Military Science Department

Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)

Army ROTC is a leadership development program, which combines courses in military science with summer training opportunities to transform students into U.S. Army officers. Upon successful completion of the program and graduation, Cadets are awarded a commission as a Second Lieutenant in either the U.S. Army, the Army National Guard, or the U.S. Army Reserve.

Scholarships

Army ROTC scholarships are offered for two, three, and four years. The four-year scholarships are awarded on a worldwide competitive basis to U.S. citizens who will enter an institution as a freshman. While on campus, military science students may compete for three-year (starts in sophomore year) and two-year (starts in junior year) scholarships. Recipients receive full tuition, academic fees, book and supply expenses (not including housing and food), and a monthly stipend. Scholarship recipients incur a service commitment for active or reserve forces duty following graduation.

Financial Assistance

Books and equipment for military science courses and the ROTC program are provided free of charge to all students. All juniors and seniors in the ROTC program (advanced course) and scholarship Cadets are paid a tax-free stipend and receive other benefits.

Academic Advisement

Students are encouraged to contact the Department of Military Science for information concerning the ROTC program. The Department of Military Science is available to discuss the program with interested students at 717-477-1896 or rotc@ship.edu.

The Four-Year Program

The Four-Year Army ROTC Program is divided into two parts called the basic course and the advanced course.

The basic course (MIL 131 / MIL 132 and MIL 231 / MIL 232 ) is usually taken during the first two years of college and covers such subjects as Army customs and traditions; military organizations and structure; team-building; and leadership development. In addition, a variety of outside social and professional enrichment activities are available. ROTC textbooks, uniforms, and other essential materials for the basic course are furnished to students at no cost. After they have completed the basic course, students who have demonstrated the potential to become an officer and who have met physical and scholastic standards are eligible to enroll in the advanced course. There is no military obligation incurred by students completing the basic course.

The advanced course (MIL 331 / MIL 332 and MIL 431 / MIL 432 ) is usually taken during the final two years of college. It includes instruction in national defense, management, tactics, ethics, professionalism, and further leadership development. Textbooks and uniforms in the advanced course are also furnished to students at no cost. In addition to the core requirements, Cadets must complete physical fitness courses (MIL 115) and a course in military history.

During the summer between their junior and senior years of college, advanced course Cadets attend a paid four-week training session called Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Advanced Camp provides Cadets the chance to practice what they have learned in the classroom and introduces them to Army life in a field environment.

Students may utilize Military Science (ROTC) classes as free electives, which are credited toward graduation (up to the maximum number of credits in the core curriculum). All credits are computed into QPA and overall credits completed.

The Two-Year Program

The Two-Year Program is designed for students at four-year colleges who did not take ROTC during their first two years, junior and community college graduates, and students entering a two-year postgraduate course of study.

To enter the Two-Year Program, students must first attend the paid four-week Basic Camp, held at Fort Knox, Kentucky. At Basic Camp, students learn to challenge themselves physically and mentally and to build their confidence and self-respect.

After they have successfully completed Basic Camp, students who meet all necessary enrollment requirements are enrolled in the advanced course.

Basic Course Practicum

The Basic Course Practicum (also known as Basic Camp) is a paid, four-week course conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky, during the summer. Participants receive room, board, travel expenses, medical care, and are paid approximately $1,100 for the four-week period.

This practicum is designed to provide students with the hands-on military experience and knowledge taught within the on-campus basic course, allowing students to enter directly into the advanced course. Students typically attend the practicum either during the summer between their sophomore and junior years of college, prior to transferring in to Shippensburg University from a junior or community college, or prior to starting a two-year postgraduate course of study.

Exceptional performance during this program may qualify the student for a scholarship. The practicum prepares students for 300-level military science courses, and students who successfully complete the basic course practicum may enroll in the ROTC advanced course curriculum. However, there is no obligation to continue in Army ROTC after attending the practicum.

Advanced Course Practicum

The Advanced Course Practicum (also known as Advanced Camp) is a four-week summer training program, conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky, typically during the summer between the junior and senior years of college. This practicum stresses the application of military skills to rapidly changing situations. Participants are evaluated on their ability to make sound decisions, to direct team efforts toward the accomplishment of common goals, and to meet mental and physical challenges. Completion of this practicum is required prior to commissioning. Participants receive room, board, travel expenses, medical care, and are paid approximately $1,100 for the four-week period.

Military Science Career Possibilities

Individuals who complete the ROTC program earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation and serve in the Active Duty U.S. Army, the Army National Guard, or the U.S. Army Reserve.

Programs

Minor

Military Science Minor

Other Programs

ROTC Program

Courses

Military Science