Program Overview

Introduction to the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Program

The Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program at Villanova University provides world-class leadership development while offering students full tuition, a book stipend, and more. The program has a long-standing relationship with the United States Navy and aims to educate prospective officers for the Navy and Marine Corps.

Program Overview

The NROTC program at Villanova University is one of approximately 60 units in the United States. The objective of the program is to develop midshipmen mentally, morally, and physically, and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, loyalty, and core values of honor, courage, and commitment.

Mission Statement

The mission of the NROTC program is to develop midshipmen in order to commission college graduates as naval officers who possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the naval service, and have a potential for future development in mind and character.

Learning Goals and Objectives

The primary objectives of the NROTC program are to provide students with:

• An understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of Naval Science
• A basic understanding of the associated professional knowledge
• An appreciation of the requirements for national security
• A strong sense of personal integrity, honor, and individual responsibility
• An educational background that will allow midshipmen to undertake successfully, in later periods of their career, advanced or continuing education in a field of application and interest to the Naval Service

Academic Requirements

Midshipmen in the NROTC program are required to complete specific courses, which vary depending on whether they are part of the Navy or Marine Option.

Navy Option

Navy Option midshipmen are required to complete:

• Eight semesters of Naval Science
• Two semesters of Calculus
• Two semesters of Physics
• One semester of American History/National Security Policy
• One semester of World Culture and Regional Studies
• Naval Science courses are completed in a specific sequence:
  • Freshman Year: NS 1000 - Intro to Naval Science, NS 1100 - Seapower and Maritime Affairs
  • Sophomore Year: NS 3100 - Navigation, NS 4100 - Leadership and Management
  • Junior Year: NS 2100 - Naval Ships Systems I, NS 2200 - Naval Ships Systems II
  • Senior Year: NS 3200 - Naval Operations, NS 4200 - Leadership and Ethics

Marine Option

Marine Option midshipmen are required to complete:

• Six semesters of Naval Science
• One semester of American History/National Security Policy
• One semester of World Culture and Regional Studies
• Naval Science courses are completed in a specific sequence:
  • Freshman Year: NS 1000 - Intro to Naval Science, NS 1100 - Seapower and Maritime Affairs
  • Sophomore Year: NS 3500 - Evolution of Warfare, NS 4100 - Leadership and Management
  • Junior Year: NS 3600 - Fundamentals of Maneuver Warfare
  • Senior Year: NS 4200 - Leadership and Ethics

Physical Requirements

Midshipmen are expected to establish individual fitness programs aimed at achieving increasing levels of endurance and general physical conditioning. They are required to take the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) or Physical Fitness Test (PFT) once each semester.

Navy Option Physical Requirements

• The PFA events shall be completed in the following sequence: push-ups, forearm plank, and 1.5-mile run
• The minimum standards for the Navy PFA are:
  • Push-ups: Females - 21, Males - 47
  • Forearm Plank: Females - 2:05, Males - 2:05
  • 1.5 Mile Run: Females - 14:15, Males - 12:00

Marine Option Physical Requirements

• The PFT consists of three events in the following sequence: pull-ups, crunches, and 3-mile run
• The minimum standards for the PFT are:
  • Pull-ups: Females - 3, Males - 12
  • Crunches: Females - 70, Males - 70
  • 3 Mile Run: Females - 27:00, Males - 24:00

Scholarship Information

The NROTC Scholarship application portal is hosted by the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). Prospective students can visit the official US Navy Website for more detailed entrance requirements.

4-Year NROTC Scholarship

• The scholarship covers full tuition and provides a book stipend
• The application process is hosted by the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC)

College Program

• Incoming freshmen without a scholarship or current students at Villanova can join the NROTC unit
• They should contact the Freshman Advisor to begin the process

Events and Activities

The NROTC program at Villanova University participates in various events and activities, including:

• Summer Seminar: A four-night/four-day on-campus experience for rising high school seniors
• Fall Ball: A military and social gathering that includes ceremonial drill and cake cutting, dinner, drinks, dancing, and music
• Military Excellence Competitions: A competition where military units compete against one another in physical activities and military skills
• Biannual Parades: A formal parade conducted by the Battalion of Midshipmen at the end of each semester, showcasing military discipline, professionalism, and teamwork.