The Department of the Military Science and Tactics – the University unit which administers the ROTC program in the University – is a special unit that reports directly to the Chancellor through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Unlike any regular department, the DMST is not under any college-level unit (e.g., the Department of Psychology is under the College of Social Science and Philosophy). Part of the reason is that its student base is from all colleges. Another reason is for its special needs and functions in carrying out its University- and Army-laden responsibilities.

Like any unit of the University, the DMST/ROTC has the following broad responsibilities: Teaching, Research, and Extension Services.