Requirements
Naval Science
As part of the NROTC program, midshipmen are required to take naval science courses taught by Cornell NROTC staff. Navy options take one course per semester for a total of eight. Marine options take six naval science courses, but supplement their classes with training specifically pertaining to the Marine Corps.
Drill Lab
Every semester, the Cornell NROTC battalion meets on Wednesday afternoons for two hours. This time is used in a variety of ways, including hearing lectures from guest speakers from various military service communities, volunteering at community service projects, and preparing to become a junior officer in the fleet.
Course Requirements
Table 3-2 specifies naval science courses midshipmen are required to take during their time at Cornell to prepare themselves as future Naval and Marine Corps officers.
There are additional academic requirements on top of these, though most coincide with the requirements for your major:
Navy Options
- 6 credits of calculus-based physics
- 6 credits of calculus
- 3 credits of American Military History or National Security Policy
- 6 credits of English (fulfilled by Cornell’s Freshman Writing Seminars)
- 3 credits of world religion or other cultural course
Marine Options
- 3 credits of American Military History or National Security Policy
Choosing Your Major
The NROTC program admits students of any major. However, majoring in a technical field is encouraged for Navy options and increases the chances of being awarded a scholarship. The most desired technical fields are listed as Tier 1 or 2 majors (See attached List)
Study Abroad
The NROTC program allows students to study abroad as long as students can maintain a course plan to graduate within four years. Recently, Cornell midshipmen have studied abroad in Denmark, France, Jordan, Spain, Scotland, and Australia.