Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

By enrolling in ROTC, are you joining the Army? 

No. Students who enroll in ROTC don’t join the Army. They take an ROTC class for which they receive credit. It’s considered a college elective.

Is ROTC like “boot camp”? 

No. ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree.

What can students expect to learn by taking ROTC? 

Quite simply, leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career.

What makes ROTC different from regular college management courses? 

Students in ROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and “live” situations.

Is there a military obligation during college? 

During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (unless they are a scholarship winner). Does Army ROTC offer scholarships?

Does Army ROTC offer scholarships?

Yes. Each year hundreds of students attending colleges nationwide receive ROTC scholarships.

FAQs for Graduate Students

Can Graduate Students do Army ROTC?    

A common misconception for many prospective students is that Army ROTC is not an option for graduate students. Joining Army ROTC and becoming an officer is definitely possible as a graduate student but requires planning. Since a graduate student will automatically start off in the junior year of Army ROTC, certain requirements must be met even before a student begins their graduate program in order to make up the prerequisite 100 and 200 level ROTC courses.

Do I have to go on Active Duty?

Graduate students (who are not currently enlisted in the Army Reserve or National Guard) can choose to compete for Active Duty or volunteer to go into the National Guard or Army Reserve.  Just like all cadets who wish to go into Active Duty, the process of being selected for Active Duty is competitive. Special scholarships are also available that will lock students into National Guard or Army Reserve service if they so desire.