI agents, or $105,893 as security consultants, with accelerated programs enabling faster access to these salaries.
Online military studies are often asynchronous, which lets students manage coursework alongside full-time jobs, deployments, or family responsibilities.
What can I expect from an online military studies degree?
An online military studies degree blends historical analysis, leadership theory, and strategic planning with coursework in intelligence, logistics, and defense policy. Students gain a multidisciplinary perspective by studying topics such as military history, homeland security, and organizational leadership, while also exploring how global politics and conflict shape defense strategies. The curriculum is designed to build critical thinking and decision-making skills applicable to careers in government, defense, or private-sector roles.
Most programs use asynchronous delivery, so students complete lectures, discussions, and research projects on flexible schedules. Many also feature capstone projects, internships, or simulated exercises where learners apply their skills in strategy and operations.
To support steady progress, schools often structure courses in shorter sessions and allow transfer credit for prior college, professional, or military experience. This structure enables a faster way for students to advance toward their degree and career goals.
Where can I work with an online military studies degree?
A military studies degree, online or otherwise, opens opportunities across government, defense, and civilian sectors. These programs prepare students for positions in organizations that address national security, emergency response, and global operations.
Common employment settings include:
U.S. Military Branches: Active-duty and reserve components across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force provide opportunities for leadership, planning, and operations.
Federal Intelligence Agencies: Organizations such as the Defense Intelligence Agency and Central Intelligence Agency employ graduates to support intelligence collection, threat analysis, and global operations.
Department of Defense and Civilian Agencies: Civilian offices within the Department of Defense hire for policy, logistics, and operational planning across domestic and international bases.
Homeland Security and Emergency Management: Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinate disaster response, infrastructure protection, and continuity planning.
Federal Law Enforcement: Institutions such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Marshals Service integrate military studies expertise into protective services and national security initiatives.
International and Humanitarian Organizations: Groups such as the United Nations and the American Red Cross employ graduates to support crisis response, humanitarian relief, and global stability efforts.
Educational and Training Institutions: Military academies, civilian universities, and defense-related training centers hire professionals to teach, develop, and manage programs in leadership, strategy, and security studies.
These sectors offer diverse paths for graduates to apply their education toward roles that impact security, policy, and international collaboration. The combination of flexible learning formats and credit-transfer opportunities allows many to transition efficiently into these settings.
How much can I make with an online military studies degree?
Earnings vary significantly depending on sector, rank, and role. Overall, pay for graduates of online military studies degree programs is often influenced by experience, location, and advancement potential.
Typical salary figures for commonly pursued positions include:
Commissioned Military Officers: Base pay ranges from about $60,375 annually for an O-1 with over four years of service to roughly $93,935 for an O-3, excluding allowances and bonuses (Defense Finance and Accounting Service, 2025).
FBI Special Agents: Average annual salary is approximately $111,789, based on federal pay scales (Indeed, 2025).
Homeland Security Specialists: Earn about $31.03 per hour, or roughly $64,542 annually (ZipRecruiter, 2025).
Emergency Management Specialists (FEMA): Average salary is around $93,676 per year (ZipRecruiter, 2025).
Deputy U.S. Marshals: Entry-level marshals in the GL-07 pay grade earn $38,511–$48,708 annually, depending on locality (Federal Law Enforcement, 2025).
Defense and Security Consultants: Consultants with firms such as Booz Allen Hamilton earn an average of $73,117 annually (Indeed, 2025).
Management Analysts: Median annual salary is about $101,190 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
Security Consultants: Average rate is $50.91 per hour, or about $105,893 annually (ZipRecruiter, 2025).
Accelerated degree options can help graduates qualify for these roles sooner, supporting faster access to higher earning potential.
List of Online Military Studies Degree Programs for 2025
How do we rank schools?
The most effective online military studies degree programs offer flexible pathways designed to match students’ career goals while helping them complete their studies efficiently. To help you find the fastest programs, I used our methodology to highlight schools with condensed course schedules, along with focused defense and security concentrations, competitive tuition, and nationally recognized accreditation.
Columbia Southern University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Military Studies structured with eight-week terms and rolling start dates, allowing faster progression and completion.
The program includes a complimentary transfer-credit evaluation for service members, so students can apply their military experience toward graduation. Coursework emphasizes leadership, logistics, and homeland security, preparing learners for careers in defense and security sectors.
Program Length: 4 years full-time, or as few as 18 months with maximum transfer credit
Tracks/concentrations: Criminology, Cybersecurity, Forensic Psychology, Homeland Security, Information Technology, Intelligence, International Management, Leadership, Logistics, Supply Chain Management
University of Arizona Global Campus offers an online Bachelor of Science in Military Studies structured with five-week courses, so students can complete one class at a time and maintain consistent progress.
The program features a Military Alliance team that lets students earn credit for military training. Coursework emphasizes leadership, ethics, history, and security policy, in preparation for careers in defense and homeland security.
Program Length: 4 years full-time, or as few as 18 months with maximum transfer credit
Tracks/concentrations: Military Studies
Cost per Credit: $350 standard rate; $250 military grant rate
Required Credits to Graduate: 120
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
3. Arizona State University Online
Arizona State University Online delivers a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Military and Veteran Studies designed in seven-week modules that promote intensive focus on single subjects.
The program is distinguished by its strong veteran student community and faculty with extensive real-world experience. It integrates military culture, leadership, and public service preparation, equipping graduates to transition efficiently into the workforce.
Program Length: 4 years full-time (120 credits)
Tracks/concentrations: Applied Military and Veteran Studies
Cost per Credit: Approximately $270 per credit (based on $32,394 annual tuition at 120 credits)
Required Credits to Graduate: 120
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
4. Liberty University
Liberty University delivers its online Bachelor of Science in Military Studies through eight-week courses with six annual start dates, allowing a steady progress toward graduation. A dedicated military support team helps with prior-learning assessments and portfolio credit and enables service members to apply professional experience toward degree requirements.
The program is taught by faculty recognized for expertise in military history, strategy, and operations, ensuring academically rigorous preparation for defense and security careers.
Program Length: 4 years full-time, or as few as 18 months with maximum transfer credit
Tracks/concentrations: History, International Security, Leadership, Professional, Resiliency
Cost per Credit: $390
Required Credits to Graduate: 120
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
5. Uniformed Services University
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences presents online graduate and certificate programs designed for military and defense health professionals rather than a traditional military studies bachelor’s degree. Courses are delivered in seven-week modules that emphasize applied skills in policy, epidemiology, and operational readiness.
These programs align closely with Department of Defense priorities, helping students translate their experience into advanced credentials for leadership roles within the Military Health System.
Program Length: 7-week modules (certificate); 2 years typical (master’s)
Tracks/concentrations: Global Health Engagement, Preventive Medicine, Biostatistics, Health Professions Education
Cost per Credit: Federal tuition rates apply (military-sponsored)
Required Credits to Graduate: 12 for certificate; 42 for master’s
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
6. American Public University System
American Public University System features online bachelor’s programs with monthly start dates and no-cost e-textbooks for eligible military students. The Bachelor of Arts in Military History allows students to transfer up to 90 semester hours of prior credit, helping them finish their degree in as few as 18 months.
Courses integrate history, leadership, and security-focused studies to prepare graduates for roles in defense and public service.
Program Length: 4 years full-time, or 18–24 months with maximum transfer credit
Tracks/concentrations: Military History, Intelligence Studies, Homeland Security, Emergency Management
Cost per Credit: $350 standard; $250 Preferred Military Rate
Required Credits to Graduate: 120
Accreditation: HLC
7. American Military University
American Military University provides its online Bachelor of Arts in Military Studies with flexible monthly start dates and fully online courses designed for working professionals and service members.
The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits, including military training and certifications, allowing qualified students to significantly reduce their time to graduation. Coursework emphasizes leadership, military operations, and strategic studies to prepare graduates for careers in defense, intelligence, and homeland security.
Program Length: 4 years full-time, or as few as 18 months with maximum transfer credit
Tracks/concentrations: Military Studies
Cost per Credit: $350 standard; $250 Preferred Military Rate
Required Credits to Graduate: 120
Accreditation: HLC
8. Ohio University
Ohio University features the online War and Peace Studies Undergraduate Certificate that lets students study global conflict, security, and diplomacy in a flexible, fully asynchronous format.
The program accepts prior military coursework for credit and can be completed in less than a year, offering a streamlined path for students seeking specialized knowledge. Courses are taught by faculty across multiple disciplines, providing a focused foundation for careers in defense and international affairs.
Program Length: As few as 6 months full-time
Tracks/concentrations: War and Peace Studies
Cost per Credit: $315
Required Credits to Graduate: 18
Accreditation: HLC
9. Hawai‘i Pacific University
Hawai‘i Pacific University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Diplomacy and Military Studies that combines fully asynchronous coursework with the option to engage at HPU’s military campus locations across Oahu.
The program recognizes prior military training for transfer credit for a shorter degree timeline. Courses integrate historical, ethical, and strategic perspectives with interdisciplinary instruction to prepare graduates for roles in diplomacy, defense, and international security.
Program Length: 4 years full-time (48 months)
Tracks/concentrations: Diplomacy and Military Studies
Cost per Credit: Approximately $337
Required Credits to Graduate: 120
Accreditation: WSCUC
10. Norwich University Online
Norwich University Online provides a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis built around seven-week modules that allow students to concentrate on one course at a time.
The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits, including military training and professional certifications, allowing for a significantly shortened pathway to graduation. Students complete independent research projects on regional security and strategy, supported by faculty with extensive defense and leadership expertise.
Program Length: 4 years full-time; as few as 18 months with maximum transfer credit
Tracks/concentrations: Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis
Cost per Credit: $375 standard; $250 active-duty military rate
Required Credits to Graduate: 120
Accreditation: HLC
How long does it take to complete an online military studies degree?
Most online military studies degree programs require 120 credits, which equals about four years of full-time study for students without prior college experience (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024). However, many schools offer options that shorten this timeline for students with transfer credits, military training, or a heavier course load.
Accelerated formats and credit-friendly policies allow many learners to finish sooner. Students entering with 60 transferable credits can often complete the degree in roughly 23 months. Competency-based programs, where students advance by proving mastery, can reduce graduation to as few as 18–30 months for motivated learners, making these tracks comparable in pace to a fast-track homeland security master's degree online.
Common accelerated pacing options include:
Year-Round Eight-Week Sessions: Students take consecutive short courses, finishing in 24–36 months.
Competency-Based Learning: Self-paced coursework allows degree completion in 18–30 months.
Transfer-Credit Route: Prior military or academic credits can shorten degree timelines to 18–24 months.
Choosing the fastest route depends on each student’s background and ability to maintain a consistent, full course load while balancing service or work obligations.
How do online military studies degree programs compare to on-campus programs?
Online military studies programs mirror the academic rigor and accreditation standards of their on-campus counterparts but with greater flexibility and more access to specialized resources. Both formats cover the same core subjects, but online learners engage through digital simulations, virtual war games, and interactive case studies instead of traditional classroom lectures and in-person group exercises.
Many online programs incorporate synchronous webinars and guest lectures from active-duty officers, providing real-time insight without the need to relocate. This approach allows students, including those seeking the best online schools for military spouses, to stay connected to current defense practices and leadership perspectives while maintaining a flexible schedule.
On-campus students benefit from access to physical archives, military maquettes, and live tactical exercises at ROTC facilities or war rooms, which foster peer collaboration and hands-on leadership drills. These in-person elements create a more immersive, traditional learning environment for those who prefer structured interactions.
In contrast, online formats leverage distributed network platforms that connect learners across time zones for group strategy projects and distance mentorship from seasoned veterans. Many schools also offer flexible course structures, allowing students to balance studies with service or career obligations and help them move through programs more efficiently than in traditional campus settings.
What is the average cost of an online military studies degree?
Online military studies programs charge tuition per credit, with total costs influenced by the type of institution and program structure. A 120-credit bachelor’s degree typically costs between $30,000 and $72,000, not including fees or materials. Students who take advantage of accelerated terms or transfer credits from prior coursework or military training can reduce overall costs and finish sooner.
Those interested in combining military expertise with geospatial analysis may also consider a shortest GIS degree online to enhance technical skills and career opportunities.
Typical tuition rates include:
Public Universities: Tuition has an average of $315 to $420 per credit for in-state students, keeping overall expenses near the lower end of the range.
Private Institutions: Tuition generally ranges from $600 to $850 per credit, which places total program costs closer to the upper end of the spectrum.
Choosing programs with shorter course formats and flexible credit transfer can lower total expenses while supporting faster degree completion, improving overall return on investment.
The U.S. Department of Defense is one of the most common employers of military studies graduates, and the chart below shows aggregate and historical satisfaction ratings for DoD careers based on over 6,000 reviews.
What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in online military studies degree programs?
Online military studies students can access standard federal grants and loans alongside a range of military-specific assistance that lowers costs and accelerates degree completion.
Here are key funding sources tailored for military-affiliated learners:
Federal Aid and Grants: Includes Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study programs available to all eligible undergraduates (Federal Student Aid, 2025).
Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA): Covers up to $250 per credit hour, with annual caps that vary by service branch (Military OneSource, 2025).
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES): DANTES offers no-cost career planning, exam funding, and DSST® test vouchers to military members (DANTES, 2024).
Yellow Ribbon Program: Matches VA benefits to cover tuition beyond the standard GI Bill® cap at participating institutions (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2025).
Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA): Provides up to $4,000 in tuition assistance for eligible spouses pursuing associate’s degrees or certificates.
Service-Specific Scholarships: Programs such as the Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship and the Army Education Foundation Grants award merit-based funding to service members and veterans (Pat Tillman Foundation, 2025; Army Education Foundation, 2024).
Institutional Military Grants: Many military-friendly schools offer reduced tuition rates or flat-fee structures for service members, veterans, and their families.
These combined resources can help online military studies students minimize the out-of-pocket costs of earning their degree.
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in online military studies degree programs?
Admission to an online military studies degree generally mirrors traditional bachelor’s entry requirements while accommodating service backgrounds. Programs prioritize foundational readiness, ensuring students can succeed in accelerated, professional-paced formats.
Students looking to combine military expertise with civic or policy knowledge may also explore an accelerated online political science bachelor's degree to broaden their career opportunities.
Prospective students typically must meet these criteria before enrollment:
High School Diploma or Equivalent: A recognized secondary credential such as a diploma or GED is required for admission.
Minimum Academic Standing: Most institutions expect a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Transcripts and Military Records: Submission of official college transcripts and documentation of military training or service enables evaluation for transfer credit.
Age and Citizenship: Applicants are usually required to be at least 18 years old and U.S. citizens or permanent residents to access certain federal benefits.
Technology Access: Reliable internet, a modern computer capable of running virtual simulations, and basic proficiency with learning management systems.
Placement Assessments: Some schools may require placement tests in English or mathematics for course-level determination.
Application Materials: A completed online application, personal statement, and, in some cases, a résumé or letter of recommendation highlighting military or leadership experience.
Meeting these prerequisites positions students to leverage credit-friendly policies and fast-track options, aligning with the theme of efficient, accelerated degree pathways.
What courses are typically in online military studies degree programs?
Online military studies degree programs combine core military topics with coursework that strengthens decision-making and strategic planning. Students build expertise through studies in military history, defense policy, and subjects that apply directly to careers in defense and security.
Common courses include:
Military History and Regional Warfare: Surveys of conflicts in American, European, East Asian, and Middle Eastern contexts to understand the evolution of strategy.
Strategic Theory and Joint Operations: Studies of how land, air, and naval forces work together in coordinated campaigns.
Intelligence Analysis and Counterinsurgency: Training in intelligence gathering, threat assessment, and the study of non-state actors.
Leadership, Ethics, and Civil–Military Relations: Focused on decision-making frameworks, ethical practices, and the role of military leadership in democratic systems, often tied to concepts in organizational leadership in management.
Military Geography and Operational Planning: Instruction in terrain evaluation, logistics, and campaign planning.
Capstone or Applied Research Project: A culminating independent study or practicum where students apply learned concepts under faculty guidance.
Many schools structure these programs with eight-week terms or flexible modules, enabling students to progress through specialized studies such as diplomacy and security operations while maintaining consistent academic momentum.
What types of specializations are available in online military studies degree programs?
Online military studies programs allow students to tailor their education with concentrations that provide advanced expertise for niche career paths. These specializations emphasize applied skills across operational, analytical, and diplomatic contexts. Students seeking to combine military knowledge with organizational leadership and workplace psychology may also consider a shortest master's in industrial organizational psychology online to enhance their strategic and human capital management skills.
Students can choose from a range of concentrations designed to build practical depth in specific areas:
Intelligence and Cybersecurity: Coursework in threat analysis, cyber defense strategies, and intelligence operations for students pursuing careers in security or analysis.
Joint Warfare and Strategic Operations: Focused studies in coalition planning, command structures, and large-scale operational coordination.
Logistics and Operational Planning: Training in resource management, mobility strategies, and campaign support functions critical to mission success.
Military History and Cultural Contexts: Analysis of global conflicts, cultural dynamics, and the ethical evolution of warfare.
Diplomacy and Civil–Military Engagement: Instruction on coordinating military objectives with diplomatic efforts, governance structures, and humanitarian initiatives.
Special Operations and Irregular Warfare: Scenario-based and hybrid instruction aimed at students interested in working with special operations or counterinsurgency efforts.
Many programs deliver these tracks in eight-week terms or self-paced modules, modeled after the structure of the fastest online master’s in emergency management programs, allowing students to gain specialized expertise while advancing steadily toward graduation.
How to choose the best online military studies degree programs?
Finding the right online military studies degree starts with comparing how each program supports your career goals through structure, instruction, and long-term outcomes. Beyond basic accreditation, the most effective programs combine strong academic foundations with features that make it easier to progress without delays.
Accreditation and Recognition: Ensure the institution holds regional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, which signals credibility and safeguards future opportunities.
Specialization Opportunities: Review whether the school offers concentrations in areas like intelligence, diplomacy, or operational planning to match your career path.
Faculty and Instructional Quality: Seek programs where instructors bring recent military or defense-sector experience to their teaching, enhancing the practical value of the coursework.
Learning Format and Flexibility: Look at the balance of asynchronous and live instruction, as well as term lengths, to determine which format helps you sustain steady academic progress.
Career and Alumni Support: Check for career services, mentoring opportunities, and active alumni networks that can extend your professional reach after graduation.
Choosing a program using these criteria helps ensure you receive relevant training while keeping your overall study timeline efficient.
Can Complementary Certifications Enhance Career Prospects?
Earning an online military studies degree provides fundamental expertise in defense strategy and operational planning. Complementing this academic foundation with specialized certifications can offer a competitive advantage in emerging interdisciplinary fields. For example, obtaining a targeted certification can expand analytical skills and diversify career opportunities without overlapping core military studies content. In some cases, certifications in areas such as legal studies or compliance can broaden professional scope; consider exploring the shortest paralegal certificate program as a strategic complement. This approach enables graduates to access niche roles that require both strategic defense knowledge and specialized technical or regulatory expertise.
What career paths are available for graduates with an online military studies degree?
Graduates of online military studies programs can pursue diverse roles in government, private industry, and education. These careers build on the strategic thinking and specialized skills gained through focused coursework, allowing students to move into positions where their understanding of defense and security issues is highly valued.
Defense Policy Analyst: Contribute to research for government agencies or policy institutes, examining issues such as force readiness, resource allocation, and emerging threats.
Military Instructor or Trainer: Teach subjects like leadership, strategy, or international security at staff colleges, military academies, or civilian universities.
Homeland Security Specialist: Support agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security or state emergency management offices with roles in risk assessment and preparedness planning.
Defense Contractor or Consultant: Work with companies supporting the Department of Defense on program development, operational strategy, or security risk management.
International Relations and Security Specialist: Join organizations focused on foreign policy, conflict resolution, or peacekeeping, using military knowledge to inform international engagement.
These career paths allow graduates to apply their education in sectors where strategic insight and applied analysis are essential, helping them transition efficiently into roles that contribute to national and global security priorities.
What is the job market for online military studies degree graduates?
The job market for graduates with military studies degrees remains steady, with 5,770 professionals employed in roles tied to this field as of 2023. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these roles carry a median annual wage of $76,000. Many graduates work in defense, homeland security, or intelligence, applying skills in strategy, analysis, and operations.
Students seeking to complement military expertise with technical and scientific knowledge may also consider a fast track physics degree online to enhance problem-solving skills and open additional career pathways.
Civilian demand is also strong. Over 23,000 job postings for military studies–related positions appear on job boards, with roles spanning intelligence, policy, homeland security, and contractor support. Growth is particularly notable in cybersecurity and other technical defense areas, as agencies and companies seek to address evolving global security challenges.
Career advancement is common among degree holders. Nearly 49% earn advanced degrees, positioning themselves for senior management, policy, or specialist roles. Enlisted personnel with this degree often transition into warrant officer or comparable leadership ranks, strengthening pathways to promotion within the services.
Overall, the job market offers consistent opportunities for graduates to enter or advance in security-focused careers, with their specialized education supporting faster movement into high-demand positions.
In the chart below, the BLS shows the shares of Standard Occupation Classification (SOC) by graduates of military studies degrees.
How Can Advanced Intelligence Training Bolster Your Military Studies Career?
Graduates aiming to diversify their expertise may benefit from targeted intelligence training that emphasizes analytical rigor and strategic decision-making. Enhanced modules focused on cyber intelligence, threat assessment, and tactical analysis prepare professionals for high-stakes roles in government and defense sectors. Such specialized training expands the range of career opportunities and facilitates smoother transitions into senior intelligence positions, as demonstrated by pathways such as how to become a CIA case officer.
Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Online Military Studies Degree
Alicia: "Studying military studies online gave me the confidence and skills to apply for positions in homeland security that once felt out of reach. The coursework on leadership and international security broadened my expertise and opened doors to federal opportunities. I appreciated the ability to learn from home while still collaborating with classmates in real time."
Malcolm: "I transitioned from active duty to a civilian career in emergency management thanks to my degree in military studies. The online format allowed me to finish while relocating for my first post-service job. The degree showed employers that I could apply my military experience to structured, professional settings, which led to a fast-track promotion."
Schaeffer: "My degree in military studies prepared me for a role in strategic planning at a federal agency, where I now manage multiple high-profile projects. The online program allowed me to complete classes faster by stacking accelerated terms, which cut my timeline nearly in half. The education, paired with my experience, has been a game-changer for my career."
Key Findings
Online military studies degrees may be finished in 18–36 months by taking accelerated eight-week terms, enrolling in competency-based courses, or applying eligible transfer credits.
Bachelor’s programs in this field typically cost $30,000–$72,000 in total, with per-credit rates of $315–$420 at public institutions and $600–$850 at private schools.
Students often reduce expenses by using the $250-per-credit Tuition Assistance, $4,000 MyCAA benefits, Yellow Ribbon funding, federal aid, or many other dedicated military studies scholarships.
Graduates can secure salaries ranging from $60,375–$93,935 as military officers, about $111,789 as FBI agents, and around $105,893 as security consultants.
Military studies graduates see steady demand, with 5,770 employed as of 2024 reports, over 23,000 new job postings, and nearly 49% advancing to higher degrees for leadership roles.
Other Things You Should Know About Online Military Studies Degree Programs
Is an online military studies degree worth it for civilian careers?
Graduates with this degree develop skills in leadership, analysis, and strategic planning that employers value in fields like intelligence, homeland security, and private defense. Many programs emphasize streamlined study formats, allowing students to transition quickly into civilian roles.
With growing demand for security and policy expertise, this degree can position professionals for advancement in government agencies and contractor organizations.
How does the degree help with transitions to civilian security roles?
An online military studies degree helps veterans and active-duty personnel convert tactical, analytical, and leadership experience into civilian qualifications. The curriculum strengthens skills in threat assessment, risk analysis, and operational planning, which align closely with the needs of security and defense employers.
Earning the degree also enhances a candidate’s professional profile. Civilian firms and government contractors often seek individuals with academic credentials, leadership training, and, when applicable, active security clearances. These factors make it easier for graduates to move into positions in security management, intelligence, or related civilian roles.
Can military training count as credit toward a military studies degree?
Many online military studies programs evaluate documented training, such as Joint Service Transcripts, to award credit toward degree requirements. These credits often apply to subjects like leadership, operations, and communications, shortening the path to graduation.
Some institutions also recognize professional certifications and Defense Department courses for transfer credit. Using these options helps students complete fewer credits, reduce tuition costs, and move through their degree at a faster pace.
What is military studies also known as?
Military studies is also known by various names like “defense and strategic studies,” “military science,” “war and national security studies,” and “war and strategic studies.” Some schools may also use titles such as “defense studies,” “security studies,” or “strategic studies.”
The abovementioned variations reflect the interdisciplinary scope of the field, which combines history, political science, management, and strategy.
Although the names differ, most programs share core areas such as leadership, defense policy, military history, and operational planning. This consistency ensures graduates develop versatile skills for careers in defense, intelligence, and civilian security roles.