Military
What you'll do in college
This category spans cybersecurity, cyber forensics, intelligence analysis, and military and strategic studies. Coursework blends technical training in network defense, digital forensics, and electronic warfare with the geopolitical and operational side of national security — threat analysis, counterterrorism, geospatial intelligence, and maritime or space systems operations. Programs are highly structured, often tied to ROTC or service academies, and emphasize hands-on labs, simulations, and security clearances.
What you'll do after college
Graduates commission as officers in the armed forces or move directly into roles with intelligence agencies, the Department of Defense, homeland security, and federal contractors, where cleared cyber and intelligence talent is in heavy demand. Common paths include cybersecurity analyst, intelligence officer, digital forensics investigator, and security operations roles in both government and private industry. The combination of technical skills and security clearance opens steady advancement and a clear pipeline into senior national security and cyber leadership positions.
Famous graduates
- Colin Powell — Former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; B.S. in Geology and Army ROTC from City College of New York
Selectivity vs. earnings
By acceptance rate
By SAT median
Earnings by acceptance rate and institution category
Majors in this category
| Major | Colleges | Degrees ▼ | Male/Female | Intl | Earnings | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Military | 27 | 746 | 77% / 23% | 1% | $73,614 | 95% |
| Intelligence | 8 | 163 | 85% / 15% | 1% | $74,838 | 95% |
| National Security Policy Studies | 10 | 132 | 78% / 22% | 0% | $71,650 | 94% |
| Intelligence and Security Studies | 1 | 82 | 82% / 18% | 2% | $63,337 | 96% |
| Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations | 1 | 71 | 73% / 27% | 0% | $100,560 | |
| Military Applied Sciences | 2 | 67 | 94% / 6% | 3% | $71,912 | |
| Military Science | 2 | 67 | 82% / 18% | 0% | $62,764 | |
| Global Security and Intelligence Studies | 1 | 61 | 51% / 49% | 0% | $77,907 | 94% |
| Intelligence and National Security Studies | 1 | 59 | 63% / 37% | 0% | $66,692 | 97% |
| Strategic Intelligence | 2 | 22 | 68% / 32% | 0% | $69,941 | |
| Space Systems Operations | 1 | 17 | 76% / 24% | 0% | $76,219 | |
| Geospatial Intelligence | 2 | 5 | 80% / 20% | 20% | $76,214 | |
| Military Technologies | 1 | 0 | $67,420 | |||
| Military and Strategic Studies | 1 | 0 | $76,245 |