A Disciplined Path to a U.S. Bachelor’s Degree
U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Scholarships are Available
The Citadel is a public senior military college located in Charleston, South Carolina. It offers a structured military college education centered on leadership development and academic rigor. Students admitted through this program complete a full four-year undergraduate degree while living and training as members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets.
The Citadel is proud to offer the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Scholarships. This scholarship is open to Ukrainian students entering the South Carolina Corps of Cadets as engineering, supply chain management or cyber operations majors.
The Corps of Cadets lifestyle provides a highly structured environment that integrates academics, leadership training and character development. Cadets follow a rigorous daily schedule, maintain high academic and physical standards and are expected to uphold the traditions, values and standards of conduct of the institution. This disciplined framework is designed to develop personal responsibility, resilience and integrity.
Learn More About The Citadel
Life in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets (SCCC)
Cadet life at The Citadel is organized within a formal military structure that shapes daily routines, leadership development and residential life.
The South Carolina Corps of Cadets operates as a regiment led by a cadet colonel and regimental staff.
Uniforms
Cadets wear a uniform daily. Appearance standards are strict and enforced consistently. Uniforms must be worn correctly at all times when required, and inspections are routine.
Daily Schedule
Cadet life follows a structured 24-hour schedule. Each day includes formations, classes, training, study periods and required activities.
Barracks Living
Cadets live on campus in military barracks for all four years, with clearly defined rules and expectations. Rooms are inspected regularly, and behavior, cleanliness and organization are closely monitored.
Physical Training
Cadets participate in required physical training and activities throughout the academic year. Training often takes place outdoors.
Military Training & Cadet Responsibilities
The Citadel’s military training and leadership program is an integral part of the college’s history and traditions. Though Citadel graduates are highly competitive in United States Armed Services commissioning programs, applying for a commission is optional. Citadel Cadets interested in obtaining a commission must meet all Armed Services criteria. Citadel cadets receive physical training and instruction in leadership, discipline and accountability alongside their full-time academic coursework.
This includes:
- Formation and drill
- Parades and ceremonial events
- Leadership development and accountability training
- Representing The Citadel in official and public settings
Participation in these cadet activities is mandatory and central to life at The Citadel.
The Fourth Class System
The Fourth Class System refers to the military training and structured cadet environment through which first-year students, known as fourth-class cadets or “knobs”, are introduced to life in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. The period of immersion and training begins with Challenge Week. From this point forward, fourth-class cadets are expected to adhere to the most restrictive rules and expectations of cadet life.
Cadets are identified by class year throughout their time at The Citadel, with increasing responsibility and fewer restrictions as they progress. First-class cadets are seniors, followed by second-class cadets (juniors), third-class cadets (sophomores) and fourth-class cadets (freshmen).
Knobs must walk at 120 steps per minute anywhere on campus, utilize specific entrances and exits from buildings, salute commissioned and cadet officers, memorize historical facts and mess hall menus, and maintain proper military bearing by “bracing” in the barracks. These requirements introduce cadets to The Citadel’s traditions and values while building camaraderie within the freshman class.
Academics
Cadets are full-time students and are expected to meet rigorous academic standards while balancing the demands of the Corps. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates earn a Bachelor’s degree from The Citadel.
Available Majors
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Construction Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration – Supply Chain Management
- Cyber Operations
Strong time management and academic discipline are critical, as coursework is completed alongside cadet obligations.
CSI Summer Preparation Program
Before the first academic year, students will participate in a required summer preparation session through The Citadel Success Institute (CSI).
This program is designed to:
- Introduce students to academic expectations
- Familiarize them with cadet structure, routines and standards
- Prepare them for the demands of the Fourth Class System
Arrival date for the 2026 CSI Program is June 10, 2026. Additional details will be provided by The Citadel Admissions office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be in the U.S. military?
No. The South Carolina Corps of Cadets is not service in the United States Armed Forces. Cadets are full-time students focused on earning an academic degree while gaining valuable leadership training in a structured environment.
Is this a path to U.S. citizenship?
No. This program does not provide a path to U.S. citizenship.
Can I leave campus freely?
Cadet life is intentionally structured to promote safety, accountability and leadership development. Off-campus privileges require approval and increase by class year, performance and conduct. First-year cadets have the most limited privileges.
Additional Resources
About the Corps of Cadets
Physical Fitness at The Citadel
The Citadel Campus
