Military Science (MS) - Courses

MS 101 Cr.2

Introduction to the Army

This course focuses on introduction to the Army and critical thinking. It introduces cadets to the Army and the profession of arms. Students will examine the Army profession and what it means to be a professional in the U.S. Army. The overall focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of the Army Leadership Requirements Model while gaining a complete understanding of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student. Cadets also learn how resiliency and fitness supports their development as an Army leader. Includes a weekly lab facilitated by MSL III Cadets and supervised by Cadre personnel. Lect. 1, Lab 2. Prerequisite: first year or sophomore standing. Junior or senior standing requires consent of department. Offered Fall.

MS 102 Cr.2

Foundations of Agile and Adaptive Leadership in the Army

This course introduces students to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Cadets learn how the personal development of certain life skills such as critical thinking, time management, goal setting and communication affect their daily life and interactions with peers, teams and leaders. Students learn the basics of the communications process and the importance for leaders to develop the essential skills to effectively communicate in the Army. Students will begin learning the basics of squad level tactics. Prerequisite: MS 101; first year or sophomore standing. Junior or senior standing requires consent of department. Offered Spring.

MS 201 Cr.2

Leadership and Decision Making

This course focuses on leadership and decision making. The outcomes are demonstrated through critical and creative thinking and the ability to apply Troop Leading Procedures (TLP) innovative solutions to problems. The Army profession is also stressed through leadership forums and a leadership self-assessment. Students are then required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom in a hands-on performance-oriented environment during a weekly lab facilitated by MSL III and IV Cadets and supervised by Cadre personnel. Lect. 1, Lab 2. Prerequisite: MS 102; first year or sophomore standing. Junior or senior standing requires consent of department. Offered Fall.

MS 202 Cr.2

Army Doctrine and Team Development

This course focuses on Army doctrine and team development. The course begins the journey to understand and demonstrate competencies as they relate to Army doctrine. Army Values, Teamwork, and Warrior Ethos and their relationship to the Law of Land Warfare and philosophy of military service are also stressed. The ability to lead and follow is also covered through team building exercises at squad level. Students are then required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom in a hands-on performance-oriented environment during a weekly lab facilitated by MS III and IV Cadets and supervised by Cadre personnel. Prerequisite: MS 201; first year or sophomore standing. Junior or senior standing requires consent of department. Offered Spring.

MS 301 Cr.3

Training Management and the Warfighting Functions

This is an academically challenging course where you will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership, officership, Army values and ethics, personal development, and small unit tactics at the platoon level. At the conclusion of this course, you will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a squad and platoon in the execution of a mission during a classroom PE, a leadership lab, or during a Leader Training Exercise (LTX). You will be required to write peer evaluations and receive feedback on your abilities as a leader and how to improve those leader skills that can further develop you into a successful officer. This course includes reading assignments, homework assignments, small group assignments, briefings, case studies and practical exercises, a midterm exam, and a final exam. You will receive systematic and specific feedback on your leader attributes, values, and core leader competencies from your instructor, other ROTC cadre, and MS IV Cadets. Prerequisite: MS 202. Offered Fall.

MS 302 Cr.3

Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations

This is an academically challenging course where you will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership, officership, Army values and ethics, personal development, and small unit tactics at the platoon level. At the conclusion of this course, you will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a squad and platoon in the execution of a mission during a classroom PE, a leadership lab, or during a Leader Training Exercise (LTX). You will be required to write peer evaluations and receive feedback on your abilities as a leader and how to improve those leader skills that can further develop you in to a successful officer. This course includes reading assignments, homework assignments, small group assignments, briefings, case studies and practical exercises, a mid-term exam, and a final exam. You will receive systematic and specific feedback on your leader attributes, values, and core leader competencies from your instructor, other ROTC cadre, and MSL IV Cadets. Prerequisite: MS 301. Offered Spring.

MS 401 Cr.3

The Army Officer

This course focuses on development of the Army officer. It is an academically challenging course where you will develop knowledge, skills, and abilities to plan, resource, and assess training at the small unit level. You will also learn about Army programs that support counseling subordinates and evaluating performance, values and ethics, career planning, and legal responsibilities. At the conclusion of this course, you will be familiar with how to plan, prepare, execute, and continuously assess the conduct of training at the company or field grade officer level. The course includes a lab per week overseeing MSL III lesson facilitation and supervised by ROTC Cadre. Prerequisite: MS 302. Offered Fall.

MS 402 Cr.3

American Military History

A historical review and analysis of the development of military strategy and weapons; a detailed study of the history of the United States military; an analysis of contemporary, post-World War II issues; and a study of selected battles. Offered Fall, Spring.

MS 403 Cr.3

Company Grade Leadership

This is an academically challenging course where you will study, practice, develop, and apply critical thinking skills pertaining to Army leadership, officership, Army values and ethics, personal development, and small unit tactics at platoon level. This course includes reading assignments, homework assignments, small group assignments, briefings, case studies, practical exercises, mid-term exam, and a capstone exercise in place of the final exam. For the capstone exercise, you will be required to complete an oral practicum where you will be evaluated on your knowledge of the 20 Army Warfighting Challenges (AWFC) covered throughout MS 401 and MS 402 coursework. In addition, you will be assessed on leadership abilities during classroom PE, leadership labs, or Leader Training Exercises (LTX). You will receive systematic and specific feedback on your leader attributes, values, and core leader competencies from your cadre, PMS, and other MS IV Cadets who will evaluate you using the Cadet Officer Evaluation Report (COER). You will be required to write peer evaluations and receive feedback on your abilities as a leader and how to improve those leader skills. At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to plan, coordinate, navigate, motivate and lead a platoon in future operational environments. Successful completion of this course will assist in preparing you for your BOLC B course and is a mandatory requirement for commissioning. Prerequisite: MS 401. Offered Spring.

MS 499 Cr.1-3

Independent Studies in Military Science

Students design individual plans of study in consultation with a MS faculty member. Designed for MS students who have excellent records in the department. Repeatable for credit - maximum three. Consent of department. Offered Occasionally.