Utah Tech University launched a new Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program. Interested students can enroll in the ROTC classes or declare a minor in military science.
This program aligns with the university’s “active learning. active life.” philosophy by integrating practical, hands-on experiences with in-class components.
Dr. Stephen Lee, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, said, “I am not sure you can find a better example of ‘learning by doing’ than ROTC.”
The military science minor consists of 33 credits and includes a curriculum covering foundations of leadership, training management and war-fighting functions. The program also features associated labs designed to enhance students’ leadership skills, which are applicable in both military and civilian settings.
The ROTC program was created so that students could engage in the ROTC courses without committing to military service. This allows students to gain valuable skills and experience without an immediate obligation.
The program is accessible to a broader range of individuals interested. The ROTC courses can count as elective credits towards a degree. Students who do declare the military science minor would require military commitment.
“Crucial skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, physical conditioning, problem-solving and personal discipline are central to the program,” Lee said. “These are skills that employers value. They also are crucial life skills. Further, ROTC can provide contracted cadets with significant financial support to complete college and a guaranteed first job.”
ROTC students benefit from structured environments that enhance time management and organizational skills.
Captain Dalan Bennett, military science department chair, highlighted the leadership training component and career-building resources available to students. They offer resume builders, real-world leadership experience, security clearances and internship opportunities. He also talked about the program’s effort to integrate military culture into the university environment.
In discussing how the ROTC program aligns with Utah Tech’s “active learning. active life.” philosophy, Bennett said the curriculum includes both classroom instruction and interactive activities. The classroom portion of the program hones in on what leadership, training and future tasks may look like. There is also a very interactive activity portion.
“Everything we do has a classroom portion as well as application in an active lifestyle environment,” Bennett said.
ROTC also provides opportunities for personal growth, patriotism and adventure through challenging training exercises.
Lexi Hughs, a junior media studies major from Bozeman, Montana, and part-time public relations specialist for University Marketing and Communication, said: “Many different media classes within the school are coming together to create content for this new program. The target audience is primarily students in high school. Through social media, we can hit the key demographic of people we are trying to attract.”
The new ROTC program represents a significant addition to Utah Tech’s academic offerings, promising to enrich the educational experience of its students and prepare them for leadership roles in both military and civilian sectors.
For more information on enrolling in the ROTC program or declaring a minor in military science, interested students can visit Utah Tech’s official website.
