Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring US Navy Officers
To enter the US Navy as an officer, a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite, with "business administration" degrees being favored for certain roles like the interviewee's. The Navy also seeks candidates with community service experience and high academic standing, demonstrating a commitment to both service and strong qualifications.
Military Service, Leadership, Community Service, Higher Education, Business Administration
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jack Welsh
Director (LCDR, SC, USN)
US Navy
St. John’s College, Annapolis
UCLA Anderson School of Management
Political Science, American Studies
Government & Public Sector, Military
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. A bachelor's degree is required to become an officer in the US Navy.
2. The Navy prefers candidates with degrees in business administration or related fields.
3. Community service and high academic marks are also important factors in the selection process for officer candidates.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
First, as an officer in the military, you need a bachelor's degree to even be screened for officer training.
If you go through the various commissioning sources, like the academies, that requirement is already built into the programs for those services.
However, if you are not going through one of those programs, you will need a bachelor of arts or sciences. This depends on the service you're trying to join and your intended specialty, as there can be limitations.
For example, a bachelor of history generally won't qualify you for certain roles, while a Bachelor of Science in Economics is often preferred.
My organization, which handles business administration for the Navy, selects for economics degrees because it aligns with our work. This is a fundamental requirement.
Ultimately, it depends on the profile you create for your application. Services look for candidates who have dedicated time to community service and engaged with their communities.
They also seek individuals with strong academic performance in their degrees and a general interest in service and wearing a uniform.