About the Program
The United States Army's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at William & Mary provides fundamental intellectual training for the nation's future military officers. Courses in military science are rigorous and aim to develop your understanding of the contemporary operating environment. Upon completion of program requirements, you are commissioned in the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant and serve in active, reserve or National Guard assignments. Students with previous military service or who have completed courses at another ROTC program may be granted placement credit for the first year and sophomore classes.
The military science curriculum offers credits that can be applied toward an undergraduate degree from William & Mary with or without a commitment to military service and can also be applied towards an interdisciplinary minor in leadership.
What Makes Us Different
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Students at the Siege of Yorktown
W&M is one of two ROTC programs in the U.S. with a Campaign Streamer for aiding General Washington in defeating the British.
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Personalized Military Training & Attention
Learn on campus where students can be students — not just cadets.
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1LT Todd Weaver Club
Students work together on physical fitness, military proficiency and prepare for training courses.
Rankings
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GoldMilitary Friendly SchoolsG.I. Jobs
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Top 20Best Alumni NetworksThe Princeton Review 2025
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Top 30Best Colleges for VeteransU.S. News and World Report
Applied Learning
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Courses
Learn Leadership and Personal Development (MLSC 101), Innovative Team Leadership (MLSC 201) and Leadership in a Complex World (MLSC 402).*
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Career Placement
Choose between Active Duty or Reserve Forces Duty.
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Student Activities
Be part of the Queen's Guard, Pershing Rifles and take part in the Annual Ranger Challenge.
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Scholarships
Learn about Army ROTC's two-, three- and four-year scholarship options.

Outcomes
Even before ROTC existed, William & Mary upheld a leadership tradition in military, politics and business. Many graduates have attained the highest ranks of military leadership. These include President George Washington, Robert Gates '65, L.H.D. '98 (the former Secretary of Defense) and General Winfield Scott (the longest serving general in U.S. military history). Others include General David McKiernan '72, Lieutenant Keith W. Dayton '70 and Lieutenant N. Ross Thompson III '74.
Talk to Us
Department of Military Science
Contact Us
- Want to learn more?: Contact the Department of Military Science
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.