Which of the following commissioning programs requires a baccalaureate degree as a prerequisite?

The Officer Candidate School Program is the correct answer because it specifically requires candidates to hold a baccalaureate degree before they can apply. This program is designed for individuals who aspire to become commissioned officers in the Navy and is focused on developing leadership and military skills in those who already possess a degree.

The Chief Warrant Officer Program, while it does require certain qualifications, primarily looks for individuals who have significant experience and expertise in a technical area rather than just a baccalaureate degree. The Limited Duty Officer Program targets senior enlisted personnel for appointment to officer ranks without necessarily mandating a baccalaureate degree, relying instead on their professional experience. The Direct Commission Officer Program allows individuals with certain professional qualifications (like lawyers or chaplains) to be directly commissioned without the requirement of a baccalaureate degree focused solely on military training.

Thus, the maintenance of academic standards through the prerequisite of a baccalaureate degree in the Officer Candidate School Program establishes a foundational knowledge necessary for the responsibilities of a commissioned officer.