by our College Data Analytics TeamMilitary Science & Operational Studies (CIP 28.05) is part of the Military Science & Leadership field of study, alongside 8 related programs, but no U.S. college reported military science & operational studies graduates to IPEDS in the latest year. Graduates earn a median $55,351 one year after completing, rising to $103,706 after four years.
A degree in Military Science & Operational Studies involves the study of Military Science And Operational Studies.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
4 occupations are related to Military Science & Operational Studies, with an average median salary of $57,976; 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, Technical Surveillance Countermeasures Trained Counterintelligence/Human Source Intelligence Officer, Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) Operations Technician and Inshore Undersea Warfare Officer.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to military science & operational studies, 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% |
| Military Officer Special and Tactical Operations Leaders, All Other | 41,278 | 0.6% |
| Special Forces | 40,649 | 4.1% |
| Special Forces Officers | 31,860 | 5.1% |
Military Science & Operational Studies graduates earn a median $55,351 one year after completing their program, $103,706 after four years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $55,351 |
| 4 years | $103,706 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to military science & operational studies 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 |
| Military Enlisted Tactical Operations and Air/Weapons Specialists and Crew Members, All Other | $40,628 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.