About

Army ROTC is an Officer-producing program for the Army – it is NOT enlisting. We produce junior leaders, not privates.

Military Science is synonymous with the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. ROTC is a curriculum in military leadership, both theoretical and practical. Students learn the fundamentals of leadership and progress through increasing roles and responsibilities in order to improve their proficiency. Many other “life skills,” such as time management, oral and written communication, first aid and personal fitness, as well as adventure training, are also integrated into the program. Both a major and a minor are offered. It is commonly known as a four-year program, however, there are three and two-year options as well.

The first two years of the Military Science curriculum are open to all students, regardless of academic standing, without any military obligation. This is the only place where a person can explore military service WITHOUT actually being in the military.  The last two years are only open to students who have entered a contract with the Army to continue ROTC and earn their degree. Completion of the Advanced Course qualifies students to earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. See the Contracting Options tab to understand the variety of ways to complete ROTC.

ROTC is organized into two parts: the Basic Course (normally taken during the Freshman and Sophomore years) and the Advanced Course (normally taken during the Junior and Senior years).  Students with prior service, or members of the Army Reserves or National Guard, may be eligible to waive the Basic Course and complete the program in two years. ROTC also provides a method for college students to obtain Basic Course credit through a 4-week summer called Basic Camp (not Basic Training). Any student can enroll in the Basic Course 100 and 200 level classes. Only contracted students can progress through the Advanced Course. Students who wish to contract must meet academic, medical, physical and military screening standards. The Basic Course is considered a pre-requisite for the Advanced Course.

How does the program work?

Basic Course: The Basic Course is open to any student interested in basic leadership and military skills training without any military obligation. The majority of Basic Course students ARE NOT CONTRACTED. This means they can leave the program at any time. Non-contracted, enrolled students are not receiving any form of financial incentive from the Army. There are many options for a student in the Basic Course to contract when they decide they are ready, and if they are competitive to contract.

The 100-level courses are 2-credit hours and consist of a one-hour class and a two-hour leadership laboratory (3 hours weekly).  The sophomore 200-level courses are 3-credit hours and consist of a two-hour class and a two-hour leadership laboratory (4 hours weekly).  The focus is on leader development and small group dynamics combined with basic military skills proficiency. This is an excellent opportunity for students to determine if pursuing a contract with ROTC is for them.

A fundamental element of the Basic Course is the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills and improvement of oral and written communication skills. We place students in a variety of situations in order to provide an environment within which to become better leaders.  Students are also afforded the opportunity to apply and compete for ROTC 2- and 3-year scholarships.

Upon completion of the Basic Course, students become eligible for entry into the Advanced Course.

Advanced Course: Eligible students must be selected to contract into the Advanced Course.  All students in the Advanced Course sign a contract with the Army to continue the program and to enter the Army as an Officer (Reserve or Active Duty) upon graduation. Students can earn any degree offered at EWU while completing ROTC.

The Advanced Course is a two-year curriculum consisting of classroom instruction, leadership training and field training. The 300 and 400-level courses are 4-credit hours and consist of two hours of class and a three hour leadership laboratory (5 hours weekly).  The 300-level courses are designed to build upon small unit leader skills. Students also attend a 29-day Advance Camp at Fort Knox, KY, to refine the skills they have learned on campus. The 400-level courses prepare a student for their first assignment as an Officer.

Completion of the Advanced Course qualifies the student to earn an officer commission in the Army, either on active duty or in the Army Reserves or Army National Guard.

What are the degree options?

While enrolled in EWU ROTC you earn a degree in any field of study available at the University. A major in Military Science is available but it is not necessary for completion of the ROTC program. While there are certain degrees better suited for specific jobs in the Army, a student chooses their degree. Our staff advises students during this process.

What can I do with my degree?

Army ROTC prepares students to succeed in any career field. The leadership training and experiences students obtain in Army ROTC provides a foundation for excellence even if they only participate in portions of the program.

Upon college graduation and completion of the ROTC program, graduates commission as Second Lieutenants in the Army. They complete Officer branch (career field) training and then report to their first leadership position.

Learn more about the career fields Officers can pursue. Click here to view Branch specialization in the U. S. Army

After their first assignment, Army Officers may pursue specialized training and/or postgraduate education opportunities. They will be assigned to advanced leadership or staff positions in upper management. They may also develop doctrine, teach military tactics or serve as advisors.