Choosing a Major with a Military Background: Matching Skills to Graduate Degrees
If you're a military veteran or currently serving in the armed forces, transitioning to civilian life and pursuing higher education is a significant step. One of the most critical decisions when pursuing a graduate degree is selecting the right major. Your military experience has equipped you with unique skills and qualities, and choosing a major that complements and leverages them is essential.
Business Administration
The military has instilled discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking – highly valued qualities in the business world. Golden Gate University's MBA program blends foundational skills of core business disciplines with essential soft skills such as effective communication, executive presentations, and team building.
In classrooms, you'll apply these concepts in a hands-on, case-study framework resembling actual management experience. Expert instructors who also work in some of the Bay Area's most successful businesses will provide you with the insight you need to become a successful leader.
Project Management
Your military service has taught you how to plan, execute, and oversee complex operations with precision. A degree in Project Management can refine these skills and prepare you for leadership roles in various industries.
GGU will give you the tools to master the technical aspects of the field as well as skills in management & leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. Students will gain knowledge from faculty certified by PMI® and with significant real-world project management experience.
Executive Public Administration
Your commitment to serving your country can translate seamlessly into a career in public administration. Whether you want to work in local government, federal agencies, or nonprofit organizations, a degree in Public Administration from GGU can prepare you for impactful roles in public service.
Golden Gate University's Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program provides working professionals with knowledge of public affairs, policy, and administration through a challenging and cutting-edge curriculum taught by instructors who are also professionals in the field. Our program differs from other public administration programs in that it offers accelerated, real-world content intended for experienced professionals. Students can earn an EMPA in as little as 18 months in an entirely online format or through innovative, hybrid cohorts.
Counseling Psychology
A degree in Psychology may seem like an unexpected choice, but your military background can be a valuable asset in this field. Understanding the human psyche and dealing with the stresses of military life can give you unique insights and empathy. Golden Gate University offers a license-eligible Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology.
The program maintains a strategic partnership with the Psychotherapy Action Network. This organization aims to organize, formulate initiatives, and collectively advocate for mental health policy based on the individual's complexity and not simply on identifying discrete symptoms. This is consistent with our program philosophy, which envisions psychotherapy as a complex process of individual growth and change and the therapeutic relationship as a key element in successful treatment.
Human Resources Management
Your military experience has exposed you to diverse cultures and backgrounds. This makes you well-suited for roles in Human Resources Management, where you'll work with people from various walks of life. The Master of Science in Human Resource Management degree program is recognized as fully aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management® (SHRM®) curriculum guidebook.
Students learn how to consider the perspectives of employees and employers, how to manage people effectively, and the importance of employee engagement and development. Students study trends that managers and employees are likely to face in the future and learn about legal requirements in dealing with employees.
Information Technology Management
The military relies heavily on advanced technology and efficient management of resources. A degree in Information Technology Management can be a strategic choice, equipping you with the skills needed to excel in IT leadership roles. The Master of Science in Information Technology Management program is designed for business professionals who want to advance their careers in positions such as Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and IT Manager.
Classes are taught by professionals who also work in the field at major companies in the Bay Area. A dynamic classroom environment helps to teach real-world skills for the strategic application of IT — including cutting-edge applications of technologies such as business analytics, mobile, cloud services, and social media.
When choosing any program, consider your interests and how they align with your future goals. Speak with academic advisors and career counselors who can guide you in selecting the program that best suits your needs. Take advantage of the support services and resources available to military veterans, as GGU is known for its commitment to helping veterans succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.
Interested in advancing your education? Request more information about enrolling at Golden Gate University and explore programs that support your goals as a military-connected student.