Decoding Military Colleges: Inside Scoop Needed

Hi, I'm a bit confused about military colleges. Is a military college like a regular college, just with extra military training? Do you have to enlist in the army after graduation? And what types of degrees can I pursue there?

Military colleges, often known as service academies, operate differently from traditional civilian colleges. While they still offer a wide range of degree programs like liberal arts, engineering, sciences, and more, they simultaneously provide in-depth officer training for students.Upon graduation from a U.S. service academy, students are commissioned as officers in their associated service branch. For example, West Point graduates serve in the Army, Naval Academy graduates serve in the Navy or Marines, and Air Force Academy graduates serve in the Air Force. There is certainly a commitment to serve—usually five years of active duty and then three years in the reserves. But this can vary depending on the academy and the specifics of your commitment.

As far as academics go, you can choose from wide-ranging fields depending on the academy. For example, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point offers degrees in fields like American Legal Studies, Civil Engineering, and even Comparative Politics, to name a few. You will also engage in military leadership and physical training as an integral part of your education.

It's also worth noting that, while the education and experiences these institutions provide are top-notch, they come with unique challenges given the rigorous academics and military commitment. It requires a strong dedication to both your studies and serving your country.

In terms of application process, the bar is quite high. Especially at the federal level, candidates often need a nomination from a member of Congress or another authorized nominator, in addition to meeting academic and physical fitness criteria.

There are also Senior Military Colleges like Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel, or Norwich University, which offer a military-style environment but do not require service commitment after graduation. These could be good options if you're interested in a military-style education without the following service commitment. However, many students from these colleges do opt to commission as officers after graduation.

So, yes, while you can pursue a variety of degree paths like in a traditional college, there is the added depth of military training and a likely service commitment after graduation.