Colorado Technical University

what types of masters degrees can you get in the Marines as an officer?

I have recently been notified that I've been accepted to OCS. I would like to get an advanced degree while in the Marines. Can I get a Masters (MS) in one of the life sciences (bio, specifically)? If not, could I get a joint degree combining bio with an approved area of study?

Public Comments

1. all u need is a bachelors degree to be an officer in the military not a masters.
2. The Marine Corps is not gonna send you to get a masters degree. You can on your off duty time, enroll in any masters program you want to. But you have to take the class's when your off duty on your own time. It will not effect you deploying or training, so if you miss class' thats your problem.
3. my son retired usmc with mba that is master business , and most of his doctorate. and he turned down ocs. retired master gunnery sgt. it is your choice how you spend your time.
4. YES, the Marine Corps can send you to get a Masters Degree. It will not be in bio though. If you complete OCS successfully, be commissioned a 2ndLt, and be Augmented into the Regular Marine Corps (all officers start off as Reserves except those who attend the academy), you will have the opportunity to apply for the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) at Monterey CA. The curriculum that you will be allowed to apply for are management type courses especially those related to logisitics; computer science; Aero/Mech/Nuc/Elect/Ship Building Engineering; Operations Research/Systems Analysis, and a couple other fairly technical subject areas. The length of Monterey is between 1 1/2 to 2 years. At the end of the period, and assuming that you have the GPA, you will be awarded a Master of Science Degree. Another option offered by the Marine Corps is to apply for the Advanced Degree Program (ADP) where you will be sent to a commerical University to study in the same type of courses as NPS. That also is for a 1 1/2 to 2 year period. It is rare that the Marine Corps will extend your stay at one of the Postgrad schools to obtain a PHD, but it has happened to those who excel in their studies. When can you apply? You can apply when you are a senior 1stLt through Major. You will need to have a couple of observed Officer Fitness Reports that show you to be an outstanding officer and leader of Marines. Lieutenant Colonel, US Marine Corps-Retired and a graduate of NPS in the field of Operations Research/Systems Analysis (ORSA). Due to my ORSA MS, I worked 17 years as a contractor for the Pentagon after my 27 year retirement from the Marine Corps. Anyone who gets an MS from NPS has always ended up with a top paying job in the civilian world. Semper Fi and best wishes.
5. the NPS website has a list of all degrees conferred. usually your military field/designator limits what Masters degrees you can get on the Military's dime. for instance, DH is a Navy IWO and could only choose from three different degrees.. Computer science, Electrical engineering and one other. you could get a Biology degree on your own time and dime.. MAYBE if your duties permitted it. but hey.. 2 years in gorgeous Monterey CA? why turn down a free Post Grad degree?