NROTC academic requirements consist of three parts: your College bachelor degree program with a selected academic major, NROTC-specified courses, and Naval Science courses.

Navy Option Scholarship course requirements

In addition to the courses required for a degree, Navy Scholarship Midshipmen must take the following courses in order to commission:

• Calculus (2 semesters) – completed by end of sophomore year
• Calculus-based Physics (2 semesters) – completed by end of junior year
• American Military History/National Security Policy (1 semester)
• Regional Studies/Cultural Awareness (1 semester)
• English/Other Writing Intensive (2 semesters)
• Naval Science Lab and Courses (8 Courses)

Navy Option College Program course requirements

In addition to the courses required for a degree, Navy College Program midshipmen must take the following courses in order to commission:

• College Algebra or Advanced Trigonometry (2 semesters) – completed by end of junior year
• Physical Science (2 semesters) – completed by end of Senior Year
• American Military History/ National Security Policy (1 semester)
• Regional Studies/Cultural Awareness (1 semester)
• English/Other Writing Intensive (2 semesters)
• Naval Science Lab and Naval Science Courses (8 Courses)

Naval Science Courses

The Naval Science courses are instructed by the NROTC unit staff. Students will enroll in one Naval Science course each semester, unless otherwise directed. In addition, all NROTC students enroll in Naval Science Lab, a single course attended by all NROTC students intended to cover all program objectives not included in formal Naval Science courses. Topics cover Navy and Marine Corps policies, general military training, guest speakers, and other professional development subjects. The normal Naval Science course progression is as follows:

Midshipmen are encouraged to achieve well above the established minimum standards on the PFA and are expected to improve their level of physical readiness achievement as they progress through the program. All Midshipmen will complete one official PFA per semester. The minimum required scores for Navy options are listed here:

Battalion Physical Training

The NROTC Battalion will conduct multiple physical training sessions per week. The trainings are typically held in the Alexander Field House. Throughout the year the battalion will conduct swim qualifications, obstacle course events, and training at regional military bases.

Swim Qualification

All midshipmen must be 3rd Class Swimmer qualified by the end of their freshman year and must re-qualify every year following. Midshipmen may qualify as 2nd Class Swimmers and will be exempt from further testing.

3rd Class Swimmer
A 3rd Class Swimmer is described as a person who can stay afloat and survive without the use of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in open water under optimum conditions long enough to be rescued in a man-over-board situation. The 3rd Class Swimmer qualification is the minimum entry-level requirement for all U.S. Navy personnel.

2nd Class Swimmer

A 2nd Class Swimmer is described as a person who can stay afloat and survive without the use of a PFD indefinitely under optimum conditions. The 2nd Class Swimmer qualification is used as an entry-level requirement for Small Boat Operators, Naval Air Crewman and Rescue Swimmers.

Read more guidance on swim qualification requirements.

Summer Training

The objective of MIDN summer training is to further the professional development of MIDN through introduction to the operational Navy and USMC and to reinforce their academic year programs, thereby instilling a sense of pride in their identification with the Navy and USMC and inclining them toward careers in the Naval service. The mission is to develop and train MIDN within a linear training continuum nested to the Five Warfighting Competencies in order to provide the Fleet a competent and professional Naval Service Commissioned Officer.

Fourth Class Cruise

New Student Indoctrination (NSI)

NSI occurs during the summer before freshman year at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. The goal of NSI is to provide standardized entry-level militarization and prepare midshipmen with a common training orientation. The 13-day Indoctrination Cruise serves as the launch point for the training of future naval officers and the development of their character and professional competence. All scholarship recipients and College Program students accepted prior to May 1 must attend NSI. In addition to providing incoming Candidate Midshipmen with basic military training, NSI provides a leadership opportunity for Navy Option 1/C Midshipmen and Marine Option 2/C Midshipmen to serve as Midshipman Instructors. NSI will be treated as a summer cruise for the Midshipman Instructors.

New Student Orientation (NSO)

NSO occurs during the summer before freshman year. NSO provides standardized entry-level militarization for all students entering NROTC Maine Maritime. NSO is a 3-day course located at the unit.

Third Class Cruise

Career Orientated Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID)

The goal of CORTRAMID is to enable 3/C Midshipmen to make informed decisions about future career options. Midshipmen are familiarized with the mission, tasks, and equipment within the various warfare areas: surface, subsurface, aviation, and Marine Corps. CORTRAMID may only be attended by scholarship Midshipmen.

Second Class Cruise

During the Second Class Cruise, 2/C Midshipmen are familiarized with life at sea aboard a U.S. naval vessel. They are afforded the opportunity to gain a first-hand experience of a ship’s organization, administration, systems, and evolutions. They also develop an appreciation for the duties and responsibilities of enlisted personnel, as well as living and working conditions of enlisted personnel onboard ship. 2/C Midshipmen may participate in a Second Class Cruise in addition to Sea Trials, however it is not required.

First Class Cruise

During the First Class Cruise, 1/C Midshipmen participate in the duties and responsibilities of a junior officer within a specific community. The purpose of this cruise is to enhance the development of officer qualities and leadership skills.