The U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) offers some of the best leadership-development courses that you can take in college. You will expand your experience in leadership, military history, field craft, small unit tactics, and confidence.
Completing the program means you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. You will also earn an 18-credit military science minor, which you may combine with one of dozens of majors our University offers.
You can take our basic, 100- and 200-level military science courses with no commitment or contract for military service. However, if you continue on to the advanced courses at the 300 and 400 levels to become an officer, ROTC will provide you premier leadership training, enabling you to command soldiers.
ROTC is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself. You will have the chance to lead your fellow cadets while learning about yourself and building friendships that will last a lifetime.
Service Obligation
Scholarship recipients have an eight-year military service obligation upon commissioning.
Read Requirements
Benefits
ROTC cadets are eligible for tuition scholarships, monthly stipends, and additional forms of assistance.
Scholarships
- four-year federal (not counting nurses)
- three-year campus based
- 3.5-year campus based
- multiple two-year scholarships
Additional Assistance
- books ($1,200)
- monthly stipend
- monthly tax-free check
Simultaneous Membership Program
If you are a member of the Army National Guard or Army Reserve, you will have the opportunity to gain additional leadership experience as part of the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) shadowing a second lieutenant in your local unit and earning cadet/E-5 pay.
Job Placement
One of the biggest benefits of our program is 100-percent job placement and training in an additional skill within the U.S. Army.
This means that upon graduation, we guarantee that you will be trained in a specific branch or job that is marketable within the civilian world while receiving pay and benefits you earned by joining the military.
Program Requirements
We offer four basic courses to introduce you to ROTC and the military. After completing those, you will have a set of four advanced courses. You must commit to military service in order to begin the advanced courses.
You will also participate in training exercises throughout your time in the ROTC program.
Completing the program will also earn you a minor in military science.
Total Credits
18
Courses
The Basic Course normally takes place as elective courses during your first two years in college. It typically involves one elective class or lab each semester.
You will learn basic military skills and the fundamentals of leadership, as well as start the groundwork toward becoming an Army leader.
- MIL 101 Introduction to Military Science (1 credit)
- MIL 102 Introduction to Leadership (1 credit)
- MIL 201 Leadership/Military Tactics (2 credit)
- MIL 202 Leadership/Team Development (2 credit)
You can take Army ROTC Basic Course without a military commitment.
Advanced Courses typically take place as electives during your last two years of college. This normally includes one elective class or lab each semester, plus a summer leadership course.
You will learn advanced military tactics and gain experience in team organization, planning, and decision making.
Entering the Advanced Course requires a commitment to serve as an officer in the U.S. Army after you graduate.
Juniors who did not take the Army ROTC Basic Course must first complete the Leaders Training Course before entering the Army ROTC Advance Course.
- MIL 301 Military Leadership and Operations 1 (3 credits)
- MIL 302 Military Leadership and Operations 2 (3 credits)
- MIL 401 Leadership Challenge/Goal Setting (3 credit)
- MIL 402 Leadership Challenge/Goal Setting (3 credit)
- Cadet Initial Training – four weeks between sophomore and junior years
- Cadet Summer Training – four weeks between the junior and senior years
- Fall Field Training Exercise – three or four days during fall semester
- Spring Combined Field Training Exercise – four days during spring semester
- Senior Staff Ride – four-day trip to Washington DC and Civil War battlefields
- Senior Leadership
- Development Exercise – three days during spring semester
For a complete list of required courses and their descriptions, see the course catalog.
View Catalog
Apply to the Program
You will need to be admitted to Ball State University in order to join ROTC. Find a major that fits well with your future careers goals with the military. Also, if you’re in high school, consider scheduling a visit to campus to meet with our recruiting officer.
Want to Learn More?
One of the best ways to learn about Ball State is to see it for yourself. Schedule a campus tour through our Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and make sure to tell them you're interested in our program. Or if you'd like to speak with one of us directly, please call or email us.