The Military Science program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of your major. The Army Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC) program qualifies you for appointment as an officer of the United States Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard.

Commitment

If you don’t receive an ROTC scholarship, you can attend the first two years of the Military Science program without incurring any obligation to serve in the military. The regular course of study includes military science classes, which develop leadership, confidence, maturity, responsibility and dependability.

Program Options

Army ROTC offers two programs: a four-year program and a two-year program, which includes additional summer training, if you did not previously participate in ROTC and have two years of college remaining. Those who complete either program earn a commission as an Army Second Lieutenant.

Academic Credit

You may receive credit for some of your military science courses, which can be used to fulfill general education degree requirements.

Program Details

The ROTC program consists of classroom instruction, leadership labs, field training exercises, and physical fitness training.

Classes introduce cadets to military customs, courtesies and traditions, as well as military history and Army organization. Classes for all cadets are held once a week.

Leadership labs provide a performance-oriented learning environment in which cadets receive practical hands-on training opportunities to apply subjects from the classroom to the field. Labs are designed and supervised by ROTC instructors and administered by senior Army ROTC cadets. Leadership labs, optional for non-contracted cadets, are held one weekend a month, have a duration of six hours, and are conducted with cadets from Lock Haven University, Lycoming College, and Mansfield University.

Field training exercises build on classroom and lab experience by giving cadets the opportunity to refine their leadership skills while leading small groups in a variety of situations and exercises. Cadets participate in one weekend of field training exercise each semester. The activities vary each semester and are held at several locations throughout Pennsylvania. Field training exercises provide cadets with opportunities to train in teams, build their confidence, and test their skills in activities such as rappelling, land navigation, situational training exercises, and a field leadership reaction obstacle course. Contracted cadets are required to attend field training exercises and non-contracted cadets are encouraged to attend. Most cadets look forward to participating in these events.

Physical training and health are integral components of cadet development. Physical fitness training provides juniors and seniors with an opportunity to further develop their leadership and organizational skills by planning and administering a cadet fitness program that contributes to the overall well-being of each cadet. Physical conditioning is assessed with a diagnostic physical fitness test. An Army Master Fitness Trainer provides individual mentoring. Cadets conduct organized physical training three days a week from 6-7am. Cadets are also encouraged to conduct additional workouts.

Basic Enrollment Criteria

To enroll in the program, you must fulfill the following criteria:

  • Full-time student with at least two years until graduation
  • Cumulative GPA above 2.0
  • Good physical health
  • Demonstrate leadership potential
  • Be a U.S. Citizen before contracting

Cadets must be commissioned before their 31st birthday. This may be extended one month for each month of prior active military service up to the age of 34. In exceptional cases, age may be waived up to age of 35. Some special situation waivers are possible.

Education & Training Program

Freshman Sophomore Junior Summer Senior
Army Values Small Team Leadership Dynamic Team Leadership & Development 30-Day Leadership Evaluation at Fort Knox, KY Profession of Arms
Foundations of Leadership Professional Writing Troop Leading Procedures   Training Management
Goal Setting Oral Presentations Tactics   Staff Development
Role/Organization of the Army Leader Development Land Navigation   Military Justice
Time Management Tactics Oral Presentations   Ethics

Counseling

       

Profession of Arms

       

Training Schedule

  • Weekly Agenda
    • Physical Training (PT): Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6-7 a.m.
    • Weekly Class: Freshmen (1 hour), Sophomores (2 hours), Juniors and Seniors (3 hours)
  • Monthly Agenda
    • Leadership Lab: 1 weekend (8-12 hours)
    • Consists of: Tactics, Movement Techniques, Military Knowledge
  • Yearly Agenda, Semesterly
    • Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
      • Events Include: Push-ups, Deadlift, Sprint/Drag/Carry, Medicine Ball Throw, Leg-Tuck, and a 2-Mile Run
    • Field Training Exercise (Saturday-Sunday)
    • Awards Banquet
    • Dining Out (Military Formal)

Voluntary Training Opportunities

  • Semester 
    • Color Guard for Athletic Events 
    • Ranger Challenge 
    • Physical Fitness & Tactics 
  • Summer 
    • Basic Camp 
    • Airborne School 
    • Air Assault School 
    • Internships