Which initial commissioning program is designated for individuals with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree?

The initial commissioning program designated for individuals with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree is the Officer Development School (ODS). ODS is designed for individuals who already possess a college degree and wish to become commissioned officers in the Navy. This program provides the necessary training and education to prepare them for their roles as officers, focusing on leadership, naval knowledge, and military operations.

Other options, while they may allow commissioning, cater to different educational backgrounds or paths. For instance, Officer Candidate School (OCS) is also aimed at individuals with a baccalaureate degree, but ODS specifically serves those who already have significant educational qualifications and military experience, making it distinct. The Direct Commission Program is designed for professionals in certain fields (like law or medicine) who possess specialized degrees, while the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is an undergraduate program where students are commissioned upon graduation, which might not apply directly to individuals who have already completed their degrees. Therefore, ODS is the program that aligns best with the requirement of having a baccalaureate degree for initial commissioning.