Curriculum
It’s Not For Everyone—Just the Leaders of Tomorrow
The specific education you receive in Army ROTC will include things like leadership development, military skills and adventure training. This will take place both in the classroom and in the field, but you will have a normal daily schedule like all college students.
Army ROTC does not restrict what you may or may not major in. You will have to take ROTC classes, but other than that you will be free to major in whatever you desire, and can even double major or minor. Currently, the Tar Heel Battalion has cadets with a diverse set of majors that include Biology and Physics to Peace, War, & Defense.
All Military Science classes are taken as electives. Click Here to see UNC Chapel Hill Undergraduate Bulletin
Army ROTC Basic Course
The Basic Course normally takes place during your first two years in college as elective courses. It normally 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. You can take Army ROTC Basic Course without a military commitment.
MSI: Preparing For Success As An Army Officer
Topics covered include:
- Introduction to Army Leadership
- Army Customs and Traditions
- Military Operations and Tactics
- Goal Setting and Accomplishment
- Health and Physical Fitness
- Applied Leadership Theory
- Communications
- Principles of War
- Military Operations and Tactics
Basic Camp / Cadet Initial Entry Training
Some Cadets are required to participate in Cadet Initial Entry Training if they enter Army ROTC going into their junior year. This four week summer experience at Fort Knox, Kentucky allows Cadets to “catch up” to those who joined in their freshman or sophomore years. The first phase introduces Cadets to the Army and prepares them for the next three phases consisting of team building, leadership development and Field Training Exercises. Prior service cadets are not required to complete Basic Camp. Successful completion of CIET satisfies requirements for the ROTC Basic Course. Click here for more information on Basic Camp.
Army ROTC Advanced Course
The Advanced Course takes place during your last two years in college as elective courses. It normally includes one elective class and lab each semester in addition to the requisite physical training and field training exercises, plus a summer leadership camp. You will learn advanced military tactics and gain experience in team organization, planning and decision-making. To benefit from the leadership training in the Advanced Course, all Cadets must have completed either the Basic Course or Basic Camp/CIET. Entering the Advanced Course requires a commitment to serve as an Officer in the U.S. Army after you graduate.
MSIII: Leading Small Tactical Units
Topics covered include:
- Command and Staff Functions
- Law of War
- Weapons
- Team Dynamics and Peer Leadership
- Military Operations and Tactics
MSIV: Transition to Becoming an Army Officer
Topics covered include:
- Training the Force
- Military Justice
- Ethical Decision Making
- Personnel Management
- Cultural Awareness
- Post and Installation Support
- Military Operations and Tactics
Advanced Camp
Every Army ROTC Cadet who participates in the Advanced Course is required to attend Advanced Camp. Advanced Camp is a 31 day summer training experience to train and evaluate all Army ROTC Cadets. This course normally takes place between junior and senior years of college, and is conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky. During this course, cadets from all over the country come together in a professional, challenging environment to demonstrate the leadership and tactical skills they have acquired during ROTC. For more on Advanced Camp, click here.