Requirements for Military Jobs for College Degree holders

Hi! I'm aiming for a college degree but considering a military career afterwards. I heard some military jobs have their own degree requirements. Can anyone clarify which military jobs look for specific degrees and if there's an advantage to having one? Thanks!

Indeed, some military jobs do require or heavily favor certain degrees, especially for officer positions. However, having a college degree, regardless of the field, can qualify you for officer candidacy programs across all branches. The specific degree required often depends on the technicality of the role. Here are a few examples:

1. Army: The U.S. Army classifies their officer roles into different branches. For example, if you wanted to become a Medical Services Officer, you would need a degree related to health services. Similarly, an Engineering Officer would likely need an engineering degree. However, for General Military Intelligence, a slew of degrees could be applicable, such as international relations, political science, or any of the hard sciences.

2. Air Force: Officers in the Air Force can serve in a variety of capacities. For example, pilots, navigators/combat systems officers, and air battle managers need a bachelor's degree in any field, but certain jobs require specific degrees. For example, healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and medical specialists must have a degree in their respective fields.

3. Navy: The Navy also has several fields that require specific educational backgrounds. For instance, its Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program, which involves serving on submarines or aircraft carriers, requires a degree in a technical field, especially those related to engineering, physics, or other applied sciences.

4. Marine Corps: The Marines don't tend to specify degree requirements as much, but like other branches, technically advanced roles such as Judge Advocate Division, Intelligence, and Cyber Security require specific educational backgrounds.

In terms of the advantage of having a specific degree, in certain fields, having a relevant degree can make you more competitive for highly technical roles, for which the military may have a need. Furthermore, being an officer requires leadership skills and strategic thinking, and a degree can provide a solid foundation for developing these characteristics. Some benefits of being an officer include higher pay, better living conditions, and the opportunity for more advanced training compared to enlisted personnel.

Remember to consult your recruiters and the official websites of each branch of the military to get a better understanding of the requirements for specific officer jobs. They are the best resources for accurate, up-to-date information.