If you’re a service member or veteran thinking about grad school, finding the right online degree program can be life-changing. Whether you’re looking to move up in rank, earn a commission or prepare for a civilian career, advancing your skills and building networks are massive force multipliers for your career goals, and it’s even better when programs offer the flexibility to work with your lifestyle.
But there are a lot of options out there, and you need more than the right program — you need a school that understands your goals, supports your journey and respects your service. This post reviews the online master’s degrees that are most suitable for service members, both those interested in rejoining the military with a master’s degree and veterans looking to transition to the civilian workforce.
6 Key Benefits of an Online Master’s Degree for Military Students & Veterans
Graduate degrees offer several advantages for anyone interested in furthering their career, such as the ability to learn important job skills, the potential for a higher salary and the opportunity to build a professional network. There are also several benefits unique to online degrees, including greater schedule flexibility and convenience.
Online master’s degree programs have additional benefits for military students and their beneficiaries:
- Flexibility That Fits the Military Lifestyle
Online master’s programs are built for flexibility, which is crucial for service members and veterans. Whether you’re on active duty, deployed or balancing family life, online coursework enables you to work and study on your schedule. That means you can log in after a shift, during downtime or on weekends. You won’t have to put your education on hold just because your orders change. - The Ability to Stay on Track, No Matter Where You’re Located
Frequent moves and overseas assignments can derail traditional on-campus degree plans. Online programs eliminate that barrier. Whether you’re stationed abroad, transitioning to civilian life or moving base to base, your education continues uninterrupted. All you need is internet access — your degree program goes where you go. - You Can Boost Your Career, In or Out of Uniform
An advanced degree builds specialized knowledge in high-demand fields across both the military and civilian sectors, including areas such as cybersecurity, leadership, project management and counseling. For active duty members, a master’s degree can support promotion potential, improve competitiveness for officer programs and prepare you for leadership roles. For veterans, it opens doors to better jobs and higher earning potential. - It’s a Way to Maximize Your Military Education Benefits
Military Tuition Assistance, the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon programs can significantly reduce or even eliminate out-of-pocket costs for your degree. Using these benefits wisely gives you a high-value education that pays off long-term. Many online degree programs that serve military and veterans can help you understand how to navigate the benefits process. - You Can Turn Your Experience Into Academic Credit
Your military training, leadership and field experience have value beyond the service. Some institutions evaluate this background and will transfer it into academic credit. That can shorten the time it takes to graduate and reduce the number of courses you need to complete — saving you time and money. - It Can Help You Prepare for a Successful Civilian Transition
An online master’s degree helps you bridge the gap between military and civilian careers. You’ll gain new skills, earn a respected credential and build professional networks. All of this enables you to compete confidently in the civilian job market — and make a smoother, more secure transition.
Top 5 Military-Friendly Online Master’s Programs
Veterans and active military can benefit from any advanced degree program that aligns with their interests and passions. Whether you’re determined to be a creative writer or a mathematician, there are online programs that can help you achieve your career goals.
There are, however, some online degree programs that are especially suitable for active service members and veterans. These military-friendly master’s programs are either directly tied to skills learned while in the service or military school or are designed to build off a military education.
Consider these five online degree programs at Marshall University, ranked in no particular order, as some of the best options for military students and veterans.
1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The Master of Business Administration will prepare you for high-level management and leadership roles in the private sector — usually at for-profit organizations — by teaching you advanced business, management and leadership skills. The MBA curriculum focuses on topics essential for operating a business, such as financial management, organizational behavior, business policy and strategy.
- Program format: Online or on campus
- Relevant career paths for military and veterans: MBA grads enjoy a variety of career paths. You can choose to specialize in marketing, finance, health administration, accounting or entrepreneurship and work in a range of roles, including as a marketing director, operations manager, financial analyst or executive leader.
- Example salary ranges for the field*:
- Financial Analyst — $106,000
- Operations Manager — $109,000
- Marketing Director — $150,000
- Chief Executive Officer — $257,000+
2. Master of Science in Cybersecurity
MS programs in cybersecurity focus on developing the knowledge, skills, tools and practices needed to defend against cybercrime and attacks. The curriculum covers topics essential to safeguarding and defending digital information, such as advanced cryptography, cybersecurity policy, cyber risk and vulnerability management. In Marshall’s online program, applicants without a background in cybersecurity or computer science can be admitted on the condition that they complete three bridge courses.
- Program format: Online or on campus
- Relevant career paths for military and veterans: In today’s digital world, graduates with an expertise in cybersecurity can find career opportunities in every industry, especially with a global shortage in cybersecurity talent. Common career paths include security administrator, security consultant, security/penetration tester and cryptographer.
- Example salary ranges for the field*:
- Systems Security Administrator — $145,000
- Security Consultant — $151,000
- Security/Penetration Tester — $150,000
- Cryptographer — $138,000
3. Master of Science in Leadership Studies
A master’s in leadership studies is a graduate-level degree that focuses on developing and enhancing leadership acumen, knowledge and skills. This entirely online graduate degree program is designed for service members and veterans, offering a broader focus on leadership skills across various industries and sectors. Applicants can transfer up to 12 credit hours from military schools such as Command and Staff (all branches) and the Expeditionary Warfare College (USMC).
- Program format: Online
- Relevant career paths for military and veterans: Graduates of this program can qualify for different leadership positions in the public, private and non-profit industries of their choice. Examples include human relations manager, human resources director, director of fundraising and management consultant.
- Example salary ranges for the field*:
- Human Relations Manager — $121,000
- Human Resources Director — $169,000
- Fundraising Program Director — $94,000
- Management Consultant — $146,000
4. Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The Master of Public Administration is a sort-of-counterpart to the MBA program. While the MBA prepares leaders for roles in the private sector, the MPA is designed for those pursuing leadership or management positions in government agencies, nonprofit organizations and other public institutions. Example courses include public finance management, grant writing, policy analysis, urban planning, ethics in public service and community-focused leadership.
- Program format: Online
- Relevant career paths for military and veterans: Students in this program can choose specializations in local government management, public policy analysis, nonprofit management and public finance. Graduates can take on roles such as public policy analysts, city managers, nonprofit directors or public sector consultants.
- Example salary ranges for the field*:
- Public Policy Analysts — $101,000
- City Managers — $113,000
- Nonprofit Directors — $227,000
- Public Sector Consultants — $156,000
5. Master of Arts in Counseling
Our nation faces a mental health crisis, and the demand for licensed counselors has never been greater. For military who want to make a difference for their peers or work with civilians, an MA in counseling prepares you to meet the requirements for licensure as a professional counselor. Marshall University’s program offers specialties in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling as well as a graduate certificate program in Violence, Loss and Trauma (VoLT) Counseling.
- Program format: Online
- Relevant career paths for military and veterans: Depending on their specialization, graduates of this program can pursue careers in educational settings or assist victims of PTSD, substance abuse, domestic violence and other traumas.
- Example salary ranges for the field*:
- Behavioral Interventionist — $55,000
- Crisis Intervention Counselor — $65,000
- Guidance Counselor — $77,000
- School-based Therapist — $69,000
*Salaries are estimates sourced from Glassdoor.com in May 2025.
Military Tuition Assistance & Financial Aid Options
As an active-duty service member or veteran, you have access to a range of powerful education benefits, scholarships and tuition assistance programs that can significantly lower or even eliminate the cost of grad school.
Here’s a breakdown of the key resources available to you:
The GI Bill
Originally launched in 1944 to support WWII veterans, the GI Bill has evolved into one of the most comprehensive education benefits in the country. Today’s Post-9/11 GI Bill® offers broad support for those who’ve served at least 90 days of active duty after September 11, 2001. It covers:
- Full or partial tuition and fees
- A monthly housing allowance
- A stipend for books and supplies
Eligible recipients include:
- Active-duty service members
- Honorably discharged veterans
- National Guard and Reserve members
- Certain surviving spouses and dependents
You can also transfer unused GI Bill benefits to your spouse or dependent children if you are an officer or enlisted, active duty or Selected Reserve and have at least six years of service and commit to an additional four years — making it a family investment in education. See more details on the VA.gov page on transferring benefits.
Yellow Ribbon Program
If you’re pursuing a graduate degree at a private university, out-of-state school or any program where tuition exceeds what the GI Bill covers, the Yellow Ribbon Program can fill the gap. This benefit:
- Covers additional tuition and fees not included in the GI Bill
- Is available through participating schools that voluntarily match the VA’s contribution
- Applies to graduate programs, professional degrees and doctoral programs
To qualify, you typically need:
- At least 36 months of active-duty service
- A Purple Heart received after 9/11, or
- At least 30 days of service with a discharge due to a service-connected disability
Marshall University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which is available to Chapter 33/Post 9-11 GI Bill® students who qualify at the 100% benefit level and are pursuing their education as metro or out-of-state students not residing in West Virginia. If you qualify, the university and the VA will cover the metro or out-of-state cost of attendance for all master’s programs.
Military Tuition Discounts and Scholarships
Many colleges and universities go beyond federal benefits by offering military-specific tuition discounts, fee waivers or dedicated scholarships for veterans and active-duty personnel. These can make a serious dent in out-of-pocket expenses — especially if your GI Bill benefits don’t cover everything.
Some schools may:
- Offer accelerated programs for military experience
- Waive certain application or enrollment fees
- Provide dedicated offices for military advocacy and support
Military scholarships vary by service branch, background, field of study and status (veteran, spouse, dependent, etc.). Some notable ones include:
- Marines’ Memorial Tribute Scholarship – Supports Marines and their families pursuing higher education
- AMVETS Scholarships – Available to veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reservists
- Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship – For women soldiers and their descendants
- Army Enlisted Commissioning Program (AECP) – Supports enlisted soldiers pursuing healthcare degrees through the Army Medical Department
These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based or service-specific, and often require a short application, essay or proof of service. There are currently four private scholarships available for veterans at Marshall:
- Sgt. Harrison C. Summers Veterans Memorial Scholarship
- Tennyson J. & Velma L. Bias Endowed Scholarship
- The Wellman Family Foundation Scholarship
- Vietnam Veteran of America Chapter 949 Scholarship
To learn more about available scholarships, go to www.marshall.edu/sfa, select the “scholarships” tab, set up an account and answer all the questions to see what you may be eligible for.
Support Services for Military Students at Marshall
Military-friendly schools will also have staff and departments dedicated to helping military students thrive. Whether you’re online or on campus, Marshall is proud to offer support and services to fellow military, veterans and their dependents.
- The office of Military and Veterans Affairs offers direct support on enrollment, registration, credit transfers, career transition resources and more.
- Marshall is part of the Veterans Upward Bound program and offers individualized assistance with FAFSA, admission paperwork and registration.
Dedicated military advisors are available to provide one-on-one support to meet your individualized needs. - The Student Veterans Of America organization offers a network of vets who help one another on and off campus.
- The Veterans Lounge offers all military-connected students free printing, study space, computers and a space to socialize.
Learn more at our Military and Veterans Affairs page and our Military-Connected page with FAQs.
How to Apply & Your Next Steps
Ready to apply? The process is simple and straightforward:
- Apply for education benefits (https://www.va.gov) to obtain your Certification of Eligibility (COE). You will use your COE to obtain your VA Certification for educational benefits.
- Be sure to notify the office of the registrar School Certifying Official, Lora Varney, at vareg@marshall.edu that you are working to obtain your COE.
- Apply for admission through our Graduate Admissions Portal. Military-connected students are not required to pay application or transfer fees.
- Contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance for details on and assistance with applying for financial aid and scholarships.
- Once you are admitted to the university, you will be eligible to enroll in courses. If you have any questions, contact Sarah Davis in the Advising Center or Jonathan McCormick in the Military and Veterans Affairs office.
- To receive education benefits, contact Lora Varney to complete your Enrollment Certification Form and certify your enrollment to the VA. You will be required to submit a VA Certification Request form to the Office of the Registrar every semester after registering to receive benefits.
For more information about the application process, see the full details at https://www.marshall.edu/registrar/military-connected/.
An online master’s program lets you study on your own terms. You decide what to study, when to do it, and how you want to learn.
Whether you prefer an in-person experience or the flexibility of an online program, Marshall offers a diverse range of high-quality, comprehensive programs designed to meet the unique needs of all students, including active military personnel, veterans and their families. Be sure to visit our page on Military and Veterans Affairs for assistance and reach out to our admissions team for guidance.