Army ROTC at NSU is open to full-time students who meet academic, physical, and citizenship requirements, offering leadership training and a path to commissioning as an Army officer.
Army commissioned officers have led with honor and dedication since 1775, embodying Army Values while completing critical missions and guiding Soldiers. From their first day of service, officers use leadership, problem-solving, and discipline to inspire courage, ensure the welfare of their teams, and serve the nation with dignity.
The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at Northwestern State University offers students the opportunity to earn a college degree while preparing to serve as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army. Through classroom instruction, field training, and leadership development, cadets gain the discipline, confidence, and problem-solving skills needed to excel in military and civilian careers.
No. Students who enroll in NSU Army ROTC don’t join the Army. They take NSU Army ROTC classes for which they receive college credit. They take the first 2 years as college electives.
No. NSU Army ROTC Cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree like all other students.
Quite simply, LEADERSHIP and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career.
The NSU Army ROTC program is divided into phases: The Basic Course (which is the first 2 years of a 4 year program) studies Army history, organization and structure. The techniques and principles of leadership and management are stressed throughout. The Advanced Course (the last 2 years) concentrates on tactical operations and military instruction, as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership, and command.
Students in NSU Army ROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and “hands-on” situations. For instance, an NSU Army ROTC Cadet might be found leading classmates through adventure training, down a river in a raft, or up a mountain wall.
During the first two years, ROTC Cadets have no military obligation (or the first year in the case of scholarship winners).
Each year, Northwestern State University students are eligible to receive ROTC scholarships. NSU Army ROTC awards them to students studying science, technology, engineering, nursing, business, as well as a variety of other majors.
Scholarships are awarded at different monetary levels. Scholarships cover tuition and student fees. Additionally, scholarship awardees receive money for books, as well as a monthly stipend.
NSU Army ROTC scholarships are not based on financial need. Instead, they are awarded on merit. Merit is exhibited in academic achievement and extracurricular activities, such as sports, student government, or part-time work.
In college and after graduation, Cadets find that the training and experience that they have received are assets – whether pursuing an Army or civilian career. Employers place high regard on the management and leadership skills that NSU Army ROTC instructors stress. Upon graduation, Cadets who complete the entire program become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.
Students at Northwestern State University register for Military Science (MSL) courses the same way as their other courses. Just be certain that when you register for MSL courses that you also register for the corequisite the Leadership Laboratory. All MSL courses are listed in the University’s course catalog, and they are described in further detail on this website’s courses page.
You can join a variety of career fields to include Aviation, Armor, Adjutant General, Chemical, Infantry, Ordnance, Signal, Quartermaster, Transportation, Medical Service, Military Police, Nursing, Finance, Military Intelligence, Field Artillery, and Air Defense Artillery, and Engineer Corps.
Department of Military Science
Natchitoches, LA 71497
Phone: (318) 357-5157
Fax: (318) 357-6520
Email: nsurotc@nsula.edu
