Academics

The Naval Service Training Command prescribes the courses for naval science for NJROTC units that comprise the 4-year curriculum.

The naval science program is constructed to include three academic classroom sessions and two activity periods per week. The curriculum is based on 40-minute sessions of instruction for 36 weeks, with 180 teaching days. This equates to 7200 minutes of contact instruction (72 hours of classroom instruction and 48 hours of activities including military drill and athletics). Adjustments for class length other than 40-minute periods, as well as staggered, rotating or modular (block) schedules, are made at the local school level.

• This program of 7200 minutes of instruction equates to one Carnegie unit or one credit per year toward graduation as an elective or other subject credit approved by school authorities.

• It is desired that all topics provided in the curriculum be covered, but the depth of coverage must be determined by each instructor according to the needs of his/her students. Major curriculum content changes are not to be made without the prior approval of the Naval Service Training Command.

What subjects are included in the curriculum?

The Naval Service Training Command routinely updates the curriculum to include new texts, instructional materials and lesson plans. The curriculum is developed and revised by civilian educators and NJROTC instructors. The wide variety of subjects includes the following:

• CITIZENSHIP -- Instillation of values of good, responsible citizenship.

• NAVAL ORIENTATION -- Basic introduction to the Navy’s customs and traditions.

• NAVAL OPERATIONS/ORGANIZATION -- Familiarization with national naval strategy and daily military operations.

• NAVAL HISTORY -- History of the United States Navy from the colonial period to the present.

• NAVIGATION -- Introduction to piloting and navigation.

• SEAMANSHIP -- Introduction to basic seamanship and ship handling.

• LEADERSHIP AND ETHICS -- Ongoing study of leadership, with opportunities to develop leadership abilities and ethical conduct at all organizational levels.

• NAUTICAL ASTRONOMY -- Study of astronomy and its use in navigation.

• ELECTRONICS -- Introduction to electronics as the basis for communications and weapons systems.

• OCEANOGRAPHY -- Information on the world's ocean systems.

• COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS -- Information on life after high school to include planning and preparation for further education or careers in public, private, and non-profit sectors.

• PERSONAL FINANCE -- Financial planning to include saving, investing, taxes, and insurance.

• CYBER SECURITY -- Information on the digital information space and applicable career choices.

• SPACE EXPLORATION -- History and future of space programs to include careers in space programs.

• DRILLS, COMMANDS, AND CEREMONIES -- Close order drill and parade ceremonies.

• PHYSICAL FITNESS -- Activities to promote healthy, active lifestyles.