Military Science - Army ROTC
Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a unique course of study that complements an existing degree-producing program. By taking the Military Science courses, in addition to their regular major, MSU students are offered the opportunity to receive a Presidential Commission as an officer in the U.S. Army. A graduate of the program may elect to serve as an officer in either the active Army or in the National Guard/Army Reserve as a part-time soldier (one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer).
ROTC enhances a student's education by providing unique leadership and management training. The experiences provided by Army ROTC have proven to make a significant impact in the graduate's endeavors with many large businesses and corporations actively seeking this qualification for potential professional employees. Army ROTC provides leadership experience.
The Four-Year Program
The four-year Army ROTC Program is divided into two parts, Basic Course and Advanced Course.
The Basic Course is usually taken during the first two years and covers such subjects as management principles, national defense, military history, and leadership development. In addition, a variety of outside social and professional enrichment activities are available. All necessary ROTC uniforms and other essential materials are furnished at no cost. After completing the Basic Course, selected students who have demonstrated the potential to become an officer and who have met the physical, medical, and scholastic standards are eligible to enroll in the Advanced Course.
The Advanced Course is taken during the final two years of college. It includes instruction in organization and management, tactics, ethics, professionalism and advanced leadership development.
During the summer between the junior and senior years of college, Advanced Course students attend a fully paid four-week training session at Fort Knox, Kentucky called Advanced Camp. Advanced Camp gives students the chance to practice what they have learned in the classroom and apply their leadership skills. Besides more military training, cadets are also evaluated on their leadership performance.
The Two-Year Program
The two-year program is designed for a student who did not take ROTC during their first two years of college or for students who have prior military service to their credit. The two-year program is also available to National Guard and Army Reserve college students.
Several options exist for students to enter the Two-Year Program. For students with no previous military experience, a summer introductory military orientation session called Basic Camp is most often required. This is a fully paid four-week course located in Fort Knox, Kentucky.
After successfully completing Basic Camp, students who meet all the necessary enrollment requirements continue in the Advanced Course, and often receive a two-year scholarship.
Army ROTC Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Army ROTC scholarships are merit-based for two, three or four years.
Four-year scholarships are awarded to students who will be entering college as freshmen. Based on the availability of scholarships and merit, three- and two-year scholarships are awarded to students already enrolled in college.
Each Army ROTC scholarship covers 100% tuition and fees or $12,000 per year; $1200 per year for textbooks, supplies and equipment; plus, a monthly stipend of $420 for every year the scholarship is in effect. Nurse majors receive an additional $650 upon reaching the Advance Course and Upper Division Nursing.
Special consideration for an Army ROTC scholarship is given to students pursuing degrees in nursing, engineering, the physical sciences, and other technical skills in demand by the Army. The College of Nursing provides five (5) guaranteed upper division seats for Army ROTC students majoring in nursing. Students who receive a scholarship must earn an undergraduate degree in the field in which the scholarship is awarded.
High Technology in Today's Army
Today's Army offers students the opportunity to learn valuable cutting-edge technology skills. Army careers in such fields as aviation, advanced electronics, laser technology, and computer programming are available to students who can accept the challenge of working within a rapidly changing technological environment. In the Army, students learn from experts and gain first-hand experience working with some of the most sophisticated equipment available.
Students who complete ROTC training and receive a degree in a high-tech area can look forward to an important career experience in the Army and a solid future in the world of rapidly expanding technology.
| Freshman Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | |
| MSL 101 - Introduction to the Army | 3 | |
| MSL 106 - Army Physical Fitness | 1 | |
| MSL 102 - Foundations of Leadership | 3 | |
| MSL 106 - Army Physical Fitness | 1 | |
| Year Total: | 4 | 4 |
| Sophomore Year | Credits | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| MSL 201 - Leadership and Ethics | 3 | |
| MSL 106 - Army Physical Fitness | 1 | |
| MSL 205 - American Military HistoryMay take either in Fall or Spring Semester | 3 | |
| MSL 202 - Army Doctrine and Decision Making | 3 | |
| MSL 106 - Army Physical Fitness | 1 | |
| Year Total: | 7 | 4 |
| Junior Year | Credits | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| MSL 301 - Training Management and the Warfighting Functions | 3 | |
| MSL 106 - Army Physical Fitness | 1 | |
| MSL 302 - Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations | 3 | |
| MSL 106 - Army Physical Fitness | 1 | |
| Year Total: | 4 | 4 |
| Senior Year | Credits | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| MSL 401 - The Army Officer | 3 | |
| MSL 106 - Army Physical Fitness | 1 | |
| MSL 402 - Company Grade Leadership | 3 | |
| MSL 106 - Army Physical Fitness | 1 | |
| Year Total: | 4 | 4 |
| Total Program Credits: | 35 | |