The Army Reserve Officers Training Corps provides college-trained officers for the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. With the exception of a five-week paid summer camp, all instruction is presented on campus. Various field training exercises are conducted to further enrich students' leadership skills.

A commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve or National Guard is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed the ROTC program and obtained a baccalaureate degree from UMKC. Currently, college graduates who are commissioned through ROTC are placed on either active duty, the reserves or National Guard duty, depending on their desires and on the needs of the service at the time of graduation. The length and type of obligation will depend on the scholarship awarded.