Navigating Military-Based Degrees in College

I'm thinking about pursuing a degree that's related to the military after high school. Does anyone know what kind of degrees might be relevant and what kind of careers they could lead to?

You're asking a great question! There are indeed several degrees that can correlate to a military-focused career path. Understanding these degrees and their potential career outcomes can help inform your decision. Here are a few options:

1. Military Science: Many colleges and universities offer this degree, which generally focuses on the art of warfare, strategic planning, and military leadership. This may lead to careers in militarily-focused strategy, analysis, and even intelligence roles. It's a common choice for students in ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) programs preparing for officer positions in the military.

2. Criminal Justice or Criminology: While not exclusively centered on military service, these fields offer important knowledge about law enforcement, which can be particularly useful in military police roles or investigative positions within different branches of the armed forces.

3. International Relations or Political Science: These degrees deal with understanding relations between nations, international politics, and diplomacy, which could lead to a career in military intelligence or diplomatic relations.

4. Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems, etc.): The military employs a wide range of engineers to help advance technology, improve equipment, and maintain complex systems. Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, often known as the "father of the Nuclear Navy," was a highly respected engineer, for example.

5. Cybersecurity: As cyber warfare becomes increasingly important, a background in cybersecurity can provide a strong foundation for careers in military intelligence and surveillance, as well as in technical roles that involve protecting sensitive information, databases, and networks.

6. Medicine (Pre-Med, Nursing, etc.): The military needs healthcare professionals too, and pursuing a degree in a medicine-related field could lead to a career as a military physician, nurse, or medic.

Many of these routes could lead you into leadership roles within the U.S. military after several years of service. However, remember that a military career can also start without a military-focused degree. Many service members enter the military after studying in a wide array of academic areas, and the U.S. military values this diversity of knowledge and experience. Consider exploring ROTC scholarships and programs at the colleges you're interested in; these programs prepare students for military life and provide scholarships in return for committing to serve after college.