Skip to main
ROTC students walking across campus.

Military Science

Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)

Mortarboard
Degree Types
Specialization
Institution
Complementary Programs
Heart
Distinctive Requirements
Leadership Labs
Document
Benefits
Army ROTC Scholarship

What is ROTC?

It's How Students Become Leaders

Army ROTC provides you with the tools, training, and experiences you need to become an Officer in the U.S. Army. In Army ROTC you will learn to become a leader-not just a person who gives orders. You will lead by example. Being an Officer in the U.S. Army means you're a counselor, a strategist, and a motivator. It's similar to being a vital manager in a corporation. As an Officer, you will lead other Soldiers in all situations and adjust to environments that are always changing. You will be driven to achieve success with your team on every mission.

    Benefits

    • Get help with your college tuition with an Army ROTC scholarship
    • Gain experience you can't find anywhere else
    • Gain the respect of your peers and future employers
    Military Friendly Silver Award

    Majors, Minors & Specializations

    The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program has been a part of McDaniel College since 1919 and is one of the oldest programs in the nation. Students can be guaranteed service as an officer with the Army Reserve, Army National Guard or serve full time with the Active Army. Officers serve in a variety of fields, including aviation, medical, personnel, armor, artillery, infantry, intelligence, cyber, communications, law enforcement, and engineering. 

    ROTC student in uniform sitting in outdoor chair on campus.

    Design your own major

    No major is offered in this field, however, Military Science can be an integral part of a student-designed major or minor and/or an elective for any major. The courses are designed to develop the leadership ability of each student.

    ROTC Cadets in the Field

    Leadership Labs

    ROTC Cadet training involves classroom instructions on leadership techniques, time management, ethics, critical thinking skills, and military operations. Cadets are provided the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding in a field setting during weekly practical exercise called a Lab. This provides the opportunity for ht cadets to challenge themselves and learn in a safe environment. Labs range from topics covering Drill and Ceremony and Team Building, to Land Navigation and Squad Tactics. All Labs are designed to develop the knowledge and leadership abilities of the cadets; Labs are run by the Military Science (MS) III class. 

    Distinctive Courses

    MS 100 - Introduction to the Army

    MS 200 - Army Leadership

    Photo of Jack Buckley at Commissioning with family adding pins to his uniform.

    Meet an ROTC Alum Class of 2023: Jack Buckley

    Jack Buckley’s First Year Seminar, From Chaos to Compromise, with Professor Gretchen McKay set the tone for his time at McDaniel — four years of discovery. A Philosophy and Political Science major, Jack zeroed in on studying national security, joining McDaniel’s National Security Fellows Program, and interning with European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, under the Department of Defense. As a member of the Green Terror Battalion, he will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps after graduation.

    Brandon Rozanski '19 majored in Biology

    Alumni Spotlight Class of 2019: Brandon Rozanski The View From the Top of the Hill

    Biology major Brandon Rozanski was named the #6 ROTC cadet in the nation during his senior year and his academic excellence earned him a spot in medical school at the Uniformed Service University of Health Sciences.

    News for Military Science

    • McDaniel College earns Military Friendly® Schools silver designation

      In honor of Military Appreciation Month, McDaniel has been recognized among the nation’s top schools doing the most for military veterans and their families for the 14th consecutive year. McDaniel is also among the schools that earned the Military Friendly® Silver Award for scoring within 30% of the top 10 schools.
    • Thirteen ROTC cadets commissioned as Army officers

      Thirteen McDaniel graduating students, who served as members of the Green Terror Battalion, received commissions as Army officers on May 19. The keynote speaker for the ceremony was retired Maj. Gen. Michael O’Guinn, who served as the deputy chief of the Army Reserve in Washington, D.C., and currently teaches Business courses at Mount Saint Mary’s University.
    • McDaniel College again designated a Military Friendly® School

      In honor of Military Appreciation Month, McDaniel has been recognized among the nation’s top schools doing the most for military veterans and their families. This is the 13th consecutive year that McDaniel has earned this designation.