Understanding the curriculum at the US Naval Academy

I'm interested in learning more about the curriculum offered at the US Naval Academy. How flexible is it, and does it allow for pursuing specific interests alongside mandatory courses?

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) has a comprehensive curriculum which aims to develop midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically, thus forming officers who are ready to lead in the naval service. This curriculum is balanced between technical and non-technical majors.

In general, the curriculum at the USNA is structured yet also offers room for students to pursue their areas of interest. Every student has to complete core courses that contribute to a broad-based education and are key to an officer's responsibilities. These core classes are in areas such as mathematics, science, social sciences, humanities, engineering, and courses particularly designed for future Navy and Marine Corps officers like seamanship, navigation, and leadership.

After the mandatory core, midshipmen have the chance to select from 25 different majors, ranging from traditional paths like Mathematics and Physics to Humanities focused programs like English and History. There are also unique offerings like Cyber Operations and Oceanography. This is where students have the chance to study in-depth the subjects that interest them.

If a midshipman possesses the aptitude and motivation, they can pursue honors programs or double majors. However, these require approval because the Naval Academy schedule is demanding and there is a priority on fulfilling the professional training.

To answer your question about flexibility, it does exist particularly from Sophomore year onward as you begin to engage more deeply with your major. But, aspiring Navy and Marine Officers will always have mandatory classes and training that guide their education. The focus is to groom well-rounded officers who are ready for the rigors of serving in the Navy or Marine Corps.