Does it matter what school you went to for your masters degree for Army officer promotions?

Cadet 2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 16:43:41 -0400

I know that bachelor's degree doesn't matter but I'm not sure if masters do matter?

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 19 at 2021 2:19 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 02:19:57 -0400

Generally no.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2021 4:39 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 04:39:50 -0400

The Master's Degree will only really help you if you are a full colonel. Your studies in Cgsoc and War College will give you a master's degree. I made it to Lieutenant Colonel without a master's degree.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2021 5:09 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 05:09:42 -0400

No, the promotion board will not even see the name of your masters degree or the name of the school in your records.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2021 7:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 07:49:47 -0400

If I’m not mistaken don’t officers need a four year degree. I would think that makes a Bachelors degree very important. You can’t get a Masters without one especially if you want to be competitive in the long run.

Response by COL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2021 8:43 AM

COL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 08:43:31 -0400

No they do not. Every board I have sat on only shows what level of education the person has. I have never even had a discussion about where they went to school.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2021 5:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 17:01:54 -0400

As long as the school is accredited it's good to go.

I've know more than a few LTC's without a Master's Degree, but many more with it.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 20 at 2021 10:59 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 22:59:23 -0400

No. Having one as a Field Grade becomes an unofficial discriminator among peers. There is not a requirement to have one. If you are sent to one on a competitive basis (like sister service ILE), that makes you stand out. If you claw and scrape on your own, it looks good as you can manage time and make things happen.