The Department of Naval Science is embedded within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as an interdisciplinary program but does not offer an academic degree. The courses offered by the Department are developed by the Department of the Navy. The Naval Science Department and Naval ROTC (NROTC) Program develop individuals mentally, morally, and physically, and imbue in them the highest ideals of duty and loyalty, in order to commission them upon graduation as Navy and Marine Corps officers. Program graduates possess a basic professional background, are motivated towards careers in the Naval Service, and have a potential for future development in mind and character so as to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government. Emphasis is placed on the core values of courage, honor and commitment.
Naval Science courses are open to any ISU student who has met the course prerequisites. To participate in the Naval ROTC Program, students must apply through one of two programs: the NROTC Scholarship Program (full scholarship; which includes a book stipend, tuition, laboratory fees, uniforms, and a monthly stipend), or the College Program (non-scholarship, with limited financial assistance). Applicants for the Scholarship Program are selected through a comprehensive nationwide competition. Applicants for the College Program are selected by the Professor of Naval Science from among students already in attendance at, or selected for admission by, the university. The College Program involves limited financial assistance by application for a 2 or 3-year scholarship. Upon application, students choose between the Navy Option and Marine Corps Option, for the purposes of training focus. NROTC students pursue their studies like other university students except that they must meet certain additional requirements that will prepare them to serve as naval officers upon graduation.
A Marine Corps Option student incurs a minimum 4-year active duty military obligation as a commissioned officer after graduation; a Navy Option student incurs a minimum 5-year active duty obligation.
Further information is available from the Professor of Naval Science, Iowa State University, isunrotc@iastate.edu, 515-294-6050.
While in the NROTC Program, Scholarship Program students will participate (with pay) in at-sea training cruises during the summer. College Program students, accepted to receive a 2 or 3-year scholarship, will participate in at-sea training during the summer between their Junior and Senior year based on the specifics of their scholarship. Students are also exposed to regular and extracurricular activities that teach leadership principles and help them decide which field of the Navy or Marine Corps they wish to enter. These activities also include weekly leadership laboratory periods and opportunities for involvement in several student societies.
Undergraduate Study
Naval Science courses are primarily for those students in the NROTC program, however, other university students may also enroll. Students enrolled in the NROTC program must fulfill the following requirements:
| NS 1110 | Introduction to Naval Science | 3 |
| NS 2120 | Seapower and Maritime Affairs | 3 |
| NS 2200 | Leadership and Management | 3 |
| NS 2300 | Navigation | 3 |
| NS 3200 | Naval Ship Systems I (Engineering) | 3 |
| NS 3300 | Naval Ship Systems II (Weapons) | 3 |
| NS 4100 | Naval Operations and Seamanship | 3 |
| NS 4120 | Leadership and Ethics | 3 |
| NS 4400 | Senior Naval Science Seminar | 1 |
Marine option students will complete:
| NS 1110 | Introduction to Naval Science | 3 |
| NS 2120 | Seapower and Maritime Affairs | 3 |
| NS 2200 | Leadership and Management | 3 |
| NS 2400 | Fundamentals of Maneuver Warfare | 3 |
| NS 3210 | Evolution of Warfare | 3 |
| NS 4120 | Leadership and Ethics | 3 |
| NS 4400 | Senior Naval Science Seminar | 1 |
In addition to the normal Naval Science courses, all NROTC students are required to participate in laboratory periods that supplement the various academic courses. The Leadership Lab emphasizes human relations principles, teaches basic military formations, movements, commands, courtesies, and honors, and provides practice in unit leadership. Non NROTC program students enrolled in Naval Science courses are not required to participate in laboratory periods.
Military Studies Minor
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a minor in Military Studies. Requirements for the minor include taking a minimum of 15 credits of ROTC instruction, which may be taken from one or more of the ROTC programs. At least six credits must be in courses numbered 3000 or above.