The best online masters programs for military not only offer flexibility but also provide the support needed to transition from structured military life to academic success.
If you’re a veteran or an active-duty service member, you deserve an educational experience that honors your unique contributions while preparing you for future careers.
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With a commitment to excellence and accessibility, the best online colleges for military students help them transition from service to civilian professional advancement.
Best Military-Friendly Universities Offering Online Masters Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers several nationally ranked master’s programs for military students. ASU strives to make college convenient for military students by offering several start dates each year and asynchronous learning. VA GI Bill benefits may be used. Some of the school’s most popular programs are offered in global security and social work.
ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University
Drexel University was named a Military-Friendly School for its commitment to helping service members earn degrees. Veterans may be eligible for free tuition at Drexel. Courses are 10 weeks long, and there are several start dates offered throughout the year. Programs are asynchronous. Fields of study offered include electrical engineering and digital media.
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Liberty University
Service members, veterans, and their dependents may earn master’s degrees through Liberty University. Students taking online programs may be able to get tuition assistance or earn credit for military service. Liberty offers over 300 master’s degrees. Courses are conveniently 8 weeks long. Areas of study offered include military operations and aeronautics.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University offers degrees for military members through its World Campus program. The school has a military support team to help students get the most out of their education. Students can earn a master’s degree through the school’s fully online programs, which consist mostly of asynchronous courses. Fields of study offered include data analytics, geodesign, project management, and taxation.
Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Regent University
Regent University offers master’s programs to help veterans, active duty, reservists, and spouses and children of service members to reach their career goals. Military Times named the school one of the top 10 schools for veterans. Online courses at Regent are 8 weeks long. Fields of study offered include church planting and government.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University has been named a GOLD Military Friendly school for its dedicated support of military students. Military spouses may be eligible for up to 30% discounts on tuition. SNHU offers several master’s programs, including in the fields of sport management and history. Courses are 10 weeks long, and five start dates are offered each year.
SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a Yellow Ribbon school and offers special benefits to military and veteran students. The school has a special office to help military students make the most of their educational opportunities. Syracuse offers over 20 master’s degree programs online. Some programs require a short residency. Areas of study offered include supply chain management and communications.
Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University is committed to offering an affordable, convenient education to military and veteran students. Veteran students may get discounted tuition rates in addition to other benefits, like credits for prior learning. The school offers almost 20 master’s programs, most of which are fully online. Fields of study offered include cybersecurity, nursing, and educational leadership.
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers assistance and benefits for veterans and military students, including a dedicated success coach to help them navigate their education planning. U.S. News & World Report named UCF among the most innovative online master’s degree programs. Students can choose from over 30 fully online programs, including programs in forensic science and financial technology.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
University of Maryland Global Campus
Military and veteran students at the University of Maryland Global Campus may be eligible for reduced tuition and may be able to earn credit for military service. UMGC offers over 40 online master’s degree programs. Most programs require the completion of 36 credit hours. Areas of study offered include homeland security management, data analytics, and healthcare administration.
UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Online Masters Programs for Military & Veterans
In the pursuit of higher education, military personnel and veterans often seek flexible and accessible options to advance their careers. The following are some of the best online master’s programs for military and veterans.
Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
- Online Masters in Accounting
- Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Online Masters in Criminal Justice
- Online Masters in Cybersecurity
- Online Masters in Educational Leadership
- Online Masters in Emergency and Disaster Management
- Online Masters in Entrepreneurship
- Online Masters in Environmental Policy and Management
- Online Masters in Health Information Management
- Online Masters in History
- Online Masters in Homeland Security
- Online Masters in Human Resource Management
- Online Masters in Humanities
- Online Masters in Information Technology (IT)
- Online Masters in International Relations
- Online Masters in Legal Studies
- Online Masters in Management
- Online Masters in Military History
- Online Masters in Nursing (MSN)
- Online Masters in Political Science
- Online Masters in Psychology
- Online Masters in Public Administration
- Online Masters in Public Policy
- Online Masters in Supply Chain Management
- Online Masters in Teaching
Exploring your options may help you determine which academic path is right for you.
Masters in Accounting
A masters program in accounting helps you develop your expertise in financial management, auditing, and taxation.
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Online programs often cover advanced topics like forensic accounting, ethics, and financial statement analysis. It could opens doors to careers in public accounting, corporate finance, and government agencies. This master’s could be strategic for military and veterans due to its adaptability and high demand in the civilian job market.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
A Master of Business Administration helps equip you with advanced business knowledge and leadership skills. It’s applicable to various career paths in management, finance, marketing, and more.
You’ll study topics like strategic management, marketing, financial decision-making, and operations management as you learn to navigate business challenges and drive organizational success.
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The best online MBA for veterans can help facilitate the transition from military service to civilian roles by honing leadership and strategic thinking skills.
Masters in Criminal Justice
A masters in criminal justice is a graduate program that delves into the complexities of law enforcement, criminology, and the judicial system.
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It’s a strategic choice for military and veterans due to their structured backgrounds. Their skills may be transferable to roles in law enforcement, homeland security, or public policy. Online programs often cover subjects like criminal law, forensic psychology, and ethics, equipping graduates for diverse careers in criminal justice and security management.
Masters in Cybersecurity
A masters in cybersecurity is focused on protecting digital systems from threats. It could be a beneficial option for military personnel who have strong discipline and security awareness. This degree helps pave the way for careers in information security, network administration, and risk assessment.
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Online programs typically cover subjects such as ethical hacking, digital forensics, and security policy development. Through your studies, you could develop skills to safeguard organizations from cyber threats.
Masters in Educational Leadership
An online masters in educational leadership is designed to train educators for leadership roles in schools and educational institutions.
It might be beneficial for military personnel because it emphasizes organizational skills, discipline, and team leadership. Graduates often pursue careers as school principals, curriculum developers, or education administrators.
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Typical program subjects include school law, instructional leadership, and personnel management. The curriculum aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to enhance educational institutions.
Masters in Emergency and Disaster Management
An online master’s in emergency and disaster management is focused on preparing professionals to handle crises and mitigate risks. This field could be fitting for military personnel due to their experience in structured responses and leadership.
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Graduates tend to pursue careers in emergency management, homeland security, or public safety. Common program subjects include disaster planning, crisis communication, and risk assessment, helping students develop the necessary skills to lead and respond effectively to emergencies.
Masters in Entrepreneurship
A master’s in entrepreneurship fosters entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. This degree path could be well suited for military and veterans with determination and problem-solving abilities.
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This degree helps equip you to start and manage businesses, work in venture capital, or innovate within existing organizations across a variety of sectors. Fundamental subjects of the program include venture creation, entrepreneurial finance, strategic innovation, business leadership, and business plan development.
Masters in Environmental Policy and Management
A masters in environmental management is an option for military and veterans seeking to apply their skills to address environmental challenges. This program helps prepare you for careers in environmental policy, sustainable resource management, and conservation.
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Online courses often cover topics such as environmental law, sustainability, and risk assessment. This specialized coursework could help provide graduates with the knowledge and tools to make an impact on the environment and communities through various career paths.
Masters in Health Information Management
An online masters in health information management is focused on healthcare data and information systems. It’s a potential fit for military students and veterans with strong organizational skills and adaptability.
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Some graduates pursue careers as health information managers, data analysts, or privacy officers. Common program subjects include health informatics, data security, and healthcare regulations. Students can gain the knowledge and expertise to manage critical health data effectively and ensure compliance with industry standards.
Masters in History
An online masters in history offers military and veterans an opportunity to enhance their critical thinking and research skills. This degree is applicable for career paths in education, research, or roles that require strong analytical abilities.
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Program subjects often include historiography, archival research, and advanced historical analysis. Students develop their expertise to delve into the past and contribute to our understanding of history while pursuing diverse career options.
Masters in Homeland Security
An online masters in homeland security is designed to equip military students with the expertise to protect and secure the nation.
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Common subjects of study include counterterrorism, risk assessment, and disaster preparedness. This program is a strategic fit for those with military backgrounds, as it leverages your discipline and crisis management skills. Graduates often pursue careers in areas such as emergency management, cybersecurity, or law enforcement.
Masters in Human Resource Management
An online masters in human resource management can offer military and veterans a smooth transition to civilian careers. This degree helps equip you with skills to manage personnel, handle workplace dynamics, and support organizational success.
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Common program subjects include talent acquisition, labor relations, and strategic HR management. Graduates tend to pursue careers as human resources managers, consultants, or training and development specialists.
Masters in Humanities
An online master’s in humanities offers military and veterans a versatile program to enhance your critical thinking, communication, and cultural understanding skills. This degree can help equip you for various career paths, such as teaching, writing, or research.
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Common subjects of study include literature, philosophy, and history, providing a broad knowledge base. The program’s adaptability and focus on analytical thinking make it a strategic choice for military individuals seeking diverse career options after service.
Masters in Information Technology (IT)
An online masters in information technology (IT) is a beneficial program option for military and veterans who have problem-solving and technical skills. It helps you prepare for careers in IT management, cybersecurity, or database administration.
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Typical subjects of study include network security, data management, and cloud computing. Graduates tend to be equipped with the knowledge and expertise to excel in various IT roles and contribute to the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Masters in International Relations
An online masters in international relations could be a strategic program for military students and veterans, leveraging any global experience. It can help prepare you for careers in diplomacy, international security, or global affairs.
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Common program subjects include international law, conflict resolution, and global governance, providing a comprehensive understanding of the world’s political landscape. Graduates are often well equipped to work in various government, nonprofit, or international organizations, contributing to global peace, business, and security.
Masters in Legal Studies
An online master’s in legal studies is a versatile program for military and veterans, building on your discipline and attention to detail. It can help prepare you for careers in law, compliance, or legal analysis.
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Common program subjects include legal research, ethics, and constitutional law, offering a solid foundation in legal principles. Graduates may pursue roles as paralegals, legal consultants, or advance into law school, leveraging their legal expertise in a variety of professional settings.
Masters in Management
An online masters in management offers a flexible, accessible education for military students and veterans to hone skills in leadership, strategic planning, and organizational management.
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It helps equip you with the tools to transition into civilian careers, such as roles in project management, consulting, or corporate leadership. Courses may include subjects like organizational behavior, finance, ethics, and global business strategy, preparing you for diverse career paths in both public and private sectors.
Masters in Military History
An online masters in military history caters to military professionals and veterans seeking a comprehensive understanding of historical military events, strategies, and tactics. This knowledge is applicable for careers in education, research, museum curation, and defense analysis.
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Typical subjects covered in the program include military theory and conflict analysis as well as the study of specific historical conflicts. This grad program provides a specialized skill set for those interested in historical preservation and analysis.
Masters in Nursing (MSN)
An online Master of Science in Nursing is highly relevant for military and veteran healthcare professionals, offering advanced nursing education.
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MSN programs often feature specialized tracks, such as community and public health nursing. You could choose to focus on areas such as epidemiology, healthcare policy, and advanced practice nursing. MSN degrees help prepare military and veteran students for leadership roles in healthcare, from clinical practice to administrative positions.
Masters in Political Science
An online masters in political science offers military personnel and veterans an opportunity to deepen your understanding of political systems, international relations, and public policy. It can be beneficial for those seeking careers in diplomacy, government, or political analysis.
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Coursework typically covers subjects like international conflict resolution, comparative politics, and public policy analysis. Students often develop expertise for various roles within the public and private sectors or international organizations.
Masters in Psychology
An online masters in psychology provides an accessible platform for military students and veterans to further their education. It is beneficial for those interested in counseling, mental health, or research-related careers.
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The curriculum often includes subjects like clinical psychology, research methods, and behavioral analysis. This program helps equip students to become licensed therapists, counselors, or researchers. Some graduates focus on trauma and veterans’ mental health, addressing psychological needs within and outside the military community.
Masters in Public Administration
An online masters in public administration is well suited for military students and veterans seeking to apply their leadership skills in the public sector. It helps prepare them for careers in government, nonprofit organizations, or public policy analysis.
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Common subjects studied include budgeting and financial management, public policy development, and administrative ethics. Graduates may pursue roles as public administrators, policy analysts, or nonprofit managers, contributing to effective and ethical governance.
Masters in Public Policy
An online masters in public policy is a strategic choice for military and veterans who want to develop the skills to influence and shape public decisions.
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This program is suitable for those interested in governmental roles, advocacy, or policy analysis. Typical subjects covered include policy analysis, ethics, and public administration. Graduates often pursue careers as policy analysts, legislative aides, or government affairs specialists.
Masters in Supply Chain Management
An online masters in supply chain management can help you develop skills in logistics, procurement, and operations management.
Common subjects studied include inventory management, global supply chain strategy, and logistics optimization. This degree helps prepare military students and veterans for diverse career paths in logistics, transportation, and supply chain management fields.
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Graduates might work as supply chain managers, logistics analysts, or procurement specialists, streamlining operations in various industries.
Masters in Teaching
An online master’s in teaching offers military students and veterans a pathway into education careers, leveraging your leadership and communication skills. It’s a strategic choice for those seeking roles as educators, curriculum developers, or education administrators.
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Core subjects in the program generally include instructional design, classroom management, and curriculum development. This program helps equip you to create engaging learning environments and make a positive impact on students’ lives.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Here are several types of financial aid options available to military-affiliated individuals:
- GI Bill. The GI Bill provides funding for tuition, books, and living expenses, facilitating both undergraduate and graduate studies.
- Tuition assistance. Active-duty personnel can receive tuition assistance for approved courses, reducing the cost of education while in the military.
- Scholarships. Various organizations and foundations offer scholarships tailored to military students. These scholarships can be based on merit, need, or specific military affiliations.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits. The VA administers programs like the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps cover tuition costs not met by the GI Bill.
- Service-specific aid. Each branch of the military may offer unique programs and scholarships for its members.
- Spouse and dependent aid. Some programs extend financial assistance to the spouses and dependents of military personnel.
Military students and veterans can research VA approved online schools and apply for these opportunities to maximize their educational benefits.
Does the Military Pay for a Master’s Degree?
It is often asked, “Does the military pay for college?”
The military often provides financial support for an online military science degree or a master’s degree through programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. These benefits cover tuition, fees, and sometimes living expenses, making it more feasible for service members, veterans, and their dependents to pursue advanced degrees.
In addition, tuition assistance programs are available for active-duty military personnel, further emphasizing the military’s commitment to education. But, the specific eligibility criteria, coverage, and application processes can vary. So, it’s essential to research your branch’s policies and available programs to determine your eligibility and benefits for pursuing military masters degrees from the best online colleges for veterans and military.
Getting Your Master’s Degree Online
The pursuit of an online masters degree can open a world of opportunities for military personnel and veterans.
There are many military friendly online colleges that offer a wide range of graduate programs designed for military-affiliated individuals. Whether you’re looking for the best master’s degrees to get for the future or accelerated programs like one year masters programs, the best online masters degree for military students provides flexibility and helps prepare you to transition into the civilian workforce.
You can start exploring accredited universities today to find online masters programs that align with your academic and professional goals.
