The MECEP Program
The Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) provides qualified enlisted Marines the opportunity to earn a four-year college degree while remaining on active duty. Marines selected for MECEP attend college full-time while continuing to receive active-duty pay and benefits.
The program is open to active-duty Marines and Marines in the Active Reserve (AR) program who meet the eligibility requirements. Selection is competitive and based on a Marine’s demonstrated potential for commissioned service, including their service record, academic performance, leadership experience, and evidence of personal and professional development.
The most up-to-date information regarding eligibility requirements and the application process can be found at the official Marine Corps MECEP webpage.
Applying
Marines selected for MECEP must apply separately for admission to Duke University. While the Marine Corps coordinates assignment to an NROTC unit, the university admissions process remains completely independent. The NROTC unit does not have the ability to influence admissions decisions.
Admission to Duke University is highly competitive. Applicants should direct all admissions-related questions to the university’s admissions office.
Marines applying to Duke through MECEP are encouraged to contact the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor (AMOI) during the application process:
GySgt Richard Perry
richard.perry@duke.edu
Once a MECEP Marine has completed Officer Candidates School (OCS) and is accepted to the university, they will receive orders to the Duke NROTC unit.
Life at the University
While pursuing their degree, MECEP Marines remain active-duty Marines assigned to the Duke NROTC unit. Although academic life differs significantly from life in the operating forces, Marines are still expected to maintain Marine Corps standards of professionalism and appearance.
Most of the time, MECEP Marines attend classes in appropriate civilian attire. Uniforms are typically worn for weekly leadership laboratory and other official NROTC events.
Expectations
MECEP Marines are expected to be fully integrated members of the NROTC battalion. This includes participation in battalion activities such as:
- Physical training
- Weekly leadership laboratory
- Battalion leadership billets
Because of their experience in the operating forces, MECEP Marines often serve as mentors to midshipmen, sharing their perspective on fleet life and Marine Corps leadership.
Academics
MECEP Marines may pursue any academic major offered by the university. To remain in the program, Marines must maintain a minimum cumulative and semester GPA of 2.5.
In addition to the requirements for their academic major, MECEP Marines must complete three Naval Science courses as part of the NROTC curriculum. Beyond these requirements, Marines have flexibility in selecting courses as long as they are progressing toward timely completion of their degree.