Reserve Officer’s Training Corps Programs (ROTC)

Reserve Officer’s Training Corps Programs (ROTC)

The legacy of success among Trojan ROTC graduates is unparalleled, with more than 200 notable USC ROTC alumni making the ranks of general officer or senior civilian in the Department of Defense. Download the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) brochure.

Scholarships are available through the Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC and Naval ROTC.

ROTC at USC Price

The Price School is proud to have USC’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program as part of our School’s exceptional academic offerings. USC’s unbroken partnership with the U.S. Military began in 1914 when USC hosted a training school for U.S. Army officers.  USC has hosted Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs since 1940s with unwavering support and a commitment to producing the next generation of leaders. 

Highly decorated military and civilian leaders – including four-star generals, astronauts, Medal of Honor recipients, and officials in the highest levels of government service – chose to attend USC before or after their military service. USC ranks #4 among private research universities in Department of Defense-sponsored research with over $200M in active research grants. USC is 1 of 60 universities nationwide to house all 3 (Air Force, Army, and Navy) ROTC programs on campus. The legacy of success among Trojan ROTC graduates is unparalleled, with more than 200 notable USC ROTC alumni making the ranks of a flag officer or senior civilian in the Department of Defense.

Since 1984, the ROTC programs have been a part of the Price School’s academic units. The programs are directed and managed by Professor Frank V. Zerunyan, a Price School faculty member who also serves as a University liaison to the USC ROTC program and President of the Association of Navy ROTC Colleges and Universities. Each unit is led by an outstanding commanding officer in Colonel Tracy Perry and LTC Jeffrey Kim. With their cadre of officers and enlisted staff, the commanding officers advance the military science curriculum for approximately 300 ROTC students at USC. Our faculty and staff are committed to maintaining the most elite ROTC programs to qualify students for commission in the United States Air Force, Army, and Naval Reserves.

It is my distinct honor to oversee this elite ROTC Program at the University of Southern California and as part of the academic units of our distinguished Sol Price School of Public Policy. Our commitment to ROTC is unwavering. We are determined to train and commission officers who will continue to serve their country at the highest levels with great distinction.

Frank V. Zerunyan,
Professor of the Practice of Governance
Director, Executive Education
Director, and University Liaison to ROTC and Nautical Science Programs

Col. Tracy Perry
Professor of the Practice of Naval Science
Department Head, Naval Science
Commander, Navy ROTC Trojan Battalion

LTC Jeffrey Kim
Professor of the Practice of Military Science
Department Head, Military Science
Commander, Army ROTC Trojan Battalion

ROTC has enabled me to operate in a driven environment, surrounded by people who are united by a common goal. I leave every training with a sense of accomplishment — with real-life applications for the skills I have acquired.

C/3C Sophia Cancio
Air Force ROTC Cadet

ROTC Stories