Department of Military Science

Army ROTC is the premier college level leadership program, leading to a commission as an Army officer and membership in one of the most respected professions in America. We offer classes to all students which can serve as elective credit within the normal college curriculum. Students do not require prior military experience or a commitment to the Army for the first two years of the program. Learning to become a leader will make any college experience richer and prepare one for the future. During classes, leadership labs, physical training and field training, cadets learn firsthand what it takes to lead others, motivate groups and conduct missions as an officer in the Army. Classes are focused on developing qualities that are necessary for leadership in a military or civilian career: fast and effective decision making, strong vision and goals, confidence and presence, effective communication, and the ability to influence others towards a common goal by providing purpose, motivation and direction. Students who decide to complete ROTC have the opportunity to attend various summer training programs both in the U.S. and abroad.

Students that make a commitment to Army ROTC will receive a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army, serving with the Regular Army (active duty), in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. They will serve the Army in one of 18 different career fields and begin making a difference in their community and our Nation.  

ROTC Classes

We offer several classes that are open to any UNI student who wants to do something different or explore ROTC to see if becoming an Army officer is the right path. This begins with MIL SCI 1091, Introduction to the Army and Critical Thinking, a one-credit freshman-level course to help set the foundation for future ROTC classes. We also offer MIL SCI 1086, Military Fitness. This is two of our morning physical training sessions. We introduce students to Army fitness through a variety of various exercise programs. Third is MIL SCI 1095, Military Survival Skills. Student learn practical survival skills that help them prepare for any situation they may face. Next, is MIL SCI 3195, Firearms Awareness and Safety, which is our newest course offering. Students learn the fundamentals of safe firearms use. Finally, we offer MIL SCI 3190, America's Military Past. This 3-credit class covers our military history from the Revolutionary War to current conflicts. Any interested student can enroll in these classes like any other UNI class. 

Contact the ROTC office for more information on days and times of each class. 

Visiting the program

We encourage all students that are interested in learning more about ROTC to visit both the campus and the program. The easiest way to do this is in conjunction with a UNI Admissions. We can also do virtual visits via Zoom where we can provide you with more information and answer any questions.

National High School Scholarship Applications

Current high school juniors can start applying in June for one of the national high school scholarships. The scholarships pay 100% of tuition and fees or $10,000 for room and board, $600 per semester for books, and a monthly stipend. Additionally, UNI Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will provide additional financial incentives to offset much of what the ROTC scholarship does not cover. Interested students should go to https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students to start the process. 

Once students complete the application, they need to do a physical fitness assessment, submit high school transcripts and ACT/SAT score, and complete the process with an interview with the Professor of Military Science. The Army will hold 3 central selection boards during the year (October, January and March). Please contact Mr. Willie Jones at joneswad@uni.edu for more information.

ROTC 2-Year Option

ROTC Basic Camp is available for college students who did not complete the freshman and sophomore classes or who will be starting a graduate program at UNI. Basic Camp is a month long training program at Fort Knox, KY and gives credit for the first 4 ROTC classes. ROTC will hold several cycles over the summer. Students who attend Basic Camp can compete for a 2-year scholarship (including graduate programs) that pays 100% of tuition and fees or $10,000/year for room and board; $600/semester book allowance, and monthly stipend of $420. Students are not required to make a commitment to the Army until after Basic Camp completion but must meet certain academic, fitness and other requirements to attend. Interested applicants can contact the ROTC Department to learn more.

The Simultaneous Membership Program

The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) allows contracted cadets to be members of the Iowa National Guard or the Army Reserve and Army ROTC simultaneously. ROTC SMP cadets are paid at the rate of a Sergeant (E-5) for their one weekend a month training assemblies, plus use of VA educational assistance benefits. Many ROTC SMP cadets also qualify for the Student Loan Repayment Program or tuition assistance.