WHAT IS AN ONLINE MILITARY STUDIES DEGREE?
In an online military studies degree program, you will look at the nature of diplomacy. And, you will study war. In this program, you will often examine military decision making. You would do this from a historical and ethical context. Along with giving you basic knowledge, a military studies major aims to help you grow as a leader. Are you interested in a career in the armed forces? Or, are you interested in the private sector? If that is your goal, then this may be a useful degree for you to pursue.
TYPES OF ONLINE MILITARY STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAMS
A.A. in Military Studies | B.A. in Military Studies | M.A. in Military History |
| In this program, you will study a broad general education curriculum. What will you study? Well, your studies will be specific to the United States military. So, you could take courses that include government and politics. You will also study the role of the military as a peacekeeping force. | This program, you will find, may help yo to understand military history. It will also help you to understand global conflicts. So, you will study military operations from classical times. And, you will continue to study operations into the 20th century. | In this program, you will gain knowledge in understanding military history. And, you will study global conflicts. You will also study military operations. The time you cover would range from classical times to the 20th century. |
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ONLINE MILITARY STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAMS
You’ll find that most bachelor’s degree in military studies are B.A. degrees. So, you may take a range of liberal arts classes. This means you would study things besides your major. In addition to completing your electives, you may need to complete a final research project.
Wondering what you would study? Most military studies programs have broad and narrow themes. What do you think broad themes look at? Well, in this case, you may examine armed conflicts within the context of history. You’ll also take a deep dive into American military operations. Also, you could cover the anthropology of war.
You may take classes in areas like political science. Or, you could take classes in global affairs. Such topics, you will find, will often help you to make sense of things. You will cover the ways in which war defines our world. You will study the effects on the economy. And, you will study the impacts on culture. You will also look at how it impacts the fabric of society.
When you study narrow topics, you will look at the role of the military during times of peace and conflict. In such classes, you may take a deep look at the U.S. Military institution and its impact. These topics will often shed light on peacekeeping. And, you will learn about institutions like NATO.
At the same time, you may study ways to deter or deal with military threats. And, you could learn how to assess risks. In these classes, you may look at real world security issues.
Another area you may study, is leadership. In these classes, you will focus on the military decision process. Like how to apply these high impact principles. And, you will cover how to bring these practices into the workplace.
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WHAT DO MILITARY STUDIES DEGREE COURSES LOOK LIKE?
If you are pursuing military studies as a grad student, there are different paths you can choose, as well. In some programs, you will focus on how to provide counseling to military families. Also, you would look at how to provide services to individuals. In other programs, you may focus on military history. Additionally, you could focus on conducting research.
Some common courses include:
Intro to Military Studies: This course explores and analyzes the past and present. You’ll take a look at war and peacekeeping from a historical lens. Other topics may help you refine leadership and decision skills.
Military Leadership: Typically, this course examines world and U.S. military leadership principles. Students may analyze various topics on the evolution of military leadership, its issues and strategy.
International Relations: These courses typically cover the complex relationships between various countries from politics to security issues.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO EARN A MILITARY STUDIES DEGREE?
Are you wondering about how much time it will take you to complete your program? Well, it may take you around four years full time to earn an online military studies degree. This is because, in a typical B.S. degree program, you will need to earn around 120 credits.
If you have transfer credits, you may be able to shorten the time it takes for you to achieve completion. Some schools will accept your credits from military experience. They could also accept credits if you have an A.A. degree.
MILITARY STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAM EXAMPLES
| School | # of Credits Required | Start Dates | Minimum Months to Complete |
| Ashford University | 120 | Multiple | 208 weeks |
| Norwich University | 36 | 4 start dates per year | 78 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 33 | Multiple | 65 |
HOW MUCH DOES A MILITARY STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAM COST YOU?
You will find that tuition costs for Military History majors vary. On average, you will find, it costs $7,586 for in state public colleges. You will find it costs more like $29,520 for you to attend an out of state private college.
What other variables do you think may affect prices? Well, you might come across transfer credits and discounts. Did you know that U.S. service members may be eligible for a discounted rate? If you are the spouse of someone on active duty, you could also be eligible. If you have transfer credits, you will have less work to do and pay for.
| School | # of Credits Required | Cost Per Credit | Total Tuition Cost |
| Ashford University | 120 | $485 | $58,200 |
| Norwich University | 36 | $704 | $25,344 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 33 | $627 | $20,691 |
TOP SCHOOLS FOR MILITARY STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAMS
Are you wondering how many schools offer these programs? Well, last check, you could find 10 schools offering Military History degrees or programs. From those schools, you can see, there were 209 Military History degrees awarded to students. The majority (87%) of these programs, you will find, were M.A. degrees.
| School | 2021 Degrees awarded | 2023/24 Tuition (out of state unless *) |
| American Public University System | 106 | $8,400* |
| Norwich University | 32 | $49,600* |
| United States Military Academy | 37 | N/A |
| United States Air Force Academy | 12 | N/A |
| Hawaii Pacific University | 6 | $33,020* |
| Austin Peay State University | 1 | $14,219 |
| Marquette University | 2 | $48,700* |
| Columbia College | 2 | $24,326* |
| Park University | 6 | $16,400* |
Estimated for full time, beginning undergrad students
CHOOSING AN ACCREDITED MILITARY STUDIES DEGREE ONLINE PROGRAM
How do you choose an accredited program? Well, you will find six agencies that are in charge of accrediting the schools in their region. Such schools, you will find, meet the levels of quality. These levels, you will find, are set by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Higher Learning Commission
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC, SCUC)
What do you think an accredited school must do to receive accredited status? Well, you will find, the institution must first submit to a review. This review, you will see, generally looks to see if the school meets criteria. You will find, it usually includes an on site evaluation of programs. Also, you will see that the school’s services, policies and processes are reviewed, too.
Once a school receives its status, you will find, it must renew. Usually, you will see renewal about every 7 years. This, you will see, entails going through another review. And, you will find, it requires some effort by the school. This, you should know, is in order to maintain or improve its quality.
Did you know that regional accreditation is important for several reasons? For one, if you are a student at an accredited school, you may be eligible to receive federal financial aid. Also, you will find, only accredited schools have transfer policies. This is important if you want to use past or future credits towards your degree.
CAREERS WITH A MILITARY STUDIES DEGREE
What can you do with a B.A. in military studies? Well, it may get you ready to pursue a variety of careers. So, whether you choose a military or civilian career, may depend on your goals.