Naval Sciences

Department of Naval Science/Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program (NROTC)

The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Program was established to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the US Navy (unrestricted line), or in the Marine Corps while completing their undergraduate degree. The NROTC Scholarship Program fills a vital need in preparing mature young men and women for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps. It is highly recommended that students seeking a commission contact the Department of Naval Science/NROTC unit for full program details before registering for classes.

Program Requirements

The UMBC NROTC Program was established to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The NROTC Scholarship Program plays an important role in preparing mature young men and women for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical military environment. NROTC midshipmen are required to complete the naval science courses and attend weekly professional seminars. During the summer, NROTC midshipmen participate in active duty at sea or shore-based training cruises for approximately four weeks. Upon receiving their Baccalaureate Degree and completing the NROTC program, qualified midshipmen are commissioned as ensigns in the U.S. Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Commissioned naval officers go on to training in various warfare specialties and serve as surface or submarine officers, naval aviators, explosive ordinance disposal officers or SEALs. Marine Corps officers attend “The Basic School” in Quantico, Virginia, and serve in fields such as infantry, artillery, combat engineers, and aviation. Staff positions (intelligence, law, medicine) are not normally offered through NROTC.

The NROTC Program was established to develop midshipmen mentally, morally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, and loyalty, and with the core values of honor, courage and commitment in order to commission college graduates as naval officers who possess a basic professional background. These naval officers are motivated toward careers in the naval service, and have a potential for future development in mind and character so as to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.

Academic Requirements

The Naval Science curriculum includes courses on topics such as Navy and Marine Corps organization, at-sea navigation, leadership, naval history, amphibious warfare, engineering, and weapons systems. Courses emphasize development of professional knowledge and leadership skills, which are placed in the context of military service immediately following graduation from University of Maryland.

Students in the NROTC program enroll in one Naval Science course per term. Some courses are required for both Navy and Marine option students, while others are specific to the branch of service. All NROTC students must also enroll in the Naval Science Laboratory (NAVY105) each term.

Navy option students must complete eight core curriculum courses offered by University of Maryland, including two term courses in calculus to be completed by the sophomore year, two term courses in calculus-based physics, with laboratory, to be completed by the junior year, two term courses in English or equivalent writing courses, one term course in history or national security policy, and one term course in world culture or regional studies.

Scholarships and Incentives

Recipients of National Scholarships are selected from applicants to a national competition (https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/). Additionally, through the NROTC 3 year and 2 year scholarship process, freshman and sophomore members of NROTC in all degree programs are eligible to compete for scholarships also based on a competitive NROTC selection process. Scholarship recipients receive money for full tuition and fees, a book allowance (currently $750/year), and a monthly allowance from $250 to $400, depending on the student’s NROTC year. If unqualified for a scholarship but recommended for “advanced standing”, a student will have the ability to commission in the U.S. Navy and will receive a book stipend and monthly allowance. There are no scholarship opportunities for juniors or seniors.

Campus Involvement

The NROTC unit values well-rounded future officers and encourages battalion members to get involved with numerous activities on campus. With participation in an internship, a semester abroad, intramural and varsity sports teams, fraternities or sororities, music or performance groups and countless clubs and groups, many members find outside activities an enjoyable aspect of their college experience. For more information please visit the department page: http://navalscience.umbc.edu/.