The Department of Military Science – also known as the Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) – is available at UNC Charlotte. Participation in Army ROTC enhances the education of both men and women by providing world class leadership training opportunities applicable in corporate, executive, and government leadership positions, along with practical hands-on expertise in these areas.  Students participate in the Basic Course to develop leadership skills, then may be eligible to continue in the Advanced Course in order to pursue a commission as an officer in the United States Army, Army Reserves, or Army National Guard.  The Army ROTC program is designed to complement students’ major area of study and is compatible with most.  Students not interested in Active Duty can be guaranteed a commission in the Army Reserve or National Guard through the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) Program and eligible to participate in the Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) Program.  The PaYS Program guarantees an interview with partnering Fortune 500 companies.  Participants are also eligible to obtain a Minor in Military Science  through the courses taken in the UNC Charlotte Army ROTC program.  The Basic Course and the Advanced Course comprise the Military Science curriculum.

Basic Course Curriculum

The Basic Course is usually taken during the first and second years, and covers such subjects as basic military techniques, management principles, national defense, military history, and leadership development.  Enrollment in the Basic Course can begin in any term in the first and second years, and does not require prior JROTC experience.  No military commitment is incurred for participation in the Basic Course.  After completing the Basic Course, students who have demonstrated the potential to become officers and who have met the physical and scholastic standards for commissioning are eligible to enroll in the Advanced Course.  Students pursuing a military commission receive Basic Course credit by completing MSCI 1000- and 2000-level courses and leadership labs; attending the Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) at Fort Knox, Kentucky, during the summer between a student’s Sophomore and Junior years; or by completing Basic Combat Training (BCT).

Two-Year Commissioning Program

The Two-Year Commissioning Program is designed for upcoming Juniors who did not take ROTC during the first two years of college and want to pursue a military commission.  To enter the two-year program, students must attend a fully-paid, four-week, Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) at Fort Knox, Kentucky, during the summer between their Sophomore and Junior years.  After successfully completing the CIET, students who meet scholastic requirements may enroll in the Advanced Course.  Students who complete Basic Combat Training (BCT) may also be eligible to enroll in the Advanced Course, with approval from the Department Chair.

Advanced Course Curriculum

The Advanced Course is taken during a student’s last four semesters.  It includes instruction in organization and management, principles of training management, tactics, ethics and professionalism, further leadership development, and physical fitness training. During the summer between their Junior and Senior years, Advanced Course students pursuing a military commission will attend a fully-paid, four-week Cadet Leader Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky.  This course gives students the chance to put into practice the leadership theories and principles, and military skills learned in the classroom, and introduces them to how the Army functions in a field environment.  Advanced Course students must complete MSCI 3000- and 4000-level courses, leadership labs, and one 3-credit hour approved American military history class.  The MSCI 3000-level courses must be taken in sequence.  Students not pursuing a military commission would receive the same credited class and lab hours but would not participate in the following:  physical fitness program, field training exercises, the Cadet Leader Course, or other incentive programs.  Completion of the Advanced Course results in a Minor in Military Science .

Scholarship Program

On-campus 2-, 2 ½-, 3-, 3 ½-, and 4- year scholarships are available and awarded on a competitive basis, providing either full tuition and mandatory fees or room and board.  Scholarships also provide $600 per semester for books and supplies, and a tax-free tiered stipend of $300, $350, $450, or $500 per academic month, based on academic year.  Four-year scholarships are available online at www.goarmy.com/rotc to students who apply while a Junior or Senior in high school.  Four-year applicants do not have to be enrolled in high school JROTC to apply and incur no military obligation by applying.  The application period starts on June 1 and ends on January 10 of a student’s high school senior year.  Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarships are also available to students that are currently serving in the Army National Guard or Army Reserves and desire no active duty commitment.  All scholarships are based on merit, not financial need.  Priority goes to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors.  All scholarship incentives are subject to change due to legislation and funding.

Programs

• Military Science, Minor