Military to UW-Stout Career Preparation
UW-Stout’s degree programs are designed to closely parallel military jobs and experience by recognizing the unique skills, leadership, and technical expertise gained through military service. Many of UW-Stout’s programs, particularly in fields like engineering, manufacturing, and information technology, align well with the training and roles military personnel undertake, allowing veterans to seamlessly transition into civilian careers. Additionally, UW-Stout offers Prior Learning Assessments, which enable military students to receive academic credit for relevant training and experience, making it easier to apply their military knowledge toward degree completion. This alignment ensures that military students can build upon their existing skills while earning a degree that directly enhances their professional opportunities in the civilian workforce.
Are you a veteran interested in pursuing a career that capitalizes on your military experience? Review this list of military occupations to start exploring related majors here at UW-Stout.
Administrative Support Specialists
Record keeping of information; office support; prepare reports, official letters, and military forms.
- B.S. Business Administration (On Campus)
- B.S. Management & Leadership (Online)
- B.S. Professional & Technical Communication (On Campus)
Computer Systems Specialists
Install, maintain, problem solve computer programs; provide customer and user services.
- B.S. Applied Mathematics and Computer Science (On Campus)
- B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Business Information Technology (On Campus or Online)
- B.S. Computer & Electrical Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Cybersecurity (On Campus or Online)
Finance and Accounting Specialists
Maintain records of financial transactions; conduct audits of financial records; prepare statements, accounts, and reports.
- B.S. Business Administration (On Campus)
- B.S. Business Information Technology (On Campus or Online)
- B.S. Management & Leadership (Online)
Legal Specialists and Court Reporters
The military maintains its own legal system. Legal specialists and court reporters perform legal research and documentation of court cases and assist military judges and lawyers.
- B.S. Business Administration (On Campus) -- Pre-Law
- B.S. Human Development & Family Studies (On Campus or Online) -- Pre-Law
- B.S. Psychology (On Campus or Online) -- Pre-Law
- B.S. Rehabilitation Services (On Campus or Online)
Personnel Specialists
Assist military members with their career, training, and health information; maintain personnel records.
- B.S. Applied Social Science (On Campus)
- B.S. Business Administration (On Campus)
- B.S. Career, Technical Education and Training (Online)
- B.S. Management & Leadership (Online)
- B.S. Psychology (On Campus or Online)
- M.S. Education (Online)
- M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (On Campus)
Postal Specialists
Process military and civilian mail.
- B.S. Business Administration (On Campus)
- B.S. Management & Leadership (Online)
- B.S. Supply Chain Management (On Campus)
Recruiting Specialists
Recruiters attract civilians to join the military. They are also charged with retaining active-duty military personnel.
- B.S. Applied Social Science (On Campus)
- B.S. Management & Leadership (Online)
- B.S. Psychology (On Campus or Online)
Sales and Stock Specialists
Operate military stores, retail facilities, snack bars; responsible for record-keeping and stock accounting.
- B.S. Management & Leadership (Online)
- B.S. Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management (On Campus or Online)
- B.S. Fashion Design & Development (On Campus)
Supply and Warehousing Specialists
Maintain inventory of equipment, supplies, food, weapons, parts, and a variety of other items; load and unload new stock; maintain logs and records on movement.
- B.S. Food Science & Technology(On Campus)
- B.S. Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management (On Campus or Online)
- B.S. Management & Leadership (Online)
- B.S. Fashion Design & Development (On Campus)
- B.S. Supply Chain Management (On Campus)
Training Specialists and Instructors
Train and instruct military personnel in the classroom and in the field on a wide variety of subject matters. For most of the branches the title "instructor" is a subsequent duty attached to the main MOS.
- B.S. Career, Technical Education & Training (Online)
- B.S. Early Childhood Education (On Campus or Online)
- B.S. Special Education (On Campus or Online)
- B.S. Technology Education (On Campus or Online)
- M.S. Career & Technical Education (Online)
- M.S. Education (Online)
- M.S. Technical & Professional Communication (Online)
- Ed.D. Education (Online)
Air Crew Members
Operate a variety of equipment on military aircraft, including communication, radar, and weapons systems. In helicopters, air crew members may operate hoists to lift equipment and personnel.
- B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Business Information Technology (On Campus or Online)
Air Traffic Controllers
Operate air traffic control systems and control towers; direct the takeoffs and landings of military airplanes and helicopters; monitor radar systems.
- B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Supply Chain Management (On Campus)
Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists
Navy aircraft carriers and Coast Guard cutters need specialists to control and assist in the launch and safe landing aboard ships.
- B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Supply Chain Management (On Campus)
Flight Engineers
Inspect aircraft, monitor fuel and electrical and key systems; supervise the loading of cargo, fuel, and passengers; conduct fuel consumption projections and assist the pilot in operation of the aircraft.
- B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Supply Chain Management (On Campus)
Flight Operations Specialists
Act as planners and coordinators for military flights; maintain records, logs; act as flight dispatchers.
- B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Business Information Technology (On Campus or Online)
- B.S. Management & Leadership (Online)
- B.S. Supply Chain Management (On Campus)
Survival Equipment Specialists
Inspect, maintain, and repair survival equipment, such as parachutes and aircraft life support systems.
- B.S. Manufacturing Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
Artillery/Missile Crew Members/Field Artillery/Air Defense Artillery
Fire cannons, howitzers, missiles, and rockets; use specialized equipment to locate targets. Artillery is used to protect ground troops and sea forces from air attack.
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Manufacturing Engineering (On Campus)
Combat Engineers/Engineering Specialties
Build and construct roads, bridges, airfields, fortifications, and bunkers to move military equipment; lay and clear mine fields; assist infantrymen in combat operations.
- B.S. Construction Management (On Campus)
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
Infantryman
The infantry is the backbone of the military. Infantry personnel are specially trained to destroy enemy ground forces, operate and fire a variety of weapons, parachute from transport planes, and conduct extended patrol missions.
Tank Crew Members
Drive state-of-the-art tanks in combat; operate weapons systems; support and defend ground infantry troops.
- B.S. Construction Management (On Campus)
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
Building Electricians
Install, repair, and maintain electrical systems for a wide variety of buildings, facilities and locations.
- B.S. Construction Management (On Campus)
Construction Equipment Operators
Operate construction equipment to move earth and building material. Assist in the building of airfields, roads, buildings, and other projects.
- B.S. Construction Management (On Campus)
Construction Specialists
Build structures, work with lumber, concrete, masonry, and other materials.
- B.F.A. Interior Design (On Campus)
- B.S. Construction Management (On Campus)
Plumbers and Pipe Fitters
Construct, maintain, and repair pipe systems for water, steam, gas, and waste.
- B.S. Construction Management (On Campus)
Aircraft Electricians
Maintain and repair electrical systems on aircraft; replace or repair instruments.
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
Communications Equipment Repairers
Maintain, test, and repair communications systems.
- B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Business Information Technology (On Campus or Online)
Computer Equipment Repairers
Install, repair, and maintain computer equipment.
- B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Business Information Technology (On Campus or Online)
Radar and Sonar Equipment Repairers
Install, repair, and operate the sonar and radar equipment that are critical to the many missions of the military.
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
Ship Electricians
The electrical systems are critical to operating ships and submarines. Ship electricians install, repair, and maintain the systems. Some systems are nuclear.
- B.S. Construction Management (On Campus)
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
Weapons Maintenance Technicians
Many of the military weapon systems require specialized technicians to maintain, repair, test, and adjust equipment.
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Manufacturing Engineering (On Campus)
Chemical Laboratory Technicians
Test and analyze fuels, oils, chemicals, and other materials for purity and durability.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
- B.S. Plastics Engineering (On Campus)
Communications Equipment Operators
Utilize communications equipment to transmit, receive, encode, and decode messages.
- B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Business Information Technology (On Campus or Online)
- B.S. Packaging (On Campus)
- B.S. Plastics Engineering (On Campus)
Compressed Gas Technicians
Fill storage tanks; maintain a variety of compressed gases for use including breathing oxygen and fuels for missiles.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
Computer Programmers
Install, maintain, update, and organize computer programs.
- B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Business Information Technology (On Campus or Online)
Emergency Management Specialists
Plan and maintain disaster operations; train military personnel and civilians on disaster preparedness.
- B.S. Management & Leadership (Online)
- B.S. Supply Chain Management (On Campus)
- Rehabilitation Services (On Campus or Online)
Environmental Health and Safety Specialists
Inspect military facilities, work locations, housing areas, and food and water supplies for the presence of disease, germs, and hazardous materials.
- B.F.A. Industrial & Product Design (On Campus)
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
Meteorological Specialists
Collect information on the weather using a variety of equipment and instruments for planning military operations.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
Nondestructive Testers
Inspect metal parts for wear and damage on a variety of military aircraft, vehicles, and ships; take X rays of various sections for examination and documentation.
- B.F.A. Industrial & Product Design (On Campus)
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Manufacturing Engineering (On Campus)
Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Warfare and Ordnance Specialists
Transport, store, inspect, prepare, and destroy weapons and ammunition, including large shells, missiles, chemicals, and nuclear devices; nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) warfare.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
- B.S. Psychology (On Campus or Online)
- Rehabilitation Services (On Campus or Online)
Radar and Sonar Operators
Track aircraft, missiles; determine the position of ships and submarines; direct artillery fire; forecast the weather; aid navigation.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
- B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering (On Campus)
Radio Intelligence Operators
Monitor, intercept, and record radio signals from various sources in the field.
Space Operations Specialists
Monitor communications and transmit data to satellites and other space vehicles used for weather forecasting and collecting intelligence information.
Surveying, Mapping, and Drafting Technicians
Conduct land surveys, make terrain maps, and prepare plans and diagrams for the construction of a variety of projects to include airstrips, buildings, and docks.
- B.F.A. Industrial & Product Design (On Campus)
- B.F.A. Interior Design(On Campus)
- B.S. Construction Management (On Campus)
Caseworkers and Counselors
Assist military personnel and their families with personal problems - drug, alcohol, depression, and emotional.
- B.S. Human Development & Family Studies (On Campus or Online)
- B.S. Management & Leadership (Online)
- B.S. Rehabilitation Services (On Campus or Online)
- M.S. Education (Online)
- M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (On Campus)
Religious Program Specialists
Military personnel come from all walks of life and religious backgrounds. Religious Program Specialists assist in providing services, education, and related duties.
- B.S. Applied Social Science (On Campus)
- B.S. Management & Leadership (Online)
- B.S. Rehabilitation Services (On Campus or Online)
- M.S. Education (Online)
Intelligence Specialists
Gather information from a variety of sources, including aerial photographs, electronic monitoring, and human observation; analyze and prepare detailed intelligence reports.
- B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation (On Campus)
Investigation (Law Enforcement)/Military Police
Investigate criminal conduct involving personnel and property within military jurisdictions. Conduct patrol, maintain law and order on military installations. In addition, they support battlefield activity by conducting prisoner-of-war activities.
- B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation (On Campus)
Corrections Officers/Corrections Specialists
Supervise and maintain control of military prisoners in confinement facilities. Control and counsel military prisoners; manage correctional treatment programs.
- B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation (On Campus)
- M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (On Campus)
Security
Security specialists or military guards maintain security patrol or posts at installment or specific sensitive locations.
- B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation (On Campus)
Aircraft Mechanics
Inspect and repair helicopter, jet, and propeller engines, wings, landing gears, and a variety of parts.
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Manufacturing Engineering (On Campus)
Automotive and Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Maintain and repair a variety of vehicles to include trucks, jeeps, tanks, bulldozers, and other equipment.
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Construction Management (On Campus)
- B.S. Manufacturing Engineering (On Campus)
Heating and Cooling Mechanics
Install and repair furnaces, boilers, and air conditioners in military buildings and on airplanes and ships.
- B.S. Construction Management (On Campus)
Machinists/Precision Equipment Repairers/Dental and Optical Laboratory Technicians
Make and repair metal parts for engines and equipment; operate lathes, drill presses, grinders, and other shop equipment. Keep precision instruments in good working order. Construct, repair, and align dental devices, such as dentures, braces, and optical devices (eyeglasses) for military personnel.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Manufacturing Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Plastics Engineering (On Campus)
Marine Engine Mechanics
Repair, maintain, and install gasoline and diesel engines on boats, ships, and watercraft.
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Manufacturing Engineering (On Campus)
Welders and Metal Workers
Build and repair a variety of metal parts on vehicles, ships, tanks, aircraft, equipment, and buildings.
- B.S. Construction Management (On Campus)
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Manufacturing Engineering (On Campus)
Audiovisual and Broadcast Technicians
The military produces its own television shows and films for training, documentation, and news reporting. These productions require the expertise of technicians, much like their civilian counterparts.
- B.F.A. Animation & Digital Media (On Campus)
- B.S. Professional & Technical Communication (On Campus)
Broadcast Journalists and Newswriters
The military provides numerous public and service publications, including magazines and newspapers. In addition, the military also produces and broadcasts news and information radio shows to a wide audience. Journalists serve as liaisons between the military and the public and media.
- B.F.A. Animation & Digital Media (On Campus)
- B.S. Food Science & Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Graphic Communications (On Campus)
- B.S. Professional & Technical Communication (On Campus)
- M.S. Technical & Professional Communication (Online)
Graphic Designers and Illustrators
In connection with the numerous publications that the military provides, graphic designers and illustrators are needed to produce artwork, charts, posters, and other visual displays.
- B.F.A. Animation & Digital Media (On Campus)
- B.F.A. Graphic Design & Interactive Media (On Campus)
- B.F.A. Studio Art (On Campus)
- B.S. Graphic Communications (On Campus)
- B.S. Professional & Technical Communication (On Campus)
Interpreters and Translators
Perform the critical task of translating written and spoken foreign languages for intelligence analysis and other purposes. In addition, may also be asked to interrogate or interview a variety of people in a foreign language.
- B.S. Management & Leadership (Online)
Photographic Specialists
Photographs are used for a variety of purposes, including intelligence gathering, documentation of events, and news reporting. Photographic specialists need to be expert at using and maintaining a wide variety of photographic equipment.
- B.F.A. Studio Art (On Campus)
- B.F.A. Graphic Design & Interactive Media (On Campus)
- B.S. Food Science & Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Graphic Communications (On Campus)
- B.S. Professional & Technical Communication (On Campus)
Printing Specialists
Operate printing presses to produce military newspapers, magazines, and other publications.
- B.F.A. Graphic Design & Interactive Media (On Campus)
- B.S. Graphic Communications (On Campus)
- B.S. Professional & Technical Communication (On Campus)
Cardiopulmonary and EEG Technicians
Operate testing equipment to obtain a variety of diagnostic tests of the heart, lungs, blood, and brain.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
Dental Specialists
Assist dentists in examining, treating, and performing surgery on patients; operate dental X-ray and other equipment.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
Medical Care Technicians
Provide medical care to patients; assist doctors and nurses with treatment and prepare hospital and care facility rooms and equipment.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
Medical Laboratory Technicians
Conduct clinical tests on body fluids, tissue, and blood that are necessary to diagnosis and identify diseases.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
Optometric Technicians
Assist optometrists in providing eye care to military members.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
Pharmacy Technicians
Assist pharmacists in issuing prescription drugs and treatments.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
Physical and Occupational Therapy Specialists
Assist in administering treatments and exercises to patients disabled by injury or illness.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
- B.S. Health, Wellness & Fitness (On Campus)
- B.S. Rehabilitation Services (On Campus or Online)
Radiologic (X-ray) Technicians
Operate X-ray equipment to detect illness or injury in patients.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
Nuclear Power and Power Plant/Powerhouse Mechanics
Operate boilers, turbines, nuclear reactors, and portable generators on ships, submarines, bases, and in the field. Maintain, repair, and install generating equipment that provides electric power for bases, ships, and field stations.
- B.S. Applied Science (On Campus)
Boatswain's Mates and Seamen
Boatswain's mates have been called the "jacks of all trades" in ship, submarine, and boat operation and maintenance. As the prime "deck force," they handle cargo, ropes, and lines, and seamanship tasks.
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Manufacturing Engineering (On Campus)
Divers
Specialized military personnel who work as scuba divers or deep-sea divers. Divers conduct repairs, construction, salvage, and military operations under the water.
- B.S. Engineering Technology (On Campus)
- B.S. Manufacturing Engineering (On Campus)
Quartermasters
Specialize in navigation of ships and boats. Bridge watch, vessel control, and steering are among the chief duties.
Special Operations Forces
SOF are elite combat units that operate with stealth, concealment, and surprise to accomplish their operations. SOF conduct search and destroy missions, clear underwater mine fields, and go behind enemy lines. They provide specialized air power for worldwide deployment and assignment to conduct unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, foreign internal defense, humanitarian assistance, psychological operations, personnel retrieval, and counternarcotics.
- B.S. Manufacturing Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Rehabilitation Services (On Campus or Online)
Firefighters
Military bases and ships need to maintain their own full-time fire protection. Like their civilian counterparts, military firefighters are responsible for protecting lives and property from fire.
- B.S. Management & Leadership (Online)
Food Service Specialists (Cooks)
One of the key positions. The military needs to feed its personnel every day on bases, ships, submarines, and in remote stations. Cooks prepare meals for small groups up to thousands. They need to plan, order, prepare, and serve a variety of meals.
- B.S. Dietetics (On Campus)
- B.S. Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management (On Campus or Online)
Cargo Specialists
Load, pack, and secure cargo into a variety of modes of transportation, including trucks, planes, helicopters, and ships.
- B.S. Packaging (On Campus)
- B.S. Supply Chain Management (On Campus)
Petroleum Supply Specialists
Most military vehicles, aircraft, and ships operate on petroleum products. Specialists plan and handle the safe transfer, storage, and refueling operations.
- B.S. Plastics Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Supply Chain Management (On Campus)
Railroad Operations
The military operates its own rail service. Tanks' weapon systems, missiles, and nuclear mat6riel travel across the United States. Spur tracks and switching areas are located in several military bases. These positions are mostly in the Army Reserve.
- B.S. Manufacturing Engineering (On Campus)
- B.S. Supply Chain Management (On Campus)
Transportation Specialists
Supervise and coordinate the movement of personnel and cargo.
- B.S. Supply Chain Management (On Campus)
Vehicle Drivers
Operate a variety of military vehicles to move personnel and equipment; must be able to plan routes and handle all kinds of driving conditions.
- B.S. Supply Chain Management (On Campus)
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