Frequently Asked Questions | Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps University of Maryland

The best way is to apply for the national scholarship is at the U.S. Naval ROTC website. See eligibility and terms.

Important dates:

1 Apr – online application opens
26 Oct – first scholarship board
- We recommend you have all documents submitted and your interview complete at least two weeks prior to this to be eligible to be reviewed by this board
31 Dec – online application closes
31 Jan – deadline to submit updated material for a previously processed application
15 Feb – deadline for your recruiter to have all completed packages in the mail

UMD does not have an available program for the NROTC Nurse Option scholarship. Catholic, Georgetown, and Howard Universities (the George Washington University unit) have nursing programs.

You cannot apply for both the Navy-option and the Marine-option scholarship in the same cycle. You must choose one of the two options for the cycle. There are opportunities to apply for the other branch once you are enrolled in the program.

Note: this scholarship is also available for students with <30 credit hours at UMD. If this is the case, please also consider applying to our NROTC College Program (question 4).

If you are a high school senior and would like to schedule a scholarship interview, please email navalrotc@umd.edu with your name and availability during the week. You must request an interview at a minimum of two-weeks prior.

Note: Students who live in the DC/MD/VA area will have priority.

The Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program is physically challenging. All candidates are required to undergo a thorough medical examination because NROTC graduates are commissioned in a wide variety of exciting career fields with strict medical standards. The medical examination process begins once an applicant has been offered a NROTC scholarship.

Eyes and Vision Disqualifications

Below is a listing of those eye and vision disqualifications that are the most prevalent. This listing, while comprehensive, does not contain all possible disqualifications for eyes and vision.

1) Vision not correctable to 20/20 in both eyes is disqualifying. Spherical equivalent exceeding 8.00 diopters or astigmatism exceeding 3.00 diopters is disqualifying.

2) Substandard color vision is disqualifying.

3) Many chronic eye diseases/conditions such as keratoconus, glaucoma, optic atrophy, cataracts and retinal detachment are disqualifying.

4) Refractive surgery within the previous 6 months is disqualifying.

Heart and Vascular System

Among the disqualifying conditions are: uncorrected septal defect, hypertension, severe or symptomatic varicose veins, valvular stenosis, and mitral valve prolapse which has either caused symptoms or been associated with rhythm disturbance or regurgitation.

Ears and Hearing

Both ears must be free of tympanic membrane perforation and acute or chronic disease. The average of the hearing loss at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz in either ear may not exceed 30 decibels (ISO), and the loss at any one of these three frequencies may not exceed 35 decibels. The maximum acceptable loss in either ear is 45 decibels at 3000 Hz and 55 decibels at 4000 Hz.

Respiratory System

Asthma, exercise-induced bronchospasm, or reactive airway disease by any name is disqualifying.

Musculoskeletal System

Recent bone/joint injuries that have not fully healed, or any history of non-union fractures, shoulder, hip, or knee instability, internal derangement of a major joint not successfully repaired, compartment syndrome, spondylolisthesis, severe scoliosis, herniated nucleus pulposus, or spinal surgery are disqualifying.

Genitourinary System

Chronic protein, sugar, or blood in the urine is disqualifying, as is history of recurrent or bilateral kidney stones. Severe congenital or developmental anomalies, neoplastic conditions, persistent or recurrent infections, and certain complications of infections are cause for rejection. A current undescended testicle is disqualifying, as are current pregnancy or severe dysmenorrhea.

Gastrointestinal System

History of chronic esophagitis, malabsorption syndromes, liver disease, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, or functional bowel disease is disqualifying.

Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Seizure disorders (other than remote history of childhood febrile seizures), neurodegenerative conditions, recent or severe traumatic brain injuries, recurrent or severe headaches, and severe motion sickness are disqualifying. History of psychosis or affective illness, personality disorder, eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, some mood and anxiety disorders, bedwetting or sleepwalking persisting into adolescence are disqualifying. Academic skills defects treated past age 14, (including learning disabilities or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are disqualifying, but potentially waive-able if academically successful without the use of accommodations or medications.

Skin

Chronic diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and eczema are disqualifying. Pilonidal cyst is disqualifying unless successfully resected.

Other Disqualifying Conditions (this list is not all-inclusive)

Some other disqualifying conditions include:

• Unrepaired ventral or inguinal hernia

• Uncorrected anemia

• History of venous thrombosis, bleeding or clotting disorders

• Diabetes mellitus

• Autoimmune disease

• Sickle cell disease (sickle cell trait without anemia, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency are not disqualifying)

• Any active communicable infection

• Chronic Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C

• Systemic allergic reaction to stinging or biting insects, unless has completed venom immune therapy

• Allergy to common foods requiring special dietary considerations

• A history of drug and alcohol use disorders

• HIV or AIDS

A waiver of the medical standards may be granted if your medical condition is determined unlikely to interfere with the successful completion of four years in the NROTC program and a commission in either the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps with fulfillment of your five year service commitment. Patience is requested during the BUMED waiver review process

Scholarship awardees have typically participated in varsity sports, held significant leadership positions in extra-curricular activities, and are strong academic performers in science/math/engineering classes in high school. Scholarships are also more often awarded to tier 1 or 2 majors, vice tier 3

For FY20 scholarships, the following are the minimum scores required:

SAT Math: 540, Verbal: 550, Combined: 1150
ACT Math: 21, English: 22, Combined: 47

The NROTC Pre-Med program is available for students to apply as a part of their national scholarship application out of high school or while participating as a college programmer.

Students must maintain a strict 3.5 GPA and become admitted to a graduate medical program upon graduation. If a student were to not maintain the GPA requirement or not become accepted to medical school they are still obligated to commission into one of the other URL communities upon graduation.

You may join the NROTC unit as part of the College Program. The College Program provides no monetary benefits but you would participate fully in the unit. You will not be adversely ranked against scholarship students. You must submit the following forms in person to the NROTC Office in Reckord Armory.

Currently accepting applications for Spring 2025 on a rolling basis. All applicants for Spring 2025 should indicate their interest to the unit (via email at navalrotc@umd.edu). However, you should submit all application materials as early as possible to be given priority consideration for the program.

You can apply to join the unit while enrolled (as a full time, on campus, undergraduate-seeking student) at UMD with two or more years until graduation. If you are graduating within the next two years, you should explore a commission through the Officer Candidate School.

Required Documents: (you must download these files and open them in Adobe to view them)

College Program Application (sign using a pen, not electronically)
Report of Medical History, DD Form 2807-1 (signed by your primary care physician)
1. You may submit a copy of your DoDMERB physical (DD Form 2351, 2492, 2808, 2807-2) in lieu of this physical
2. A copy of any DoDMERB qualification letter for ROTC and/or service academy (if you have one). However, you must still submit a physical (either a copy of your DoDMERB physical or the Report of Medical History) that has been signed by a physician to be considered for entry into the College Program
Results of a medical test specifying if you have Sickle Cell Trait (SCT). Note: having SCT is not a disqualifying condition from the NROTC program. Most infants are tested for SCT at birth; this test is acceptable.
Degree Completion Plan showing your intended major (not Letters and Sciences) with no more than 19 credits per term to accomplish your degree at UMD. You must specify exactly which electives and Gen-Ed classes you will be taking (i.e. don’t write Tech Elect).
1. Current UMD Students:
  1. You must include one class from the Regional Studies list and one class from the National Security list of classes. These two classes can count for your Gen-Ed requirements. Marine options do not have to include a Regional Studies class.
  2. Include ENGL 101 and ENGL 39X, unless equivalent classes have been taken at another college or you have AP credit for ENGL 101.
  3. Navy option: You must include MATH140, MATH141, PHYS161, and PHYS260, unless prior credit has been granted. In that case, 3 credits must be taken at UMD in both calculus and physics. Majors that do not have a specified DSNL class must also take PHYS 261 in the same semester as 260.
  4. Each semester you will take 4 credits in Naval Science, so we recommend you create a degree plan with no more than 15 credits per semester to avoid taking more than 19 credits in a semester in total. You must include all eight naval science courses on your degree plan (FAQ, question 35) and NAVY108 every fall/spring semester.
  5. Do not take any courses in the summer between your junior and senior year.
  6. This plan must be reviewed and signed by an advisor in your major at the top of the form, indicating you have accounted for all required major and Gen-Ed requirements.
2. Current High School students, or Transfer students not yet completed initial advising: Degree Completion Plan showing your intended major (not Letters and Sciences) and the classes you intend to take in your first semester in the program
  1. This must include appropriate naval science classes (NAVY100 and NAVY108) and have at least 16 total credits (4 of which are naval science)
Unofficial high school transcript (if a current high school student or graduated this past May)
Unofficial UMD transcript from Testudo (if completed UMD initial advising or a current UMD student)
Unofficial college transcripts from other colleges/universities (if applicable)
Letter of acceptance from UMD
Copy of birth certificate (unofficial/scanned version is fine), naturalization papers, or proof of naturalization being in process

Note: if you are planning on applying as a sophomore, you will need to double-up your naval science courses on your degree completion plan. We recommend taking NAVY101/201 (first spring) and 200/300 (second fall) in the same semester.

Email the unit at navalrotc@umd.edu to set up an interview in the office in Reckord Armory on campus at UMD. Please email all documents listed above at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting. Bring physical copies as well to your interview. You must show up to your interview following proper grooming standards and in business casual attire (no jeans).

Parents: please allow your student the leadership development opportunity to reach out to the unit on their own behalf, rather than handling the college program application for them.

Eligibility for the NROTC College Program:

Be motivated to serve as a commissioned officer in the Naval service
- Have no moral obligations or personal convictions that will prevent bearing of arms and supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic or taking an oath to perform such act
Be a U.S. or naturalized citizen or have submitted naturalization papers
Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at UMD
Be a high school graduate or possess an equivalency certificate;
Have no apparent physically disqualifying factors based on a review of the Report of Medical History
Have the ability to meet the height/weight requirements
Have no felony conviction or conviction by courts-martial
Not be awaiting criminal trial or sentencing, or be under any other type of military or civil restraint as a result of violation of law or regulation, or have been convicted of an offense, the nature of which renders the applicant unfit for commissioned service
Meet Department of the Navy requirements concerning the use of drugs and alcohol
Have no body piercings and tattoos that violate Navy or Marine Corps policy
Have more than two years of college coursework remaining until you receive a degree from UMD
Meet physical requirements for the NROTC Program
Be at least 17 years of age and not yet 23 on or before 1 September of the year of enrollment and less than 27 years of age upon commissioning
- Those with prior or current active duty in the Armed Forces may be granted age waivers equal to the number of months served. Those granted the maximum age waiver must not have reached their 29th birthday upon commissioning.

NROTC College Program students are able to apply for the national 4 year scholarship if they have less than 30 credits at UMD during their first year in the program. If not selected for that scholarship, the unit will submit you for a three year scholarship in May of your freshman year. The final opportunity will be after your sophomore year for a two year scholarship. If you do not obtain this two year scholarship then you are automatically unenrolled from the program. Not obtaining a scholarship while enrolled in NROTC does not preclude you from gaining a commission through Officer Candidate School after you get your degree.

If you are a scholarship student, you must submit the following to navalrotc@umd.edu at least 20 days prior to the start of the semester. Transfers will normally be granted only with at least one full year in the program and if UMD costs less than your current university.

Letter from your CO (PNS) stating that you are on good standing (not on warning, probation, or LOA), your current PRT scores, and that s/he endorses your transfer
Letter of acceptance from UMD
Writtenstatement of the reasons you desire to transfer your scholarship. Ensure that you physically sign the request. The request should detail the following:
- Reason you desire to transfer and whether it concerns a proposed course of study (e.g., difficulty of obtaining courses required for degree)
- State your current projected commissioning date and your expected commissioning date once you transfer
- A comparison of the tuition costs at each university
- Include statement (d) verbatim on your request (concerning extended entitlements)
Degree plan signed by an advisor in the major you wish to pursue at UMD. It must meet all UMD Gen-Ed, major, and NROTC requirements.
Unofficial transcripts from both universities

If you are a college program student, you must submit the following to navalrotc@umd.edu at least 20 days prior to the start of the semester. Please CC your staff advisor at your university.

Copy of most recent FITREP showing that you are in good standing (not on warning/probation/LOA)
Most recent PRT results, including BCA data
Letter of acceptance from UMD
Degree plan signed by an advisor in the major you wish to pursue at UMD. It must meet all UMD Gen-Ed, major, and NROTC requirements.
Unofficial transcripts from both universities
Copy of birth certificate or naturalization papers
Copy of your original College Program application and DD 2807-1 (in your HRA admin file). A completed DoDMERB physical is acceptable as well.

If your transfer is approved, you must bring your Student Admin File, Performance File, and Medical/Dental Records to the UMD NROTC unit. Ensure the staff has released you from JPAS (security clearance) and DTS (official travel).

The two-year and three-year scholarship boards meet every summer to consider scholarship offers for students not currently in the NROTC College Program. This scholarship is also intended for students currently enrolled at other universities (such as Towson) who plan to transfer to UMD to start in the fall semester. Email all required documents to navalrotc@umd.edu no later than 15 June each year. This is only offered to those desiring to commission into the Navy.

Eligibility requirements are:

Be a U.S. citizen, a naturalized citizen or in the process of obtaining their U.S. citizenship.
Not less than 17 years old by Sept. 1 of the year the Scholarship is effective and has not reached their 24th birthday (3-Year nominee) or 25th birthday (2-Year or Advanced Standing nominee) or 26th birthday (1-Year nominee) on December 31 of that year.
Must not have reached 27th birthday by December 31 of the year in which graduation and commissioning are anticipated.
Applicants with prior military service may be eligible for age adjustments for an amount of time equal to their prior service, on a month-by-month basis, for a maximum of 36 months, if they will not reach their 30th birthday by December 31 of the year in which graduation and commissioning are anticipated.
No moral obligations or personal convictions that prevent conscientious bearing of arms and supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic or taking an oath to perform such acts.
Score at least a 60 on the Applicant Fitness Assessment
Must not have any body piercing or tattoos that violate Navy policy.
Active duty Navy applicants are ineligible to apply for the NROTC program. Active members of other branches of the military may apply if granted a conditional release.
Must be within 1, 2 or 3 years of estimated graduation/commissioning date.
Must have at least at least 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) but no more than 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours). College credits include those already earned and those currently enrolled in and anticipated to be earned during the spring term. Only those college credits that are accepted by the University/College, that the nominee has been admitted to and from which they are being nominated, should be used to determine eligibility.
Must have a minimum college GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
Must be admitted to a school affiliated with the ROTC Unit from which they are being nominated.

Required Documents: (you must download these files and open them in Adobe to view them)

College Program Application (sign using a pen, not electronically)
Report of Medical History, DD Form 2807-1 (signed by your primary care physician)
1. You may submit a copy of your DoDMERB physical (DD Form 2351, 2492, 2808, 2807-2) in lieu of this physical
2. A copy of any DoDMERB qualification letter for ROTC and/or service academy (if you have one). However, you must still submit a physical (either a copy of your DoDMERB physical or the Report of Medical History) that has been signed by a physician to be considered for entry into the College Program
Results of a medical test specifying if you have Sickle Cell Trait (SCT). Note: having SCT is not a disqualifying condition from the NROTC program. Most infants are tested for SCT at birth; this test is acceptable.
COVID-19 status: never tested, date of most recent negative test result, date of most recent positive result, or date of positive antibody test
1. Applicants with a positive test result or that have tested positive for antibodies must also submit:
  1. Examination from a medical provider documenting all of the following:
    1. Medical clearance following COVID infection in accordance with CDC guidelines
    2. Current full set of vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, pulse oximetry)
    3. Clinical heart and lung exam
    4. Brief description of the dates and clinical symptoms associated with the COVID infection, or the date and reason for having been tested (e.g.: asymptomatic, but required screening for school or work)
    5. Date of exercise clearance or a return to exercise plan stated in writing. Exercise should be limited to no more than a brisk walk for 7 days after a positive test (if asymptomatic) or symptom resolution (if symptoms were present), followed by a gradual return to exercise
    6. If any symptoms were associated with COVID infection, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is also required
  2. A signed and dated personal statement describing all of the following:
    1. Dates and course of the illness (a list of symptoms experienced with date of symptom resolution, whether or not hospitalized) or circumstances surrounding the diagnosis (asymptomatic with positive screening)
    2. Current self-paced running, swimming, and strength training regimen over the previous 2 weeks (if medically cleared for unrestricted exercise)
    3. Presence or absence of any cardiopulmonary symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations etc.) during self-paced physical activity.
COVID vaccine documentation
Copy of birth certificate (unofficial/scanned version is fine), naturalization papers, or proof of naturalization being in process
Applicant Letter
Applicant Personal Data Record
Applicant Fitness Assessment
1. For information only: Applicant Fitness Assessment Standards and Scoring
2. For information only: Applicant Fitness Assessment Instructions
3. Due to COVID-19, this can be administered by anyone (including a parent)
Unofficial transcripts from UMD and all prior colleges attended
Letter of acceptance from UMD
1. You can submit this as late as June 25 if you are waiting an admissions decision
Degree Completion Plan showing your intended major (not Letters and Sciences) with no more than 19 credits per term to accomplish your degree at UMD. You must specify exactly which electives and Gen-Ed classes you will be taking (ie don’t write Tech Elect).
1. This plan must be reviewed and signed by an advisor in your major at the top of the page, indicating you have accounted for all required major and Gen-Ed classes.
2. You must include one class from the Regional Studies list and one class from the National Security list of classes. These two classes can count towards your remaining Gen-Ed requirements.
3. Include ENGL 101 and ENGL 39X, unless equivalent classes have been taken at another college or you have AP credit for ENGL 101 (FSAW).
4. You must include MATH140, MATH141, PHYS161, and PHYS260, unless prior credit has been granted. In that case, 3 credits must be taken at UMD in both calculus and physics. Majors that do not have a specified DSNL class must also take PHYS 261 in the same semester as PHYS 260.
5. Each semester you will take at least 4 credits in Naval Science, so we recommend you create a degree plan with no more than 15 credits per semester to avoid taking more than 19 credits in a semester in total. You must include NAVY108 (1 credit) every fall/spring semester in addition to the following courses:
  1. If you are applying for the three year scholarship, you should take naval science courses in the following sequence:
    1. Fall sophomore: NAVY 100
    2. Spring sophomore: NAVY 101 and 201
    3. Fall junior: NAVY 200 and 300
    4. Spring junior: NAVY 301
    5. Fall senior: NAVY 400
    6. Spring senior: NAVY 401
  2. If you are applying for the two year scholarship, you will take naval science courses in the following sequence:
    1. Fall junior: NAVY 100 and 200
    2. Spring junior: NAVY 101 and 201
    3. Fall senior: NAVY 300 and 400
    4. Spring senior: NAVY 301 and 401
  3. Gen-Ed Info
    1. NAVY 100 and 101: DSHS
    2. NAVY 201 and 400: DSSP
    3. NAVY 200 and 401: DSHU and SCIS
6. Do not take any courses in the summer between your junior and senior year.
Essay question (<250 words): Discuss your reasons for wanting to become a Naval Officer. Specifically comment on leadership positions you have held, the challenges you have faced and the lessons you have learned.
Discussion questions (<500 words). Write these in the third person, ie "John desires to serve in the Navy because..."
1. Propensity to Serve
2. Team Player/Engaged
3. Communications
4. Initiative
5. Toughness
6. Innovation
7. Leadership/Followership
8. Character
Letters of reference (optional)

As a first semester fall freshman, you need to register for NAVY 100 (Introduction to Naval Science, Mon/Wed 0800-0915) and NAVY 108 (Leadership Lab, Thurs 0600-0800). You must also register for MATH 140 (Calculus I) or MATH 141 (Calculus II) and PHYS 161 (Physics I) if you are Navy-option. Note: MATH 141 (Calculus II) is a co-requisite for PHYS 161. If you are joining in the spring, register for NAVY 101 (Sea Power and Maritime Affairs, Tues/Thurs 0800-0915) instead of NAVY 100.

If you took AP Physics 1 or 2 in high school, it does not meet the Navy physics requirements, as those are algebra-based physics courses. If you took AP Physics C and received a 4 or 5 on the AP test, then you are eligible to exempt PHYS 161 only.

If you took AP Calculus BC in high school and received a 4 or 5 on the AP test, you are eligible to exempt MATH140 and 141. However, you must take at least one higher level Calculus class at the University of Maryland (i.e. MATH 241- Calculus III). See UMD AP Credit Transfer Policy

NAVY100 is an introduction to the naval profession and concepts of sea power. Major topics explored are the mission, strategy, organization, and descriptions of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Students will gain a basic understanding of warfighting capabilities, required leadership skills, training and education, and the duties and responsibilities of a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Junior Officer. The student will learn Naval courtesy and customs, military justice, and nomenclature as well as the professional competencies required to become a naval officer.

NAVY101 introduces the student to the key themes of naval and maritime history. Curriculum presents an analysis through lectures, reading, and student discussion of the relationship of sea power to American history. Classical concepts and contemporary employment of sea power are examined by viewing historic and current naval and maritime developments.

Yes, but you must register for NAVY 100 and NAVY 108 and register for at least 15 total credits in the fall semester. There are Freshman Connection-only sections of NAVY 100 and 108. You must participate in Freshman Connection if you are offered spring admission in order to activate your scholarship. You can still activate your scholarship (if awarded) if you are participating in Freshman Connection. The scholarship (if you are an awardee and are eligible to activate upon arrival at UMD) will cover full tuition and mandatory fees associated with Freshman Connection. Enrolling in Freshman Connection will NOT adversely affect your scholarship or standing within the unit. If you have a scholarship offer and do NOT enroll in Freshman Connection, then you are forfeiting your scholarship offer.

If you are in the College Program or have an unactivated scholarship, you will see an additional charge of $1,468 (as of fall 2019) on your account because NAVY classes are outside the Office of Extended Studies. NROTC does not cover this fee for College Programmers. If you have a scholarship offer but it is not activated, this would be included in retroactive tuition payments, if approved.

Clarifications on the Freshman Connection NROTC Enrollment Form

You must register for both NAVY 100 and NAVY 108 (there are Freshman Connection-only sections for both of these courses)
NAVY 100 will be located in ARM0135, Mon/Wed 0800-0915
NAVY 108 will be located in ESJ1224, Thurs 0600-0800
Participation requirements are battalion-directed events such as physical training and drill
Correct office phone number is 301-314-6289

Other important information:

PHYS 161/260 are not offered through Freshman Connection, not taking these classes will not affect your scholarship
Ensure you are taking MATH 140 or 141, as appropriate. If you have validated MATH 141 through transfer credit or AP, you must either retake the class or take the next higher math class.
Recommended to take ENGL 101 and/or COMM107 as appropriate
You must take a total of at least 15 credits (4 of which are from naval science)

While some universities choose to waive room and board for their ROTC students, the University of Maryland does not. The scholarship provides full tuition, mandatory fees, $375 per semester for books, and a stipend of $250 a month (as a freshman) for subsistence. See the list of schools that offset room and board.

Students may, however, elect to receive room and board instead of tuition. Room and board payments paid from the Navy are a maximum of $11,500 annually (split into two payments, one per semester). Additionally, if a student elects R&B for a fall semester, they make themselves ineligible to have their winter classes covered by their scholarship (same for spring/summer semesters).

Once you are awarded your scholarship, you must bring the following documents to the unit HRA to activate your scholarship.

Copy of email notification of scholarship award
Copy of birth certificate or naturalization papers
Copy of DoDMERB qualification letter or BUMED waiver letter

Furthermore, you must pass a fitness test (USN PFA or USMC PFT) at the unit.

Once you are found medically qualified by DoDMERB or waived by BUMED, UMD NROTC will transmit your information to Third Party Billing in the Office of Student Financial Services. This will provide a financial credit to cover all required fees and tuition from your student billing account. This occurs 15 calendar days prior to the start of the semester. Please email your qualification/waiver letter to navalrotc@umd.edu upon receipt to expedite this process.

In order for tuition to actually be paid, you must be medically qualified/waived, a US citizen (bring a copy of your birth certificate or naturalization papers to your first day at the unit), and have passed the military fitness test at New Student Orientation. Not meeting these three requirements will cause the tuition and fees to return to your student billing account and you will be responsible for payment.

If you (or your parents) pay for tuition and you are able to activate your scholarship before the 45th day of the semester, NROTC will pay your tuition and fees that semester. You may request a refund from UMD.

If you are not medically qualified/waived by 45 calendar days into the semester, you are responsible for paying all tuition and fees for that semester. The unit can request retroactive payments on your behalf, which, if approved, would be processed the following summer.

No. You must sign up for housing on your own at ResLife.

No. However, many midshipmen find it helpful to live and/or room with members of NROTC due to similar schedules and early wakings. The NROTC unit is not able to help you secure a roommate who is also enrolled in NROTC through student housing.

No. You must be a full-time, on-campus, undergraduate student at UMD to participate in NROTC. We have a sister unit at UMBC. Those enrolled at UMBC participate in the NROTC at UMBC.

Each service operates its ROTC programs differently. You must be a full-time, on-campus, undergraduate student at UMD to participate in NROTC. You may register for naval science classes per your college’s crosstown enrollment policy, however, this will not lead to a commission in the Navy or Marine Corps.

No. You must be a first-time undergraduate-seeking student. You cannot be a graduate student and enroll in NROTC.

Yes. You must take at least 15 credits per semester to be enrolled in the program, 4 of which are from NROTC classes. Most students take 18-19 credits per semester (4 of which are naval science) in order to graduate in 8 semesters and to minimize winter and summer classes.

College program students need to earn as high of a GPA as possible to be competitive for a scholarship. Scholarship and advanced standing students need >2.50 each semester and cumulative in order to maintain the scholarship.

Military service is a physically demanding profession and requires a high degree of physical preparedness and a healthy constitution. As such, physical training is an integral part of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. There are two required physical training sessions per week for midshipmen that meet the standards on their semesterly physical readiness test (Navy Options) and physical fitness test (Marine Options). For midshipmen who do not meet the standard on either of these tests they are required to attend a third physical training session during the week. Outside of required physical training, many midshipmen train on their own time or organize workouts separate from the unit.

Navy height/weight standards: male, female.

Minimum Fitness Scores (Navy Option)

Table of fitness test minimum scores. Male: 12minute 1.5mile run, 47 pushups, 2 minute 5 second plank; Female: 14 minute 15 second 1.5 mile run, 21 pushups, 2 minute 5 second plank

Marine option: must score a 200 or higher on both the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT). Calculate your score. See Height/weight standards.

Incoming freshmen will be provided with all gear, uniforms, textbooks, and materials for their Naval Science classes except for a few items. You will need to purchase the UMD NROTC unit polo, UMD NROTC Company T-shirts, a black backpack, khaki pants, dress shoes (i.e. boat shoes), leather belt, and other basic school supplies needed by students.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 0600-0700: physical fitness training

Midshipmen who pass the PT test are waived from the Monday fitness session

Thursday 0600-0750: Leadership Lab

Every Thursday all midshipmen wear uniforms to their regularly scheduled classes. Leadership Lab consists of general military training, as well as general updates about the unit and current events.

Friday 0630-0750: Drill training (freshmen and sophomores)

Students must attend their required classes and naval science classes based on their status in the program. Scroll down for which naval science classes you must take over all four years.

Marine options are not major-restricted, though technical and challenging majors are preferred. When making a degree plan, the regional studies class, calculus and physics are not requirements to complete the program. Marine options will PT an additional time per week and be required to attend numerous weekend Field Training Exercises.

There are a variety of areas incoming students can work on to prepare themselves. Below are a few areas that many new students struggle in after reporting.

Physical fitness- We do not strive for the minimum in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. You are expected to surpass these minimums and excel. This is doable through the unit physical training as well as working out on your own.
Academic excellence- UMD is a challenging institution. NROTC students take an additional four credits per semester compared to their peers. Brush up on calculus and physics topics prior to arrival as a freshman to ensure you pass these classes on the first try.
Time management skills- you will be a full time student as well as a Midshipmen and will be expected to be successful in both. Staying on top of your work is key to being successful.
Communication- proper etiquette when addressing active duty staff members through emails and in person. Being punctual when communicating through email is a point of friction that many midshipmen struggle with shortly after reporting to the unit.
Military bearing and knowledge- it is never too early to read about the opportunities the Navy and Marine Corps has to offer. This can be accomplished by looking through the Chief of Naval Operations’s recommended reading list.

The University of Maryland has over 90 members as of Fall 2020.

Yes, the NROTC unit plans a variety of field exercises exposing Midshipmen to the vast opportunities the Navy and Marine Corps has to offer. These field exercises (FEX) have included traveling to Quantico, Norfolk, Groton, Jacksonville, and Patuxent River Naval Air Station in the past.

The UMD NROTC unit has a Conning Officer Virtual Environment (COVE) System that we leverage to enhance teaching during Naval Science classes as well as outside of classes. This is a virtual reality system designed to mimic ship driving at sea. FEXs provide additional opportunities to discover military technologies.

Besides COVE, the unit has a 30-seat classroom and an office suite. The midshipmen maintain a wardroom with snacks, coffee, a refrigerator, and a computer. Many students choose to study in the wardroom or the classroom. Our classroom is equipped with 10 computers that students may use to complete homework assignments.

UMD is located between Washington DC (our nation’s capital) and Annapolis, MD (home of the US Naval Academy). We draw from both communities to provide informative field trips for our students. Furthermore, we are one of the largest units in the country (>90 students) and have one of the highest rates of scholarship participation.

Scholarship midshipmen are required to attend various training programs during the summer. College Program students only attend NSI and will attend summer training when/if they pick up a scholarship. These summer programs include:

Summer before freshman year:

New Student Indoctrination (NSI): Basic militarization and training program REQUIRED for all midshipmen entering the NROTC program. Specific information will be sent to you depending on whether you are a scholarship or college program student. Note: NSI is cancelled for summer 2020 due to COVID-19.

AND

New Student Orientation (NSO): Mandatory, unit-specific training for new MIDN joining NROTC (college program and scholarship). Typically occurs Wed-Sat prior to the start of the fall semester.

Summer after freshman year:

CORTRAMID (Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen): Training consists of surface, submarine, aviation, and Marine Corps orientation.

Summer after sophomore year:

2/C Cruise: same options as after junior year, excluding aviation/SOAS/EOD/foriegn cruises (below)

Summer after junior year:

Sea Trials: Professional military training and evaluation prior to junior year.

AND ONE OF

Afloat Aviation Option: Selected midshipmen train aboard a carrier; training includes flight time on navy aircraft if feasible.
Ashore Aviation Option: Selected midshipmen train with a Navy aviation squadron, including flight time if feasible.
Foreign Exchange Training of Midshipmen (FOREXTRAMID) and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Exchanges: Selected midshipmen train with Navies of other countries.
Marine Corps Officer Candidate School: First class Marine Option midshipmen are assigned to a rigorous evaluation of military skills and officership
Nuclear Power: Midshipmen can be assigned to a nuclear submarine or nuclear surface vessels.
SOAS: SEAL Officer Assessment and Selection. Also known as mini-BUDS.
EOD Summer Cruise: Gain exposure to the EOD Community by being attached to an EOD Platoon to begin the selection process.
NSI Instructor: Selected midshipmen can staff the NSI for incoming freshmen in addition to a summer cruise.

The unit provides tutors for calculus and physics for all Midshipmen at Academic Enhancement Period (AEP). AEP is required for all freshmen and students taking Calculus I and II and/or Physics I and II. Besides these resources, the university has a plethora of resources to help students academically in every subject.

As long as you remain in a technical major (engineering, hard science, computer science or similar field of study) it is very easy to change your major once you accept the scholarship, as long as you don’t extend your graduation date or incur additional winter/summer classes. However, this must be approved by the unit staff before you execute a change of major with the university.

The nominal commitment is five years post graduation, but that varies based on the community you eventually enter. Marine corps, surface, submarine, and special warfare are five years, naval flight officer is six years after wings, and naval pilot is eight years after wings. Wings take approximately 2-2.5 years.

While technically possible, there are only 1-2 slots nationally for medical and dental careers in the US Navy through NROTC. UMD does not have a nursing school that is covered by the NROTC scholarship. Midshipmen are expected to pursue careers in Unrestricted Line (URL) communities: surface warfare, submarine warfare, aviation (pilot or flight officer), special warfare (SEAL or Explosive Ordnance Disposal), or as a Marine Corps officer while enrolled in NROTC. Midshipmen may not commission into cybersecurity, intelligence, or another restricted line or staff corps field unless found to be medically disqualified after enrolling in the program. This is a very infrequent situation and incoming students should NOT expect to commission into restricted line or staff corps fields.

The following classes are all 3 credits:\

Freshman Year (Both Marine Options and Navy Options):

NAVY100- Introduction to Naval Science (Mon/Wed 0800-0915)- Fall
NAVY101- Seapower and Maritime Affairs (Tues/Thurs 0800-0915)- Spring

Sophomore Year (Navy Options):

NAVY200- Leadership and Management (Tues/Thurs 0800-0915)- Fall
NAVY201- Navigation (Mon/Wed 0800-0915)- Spring

Junior Year (Navy Options):

NAVY300- Naval Engineering (Mon/Wed 0800-0915)- Fall
NAVY301- Naval Weapons Systems (Mon/Wed 0800-0915)- Spring

Senior Year (Navy Options):

NAVY400- Naval Operations and Seamanship (Tues/Thurs 0800-0915)- Fall
NAVY401- Leadership and Ethics (Tues/Thurs 0800-0915)- Spring

Sophomore Year (Marine Options):

NAVY200- Leadership and Management (Tues/Thurs 0800-0915)- Fall
NAVY302- Evolution of Warfare (Tues/Thurs 0930-1045)- Spring

Junior Year (Marine Options):

NAVY402- Maneuver Warfare (Tues/Thurs 0930-1045)- Spring

Senior Year (Marine Options):

NAVY401- Leadership and Ethics (Tues/Thurs 0800-0915)- Spring

All students every fall/spring semester will additionally take NAVY108- Leadership Lab (1 credit) (Thurs 0600-0755).

Gen-Ed Info:

NAVY 100 and 101: DSHS (Both options)
NAVY 201 and 400: DSSP (Navy-option)
NAVY 302 and 402: DSSP (Marine-option)
NAVY 200 and 401: DSHU and SCIS (Both options)

Leadership lab is professional education and training. Topics include general Navy/Marine Corps mission and policies, force protection, operational security, watch standing, physical fitness, nutrition, stress management, and other professional development subjects not normally included in the curriculum of the Naval Science Courses.

You must have submitted naturalization papers to the US government if not a US citizen by birth or naturalized already.

Enroll as a student in Letters and Sciences. Work expeditiously for entry into the major in accordance with the department’s policy. This will NOT adversely affect your scholarship.

No.

Yes. We encourage study abroad while pursuing an undergraduate degree. You can participate in a number of UMD-sponsored programs, depending on your course of study. The scholarship, if activated, can cover the cost of these programs not to exceed the normal tuition rate on campus. Performing study abroad in the fall/spring terms required coordination with the unit staff. Additionally, the DoD sponsors PROJECT GO, which provides language training and cultural immersion. Students are highly encouraged to apply and attend PROJECT GO programs.