The Naval Science curriculum supports the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program at the University of Washington in preparing young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the United States Navy or Marine Corps. Naval Science courses focus on topics such as Navy and Marine Corps organization, at-sea navigation, leadership, naval history, amphibious warfare, engineering, and weapons systems. Courses emphasize development of professional knowledge and leadership skills, which are placed in the context of naval service immediately following graduation from the University of Washington. A student not participating in the NROTC program may take a Naval Science course with the permission of the instructor, or may complete a minor in Naval Science.