by our College Data Analytics TeamMilitary Science & Leadership (CIP 28) is a field of study, but no U.S. college reported military science & leadership graduates to IPEDS in the latest year. Graduates earn a median $75,911 one year after completing, rising to $110,145 after four years.
A major in Military Science & Leadership covers Military Science, Leadership And Operational Art. Instructional Programs That Provide Professional Education And Training Of Military Officers In Leadership, Military Science And Operational Studies, Security Policy And Strategy, Military Economics And Management, And Pre-Officer Training. These Cip Codes Are Not Valid For Ipeds Reporting.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
7 occupations are related to Military Science & Leadership, with an average median salary of $48,880; the strongest outlook belongs to Military Enlisted Tactical Operations and Air/Weapons Specialists and Crew Members, All Other, at 12.9% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Counter Intelligence Agent, Space And Missile Operations, Spacelift, Counter Intelligence and Combat Engineer.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to military science & leadership, at 50,484.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Military Enlisted Tactical Operations and Air/Weapons Specialists and Crew Members, All Other | 50,484 | 12.9% |
| Infantry Officers | 41,574 | 0.8% |
| Military Officer Special and Tactical Operations Leaders, All Other | 41,278 | 0.6% |
| Special Forces | 40,649 | 4.1% |
| Artillery and Missile Crew Members | 32,870 | 5.0% |
| Special Forces Officers | 31,860 | 5.1% |
| Artillery and Missile Officers | 30,009 | -4.0% |
Military Science & Leadership graduates earn a median $75,911 one year after completing their program, $110,145 after four years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $75,911 |
| 4 years | $110,145 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to military science & leadership is Special Forces Officers, with a median salary of $73,745.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Special Forces Officers | $73,745 |
| Military Officer Special and Tactical Operations Leaders, All Other | $60,551 |
| Special Forces | $56,978 |
| Artillery and Missile Crew Members | $43,638 |
| Military Enlisted Tactical Operations and Air/Weapons Specialists and Crew Members, All Other | $40,628 |
| Artillery and Missile Officers | $35,449 |
| Infantry Officers | $31,169 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.