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Military and Veterans

The world needs great leaders like you. That's why we are committed to helping veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families earn a first-rate engineering education from NC State.

Students and families participate in the Graduation ceremonies at PNC Arena, Spring 2022. Photo by Marc Hall

The Best Education for Our Nation’s Best

As a member of the armed forces, you are not one to shy away from bold goals. And earning your master’s degree could be the key to reaching the next big step in your career. Whether you are on active duty or transitioning from service, you need a program that does not require you to put the rest of your life on hold.

We can help. NC State’s online engineering and computer science programs allow you to get the same top-tier education as your on-campus peers — at a location and time convenient for you.

Contact Dr. Brandon McConnell,  Engineering Online’s Liaison and Advisor for Active Duty Military and Veterans, at mcconnell@ncsu.edu or at 919-515-7201.

Need answers now? View NC State’s Frequently Asked Questions for military and veterans.

#10 Best Program for Veterans

We are one of the top online engineering programs for military veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.

A Top-Flight Program

  • Highly ranked. NC State is home to one of the finest colleges of engineering and computer science in the world, and our online programs are ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Customizable. With 18 nationally ranked graduate programs and over 100 online courses offered each semester, you can build a curriculum tailored to your career goals.
  • Flexible. Complete your courses from anywhere with an internet connection, stream video lectures on your schedule and submit assignments electronically.
  • Military-friendly. Work closely with our dedicated Military and Veteran Services resource center to manage your education benefits, including the Yellow Ribbon Program.
  • Supportive. Join a network of thousands of peers and get connected to support services throughout the state and the country.
  • Ready to help. We can waive your graduate school application fee. NC State’s student services offer advising and registration support to help you get started.

Proudly Serving Those Who Serve

At NC State, we have a proven track record of supplying the military with quality engineering professionals. We work closely with the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps — and produce talent for leading companies such as Lockheed Martin and the Boeing Company.

I smile during most classes because I truly love the learning experience. I know my hard work will pay off in a rewarding future.

Captain Matthew Hamtak, U.S. Marine Corps (master’s in aerospace engineering, 2021)

NC State serves all military-affiliated students: discharged and retired veterans; active-duty military; members of the National Guard and Reserve Components; spouses and dependents of military and veterans; and Gold Star family members.

How We Stack Up

Mary Hesler

Accomplished helicopter pilot Mary Hesler relied on the flexibility of online learning to complete her studies while serving in the U.S. Navy. In December 2018, earning a master’s degree in aerospace engineering marked another milestone in her fast-paced career.

Mary Hesler, an active-duty service member and NC State Engineering Online student, sits in a helicopter.