Popular College Degree Programs for 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.

“Many veterans find that their military experience provides a strong foundation for related academic programs,” said Kristin Byerly, director of veteran initiatives and outreach for Stateside Military Operations at UMGC. “They often start with a career goal in mind—perhaps a particular industry or occupation—then they identify the education and credentials they require and choose a program that aligns with those requirements.”

Certain undergraduate programs have become top picks among UMGC student veterans, not only because they can build on skills that they’ve 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. 
• BS in Psychology: A favorite among veterans who excel at problem solving, crisis management, and understanding group dynamics under stress, this bachelor’s 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. UMGC’s 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, UMGC offers more than 40 master’s degrees and concentrations.

“One of the greatest strengths veterans bring to any program is leadership,” said Byerly. “Servicemembers 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.”

Some of the most popular master’s degree programs among UMGC 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’s program is designed to give students the cyber skills and knowledge they need to become leaders in protecting your organization’s vital digital assets. 
• 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’ skills in talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, data analytics, and strategic decision-making.

“These 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,” said Bennett.

What Makes UMGC a Military- and Veteran- Trusted University

UMGC'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’ll also help you explore ways to fast-track your degree by earning college credit for your military experience and training.

UMGC 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.

UMGC is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. 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®* tuition benefit. UMGC is also consistently ranked a top online university for veterans by Military Times.

“UMGC can help you translate your military experience into a rewarding civilian career,” said Byerly, “with a degree that not only recognizes what you have already accomplished, but also help create opportunities for the future you want to build.”