2021-2022 Academic Catalog

Military Science (ROTC)

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Leadership That Lasts a Lifetime

The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is an elective curriculum you take along with your required college classes. It gives you the tools, training and experiences that will help you succeed in any competitive environment. 

Along with great leadership training, Army ROTC can pay for your college tuition. (Because Army ROTC is an elective, you can participate your freshman and sophomore years without any obligation to join the Army.) You will have a normal college student experience like everyone else on campus, but when you graduate, you will be commissioned as an Officer in the Army, Army National Guard or Army Reserve. At that point, you will have a wide range of interest areas you can specialize in called branches.

ROTC is traditionally a four-year program consisting of basic and advanced programs. The basic program is usually taken in the freshman and sophomore years. The student incurs no military obligation. Students may discontinue the basic program at any time. It consists of four semesters of training and instruction on areas of national defense, land navigation, small-unit leadership, military history and leadership development. Uniform, necessary textbooks and equipment are furnished without cost to the student.

To be eligible for the basic program, a student must be enrolled as a full-time student at California University of Pennsylvania and not be a conscientious objector. Students who have taken Junior ROTC or have military experience (Active Duty, National Guard or Reserve) may receive advanced placement credit for the basic program.

Who We're Looking For

Those who succeed in the Army ROTC program are students who excel and want something more out of the college experience. Generally, these students are scholars who keep their grades up, athletes who are physically fit and leaders who have a great desire to learn.

Your Commitment

Army ROTC students who receive an Army ROTC scholarship or enter the Army ROTC Advanced Course must agree to complete a period of service with the Army.

You can serve full time in the Army, or those who qualify may choose to serve part time as a member of the Army National Guard or Army Reserve while pursuing a civilian career.

It's an experience that you can't get anywhere else. Your leadership skills will be challenged every day. Contact your campus Military Science department for more specific details on your Army ROTC service commitment.

The Army ROTC program at California University of Pennsylvania is a satellite program delegated by the University of Pittsburgh Military Science Program; classes take place on the California University of Pennsylvania campus.

For additional information not covered above, contact the Military Science Department at 724-884-3727 or 724-938-1679, or visit our office located in The Military and Veterans Center or Excellence, Residence Hall E, rooms 146 and 157.

* Enrolling in the Army ROTC Basic Course does NOT involve a commitment of service to the Army unless you have received an Army ROTC Scholarship.