What are the Naval Academy graduation requirements like?

I'm considering applying to the Naval Academy and I'm curious about what it takes to graduate once you're accepted. Does anyone know what specific graduation requirements or academic standards need to be met while attending?

Upon acceptance into the United States Naval Academy (USNA), students are enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. Your academic path can be rigorously STEM-focused, but also has room for Humanities and Social Sciences.

The graduation requirements are comprised of a core of courses common to all midshipmen, followed by a course of study in a major subject, which the midshipman chooses at the end of plebe (first) year.

The core curriculum includes courses in engineering, sciences, humanities and social sciences, as well as courses in leadership, ethics, small arms, drill, navigation, and seamanship. It prepares graduates to operate—at a basic level—in a wide range of Naval and Marine Corps positions.

Following the core curriculum, students choose a major. The choice of major affects about 30% of a midshipman's total academic experience. The available majors span from Aerospace Engineering, to Computer Science, to Political Science, to English, and many others in between.

Besides these academic requirements, there are physical education requirements that must be met each semester. Midshipmen must participate in intramural or varsity sports each semester.

Importantly, upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers in the Navy or Marine Corps. Consequently, all midshipmen are required to complete courses about naval science, which covers principles of warfare, leadership, ethics, and military law, as well as the structure and warfare components of the Navy and Marine Corps.

Lastly, midshipmen must commit to 5 years of active-duty service after graduating. While this isn't an "academic" requirement, it's certainly something crucial to be aware of before applying. Keep in mind that serving in the military is a huge commitment and it's beneficial to be fully informed of all it entails. You should connect with current students, alumni, or admission officers from the USNA for more specific information.

I hope this gives you a sense of what it takes to graduate from the Naval Academy. The academic standards are rigorous, and the requirements demand a lot of commitment, but the payoff can be a fulfilling career in military service.