Student & Parent FAQ

MSU Army ROTC is a program of leadership and military skills training. It prepares MSU students for officer responsibilities in the active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard following graduation.

It is leadership training at the highest level. The sense of pride, discipline and commitment involved with ROTC stays with a person for life. In college and after graduation, cadets find that the training and experience they receive are assets, whether pursuing an Army or a civilian career. Employers place high regard on the management and leadership skills that ROTC instructors stress. Plus, ROTC looks great on a resume. When cadets complete the ROTC course, upon graduation, they become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army. 

Being an officer in the U.S. Army is one of the most prestigious, difficult and satisfying professions an American citizen can have. First and foremost an officer is a leader: highly trained, disciplined and effective. An officer must be able to make smart decisions quickly and under stress. Many former Army officers have gone on to become CEOs of major corporations and have held positions of importance in government, using their officer training and experience as a competitive edge. 

Yes. Each year thousands of students attending colleges nationwide receive ROTC scholarships. ROTC awards scholarships to students studying science, engineering, nursing and business as well as a variety of other majors. 

Army ROTC scholarships pay for tuition and academic fees, up to a total of $80,000 for four years. Scholarship winners also receive an annual book allowance of $1,200 and a stipend (living allowance) of $420 per month. 

ROTC scholarships are not based on financial need. Instead, they're awarded on merit in the areas of scholarship, athletics and leadership. Physical and academic achievement are considered in conjunction with extracurricular activities such as sports, student government, volunteering or part-time work. 

No, students who enroll in ROTC don't necessarily join the Army. They take ROTC classes for which they receive credit. It's considered a college elective. Students pursue their "regular" college degrees on campus like other students. And upon graduation from college, the ROTC cadets become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.

No. ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their degrees. Cadets have a normal college experience yet graduate with advantages that far exceed their peers. 

ROTC courses take up no more time than other college electives. All that is required is a few hours a week. 

The ROTC program is divided into two phases. The basic course is comprised of classes that study Army history, organization and structure. The techniques and principles of leadership and management are stressed throughout. The advanced course is comprised of classes that teach tactical operations and military instruction as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership and command. Army ROTC involves one course and lab on campus each semester. Basic courses satisfy MSU requirements for general electives and have no military obligation. Military science classes are a comprehensive educational experience because they combine classroom learning with adventure training.

Basic Courses (Freshmen and Sophomore years): Introduction to Leadership 

• Self/Team Development 
• Individual/Team Military Tactics 
• Instruction Techniques & Survey of Army Career Fields

Advanced Courses (Junior and Senior years): Leading Small Organizations 

• Leadership Challenges and Goal Setting 
• Transition to Lieutenant 

ROTC trains students to become officers in the Army, positions of great responsibility. ROTC prepares cadets for officership both physically and mentally with classroom work and adventure/leadership training. Possible exercises could include leading cadets while rappelling, white-water rafting or rock climbing.  MSU Army ROTC can help you be successful during college and after graduation. You will learn the confidence, self-discipline, leadership and management skills necessary to be a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career. 

At MSU, more than 100 students take Army ROTC courses on campus each year. They include students from business, nursing, humanities, education and behavioral sciences, science and technology and all other academic fields. Each year, approximately 13 MSU students complete the Army ROTC program and earn presidential appointments as Army officers. 

During the basic course, ROTC cadets have no military obligation. In the case of scholarship winners, cadets have no military obligation until they receive their diploma and commission. 

Anyone can enroll in ROTC. And regardless of whether you're a scholarship winner or not, all ROTC books, supplies and equipment are furnished at no cost to you. 

The National High School scholarship application window opens yearly in June. Students must apply through the online application at https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/college-students/four-year-scholarships.html. Please pay close attention to application submission deadlines.  The more boards you appear before, the greater your chances of selection.

Campus Based scholarships are awarded to students already enrolled at MSU.  These scholarships are not based on financial need. Instead, they're awarded on merit in the areas of scholarship, athletics and leadership. Physical and academic achievement are considered in conjunction with extracurricular activities such as sports, student government, volunteering or part-time work.  MSU ROTC holds scholarship boards once each fall and spring semester.  These scholarships are limited in numbers, so bring you’re “A” game! 

To get a head start on life after college, both personally and professionally, contact Mr. Farley J. Purvis at fj.purvis@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-5256.