For young men and women who embrace challenge and want to become part of something far greater than themselves, the Department of Naval Science offers the education and training to become commissioned officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps through its Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship program and its College (non-scholarship) program.
The NROTC battalion at Holy Cross, one of the oldest in the country, proudly follows the traditions and standards of the world’s strongest naval military organization. Finding one’s personal leadership style and preparing for the jobs that await after graduation are two key components of the program, but the NROTC experience at Holy Cross is much more than that.
Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones wrote that in addition to being a capable mariner, a Naval officer must be a person of “liberal education … and the nicest sense of personal honor,” adding an officer “should be the soul of tact, patience, justice, firmness, kindness, and charity.”
With local and national community service projects, a built-in mentor network, study abroad opportunities, and paid summer internships, the Holy Cross Naval Science program trains well-rounded, thoughtful leaders in the rigorous learning environment.
Program Highlights
- Midshipmen complete physical training, including swimming proficiency, at the College’s extensive athletic facilities.
- All NROTC scholarship students participate in a four-week summer cruise following every academic year, allowing them to experience military life and responsibilities at sea.
- Marine-option midshipmen may attend the Mountain War Training Center in California after sophomore year, and all will participate in a six-week Officer Candidates School (OCS) prior to their senior year.
- Each year the unit hosts prestigious guest speakers who share their extensive firsthand knowledge of military service. Previous guests have included commanding officers of nuclear submarines, admirals in the SEAL community, Medal of Honor recipients, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and more.
Learn more about the storied tradition of the Naval Science program at Holy Cross and what we look for in recruits.
The battalion sponsors an active program, including informal events and various military and athletic excellence competitions.
Naval Science (NROTC) News
