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MISSION

The Department of Military Science (Army ROTC) at Bowie State University prepares students to serve as commissioned officers in the United States Army - Active Duty, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. The program emphasizes leadership and character development, physical fitness, and professional competence, which contributes to success in both military and civilian careers.

ROTC provides rigorous training in the principles of leadership, military science, and organizational management, with hands-on experience through classroom instruction, leadership labs, physical training, and field exercises.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

BASIC COURSE (Freshman-Sophomore Years)

Open to all students who are U.S. citizens, the Basic Course incurs no military obligation. Coursework introduces students to leadership principles, Army values, and basic military skills. Students who join after their sophomore year may attend ROTC Basic Camp at Fort Knox to meet these requirements.

ADVANCED COURSE (Junior-Senior Years)

Cadets who commit to commissioning attend the Advanced Course, which includes leadership-focused academics, physical fitness, and field exercises. All Cadets must complete a four-week Advanced Camp at Fort Knox between their junior and senior years. Successful completion leads to commissioning upon graduation.

GREEN TO GOLD PROGRAM

Active-duty Soldiers or veterans may qualify for direct entry into the Advanced Course through the Army’s Green to Gold program. Eligible candidates should consult the department for guidance on enrollment and benefits.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Basic Course Eligibility:

• Good moral character
• U.S. citizenship (foreign students may enroll but cannot contract/commission)
• Physically capable of meeting program demands
• Full-time student status (12+ credits undergraduate; 9+ graduate)
• Compliance with Army and university policies

*Note: Waivers may be available for select criteria. *

Advanced Course Eligibility:

• Minimum of two years remaining at Bowie State University
• Completion of Basic Course or Basic Camp
• Medically qualified
• Officer potential and commitment to commission
•  Agreement to serve (Minimum 3 years for non-scholarship, 4 years for scholarship, and GTG Cadets)

FINANCIAL BENEFITS & INCENTIVES

• Scholarships: Two-, three- and four-year scholarships available (covering tuition and fees, with additional book stipends)
• Monthly stipend is $420 per month during the academic year for Advanced Course or scholarship Cadets
• Training Pay Compensation: Approximately $1,500 during Cadet Summer Training; travel allowances included
• Book stipend is $1,200 per year
• Uniforms: Issued by the department; reimbursement required for lost items

COURSE OFFERINGS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Participation in physical readiness training and field training exercises is required throughout the ROTC program. These components are essential for Cadet development, team cohesion, and leadership assessment.

Contact the Department of Military Science for details regarding scholarships, enrollment procedures, eligibility waivers, and career opportunities in the U.S. Army.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)

OVERVIEW

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) provides students the opportunity to earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force while completing their undergraduate degree. It is highly recommended that students seeking a commission contact the AFROTC department for full program details before registering for classes. AFROTC is available to Bowie State University students through an agreement with the University of Maryland College Park.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

AFROTC is designed to be a 4-year experience, but the schedule can be compressed (minimum of 3 years) for qualified candidates. A full four-year program is composed of the two-year General Military Course (GMC) and the two-year Professional Officer Course (POC). GMC students receive an introduction to the Air Force and various career fields and may have a chance to compete for scholarships. Non-scholarship GMC students incur no military service obligation and may elect to discontinue the program at any time. Students wishing to continue with ROTC and gain entrance into the POC must successfully meet all cadet standards by the end of their final semester in the GMC in order to compete for acceptance into summer field training. After successfully completing field training, GMC students are accepted into the POC and begin their development of leadership skills and the study of United States defense policy.

Please reach out to the AFROTC department for additional information regarding scholarships, eligibility, and other financial incentives.

AFROTC Detachment 330

University of Maryland College Park

0121 Reckord Armory

College Park, MD 20742-4321

www.afrotc.umd.edu

(301) 314-3242; afrotcdet330@umd.edu

Programs

• Military Science

Return to: College of Arts and Sciences