9 answers
Chase
Student
Chandler, Arizona
8
Questions
Asked
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Do you need specific degrees to be in the military if so what are they?
I want to be in the military and I want to know how
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9 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
The military requires a GED or high school diploma for entry.
But, if you want greater benefits, like the possibility of becoming an officer or even high ranks, then a college bachelors degree is preferred.
But, if you want greater benefits, like the possibility of becoming an officer or even high ranks, then a college bachelors degree is preferred.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Chase
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Training Officer / EMT
83
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi Chase. Like the others have said, you generally only need a GED or High School Diploma to enlist in the military. If you're interested in commissioning as an officer, you must have a degree. Most career fields do not care what your degree is in; I was an Air Force Intelligence Officer and my degree was in Homeland Security, but I has peers with degrees in other areas like Business.
That said, as an officer you do "compete" for your career field (enlisted you can sign a contract for a specific job when you go in, but as an officer you agree to be an officer first and then they send you to do whatever job they want you to do). So, if you're competing for an in-demand career field, it may help to have a degree in a specific area. For example, you can be a fighter pilot with any degree, but those with a degree in something like Aeronautical Science or Aeronautical Engineering can get "extra points" on their application. There are a select few career fields with specific degree requirements, but these are few and far between (doctors, nurses, lawyers, engineers, etc.).
That said, as an officer you do "compete" for your career field (enlisted you can sign a contract for a specific job when you go in, but as an officer you agree to be an officer first and then they send you to do whatever job they want you to do). So, if you're competing for an in-demand career field, it may help to have a degree in a specific area. For example, you can be a fighter pilot with any degree, but those with a degree in something like Aeronautical Science or Aeronautical Engineering can get "extra points" on their application. There are a select few career fields with specific degree requirements, but these are few and far between (doctors, nurses, lawyers, engineers, etc.).
Brandon Olson
Tax Manager
52
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Joining the military doesn't always call for a specific degree; there are numerous avenues to enter, depending on your educational history. A high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED, is typically all that's needed by most branches. You'll also undertake the ASVAB test, which helps identify the roles best suited to your abilities. Maintaining a good level of physical fitness is key. Once enlisted, everyone embarks on basic training, with specialized training following for distinct roles. Although a degree isn't a prerequisite for entry, possessing one can prove advantageous, especially for officer roles which often require a college degree. If the military interests you, reach out to a recruiter—they're equipped to provide comprehensive information and guide you through the procedure based on your aspirations. Remember, requirements may vary, so it's always a good idea to consult with a recruiter for the most current information.
Richard J (Rich) Tedesco
Program Management
37
Answers
Rolesville
Updated
Richard J (Rich)’s Answer
If you decide to join as an enlisted member - you do not need a college degree.
If you would like to be an officer - you can consider the military like civilian life. If you have a field of study that you would do on the civilian side it will probably translate to a spot on the military side. Now, that relates mostly to engineering, support and medical fields (there are others of course). If you are interested in operations - any degree will carry you into the officer corps in operations (like flying, infantry, space systems, etc) - but the best thing to do is to talk to a recruiter and ask what are the requirements for certain fields so you can prepare. You also may be able to find information on-line.
Ways to become an officer include joining the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at your university or get your degree and go to Officer Candidate School.
So - choose if you want to join the military right out of school as an enlisted member and you are able to do that. Or decide you want to get your degree and become an officer - and with that - try to decide what it is you are interested in doing and work toward degrees in that field
If you would like to be an officer - you can consider the military like civilian life. If you have a field of study that you would do on the civilian side it will probably translate to a spot on the military side. Now, that relates mostly to engineering, support and medical fields (there are others of course). If you are interested in operations - any degree will carry you into the officer corps in operations (like flying, infantry, space systems, etc) - but the best thing to do is to talk to a recruiter and ask what are the requirements for certain fields so you can prepare. You also may be able to find information on-line.
Ways to become an officer include joining the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at your university or get your degree and go to Officer Candidate School.
So - choose if you want to join the military right out of school as an enlisted member and you are able to do that. Or decide you want to get your degree and become an officer - and with that - try to decide what it is you are interested in doing and work toward degrees in that field
Steven Boyce
Director of Maintenance
21
Answers
Wenatchee, Washington
Updated
Steven’s Answer
The answer regarding a degree is tied to what it is you want to do in the service. If you wish to be an officer then a degree in a field that supports the work you want to do in the service is a good choice. Consider a college with an ROTC program so they can help pay for your schooling, get your military training started, then you can go into the service as an officer. If you are looking to go in as an enlisted soldier, GED or High School diploma is your path. Having a degree does not hurt, but also not required. My recommendation is trying to select a skill in the service that most closely aligns with the work you want to do once you get out of the service. That way you are gaining training, skills and experience for when you are looking to enter the civilian job market.
Eric Hopkins, MHA
United States Navy Talent Scout
21
Answers
Racine, Wisconsin
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hello Chase,
The short answer is no degree required. The military only requires you to have a GED or High School Diploma. The military itself is a closed-labor system in which we in the military take responsibility in the training and education of our personnel in their respective jobs to support the overall mission. Degrees are only required of military officers, as they are responsible to provide the services with leadership, specialized knowledge, and expertise in the areas of Medicine, Human Resources, Law, Ministry Series, Accounting, Supply Chain Management, and Technology.
The short answer is no degree required. The military only requires you to have a GED or High School Diploma. The military itself is a closed-labor system in which we in the military take responsibility in the training and education of our personnel in their respective jobs to support the overall mission. Degrees are only required of military officers, as they are responsible to provide the services with leadership, specialized knowledge, and expertise in the areas of Medicine, Human Resources, Law, Ministry Series, Accounting, Supply Chain Management, and Technology.
Nathanael LoBosco
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician
9
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Nathanael’s Answer
Hey Chase,
You generally do not need a degree to enlist in the military. The requirements for joining the military typically focus on factors such as age, physical fitness, citizenship, and educational attainment. While a high school diploma or equivalent is commonly required, having a bachelor's degree is not mandatory for enlisting. Having a degree and enlisting will promote you ahead of your peers and set you apart from your counterparts. For example, you would generally start as an E-4 rather than an E-1. This entitles you to more pay but also more responsibility at the start of your career.
However, if you are interested in becoming a commissioned officer, which involves holding leadership roles in the military, having a degree becomes essential. Officer candidates usually need at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, although specific requirements may vary depending on the branch of the military and the commissioning program. The military will pay for your college before you are placed in the career field.
In summary, a degree is not required for enlistment, but if you aspire to become a commissioned officer, having a bachelor's degree is generally a prerequisite. It's important to check the specific requirements of the branch of the military you are interested in, as they may have variations in their eligibility criteria. Talk to a recruiter in your local area for more information, they will be more than happy to help.
Best of luck!
You generally do not need a degree to enlist in the military. The requirements for joining the military typically focus on factors such as age, physical fitness, citizenship, and educational attainment. While a high school diploma or equivalent is commonly required, having a bachelor's degree is not mandatory for enlisting. Having a degree and enlisting will promote you ahead of your peers and set you apart from your counterparts. For example, you would generally start as an E-4 rather than an E-1. This entitles you to more pay but also more responsibility at the start of your career.
However, if you are interested in becoming a commissioned officer, which involves holding leadership roles in the military, having a degree becomes essential. Officer candidates usually need at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, although specific requirements may vary depending on the branch of the military and the commissioning program. The military will pay for your college before you are placed in the career field.
In summary, a degree is not required for enlistment, but if you aspire to become a commissioned officer, having a bachelor's degree is generally a prerequisite. It's important to check the specific requirements of the branch of the military you are interested in, as they may have variations in their eligibility criteria. Talk to a recruiter in your local area for more information, they will be more than happy to help.
Best of luck!
Joseph Ferrante
Military Pilot
12
Answers
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
The short answer is no. To become an officer in the military you need a college degree, but the degree itself doesn't matter.
The longer answer is it depends. If you want to go into an engineering career field you need an engineering degree. The same holds for professional degrees like doctors and lawyers. For everything else your GPA is infinitely more important than the degree itself. A 4.0 in an easy and irrelevant degree will score better that a 3.2 in a challenging but relevant degree.
The other caveat is that some paths within a career may require a specific degree. You can be a pilot with a history degree. If you want to be a test pilot though you need a technical degree for example.
I would recommend narrowing down what you want to do in the military and updating your question with more details so we can give you a more specific answer.
The longer answer is it depends. If you want to go into an engineering career field you need an engineering degree. The same holds for professional degrees like doctors and lawyers. For everything else your GPA is infinitely more important than the degree itself. A 4.0 in an easy and irrelevant degree will score better that a 3.2 in a challenging but relevant degree.
The other caveat is that some paths within a career may require a specific degree. You can be a pilot with a history degree. If you want to be a test pilot though you need a technical degree for example.
I would recommend narrowing down what you want to do in the military and updating your question with more details so we can give you a more specific answer.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3779
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Chase,
Let's talk about the Educational Prerequisites in the Military: Generally, there's no need for specific academic degrees to enlist in the military. The primary educational requirement is a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. However, possessing a college degree can open doors to certain benefits and opportunities, particularly for officer roles.
Exploring Officer Roles and Degree Requirements: If your aim is to become an officer, a college degree is typically a prerequisite. The exact degree needed can vary, based on the military branch and the officer career path you choose. For instance, a technical role like engineering may necessitate a degree in a related field, whereas leadership roles might favor degrees in business administration or management.
The Upside of a College Degree in the Military: A college degree can pave the way for career advancement, specialized training, and higher pay scales in the military. Moreover, certain programs, such as Officer Candidate School (OCS), mandate a college degree for applicants. Earning a degree prior to military service can help you hone crucial skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership, which are invaluable in a military career.
Enlisting without a Degree: If you don't hold a college degree but are keen to serve in the military, there are numerous enlistment options that offer valuable experience. Enlisted personnel, who constitute the majority of the military workforce, play vital roles across various branches and specialties. They can also pursue educational opportunities while serving, to further their military careers.
In summary, while a specific degree isn't always a prerequisite to join the military, it can provide a competitive edge for those eyeing officer roles and career progression within the armed forces.
Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted:
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD): The DoD offers authoritative data on recruitment prerequisites and career trajectories in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Military.com: This reliable resource provides information on military careers, educational benefits, and routes to military enlistment.
Official Military Branch Websites: Websites for specific branches like the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard provide comprehensive information on educational prerequisites for various roles within each branch.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Let's talk about the Educational Prerequisites in the Military: Generally, there's no need for specific academic degrees to enlist in the military. The primary educational requirement is a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. However, possessing a college degree can open doors to certain benefits and opportunities, particularly for officer roles.
Exploring Officer Roles and Degree Requirements: If your aim is to become an officer, a college degree is typically a prerequisite. The exact degree needed can vary, based on the military branch and the officer career path you choose. For instance, a technical role like engineering may necessitate a degree in a related field, whereas leadership roles might favor degrees in business administration or management.
The Upside of a College Degree in the Military: A college degree can pave the way for career advancement, specialized training, and higher pay scales in the military. Moreover, certain programs, such as Officer Candidate School (OCS), mandate a college degree for applicants. Earning a degree prior to military service can help you hone crucial skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership, which are invaluable in a military career.
Enlisting without a Degree: If you don't hold a college degree but are keen to serve in the military, there are numerous enlistment options that offer valuable experience. Enlisted personnel, who constitute the majority of the military workforce, play vital roles across various branches and specialties. They can also pursue educational opportunities while serving, to further their military careers.
In summary, while a specific degree isn't always a prerequisite to join the military, it can provide a competitive edge for those eyeing officer roles and career progression within the armed forces.
Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted:
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD): The DoD offers authoritative data on recruitment prerequisites and career trajectories in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Military.com: This reliable resource provides information on military careers, educational benefits, and routes to military enlistment.
Official Military Branch Websites: Websites for specific branches like the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard provide comprehensive information on educational prerequisites for various roles within each branch.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.