Naval Science

Return to: USC Price School of Public Policy  

Physical Education Building (PED) 101
(213) 740-2663

Administration

Gilbert D. Juarez, BA, MOS, MSS (Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps), Commanding Officer

Faculty

Professor: Gilbert D. Juarez, BA, MOS, MSS (Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps)

Associate Professor: Joshua N. Ragadio, BA, MEM, EML (Commander, U.S. Navy)

Assistant Professors: Andrew P. Bates, BS (Lieutenant, U.S. Navy); Kristen R. Gabel, BS (Captain, U.S. Marine Corps); Christina M. Perez, BS (Lieutenant, U.S. Navy); Jack C. Tribolet, BS (Lieutenant, U.S. Navy)

The Department of Naval Science provides professional training for undergraduate students (midshipmen) leading to a commission, upon graduation, as an officer in the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps. Through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Program (NROTC) program, scholarship students receive a scholarship that can be applied towards full tuition, associated fees, a book stipend, and a subsistence allowance, or apply the scholarship towards room and board. The university also provides additional funds to NROTC scholarship students to assist with housing costs. Non-scholarship students may apply to participate as members of the midshipman battalion with limited financial assistance, earning a commission upon completion of the baccalaureate degree. Because of the rapid development of highly technical ship systems, aviation and other military equipment, the majority of Navy scholarships are awarded to science and engineering majors; however, limited Navy scholarships and all Marine Corps scholarships are currently available to students pursuing any major offered by the university, as long as they complete basic technical requirements. In addition to university requirements, midshipmen must complete 17-23 units of Naval Science courses, a physical fitness test and three active duty summer training sessions ranging from three to six weeks long.

All naval science courses are open to students who are not in the program but have an interest in the Navy and Marine Corps related fields, such as engineering, navigation, amphibious warfare, naval operations, history and leadership.

Program Requirements

Scholarship Program

The majority of naval science students attend the university on Navy or Marine Corps scholarships. Scholarships are awarded primarily on a four-year basis to high school seniors selected in nationwide competition. Two- and three-year scholarship programs are also available through a similar selection process. Scholarship students receive full tuition and associated fees, a $375 book stipend each semester, and a $250-$400 per month (increasing $50 each year in the program) subsistence allowance. The university also provides an additional automatic scholarship of $2,000 per semester for each NROTC scholarship recipient. 

College Program

Students may join NROTC as non-scholarship “College Program Basic” students. These students receive uniforms and participate as regular midshipmen in the program but do not receive scholarship, stipend or subsistence funds and do not attend summer training. College Program Basic students must compete for a two- or three-year scholarship or be awarded “College Program Advanced” status in order to continue in the program and receive a commission. College Program Advanced students attend the final summer training session and receive both the book stipend and subsistence funds.

Navy Option

The Navy option prepares midshipmen for service as ensigns in the United States Navy. Navy Option midshipmen must successfully complete First Class summer training in order to earn their commission. This hands-on assignment to a Navy ship or squadron is completed during their final summer training session. Most Navy Option students will be required upon graduation to serve a minimum of five years active military service. The NROTC program normally commissions ensigns into the following communities: Aviation (pilot or naval flight officer), Submarine Warfare, Surface Warfare, Special Operations (Explosive Ordinance Disposal), Special Warfare (SEALs), or Cyber Warfare Engineer.

Marine Corps Option

The Marine Corps option prepares midshipmen for service as second lieutenants in the United States Marine Corps. Marine Option Midshipmen must successfully complete Officer Candidate School (OCS) in order to earn their commission. This intensive six-week course is completed during their final summer training session. Marine Corps Option students also participate, on a limited basis, in local field training exercises during the academic year. Most Marine Corps Option midshipmen will be required upon graduation to serve at least four years on active duty. All Marine Corps second lieutenants attend The Basic School (TBS) after graduation and are assigned a Military Occupational Specialty; however, qualifying Marine Option midshipmen may apply for and be granted a guaranteed assignment to the Aviation or Law Military Occupational Specialty.

Requirements for Commissioning

Students must meet USC degree requirements in their chosen fields and complete the prescribed Naval Science courses, two courses of English, one course in American history/national security policy and one course in world culture/regional studies. In addition, they must also attend weekly Naval Science Laboratory (NS LAB), drill, and physical training. Navy scholarship students must also include in their programs MATH 125 Calculus I  and MATH 126 Calculus II  and PHYS 151Lg Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics  and PHYS 152L Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism .

For more detailed program information, go to the USC NROTC website at priceschool.usc.edu/rotc-programs/nrotc/.