Course Info

Courses and Training

This curriculum ultimately qualifies the college graduate for a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard.

Program Features

The Army Military Science Scholarship Program awards full-time four, three, and two-year scholarships to eligible students on a competitive basis.

Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) is four weeks of intense classroom and field training held in the summer at Fort Knox, KY. This leader development course is an accelerated version of the two years of leadership development training Cadets receive in the Basic Course. By transforming yourself through this rigorous training, you will qualify for enrollment in the Army ROTC Advanced Course on campus-provided you have two years of college remaining (undergraduate or graduate).

Basic Course

No military obligation is required.

Sophomore (Spring Only)

The second year is an expansion of the topics taught in the first year of the program, with a new focus on hands-on leadership opportunities. As with the freshmen year, these courses are open to all MSU students without obligation. Subjects covered:

Written and Oral Communication
Advanced Map Reading Skills
Small Unit Tactics
Battle Drills
Practical Leadership Training
Marksmanship

Basic Camp

Cadets attend Basic Camp if they have two years remaining in school before graduation, and did not take the first two years of ROTC, prior military service is also credit for the first two years of ROTC. Those who choose this option attend a paid four-week summer course conducted at Fort Knox, KY. Cadets learn the same skills and fundamentals of military science and leadership they would have received in the first two years of ROTC in a more rapid, intense sequence. Cadets who complete Basic Camp may be awarded 2-year scholarships, if eligible.

Basic Courses

Individual Leadership Studies
A study of a leader of a small organization. A practical exercise for the student to learn how to plan, organize, execute tasks, manage time and make sound decisions. Enrolled/contracted ROTC cadets can participate in a weekend exercise to put all skills to practice.

Leadership & Teamwork
Study examines how to build successful teams, various methods for influencing action, effective communication in setting and achieving goals, the importance of timing the decision, creativity in the problem solving process, and obtaining team buy-in through immediate feedback.

Leadership Training Course Summer Internship
A five-week summer internship conducted at Fort Knox, KY. Students participate in physical training, land navigation, weapons and tactics, and leadership development. Successful completion qualifies individuals to validate or compete for a two-year scholarship.

Advanced Course

Military obligation required

Junior

The third year marks the beginning of the Advanced Course. While any MSU student may take the first two years with no military obligation, third and fourth year cadets must sign a contract to serve as an officer following graduation. Cadets who enroll must have academic Junior, Senior, or graduate status with four semesters remaining. The subjects covered:

Advanced small unit tactics
Advanced land navigation
Advanced practical leadership training
Develop students' ability to organize, prepare, and conduct training
Marksmanship

Senior

The final year of the ROTC program is to prepare cadets to become successful lieutenants in the army upon graduation. Senior cadets apply for their branch choice of interest in the fall and receive branching results the following semester. Cadets are assigned battalion staff positions and are responsible for evaluating and counseling underclass cadets.

Subjects covered:

Function and Relationship between Staff
Written and Oral Communication
Role and Responsibilities of Armed Forces in American Society
Military Justice System/International Military Law
Preparation from Student to Officer

Advanced courses

Leadership and Problem Solving
junior course

Students conduct self-assessment of leadership style, develop a personal fitness regimen, and learn to plan and conduct individual/small group tactical training while testing reasoning and problem-solving techniques. Students will receive direct feedback on leadership abilities. Students will also receive an introduction to the basic fundamentals of military map reading and land navigation.

Leadership and Ethics
junior course

Examines the role of communications, values, and ethics in effective leadership. Topics include ethical decision-making, consideration of others, spirituality in the military, and a survey of Army leadership doctrine. Emphasis on improving oral and written communication abilities and improving land navigation as applied with the military small unit leader. Includes further development of small unit tactics, leadership skills, and physical conditioning.

Leadership Management
senior course

Develops student proficiency in planning and executing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and mentoring subordinates. Students explore training management, methods of effective staff collaboration, and developmental counseling techniques.

Officership
senior course

This course focuses on completing the transition from cadet to Lieutenant. It includes a case study analysis of military law and practical exercises on establishing an ethical command climate. Students must complete a semester-long Senior Leadership Project that requires them to plan, organize, collaborate, analyze, and demonstrate their leadership skills.

Leadership Development and Assessment
senior course

A five-week summer internship conducted at Fort Lewis, WA. Students participate in physical training, land navigation, weapons and tactics, and leadership development. The final camp score is part of the student’s accessions packet for service in the Army.

Selected Topics
senior course

An intensive/detailed study of an Army military battle. Study involves current Army doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures and how commanders won or lost the battle.