College of Education
Department of Military Science and Leadership/Reserve Officers' Training Corps (Army ROTC)
316 Wiecking Center
Phone: 507-389-6226/6220
Chair: Lt. Col. Thomas Cooper
Jean Andresen, Capt. Jerry Bohl, Sgt. Bart Bottoms, Kris Boyce, Lt. Col. Doug Goodfellow, Capt. Greg Miller, Sgt. Bill Putnam, Lori Olinger
The Military Science and Leadership Department offers either a two- or four-year program enabling students/cadets to compete for a commission as an officer in the United States Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. University credit is awarded for the courses in the program. However, the Military Science program is not an academic major. Students must complete an academic major in another area in addition to the military science requirements.
An academic minor in military science is available; however, the minor is limited to ROTC cadets who have contracted with the United States Army.
The four-year Army ROTC curriculum develops the student's leadership, managerial and organizational abilities. Integration with other related academic programs such as political science, history, business and geography develop well-rounded professional officers for the Army. Leadership skills acquired through ROTC and the practical application of skills provided in the program transfer easily to civilian career goals. ROTC graduates traditionally enter industrial and business career fields with a significant competitive edge.
The program consists of two parts: the basic course and the advanced course. The basic course usually occurs the freshman and sophomore years and students incur no military obligation. After completing the basic course, students may enroll in the advanced course. In order to enroll, students must also execute an enlistment contract with United States Army. Additionally, students with military basic training experience may receive advanced placement credit into the ROTC advanced course. The advanced course must be taken after students receive academic junior status. All cadets receive uniforms and the necessary textbooks for military science classes. Also, all contracted cadets will receive a living allowance of at least $250 each academic month of the school year.
GPA Policy. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 (C) in the courses taken from the military science and leadership department in order to meet graduation and/or commissioning requirements.
P/N Grading Policy. No classes offered by the military science and leadership department consist of P/N grades.
Leadership Laboratories. All contracted cadets are required to attend (1) two-hour leadership laboratory each week. Specifics are outlined in each course syllabus. A weekend field training exercise is also conducted each semester.
Leader's Training Course. During the summer between the sophomore and junior years, students who have NOT completed the first two years of ROTC or have not previously completed military basic training may attend this five-week internship at Fort Knox, KY. This qualifies the student to enter the ROTC Advanced Course. A stipend is paid for attendance and students receive travel, room, board, uniforms, and medical care.
Leader Development and Assessment Course. During the summer internship between the junior and senior years, cadets attend a five week advanced camp at Fort Lewis, WA. Cadets receive a stipend for this training; travel, room, board, uniforms, and medical care are also included. Students experience leadership positions, lead other ROTC cadets through a number of challenging situations, and build both stamina and self-confidence.
MSL 111 (1) Foundations of Officership
Introduces students to issues and competencies that are central to a commissioned officer's responsibilities. Establishes framework for understanding officership, leadership, Army values, as well as skills such as physical fitness and time management.
F
MSL 112 (1) Basic Leadership
Establishes foundation of basic leadership fundamentals such as problem solving, communications, briefings and effective writing, goal setting, techniques for improving listening and speaking skills, and an introduction to counseling.
S
CD-Related
MSL 210 (1) Army Physical Fitness
Students will enhance individual leadership qualities, develop and organize physical training programs, and learn the advantages of being a responsive follower as well as a productive leader (ingredients of integrity and teamwork). In addition, students will achieve the highest standards of physical fitness in preparation for the Army Physical Fitness Test. This class is a prerequisite for MSL 403.
F, S
GE-11
MSL 211 (2) Individual Leadership Studies
Students identify successful leadership characteristics through observation of others and self through experiential learning exercises. Students record observed traits (good and bad) in a dimensional leardership journal and discuss observations in small group settings.
F
MSL 212 (2) Leadership and Teamwork
Study examines how to build successful teams, various methods for influencing action, effective communication in setting and achieving goals, the importance of timing decisions, creativity in the problem solving process, and obtaining team buy-in through immediate feedback.
S
MSL 252 (3) The Evolution of American Warfare
This course is designed to provide an overview of American Military history from the Revolutionary War to the present, with emphasis on the post World War I era. It examines the cause, conduct, consequences, and historical threads of military conflict.
MSL 277 (3) Cadet Professional Development Training (CPDT)
This course is devoted to the study and practical application of the Army profession and Army leadership development through first-hand service with real Army units on actual Army installations. Qualified cadets compete for selection to attend one of 23 separate Army courses. Note selection is very competitive and each Army-sactioned course is very rigourous. Once selected, cadets hone their leadership and individual skills during two to four weeks of training and education. Possible courses include Airborne school, Air Assault school, Leader's Training Course, and Cadet Troop Leader Training.
Pre-req: Limited to cadets enrolled in Army ROTC
MSL 299 (1-8) Individual Study
Department chair approval required.
F, S
MSL 311 (3) Leadership and Problem Solving
Students conduct self-assessment of leadership style, develop personal fitness regimens, and learn to plan and conduct individual/small unit tactical training while testing reasoning and problem-solving techniques. Students receive direct feedback on leadership abilities. Limited to ROTC cadets who executed a contract with the U.S. Army.
F
MSL 312 (3) Leadership and Ethics
Examines the role communications, values, and ethics play in effective leadership. Topics include ethical decision-making, consideration of others, spirituality in the military, and a survey of Army leadership doctrine. Emphasis is on improving oral and written communication abilities. Limited to ROTC cadets who executed a contract with the U.S. Army.
Pre: MSL 311 S
MSL 366 (3) Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC)
This course is a rigorous and demanding 32-day internship held at Fort Lewis, WA and is designed to develop and evaluate leadership ability and determine preparedness to become commissioned Army officers. Cadets train in physically and mentally challenging situations and undergo testing on a variety of skills and topics.
Pre-req: Limited to cadets contracted with the US Army
MSL 403 (1) Application of Physical Conditioning
Students plan, organize and lead individual and team oriented physical conditioning activities. These activities are geared toward the physical development and instruction of underclassmen. MS 403 students also administer fitness tests to underclassmen which measure the cardiovascular endurance and upper and lower body strengths. MS 403 students are required to successfully pass the Army Physical Fitness Test prior to the end of the semester. Limited to ROTC cadets who executed an enlistment contract with the U.S. Army.
Pre: MSL 210 F, S
MSL 411 (3) Leadership and Management
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. Limited to ROTC cadets who executed a contract with the U.S. Army.
Pre: MSL 311, 312 F
MSL 412 (3) Officership
Study includes 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. Limited to ROTC cadets who executed a contract with the U.S. Army.
Pre: MSL 311, 312, 411 S
MSL 499 (1-8) Individual Study
Department chair approval required. Limited to ROTC cadets who executed an enlistment contract with the U.S. Army.
F, S
