I recently heard that the University of North Georgia hosts the nation's senior military colleges, and I'm kind of curious about what that means. Can anyone fill me in on what exactly this program involves and what opportunities it might present for a high school junior thinking about her future?
The University of North Georgia (UNG) is indeed one of the six federally recognized Senior Military Colleges (SMCs) in the U.S. As an SMC, UNG offers a unique program that combines an undergraduate education with military instruction, providing students with leadership skills and discipline that can set them apart in their future careers.
Being part of an SMC has its unique advantages. For instance, all SMCs have a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program where students can get commissioned as officers in the U.S. military after graduation, providing a direct path to military service, if that's your goal.
Furthermore, SMC graduates who serve in the ROTC can choose to serve in the military either on active duty or in the reserves, unlike graduates of other non-SMC institutions. In non-SMC institutions, the decision on whether you go active duty or reserves is up to the military, not the graduate.
Many high school students who are interested in both a civilian and military education find SMCs an excellent choice. UNG specifically offers a wide range of degree programs alongside its military education, so it suits students with varied academic interests.
Just remember, being part of the Corps of Cadets – the student body that participates in the military program – can be challenging as it demands physical fitness, discipline, and strict adherence to the Corps' rules and standards. It's a unique college experience that's different from traditional college life but could provide you with unparalleled leadership training and provide a distinct advantage in many career fields, both civilian and military.
If you are considering a future in the military, or even if you are interested in a regular civilian career but want to develop disciplined leadership skills, then UNG’s status as an SMC is definitely something to consider!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.