All Military Science Courses

Undergraduate Courses

MSC 101 Introduction to the Army and Critical Thinking (A)

Introduces students to the personal challenges and competencies critical for effective leadership. Students learn how personal development of life skills such as goal setting, time management, physical fitness and stress management relate to leadership, officership and the Army profession. Focus is placed on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army Leadership Dimensions while gaining an understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student. Classes meet for one hour of classroom instruction and two hours of leadership lab per week. Students incur no military obligation. Meets GEP 100 requirement. See Option 1 Academic Minor MSC 101. 2 Cr. Fall.

MSC 102 Adaptive Leadership and Professional Competence (A)

Provides an overview of leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback and using effective writing skills. Explores dimensions of leadership values, attributes, skills and actions in the context of practical, hands-on and interactive exercises. Classes meet for one hour of classroom instruction and two hours of leadership lab per week. Students incur no military obligation. 3 Cr. Spring.

MSC 104 Military Conditioning Lab (B)

Provides hands-on application of the Army whole body fitness concept. This progressive program enhances strength, flexibility and endurance. Requires participation in group organization activities, cardiovascular training, muscle strengthening exercises and agility events contained in Army Field Manual 21-20. Includes monthly fitness tests to measure individual progression. Students incur no military obligation. 1 Cr. Spring.

MSC 201 Leadership and Decision Making (A)

Explores dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by studying historical case studies and engaging in interactive student exercises. Students practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing and assessing team exercises. Focuses on the continued development of the knowledge of leadership values and attributes, through an understanding of rank, uniform, customs and courtesies. Classes meet for two hours of classroom instruction and two hours of leadership lab per week. Students incur no military obligation. 3 Cr. Fall.

MSC 202 Army Doctrine and Team Development (A)

Examines the challenges of leading in complex contemporary operational environments. Dimensions of the cross-cultural challenges of leadership in a constantly changing world are highlighted and applied to practical Army leadership tasks and situations. Develops greater self-awareness as students practice communication and team-building skills. Contemporary Operating Environment case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios. Classes meet for two hours of classroom instruction and two hours of leadership lab per week. Students incur no military obligation. 3 Cr. Spring.

MSC 203 Leaders' Training Course (B)

Provides practical leadership for students with little or no military experience in a four-phased course. Phases 1 and 2 focus on individual skill and confidence building exercises used to create a foundation for later learning. Phase 3 utilizes physical and mental obstacles to challenge students and evaluate their leadership potential. Phase 4 provides each student with personal feedback from their team of instructors. 4 Cr. Summer.

MSC 301 Training Management and the Warfighting Functions (A)

Challenges cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with the demands of the ROTC Leader Development Assessment Course (LDAC). Challenging scenarios related to small unit tactical operations are used to develop self-awareness and critical-thinking skills. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership abilities. Cadets begin to analyze and evaluate their own leadership values, attributes, skills and actions. Primary attention is given to preparation for LDAC and the development of leadership qualities. Classes meet for three hours of classroom instruction and two hours of leadership lab per week. 1-4 Cr. Fall.

MSC 302 Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations (A)

Uses increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build cadet awareness and skills in leading small units. Skills in decision-making, persuading and motivating team members are explored, evaluated, and developed. Aspects of military operations are reviewed as a means of preparing for the ROTC Leader Development Assessment Course (LDAC). Cadets are expected to apply basic principles to Army training, and motivation to troop-leading procedures. Emphasis is also placed on conducting military briefings and developing proficiency of operation orders. Classes meet for three hours of classroom instruction and two hours of leadership lab per week. 4 Cr. Spring.

MSC 303 Leadership Development and Assessment Course (B)

Formalized evaluation of leader behavior during an intense, five-week training program with emphasis on proficiency in military skill, teamwork and leadership. Students are stressed in a time-constrained environment to accomplish complex tasks while leading a small team of students and managing scarce resources. At the conclusion of each evaluated task, and in summation at the completion of the course, each student receives personalized performance counseling. 6 Cr. Summer.

MSC 310 Saga of the American Military (A)

Does not count toward the major in history or fulfillment of General Education requirements for history. Focuses on a narrative of American military history following a chronological format. Emphasizes the application of American military combat power in regards to governmental decisions, and domestic and foreign relationships concerning the United States. Class discussions and course work also cover the impact of technology on war, civil and political-military relationships, growth and the overall organization of the American armed forces and impact of its use on United States and world history. 3 Cr.

MSC 327 American Military Experience (A)

Presents a survey of American military history from the colonial period to present. Major themes include the changing experience of battle, combat motivation, systems of recruitment for the armed forces, the impact of technology on warfare, civil-military relations, the rise of the military as a professional institution, and the evolution of military doctrine. 3 Cr. Spring.

MSC 401 The Army Officer (A)

Develops cadet proficiency in planning, executing and assessing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and providing leadership performance feedback to subordinates. Cadets are given situational opportunities to assess risk, make ethical decisions and provide coaching to fellow ROTC cadets. Cadets are challenged to analyze, evaluate and instruct younger cadets. Both their classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed to prepare cadets for their first unit of assignment. Cadets identify responsibilities of key staff, coordinate staff roles, and use situational opportunities to teach, train and develop subordinates. Classes meet for three hours of classroom instruction and two hours of leadership lab per week. 1-4 Cr. Fall.

MSC 402 Company Grade Leadership (A)

Explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations. Cadets examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. Aspects of interacting with non-governmental organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support are examined and evaluated. Significant emphasis is placed on preparing cadets for their first unit of assignment. Case studies, scenarios and "What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises are used to prepare cadets to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States Army. Classes meet for three hours of classroom instruction and two hours of leadership lab per week. 4 Cr. Spring.

Graduate Courses