The Best Degrees for Military Officers: How to Choose a Program That Supports Your Goals

Whether you're already serving and looking to grow into a leadership role or planning your path to become a military officer after college, choosing the right degree can feel like a high-stakes decision. You want something that aligns with your goals, prepares you for the challenges ahead, and opens up opportunities, not just in the military, but beyond.

The good news? There’s no single “right” degree for becoming a military officer. In fact, some of the most successful officers come from a wide range of academic backgrounds, from engineering to psychology to English literature. The key is to choose a degree that builds your leadership potential, sharpens your critical thinking, and supports your long-term career aspirations, whether you stay in uniform or eventually transition to civilian life.

At Bellevue University, we’ve worked with service members and future officers for decades. Here’s what we’ve learned about choosing a degree that works for you—and your career.

What to Look for in a Degree Program as a Future or Current Officer

1. Leadership-Focused Learning

Military officers are, first and foremost, leaders. So it’s no surprise that degrees with a leadership focus, whether in business, public administration, or even organizational communication, can be especially valuable.

Look for programs that:

• Teach strategic thinking
• Focus on team management and decision-making
• Emphasize ethics, communication, and organizational effectiveness

Even if your goal is to work in a technical or tactical field, leadership is the thread that ties it all together.

2. Flexibility for Active Duty or ROTC Cadets

Whether you’re currently serving, enrolled in ROTC, or planning to commission after graduation, your schedule probably isn’t 9 to 5. You’ll want a program designed with military life in mind, offering online options, year-round enrollment, and support staff who understand the unique demands of military students.

Bellevue University offers 100% online degree programs and military-specific support, so your education moves with you, no matter where you’re stationed or deployed.

3. Accreditation and Career Value

Earning a degree is a major investment of time, energy, and resources. Make sure your degree is recognized and respected, especially if you may use it to:

• Qualify for Officer Candidate School (OCS) or other commissioning programs
• Earn promotion points
• Transition into a civilian career post-service

Look for regional accreditation and a strong reputation among both military and civilian employers.

Popular Degree Paths for Aspiring Military Officers

While there’s no single “right” degree for every officer candidate, there are some fields that are commonly pursued, either because they align with critical military functions, help with promotion opportunities, or support long-term career goals.

Here are a few broad categories to consider:

1. Business and Management Degrees

Business degrees help build your ability to lead teams, make strategic decisions, and manage operations, skills that are essential for any officer role.

Common choices:

• Business Administration
• Business Management and Leadership
• Project Management
• Human Resource Management

These degrees are flexible and widely applicable across both military and civilian careers.

2. STEM and Technical Degrees

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degrees are in high demand in today’s military. While a technical degree isn’t required for all officer roles, it may be especially useful if you’re aiming for specialties in engineering, cybersecurity, aviation, logistics, or intelligence.

Popular programs include:

• Cybersecurity
• Management Information Systems
• Data Science
• Software Development
• Mathematics

Some commissioning programs, like those through ROTC or direct commissioning boards, may favor STEM degrees for technical career fields. That said, having a STEM degree doesn’t guarantee you’ll work in a technical specialty. Likewise, officers in tech-heavy roles don’t always have tech degrees.

My journey to Bellevue University was a pivotal moment in my life. As an Airman stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, I sought a higher education that would not only advance my career but also equip me for the future. First and foremost, [Bellevue University’s] military-friendly policies were a game-changer. The flexibility of their online programs allowed me to balance my military duties with my academic pursuits. The acceptance of my military credits streamlined the process and accelerated my degree progress.

– Keith McIntosh, BS in Management Information Systems, Bellevue University

3. Public Service and Policy Degrees

If you’re interested in military roles that intersect with government policy, international relations, or community impact, these degrees can provide a helpful foundation.

Examples include:

• Criminal Justice
• Emergency Management
• Intelligence and Security Studies

These programs help develop analytical thinking, policy understanding, and communication — skills that are valuable in many officer tracks, including civil affairs, law enforcement, and interagency operations.

4. Health and Human Services Degrees

The military needs skilled officers in healthcare, wellness, and personnel services. While some of these roles require specific credentials, a relevant bachelor’s degree is often the first step.

Relevant options:

• Health Science
• Healthcare Management
• Behavioral Science
• Psychology

These programs may align well with careers in medical service corps, mental health services, or veteran support roles, during and after your service.

Your Degree Doesn’t Have to Define Your Entire Career

Here’s something we can’t emphasize enough: Your degree doesn’t lock you into a single path. In reality, your degree is just one part of the bigger picture.

The military looks at a wide range of factors when assigning roles or selecting officers for specialized tracks: leadership ability, aptitude, training, operational needs, and yes, your education, but not just your major. You might study psychology and end up in an intelligence role. You might earn a business degree and find yourself leading a logistics unit. It happens all the time.

That’s why the best degree for you is the one that supports your interests, keeps you motivated, and builds the skills you want to grow, whether that’s strategic thinking, communication, technical expertise, or organizational leadership. It should open doors, not limit them.

So don’t feel like you have to pick the “perfect” major to become an officer or succeed in a military career. There’s more than one path forward—and your education can be a powerful tool to help shape it.

I vividly recall the dedication of my professors, who were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly supportive. They understood the unique challenges faced by military students and were always willing to accommodate our needs. Bellevue University provided me with the tools and resources I needed to succeed, both academically and professionally.

– Keith McIntosh, BS in Management Information Systems, Bellevue University

Understanding Officer Commissioning Programs: ROTC, OCS, and OTS

If your goal is to become a military officer, earning a degree is typically just one part of the journey. You’ll also need to complete an officer commissioning program — a structured path that prepares you for leadership in the armed forces. While the exact process varies by branch, here are the three most common routes:

ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps)

ROTC is a college-based officer training program offered at many universities across the U.S. Students can enroll in ROTC while pursuing their undergraduate degree, gaining leadership training alongside their academic studies. After graduation and successful completion of the program, they’re commissioned as officers.

OCS (Officer Candidate School) / OTS (Officer Training School)

For those who already have a college degree — or who are currently enlisted and looking to become officers — Officer Candidate School (Army, Navy, Marine Corps) or Officer Training School (Air Force, Space Force) is a common route.

These are intensive programs that focus on military leadership, ethics, physical fitness, and service-specific knowledge. Candidates who complete OCS or OTS are commissioned as officers and move directly into leadership roles.

Other Commissioning Paths

Some branches offer additional routes to a commission, including:

• Direct Commission Programs (for professionals like doctors, lawyers, or chaplains)
• Service Academies (like West Point, the Air Force Academy, or the Naval Academy)
• Warrant Officer Programs (more technical, but still leadership-focused in certain roles)

When you are in the military, the first priority of work has been and always will be security. However, security is rarely the number one objective. Security provides the ongoing protection of people and things needed to achieve the mission or business objective. My career has been heavily focused on managing people and processes, using technology. BU’s [Cybersecurity] program provided me comprehensive understanding that significantly unified all my previous learning and experience… and positively impacts my ability to produce outcomes for my organization.

– Bellevue University Military Veteran graduate of Cybersecurity program

Leveraging Your Degree for Growth – In or After the Military

Earning your degree is a strategic investment in your growth, both during and after your time in uniform. In the military, a degree can:

• Strengthen your case for promotion or officer commissioning
• Equip you with leadership, technical, or analytical skills that enhance your value to your unit
• Open doors to specialized assignments, command opportunities, or joint service roles

After the military, your degree becomes even more critical. Civilian employers may not fully understand the depth of your military experience—but they do understand the weight of a well-earned degree. Choosing a program that’s aligned with your long-term goals—whether in business, cybersecurity, public service, or beyond—gives you a clear story to tell during a career transition.

Next Steps: Start Your Degree at Bellevue University

No matter where you are in your military or academic journey, Bellevue University is here to help you succeed. Our Military Veteran Services Center offers personalized support, including:

• Scheduling of degree planning and advising
• Referral to evaluators to facilitate receiving credit for military training and experience
• Help using VA education benefits or tuition assistance
• Career services for transitioning to civilian life

We’re proud to be a Yellow Ribbon School and a long-time supporter of military students, offering flexibility, affordability, and real-world learning that prepares you for leadership at every level.

Related Articles

What to Do After the Military: How Bellevue University Helps You Reach Your Career Goals
Can You Get A Degree While In The Military?
Bellevue University Recognized Among Nation's Best for Supporting Veterans in 2024