Basic Course (Freshmen & Sophomores)
Freshman Fall Semester
MLSC 101 & 101L: Foundations of Officership & Leadership Lab
I
This course and associated leadership laboratory are the starting point for Freshman Cadets. These classes teach issues and
competencies central to a commissioned officer's responsibilities. They provide cadets with an understanding of officership,
leadership, Army values, and life skills, such as physical fitness and time management. The associated leadership lab is full of
challenging, rewarding, and practical activities in military skill development. Developing confidence and learning the importance
of teamwork in goal accomplishment are taught throughout. Cadets will learn and participate in rappelling, land navigation and
map reading, marksmanship, survival training, personal defense activities, survival swimming, military weapons, military drill,
cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and first aid.
Freshman Spring Semester
MLSC 102 & 102L Basic Leadership & Leadership Lab
II
The second semester of the Freshman year concentrates on leadership foundations: problem-solving,
communications, military briefings, effective writing, goal setting, physical well-being, techniques for improving listening and
speaking skills, and counseling. The leadership lab continues during the spring semester for all cadets.
Sophomore Fall Semester
MLSC 201 & 201L Individual Leadership Studies & Lab
III
Sophomore cadets receive an introduction to replicating successful leadership characteristics through observations during
experiential learning exercises. Cadets record characteristics, discuss them in small group settings and use them in subsequent
activities. They also practice communication skills necessary for leadership roles, especially in military environments. The
sophomore year leadership laboratory continues to help develop confidence, military skills, and a sense of teamwork. Cadets may
be selected to fill leadership positions in the cadet corps. The variety of activities parallels those during the first year of
the laboratory.
Sophomore Spring Semester
MLSC 202 & 202L Leadership and Teamwork & Lab IV
Cadets learn skills for building successful teams, methods to influence group actions, effective communications
within groups, creativity in problem-solving, and how to motivate subordinates and peers—using these skills in the context of
military environments, such as while performing land navigation and basic infantry tactics.
Basic Camp
Haven't taken some of the classes above? It's not too
late!
Students who have not completed the first two years of classes (students who join the program after their freshman year have the
option of taking the first and second-year courses concurrently) must successfully complete Basic Camp (BC) the summer before entering the MLSC 300 level classes.
Students are paid travel expenses to and from BC and receive approximately $700 paid and free room and board. No military or ROTC
obligation is incurred by BC attendance.
Advanced Course (Juniors & Seniors)
Junior Fall Semester
MLSC 301 & 301L Leadership and Problem Solving & Leadership Laboratory
V
Cadets will conduct self-assessments of leadership style, develop a personal fitness regimen, and plan and
conduct individual/small unit tactical training while testing reasoning and problem-solving techniques. Cadets receive direct
feedback on leadership abilities from the cadre (faculty). Cadets will experience placement in leadership positions within the
cadet corps organization, providing a more significant challenge while building on the confidence and skills developed during the
basic course. A concentration on physical conditioning and furthering military skill development, particularly with respect to
small unit tactics and individual military weapons, is stressed. Practical exercises in preparation for LDAC (see below) and the
leadership responsibilities of the final year will be held.
HIST 303/803 United States Military History, 1607-1917 or HIST 304/804 United States
Military History Since 1917
Either of these two courses satisfies the mandatory military history requirement of the advanced program. They may be taken any
time during the Cadet's Junior or Senior years. The first course covers the significance of military affairs in the context of
American political, economic, and social history, from the formation of the earliest colonial militias to the pre-WWI
preparedness movement. The second course covers from America's entry into WWI to the present. These courses discuss all of the
major wars of these periods but also emphasizes such themes as the professionalization of the officer corps, the relationship
between war and technology, and civil-military relations.
Junior Spring Semester
MLSC 302 & 302L Leadership and Ethics & Leadership Laboratory
VI
This course stresses the role of communications, values, and ethics in practical leadership. Cadets learn ethical
decision-making, consideration of others, spirituality in the military, and the Army leadership doctrine. Cadets will improve
oral and written communication skills.
Advanced Camp (AC)/Cadet Summer Training (CST)
Advanced course students must attend Advanced Camp (AC) normally during the summer between their junior and senior years. At the discretion of the Professor of Military Science, attendance may be postponed until the end of the advanced course. AC consists of the practical application of instruction that has been given at the University. Students fire weapons, practice land navigation and employ tactics they have learned. Cadets are evaluated in a variety of potentially stressful leadership situations. Leadership is emphasized. Students are paid travel expenses to and from the course and, in addition, receive payments of approximately $700 while there. All accommodations, clothing, and food are furnished.
Senior Fall Semester
MLSC 401 & 401L Leadership and Management & Leadership Laboratory
VII
Cadets will learn and refine proficiencies in planning and executing complex operations, functioning as a member
of a staff, and mentoring subordinates. Training management, methods of effective staff collaboration, and developmental
counseling techniques will also be taught. The Leadership workshop will provide the opportunity to practice leadership and
managerial skills through practical application. Leadership laboratory programs are developed, planned, and conducted by the
students registered in these workshops.
Senior Spring Semester
MLSC 402 & 402L Officership & Leadership Laboratory VIII
Cadets will do a case study analysis of military law and practical exercises in establishing an ethical
command climate. Cadets will also complete a semester-long Senior Leadership Project that requires: planning, organizing,
collaborating, analyzing, and demonstrating leadership skills.
Graduate Students
Graduate Students may participate in ROTC with four semesters or more remaining toward an advanced degree. The Military Science coursework requirements are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Big Red Battalion for more information.