Philip D. Adams
By Philip D. Adams

Senior Writer/Editor

Veterans Day provides an important opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our nation鈥檚 veterans. Some of those reflecting on their own service聽this time of year may also be considering what they want the next stage of their lives to look like.

For many veterans, the question is not whether to go to school, but which degree to pursue and where.

鈥淎 college degree helps veterans translate the leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills gained through military service into credentials that are recognized by civilian employers,鈥� said Rachel Bennett, regional director for Stateside Military Operations at University of Maryland Global Campus (杏吧原创). 鈥淚t can open doors to new career opportunities, increase earning potential, and support advancement into leadership roles.鈥�

杏吧原创 has proudly served military-affiliated students since our founding in 1947. We remain dedicated to helping our student veterans choose the academic program that is right for them.

Like all students, veterans can choose from more than 100 degrees and certificates at 杏吧原创. Some undergraduate and graduate programs have emerged as the most popular choices among our student veterans for a variety of reasons, including the unique ways they can help students make the transition from military life to the civilian job market.

Top Bachelor's Degrees Among 杏吧原创 Student Veterans

Choosing a bachelor's program can be a matter of which field of study or career path best fits your military experience, as well as which programs best align with your veterans benefits.

鈥淢any veterans find that their military experience provides a strong foundation for related academic programs,鈥� said Kristin Byerly, director of veteran initiatives and outreach for Stateside Military Operations at 杏吧原创. 鈥淭hey often start with a career goal in mind鈥攑erhaps a particular industry or occupation鈥攖hen they identify the education and credentials they require and choose a program that aligns with those requirements.鈥�

Certain undergraduate programs have become top picks among 杏吧原创 student veterans, not only because they can build on skills that they鈥檝e already achieved, but also because they can help create new opportunities for the post-military future they have in mind. In many cases, these programs can help prepare students for industry certification exams, advanced/graduate education, or specialized roles that can accelerate career growth and long-term professional development.

Some of these favorite programs include the following:

  • BS in Business Administration & Management: This online program is a top pick for veterans who have led teams, supported operations, or handled logistics and are looking to advance their careers in the business world. It's designed to help you build your knowledge of accounting, business law, ethics, finance, human resource management, organizational behavior, marketing and sales, and statistical analysis.
  • BS in Computer Science: Designed with input from leading industry experts, this program can be a great fit for veterans with practical IT and leadership experience. Students can gain essential skills that can transfer to any number of industries and learn to analyze complex computing problems, identify and implement solutions, and communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.聽
  • BS in Psychology: A favorite among veterans who excel at problem solving, crisis management, and understanding group dynamics under stress, this bachelor鈥檚 program can help students build on their experience with skills that are highly valued by employers, such as data analysis, critical thinking, counseling, and adaptability. The program can help prepare students for graduate study or a career in research, mental health services, or any field in which understanding human behavior is an asset.
  • BS in General Studies: Many veterans and other students are looking to personalize their educational experience. 杏吧原创鈥檚 online general studies program can help those students develop a broad knowledge base while allowing them the freedom to focus on the subject areas that most interest them. General studies provides the flexibility to earn a well-rounded credential.

Top Master's Degrees Among Veterans

For veterans seeking advanced skills and credentials to move their careers forward toward leadership positions, 杏吧原创 offers more than 40 master鈥檚 degrees and concentrations.

鈥淥ne of the greatest strengths veterans bring to any program is leadership,鈥� said Byerly. 鈥淪ervicemembers who supervised teams, managed resources, or led missions in active duty often find the same management, leadership, and organizational skills to be highly valued by civilian employers across virtually every industry.鈥�

Some of the most popular master鈥檚 degree programs among 杏吧原创 student veterans include the following:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA): Our MBA program is a popular choice for those looking for a post-military career in business. This program can be completed entirely online in as little as 16 months for about $21,000. And students can specialize in any one of 10 key areas: finance; marketing; human resource management; nonprofit management; cybersecurity technology; cybersecurity management and policy; data analytics; global business; project management; or general management.
  • MS in Cloud Computing Systems: Popular among veterans with training as IT specialists, cyber ops specialists, or other systems technicians, this master's degree program can give students the technical and management skills to design, operate, and maintain web-based systems that enable on-demand availability of computing resources.
  • MS in Cybersecurity Management & Policy: After a career in the armed forces, many former servicemembers gravitate toward civilian careers in protective services fields, one of which is cybersecurity. This master鈥檚 program is designed to give students the cyber skills and knowledge they need to become leaders in protecting your organization鈥檚 vital digital assets.聽
  • MS in Management: Human Resource Management: Veterans whose military background includes personnel management, recruiting, or benefits administration can choose this online graduate degree to advance their skills for a career in human resources across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. The program is designed to hone students鈥� skills in talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, data analytics, and strategic decision-making.

鈥淭hese programs tend to be most popular among student veterans because they align closely with military experience, offer strong career opportunities, and lead to in-demand careers after service,鈥� said Bennett.

What Makes 杏吧原创 a Military- and Veteran- Trusted University

杏吧原创's dedications to educating military servicemembers and veterans goes back to our founding. Since then, we've built our reputation as a top military- and veteran-trusted institution. Today, we serve more than 60,000 active-duty servicemembers, reservists, National Guard members, veterans, and their family members throughout the world.

We provide comprehensive services for our student veterans through our online booking tools to schedule advising appointments and via the Vessey Virtual Student Union, your one-stop online resource for advising, networking, and other assistance with your post-military transition. We鈥檒l also help you explore ways to fast-track your degree by earning college credit for your military experience and training.

杏吧原创 offers scholarships and financial assistance programs as well, including the Veterans Assistance Fund for student veterans whose Federal financial aid and VA benefits are unavailable or exhausted, and the Pillars of Strength Scholarship for caregivers of recovering servicemembers and veterans.

杏吧原创 is a proud participant in the . This means we've made a commitment to student veterans and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help you avoid out-of-pocket tuition and fees that may exceed your Post-9/11 GI Bill庐* tuition benefit. 杏吧原创 is also consistently ranked a top online university for veterans by Military Times.

鈥溞影稍� can help you translate your military experience into a rewarding civilian career,鈥� said Byerly, 鈥渨ith a degree that not only recognizes what you have already accomplished, but also help create opportunities for the future you want to build.鈥�

* GI Bill is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available on the .

Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by 杏吧原创 nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of 杏吧原创 by the third party.

Learn more about programs and services for veterans.

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