Military Science

(Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC))

Purpose Statement

The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a two- to four-year program that combines military science courses, labs, and summer practicums to develop future Army leaders. Upon successful completion of the program, the President of the United States will appoint qualified graduates as Commissioned Officers (in the rank of Second Lieutenant) in either the active or reserve component of the U.S. Army.

Program Design

The Army ROTC Program is based upon a four-year model divided into two parts called the Basic Course (taken during the freshman and sophomore years) and the Advanced Course (taken during the junior and senior years). Students taking course in the Basic Course are under no military obligation (unless the student is under contract as a ROTC scholarship winner). However, students who complete the Advanced Course will incur a service obligation with the U.S. Army (four- to eight-years depending upon the component selected).

The Advanced Course is only open to “qualified” students who agree to contract with the U.S. Army to accept a commission, if offered, upon completion of their degree requirements. In order to be deemed “qualified” for the Advanced Course, students must be a U.S. Citizen, pass a physical fitness assessment, pass a medical screening, pass a criminal background check, and possess a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Students contracted into the Advanced Course are also required to attend a four-week long practicum (Advanced Camp) at Fort Knox, Kentucky during the summer between their junior and senior years or between their first and second year of graduate school. In addition to the prescribed classes, labs, and practicums, Cadets (contracted students) must attend Physical Readiness Training (PRT). PRT is conducted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 0600 - 0700 in front of the ROTC Building. A Cadet that is also a student athlete is not required to attend PRT while his / her athletic event is in season to avoid overtraining; however, he / she will conduct both a diagnostic and record APFT and ACFT every semester.

The Army ROTC Program has additional options for students to pursue and earn commissions as Army Officers outside of the traditional four-year model. For instance, a student who missed part or all of the Basic Course can qualify for the Advanced Course by attending a four-week practicum (Basic Camp) at Fort Knox, Kentucky during the summer before his / her junior year or first year of graduate school. Additionally, veterans may apply their military experience as credit toward the Basic Course. If the Professor of Military Science awards a veteran constructive credit for the Basic Course, he / she may skip to and enroll in the Advanced Course at the beginning of his / her junior year or first year of graduate school.

Program Goals

Develop the students’ understanding of the Army’s mission, organization, culture, and problem-solving techniques.
Develop the students’ leadership attributes and competencies in accordance with the Army’s Leadership Requirements Model (ALRM).
Produce Commissioned Officers in the United States Army.

Programs

Minor

Military Science Minor

Courses

Military Science