Georgia Tech NROTC

Naval Science Classes

The professional education of future Naval Officers begins in the classroom. The first and greatest academic priority for future officers is a college education, and the technical degrees at Georgia Tech are highly recognized and respected in the fleet. In addition, the NROTC midshipmen must take extra classes to educate them in the duties and responsibilities of a Naval Officer and to familiarize them with the increasing demands of a technically advanced fleet of ships, aircraft, and weapons systems. These professional classes are conducted by instructors in the Naval Science department, headed by the Professor of Naval Science, who is the Commanding Officer of the NROTC Unit. Class instructors and assistant instructors (Navy and Marine Corps Officers) serve as advisors and counselors to NROTC midshipmen. Naturally the requirement of extra classes extends the number of credit hours a midshipman will have to complete before graduation. Therefore, it is vitally important that midshipmen develop good time management skills, and schedule classes in a way that will allow them to complete their degree as soon as reasonably possible. It is not uncommon for midshipmen to postpone their commissioning by one or two semesters in order to complete a degree.

In addition to the required naval science classes, all Navy option scholarship students must take calculus (MATH 1501-2 or 1511-2) and physics (PHYS 2211 and 2212) and make at least a “C” or better in all of them.

Fourth Class Year (Freshman)

NS 1321 Introduction to Naval Science (3 Credits)

This course is an introduction and orientation class designed to give students a broad overview of the roles of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. This course also provides an introduction to the structure, terminology, customs, and uniforms of the Navy and Marine Corps.

NS 1323 Naval Maritime History (3 Credits)

This course surveys U.S. Naval history from its European origin to the present with emphasis on major developments and the geographical forces shaping these developments. The course also covers present day concerns on seapower and maritime affairs, including the economic and political issues of maritime commerce, the law of the sea, and the rise and decline of the Soviet Navy.

Third Class Year (Sophomore)

NS 2321 Naval Leadership and Management (3 Credits)

Survey of managerial functions, communication, and major theories of leadership and motivation applied to the Navy organization. The course culminates with focus on naval core values.

NS 2323 Navigation (3 Credits) (Navy Option)

This course develops and broadens the student’s understanding of basic piloting and the laws of vessel operations by applying the fundamentals of navigation at sea.

Second Class Year (Junior)

NS 3323 Evolution of Warfare (3 Credits) (Marine Option)

A historical exploration of warfare practiced by great nations. Selected campaigns are studied with emphasis on leadership, evolution of tactics, weaponry, and principles of war.

NS 3325 Naval Weapon Systems (3 Credits) (Navy Option)

This course develops and broadens the student’s understanding of basic engineering concepts and principles as applied to naval weapon systems, with a focus on sensors and weapon delivery.

NS 3326 Naval Systems Engineering (3 Credits) (Navy Option)

This course develops and broadens the student’s understanding of basic engineering concepts and principles as applied to naval engineering.

First Class Year (Senior)

NS 4320 Naval Operations (3 Credits) (Navy Option)

This course develops and broadens the student’s understanding of relative motion, surface ship operations, and naval command, control, and communications.

NS 4322 Naval Leadership and Ethics (3 Credits) (Navy Option)

Study of Naval values and ethics to include core values, Navy regulations, and military law. Duties and responsibilities of a junior naval officer.

NS 4323 Amphibious Warfare (3 Credits) (Marine Option)

A historical exploration of warfare practice by great nations. Selected campaigns are studied with emphasis on leadership, evolution of tactics, and principles of war.