Overview of Department
Students enrolled in Naval Science can pursue a degree in baccalaureate and receive a commission in either the U.S. Navy, or Marine Corps. Naval Science is complemented by the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). A NROTC student can choose an academic major, provided that it is compatible with the NROTC mission.
In addition to their University curricula, police science NROTC students take naval science courses in history and customs, naval engineering/weapons systems, navigation, naval operations, and leadership/management. Each student must also attend one weekly naval science laboratory session as well as one weekly physical training session. Students may be able to take a 4-to-6-week training cruise during the summer to put their classroom training into practice.
Below are details of the two NROTC programs available. Any University student can take a course in naval science without having to enroll in the NROTC program. Or, they may choose to complete a minor. The requirements are listed below.
Navy-Marine Scholarship Program
Students are admitted each year to the scholarship programs for four-years, three-year alternative, and two-year NROTC scholarships. The eligibility criteria for the three-year and four-year programs are determined by nationwide competition and selection made by a central committee. The deadline for applying to be a midshipman is December 1. The Navy provides tuition and uniform subsidies to those selected. A textbook stipend is paid each quarter, and there is a subsistence pay that ranges from $250 to $400.
Applications for the two-year scholarship program must be received by March from sophomores or juniors in five-year programs. A central selection committee selects six-weeks of instruction at Newport’s Naval Science Institute (NSI), Rhode Island. This course is held during the summer before their junior year. These students are eligible to enroll in advanced courses in NROTC after they have successfully completed NSI instruction. All scholarship students are made midshipmen in the USNR-R and are commissioned officers in either the Navy or Marine Corps Reserve after graduation. They serve on active duty for at least four years.
Program at Navy-Marine College
Every year, both men and women are admitted to four-year and two-year college programs that are not scholarships. Two-year programs are available to current sophomores at four-year colleges or community colleges. Applications must be received by March of the sophomore year.
Students selected for the two year program complete a six week course at the Naval Science Institute (NSI), Newport, Rhode Island during their summer before their junior year. Students who successfully complete NSI instruction are eligible to enroll in the NROTC advanced course. The NROTC college program allows students to pay for their college expenses and receive subsistence pay in their junior and senior years. All uniforms and textbooks for naval science courses are provided by the Navy.
After completing one academic year, all college-program students can be eligible for a scholarship. Scholarship awards are based on academic grades as well as participation in the midshipman battalion.