Norwich University

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Staff
Updated August 7, 2020

Norwich University is a military college located in Vermont. This private university is the oldest military college in the country. The university was founded in the early 1800's and was followed by only five other military colleges. The Department of Defense recognizes Norwich University as the birthplace of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). Norwich University creates a supportive learning environment by maintaining an average student-faculty ratio of one to 12. The Academic Achievement Center employs professionals who regularly connect with students to offer academic, study skills and social networking support. Norwich University does not employ teaching assistants, so instructors offer better quality classes. Norwich University's student body is predominately made up of military personnel, veterans and family, but civilian students are completely integrated in the classrooms and in extracurricular activities. Civilian and pre-military students, such as those from the Corps of Cadets program, have separate residences.

Norwich University offers over 30 academic programs, 20 varsity sports teams and a large amount of clubs and organizations for students. They have nationally recognized academic programs and departments. This includes the nationally recognized David Crawford School of Engineering, the Army ROTC approved Nursing program, the Emmy award winning Communications program and the National Security Agency approved Computer Security and Information Assurance program.

Norwich University's distance education is favored among active service members because they offer dedicated support to a wide network of staff who help students succeed. Norwich University offers online students 24/7 access and technical support to online learning platforms, which enables students to engage with teachers, review program content and contribute to class discussions at any time. The bachelor's and master's degree programs offer working adults opportunities to expand educational credentials and professional experience. There are online Bachelor's degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies, Criminal Justice, Cyber Security, Management Studies and Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis. Online Master's degrees include Diplomacy, International Relations, Military History, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Executive Leadership and Public Administration.

Norwich University Accreditation Details

Norwich University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges(NEASC).

Norwich University Application Requirements

The Norwich University admissions process is quite simple. Norwich admissions offers looks at high school transcripts to ensure that candidates have completed four years of English, four years of math, three years of laboratory science, three years of social science and two years of a foreign language. Resumes are optional, but they help to introduce the applicant's interests, activities, sports participation, volunteer work and community leadership history. Admissions essays are optional, but they strengthen applications. Letters of recommendation from coaches, teachers, counselors, ROTC instructors or employers are recommended.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The annual tuition rate is $35,318, the cost of housing is $12,920 and health and technology fees cost $2,036. Medical Insurance for full-time students will cost around $2,000 per year. Books will cost $1,500, transportation will cost $1,200 and miscellaneous costs will be around $1,500. The basic scholarship award provides students with $16,000 to $24,000 per year. Eligibility for continuing scholarships are based on cumulative GPAs at the end of each academic year. For example, the Presidential Scholarship provides up to $24,000 per year for four years, but students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Online Degree(s) Available

Norwich University's online political science degree is popular, because it sharpens students' research, analytical and communication skills. This degree program uses a wide variety of courses and experiences to broaden students' intellectual horizons, academic competencies and cultural understandings. Norwich University's online political science degree offers classes that fall into five unique categories: American politics, political theory, international relations, comparative politics and public administration. After graduating, students will understand the duties and obligations of citizens, how culture and social institutions shape political behavior and the antiquated and contemporary definitions of justice and power. Online students are encouraged to explore off campus opportunities. For example, the Washington Semester Program sends students to the country's political center for a semester. During this time, students attend seminars, complete internships and conduct research projects. Students who complete this extracurricular program often end up serving as office interns for political lobbyists and government officials. There are annual study abroad programs that have taken students to China, Mexico, Jordan and Canada

Norwich University's online political science degree comes with a curriculum rich with liberal arts, humanities, political science and general education courses. For example, classes in American history survey different periods, such as the colonies, the Civil War and the post-World War II era. Each period covers social, political, economic and cultural factors and organizations that influenced and continues to influence American politics. Class assignments may focus on the maturation of democratic institutions, the emergence of American as a modern world power and how post-Civil War political reconstruction influenced executive authority. Classes in international relations cover the theories and dogmas of the global state system. Assignments may examine such topics as realist, game and conflict resolution theory. Classes in the principles of American economics will explore the forces and concepts like national labor and income fluctuation. Comparative politics courses acquaint students with the comparative study of political parties, legislative relationships, electoral systems and executive ideologies from various countries.

The online political science degree offers plenty of unique and engaging electives. For example, a class in public speaking will study the fundamentals of public communication, speech analysis and political propaganda. Political philosophy classes may cover the ancient ideas of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. Students will explore the major ideas of ancient thinkers who contributed to the structural development of Western society and politics. Students will most likely read excerpts from Plato's Republic and the dialogues of Socrates, which explore and establish key ideas and concepts. When students cover the political philosophy of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, they may read excerpts from Nicolai Machiavelli's The Prince and explore how executive politicians may use and abuse power. Electives in geopolitics will give students an appreciation of how culture and geography impacts political behaviors and decision-making. Students may compare how national geography affects transnational political affairs. Class assignments may cover global conflict, economic development and democratic globalization.

Related Resource: Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's in Political Science

Other electives may include Asian politics, which may pay attention to modernization challenges and strained relationships between the West and Asia, as well as international organizations, which may study global organizations like NATO, the European Union and the United Nations and their many affiliated agencies. Norwich University's online political science degree is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing local, state and national careers in public office.

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