I own a Bachelors in Education--Can i be accepted into the OCS for the NAVY?

Question

Hi,

Iv'e seen this question asked around but with little information in response. . .

I own a BS in Education from college (Kent State University).

My particular degree isn't one that the Navy "desires"---but it is a BS and I have tremendous leadership abilities.

What do you think my odds are becoming an Officer in the Navy with my degree (Middle School Education).

Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

Daniel,

MB is correct.

As one other poster wrote, you need to contact an officer recruiter. You'd call or go to an enlisted recruiter and ask for an officer recruiters phone number.

You may have tremendous leadership abilities, but are they Navy leadership abilities? The Navy has their own style of leadership that has worked (usually) for 227 years. It's quite different than any you've experienced. And, as a ensign and to a lesser degree, you'll have to take direction and training from those who really run the Navy - the chiefs. They know the job you're training to supervise.

It's a great job - I loved it.

"Ranger"

Answer 2

Your area of concentration for your degree is not that important.  It's more important that you have that degree to be commissioned in any branch of the military.

While you may not work in your area of expertise, trust me, the teaching background will come in handy!  Especially middle school!  You've already had adol. psych. so you know how they behave... and trust me, hubby's airmen act just like my middle school students!  

You have an understanding of discipline, of management, of encouragement and motivation.  Many officers come in without this knowledge. You're ahead of the curve.

One of our friends, who has a degree in psych, is a pilot.  And a retired general, who was an Aircraft Maint. officer had his degree in zoology!

Best of luck!

Answer 3

The degree is not as important as perceived qualifications.  With OCS, you have to be enlisted first.  A panel of senior officers decides if you are OCS worthy.  Training within the military is very important, so you might be more useful when you know how to teach effectively.

When I was in the Army, I went to the NCO Academy and took the instructor training course, so there is a need for instructors at all levels.

Answer 4

The navy uses special recruiters who recruit officers only.  These are NOT the guys you see in regular recruiting offices.  Call a recruiting office and ask to be put in touch with an officer recruiter.  Many factors will be used to judge whether or not they want to take you and only an officer recruiter give you the info you need.

Answer 5

what's your GPA?  what other things do you bring to the table//Leadership roles,  Experience, that sort of thing?  

Its competitive, and you are right, an Education BS is not their most sought after degree.  You would need to have a higher GPA..closer to 4.0 than 3.5 to make up for that.  

Answer 6

First, the guy who posted that you have to be enlisted to go to OCS is wrong.  A lot of prior enlisted guys do go this route to a commission (I did); however, the majority of candidates are from off of the street (for the majority of classes).

Second, the fact that you have a bachelors from an accredited university.  The next question you need to ask is what type of officer you want to be.  Each designator has it's own individual criteria.  For instance, you most likely would not be picked up for Supply since your degree is not in business (this is a designator specific requirement right now).  This type of requirement has been off and on over the last 10 years but it is currently in place and will be for the near future.

On a positive note, assuming you are physically eligilbe for an unrestricted line officer job you would stand a great chance of getting chosen for a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) or one of the other URL's.

Good Luck!