What is ROTC?

The acronym ROTC stands for the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. Established at IUP in 1950, the ROTC program teaches leadership which students can apply throughout their careers, whether in business, industry, technology, education, the physical sciences, or the humanities. The ultimate goal for an ROTC student is to become a commissioned officer in the United States Army, vested by the authority of the President of the United States.

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. You can participate during freshman and sophomore years without obligation to join the Army.

Military Science for Dimensions of Wellness

MLSC 101 and 102 count towards your dimensions of wellness core requirement of the school. This option is open to the general student body and is a great way to learn about the military, leadership, and various other health and wellness topics. Students will participate in various outdoor activities, including rappelling, swimming, shooting, orienteering, and physical fitness, to name a few.

Military Science for Enrolled Cadets

Open to all freshman and sophomores that want to pursue a military career after college. Enrolled cadets are working towards a contract with the Army ROTC program, which will obligate them to military service. All Military Science credits count as free electives toward graduation.

Military Science for Contracted Cadets

Open to ROTC cadets that meet the qualifications and are offered a contract to obligate them to service in the US Army upon graduation as an officer. Students who complete the ROTC program earn a commission as a second lieutenant and receive placement in one of 18 professional officer branches in the US Army, including Adjutant General Corps, Air Defense Artillery, Armor, Aviation, Chemical Corps, Corps of Engineers, Cyber Security, Field Artillery, Finance, Infantry, Military Intelligence, Military Police, Medical Service Corps, Nurse Corps, Ordnance Corps, Quartermaster Corps, Signal Corps, and the Transportation Corps.

ROTC for General Student Body

Students who are enrolled full time at IUP and meet the minimum qualifications and criteria may apply for an ROTC scholarship.

If awarded, the scholarship will cover tuition and fees or room and board up to $10,000. If accepted, the scholarship will obligate the student to military service upon graduation. If you would like to explore these options, please contact us at army-rotc@iup.edu.