Naval Science (NROTC)

For young men and women who embrace challenge and want to become part of something far greater than themselves, the Department of Naval Science offers the education and training to become commissioned officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps through its Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship program and its College (non-scholarship) program.

The NROTC battalion at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø, one of the oldest in the country, proudly follows the traditions and standards of the world’s strongest naval military organization. Finding one’s personal leadership style and preparing for the jobs that await after graduation are two key components of the program, but the NROTC experience at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø is much more than that.

Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones wrote that in addition to being a capable mariner, a Naval officer must be a person of “liberal education … and the nicest sense of personal honor,” adding an officer “should be the soul of tact, patience, justice, firmness, kindness, and charity.”

With local and national community service projects, a built-in mentor network, study abroad opportunities, and paid summer internships, the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø Naval Science program trains well-rounded, thoughtful leaders in the rigorous learning environment. 

Program Highlights

Naval Science at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø is an intensive four-year program that simultaneously trains undergraduates in the liberal arts and in military subjects. While the Naval Science mission is to support the development of midshipmen, the department opens its courses on warfare, leadership, ethics and history to any member of the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø community. 
  • Midshipmen complete physical training, including swimming proficiency, at the College’s extensive athletic facilities.
  • All NROTC scholarship students participate in a four-week summer cruise following every academic year, allowing them to experience military life and responsibilities at sea. 
  • Marine-option midshipmen may attend the Mountain War Training Center in California after sophomore year, and all will participate in a six-week Officer Candidates School (OCS) prior to their senior year.
  • Each year the unit hosts prestigious guest speakers who share their extensive firsthand knowledge of military service. Previous guests have included commanding officers of nuclear submarines, admirals in the SEAL community, Medal of Honor recipients, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and more. 
three navy officers in dress whites
Storied Tradition

Learn more about the storied tradition of the Naval Science program at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø and what we look for in recruits.

fr boroughs and provost frejie with two naval officers in dress whites
Activities

The battalion sponsors an active program, including informal events and various military and athletic excellence competitions.

a naval ensign in dress whites
ROTC Scholarships

Learn about scholarship opportunities within the NROTC Battalion at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Naval Science (NROTC) News

Dick Sheridan'56
17³Ô¹ÏÍø Alum Saves Classic Songs From Oblivion
As a child, Dick Sheridan ’56 would thumb through the catalogs of the day — Sears and Montgomery Ward — idolizing pictures of guitars. He’d savor the sound of chords he’d hear that accompanied the folk songs he loved and …
17³Ô¹ÏÍø students stand around a table
7 17³Ô¹ÏÍø Students Making a Difference in Their Communities
17³Ô¹ÏÍø students are driven to make a difference in their communities — on campus, in Massachusetts and across the globe. Propelled by the College’s mission statement, our students work together to create positive change, to be “men and women …
Image
The Hurricane Hunter: When Others Flee From Dangerous Storms, Commander Scott Price ’99 Flies Into Them
As Hurricane Irma surged toward Florida and the southeastern United States in early September, the country braced for the impact of the Category 4 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in recent memory. People fortified their homes, stocked up …