A Bachelor of Military Science offers a number of unique learning opportunities, academic challenges, and a variety of leadership experiences. At the undergraduate level, students can either pursue a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Science and specialize in Military Science or can select Military Science as a minor. The Military Science program prepares students to serve as commissioned officers in the US Army and the Army Reserve. Students can also pursue a civilian career after graduating.
If you are interested in enrolling in a Bachelor of Military Science, then this guide should be useful. Read this article to learn more about the program requirements and admission criteria.
What Is Military Science?
Military Science is the study of military institutions and processes, along with the study of warfare. It applies insights from the physical and social sciences, engineering, technology, and mathematics, to military research, goals, and interests. This field of science focuses on the practice, method, and theory of producing military capability in a way that is in line with the national defense policy.
Military Science is not all about digging trenches, firing bullets, and fighting the enemies on the battlefield. Military Scientists are responsible for designing, planning, developing, and refining systems, techniques, and concepts that ensure that military operations and strategies are as effective as possible.
What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Military Science?
After completing a Bachelor’s in Military Science, individuals can go for a variety of career options. The most obvious pathway is joining the military as an officer. However, if being in combat doesn’t interest you, then you can also enter any one of the following fields:
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Military Intelligence: As a Military Intelligence Specialist, individuals will be expected to collect, research, and study the sociological, linguistics, and geographic information necessary for making the military operations successful.
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Military Research: As a Military Theorist or Researcher, you will be focusing on the areas of military administration, strategy, and tactics.
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Military Education: If you have a passion for sharing your knowledge with others, then you can become a Military Science Instructor. A Bachelor’s degree in Military Science will enable you to train aspiring military scientists and officers.
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Civilian Careers: You can also pursue civilian careers as Researchers, Defense Analysts, Private Detectives, and Police Officers.
Now, let’s take a look at the salary estimates for a few occupations in this field.
Police and Detectives
Police officers safeguard the properties and lives of the citizens, while detectives collect facts and evidence to trace criminals. The following data has been obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Median Annual Salary, 2018: $63,380
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Projected Growth Rate, 2018-28: 5%
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has further categorized Police and Detectives into Detectives and Criminal Investigators. The salary estimates of these professionals are mentioned below:
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Median Annual Salary, 2019: $83,170
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Mean Annual Salary, 2019: $86,030
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: Alaska - $113,420
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019: Texas – 16,810
Intelligence Analysts
These professionals collect and evaluate information from a range of sources such as geographic information systems, intelligence networks, and law enforcement databases to prevent criminal and terrorist activities. The following data has been taken from O*Net Online.
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Median Annual Salary, 2018: $81,920
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Projected Growth Rate, 2018-28: 2% to 3%
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Top Industries, 2018: Government
What to Expect in a Military Science Program?
The Bachelor of Military Science program usually takes four years to complete and covers coursework related to Human Behavior, Military Law, Military Tactics, Warfighting Functions, Fundamentals of Maneuver Warfare, Terrorism and International Peace, and Leadership and Ethics.
Apart from studying the traditional coursework, Military Science students are also required to participate in several field components such as rappelling, obstacle courses, rifle shooting, and many other outdoor activities.
How to Choose a Military Science Program?
When looking for a Bachelor’s program in Military Science, students should consider several factors such as specialization options, curriculum, program length, location, and cost of the program. It is recommended that you research the curriculum of the programs offered at the different colleges, so you can make a comparison and choose the best one.
Bachelor’s in Military Science Admission Requirements
Requirements for admission into a Bachelor in Military Science program varies from one school to another, thus it is advised that you check the admission requirements before applying. In order to gain admission into the program, you would be expected to send copies of your transcripts, personal statement, recommendation letters, and application fee to your choice of college.