Whether you are already enlisted and looking to advance in your career or you are considering a future in the U.S. military as a commissioned officer, it’s important to understand the expectations and processes you’ll need to complete to be considered for officer training. As leaders, officers of the U.S. military carry a high level of responsibility and trust compared to noncommissioned military members. As such, they are expected to meet multiple credential requirements, including a college degree.  

If you are considering a career in the military as an officer or the possibility of enlisting after college, here are the benefits, as well as the typical process for each: 

Why Become a Military Officer? 

For many, the decision to become a military officer goes deeper. A strong sense of duty and a desire to serve their country in a direct leadership role are powerful motivators. Some may also plan for life after service, understanding that the skills and responsibilities expected of military officers can translate to a civilian career, which can help alleviate some of the struggles veterans face when searching for civilian work. 

Officers enjoy many of the same advantages that come with any career promotion. Higher base pay, better benefits and improved living conditions are big incentives, not just for officers but for their families as well. 

Common Paths for Becoming an Officer as a Civilian 

The first step to becoming an officer is choosing the path that fits your skills and interests. Officers come from different backgrounds, representing a diverse array of skills, which means they can be everything from a software engineer to a chaplain. However, every path will require a formal education certifying their skills and knowledge. As such, every path to becoming an officer runs through a bachelor’s degree program. Here are common ways that civilians become commissioned officers: 

• START with a degree. You can start by pursuing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or military academy, potentially one with a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Program. Once you graduate, you can enroll in Officer Candidate School (OCS), which will lead to you earning a commission and enlisting as an officer. 
• APPLY for a direct commission. If you hold a specialized degree in a particular skill, you can also apply as a Direct Commission Officer (DCO). After speaking with a recruiter and confirming that you meet the needs of the service branch to which you are applying, you will have to attend officer training and join as a DCO.  
• ENLIST first and then earn your degree. You can join your chosen branch and use military financial assistance to complete your degree. After earning your degree, you can attend OCS. You can learn more about this process in the next section. 

Common Paths for Becoming a Military Officer as a Service Member  

Already enlisted but interested in becoming an officer? Fortunately, the military offers several options to help you meet the education requirements and advance to becoming an officer: 

• Use military education benefits after service. As an enlisted member, you are given access to funding options to attend a school of your choice after you leave service. You would have to go through the normal post-service process, obtaining your Joint Services Transcript, applying to schools, and attending using your military tuition assistance. Once you complete this process, you can then return to attend OCS.  
• Take advantage of in-service commissioning programs. Some service branches offer a program that allows enlisted members to become officers while on active duty. These programs work with applicants to define their goals and allow them to obtain a college degree while simultaneously serving in the military. The stated goal of these programs is to prepare you for officer training, which can make the process faster than leaving the service and returning for OCS.  

Education Options for Military Careers 

Columbia Southern University proudly supports military service members and veterans. Our flexible online programs, academic advisors and military support make it easier to earn your degree while balancing military commitments. Our programs in military studies are designed to provide students with an understanding of military operations, tactics and communications that can be applied in a variety of settings: 

Bachelor of Science in Military Studies 

• Concentration in Criminology   
• Concentration in Cybersecurity 
• Concentration in Forensic Psychology 
• Concentration in Homeland Security 
• Concentration in Information Technology 
• Concentration in Intelligence 
• Concentration in International Management 
• Concentration in Leadership 
• Concentration in Space Operations 
• Concentration in Supply Chain Management 

We also offer financial assistance options to help you move toward your goal of becoming a commissioned officer. Learn more about our military support and programs that can help you reach the next stage of your military career. 

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.  

Any reference to United States Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, products or services does not constitute or imply endorsement by the DoD. Paid ad. No federal endorsement of advertiser(s) intended.