Professionals interested in pursuing a career in government, the military, or an intelligence agency will want to consider an online Master's in Military Studies. These programs are built to prepare students for a lifetime of service to the country in a variety of capacities, including as a military officer, intelligence agent, or even as an ambassador to a foreign country. With so many professionals already working in the field, an online degree is one a great alternative to traditional programs.
Online programs, especially those that focus on military studies, are built for in-service professionals who have obligations that are mandated by law. For this reason, a traditional program is simply unfeasible. Online degrees provide the flexibility and affordability that these professionals require; in many cases, the schools listed in this rank subsidized by the United States government and military.
Most Affordable Master's in Military Studies Online
Methodology
The National Center for Education Statistics was the source of research when this ranking was created. The website's College Navigator database was utilized to come up with an initial pool of 13 schools. The final 10 listed below were based on in-state graduate tuition rates.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Ranking Low-cost Online Military Studies Master's
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for an Online Master's in Military Studies Degree?
Professionals who earn an online Master's in Military Studies often earn the degree in order to advance their own career in the military, government, intelligence agencies, or diplomatic community. It stands to reason, then, that nearly all career options in these communities would be open to a professional who has earned this degree.
It is important to note here that professionals who earn an advanced position with one of these entities tend to already be in service to them; a civilian simply cannot earn a graduate degree in this field and then expect to become a member of the military. Likewise, professionals wishing to enter into the diplomatic, government, or intelligence communities will often find that work experience is more important than their education.
However, there are a variety of career options that will open to these professionals once they have earned their degree. Some of these include:
Intelligence Analyst
Diplomatic Aide
Cyberwarfare Specialist
Homeland Security Analyst
Military Strategist
Historian
Author
Legislative Director of Foreign Affairs
Intelligence Special Agent
Military Research and Development Manager
Defense Consultant
Strategic Communication Specialist
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
The current average salary for this field is $61,000. This is the salary for military historians and does not take into account working for the military, the intelligence community, or the government; these are salaries that are based on a pay grade that may rise significantly with continued work for the entity that a professional works in.
Many who earn a degree in military studies become professors; the median wage for this occupation is around $95,000. This takes into account the region in the country a professional works, public and private schools, and whether they are tenured or not.
It is difficult to ascertain the actual salary range for military studies; this is because a graduate degree can significantly alter a professional's salary from position to position. It is a difficult field to enter but an incredibly rewarding one, both in work satisfaction and in salary earned.
What are the Various Disciplines of Military Studies?
The field of military studies is a group of studies that focus on all of the aspects of the military. This can include everything from history and economics to warfare and counterterrorism. It is most associated with history, philosophy, and political science.
The field also encompasses government, economics, law, theory, and even research. Because this is considered an academic field, it should come as no surprise that research is a big part of the discipline; most professionals who join the field begin as researchers and scholars who focus on the history of the military in the United States.
Does This Degree Help Earn Advanced Positions in the Military or Government?
Yes, an online Master's in Military Studies can help in-service professionals advance their careers within both sectors. Mid-level government and military officials will find that earning this degree will show a sense of commitment and loyalty to the unbiased nature of the United States government and armed forces, which can ensure their rise in the ranks.
However, advancement isn't possible for every single career. For example, a Navy officer will not be awarded the position of Rear Admiral for earning this degree. Similarly, a Department of Defense analyst will not advance to an administration-level position. Those types of advancement are only available through hard work, consistent display of morals and ethics, and other achievements.
While this degree can't work miracles for a professional's career, it can lead to moving from a mid-level position to a senior level position, particularly if a professional has other expertise areas, such as linguistics or culture studies. If, for example, an analyst with one of the intelligence agencies earns a graduate degree in military studies and focuses on a specific region of interest, they may be promoted to a senior position.
Do You Have to be in the Military or in the Government to Earn This Degree?
No. While many of these schools do prefer students who have military or government work experience, it is not a requirement for any military studies program. The only exception to this rule is the programs that are available at military academies; those schools are only open to students who are serving in the military.
While it is true that many students who decide to pursue a graduate degree in military studies are in the military themselves, many also come to the field as researchers, educators, academics, and historians. Closing the program off to only active duty or retired military members or government officials makes little sense, especially since history in America is written by academics and not by the military itself.
Military studies is a specialized field that is most often studies by in-service professionals who wish to advance their standings in their careers. Now earning that graduate degree is easier than ever. Professionals should seriously consider earning an online Master's in Military Studies if they want to achieve their government or military career goals.
