Course Descriptions

MSC 1011 | Introduction to the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC)

MSC 1011 introduces students to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership and communication. Students will learn how the personal development of life skills such as cultural understanding, goal setting, time management, stress management, and comprehensive fitness relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. The focus is on developing basic leader attributes and core leader competencies while gaining an understanding of the ROTC program.

MSC 1021 | Introduction to Leadership

MSC 1021 overviews leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. Students will explore dimensions of leadership attributes and core leader competencies in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises. The key objective is to explore in more detail the Army’s leadership philosophy and learn fundamental military concepts. Emphasis on Army leadership will provide the student with a better understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student.

MSC 2032 | Self/Team Development

MSC 2032 explores the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership theories that form the basis of the Army leadership framework.  Aspects of personal motivation and team building are practiced by planning, executing and assessing team exercises.  The focus continues to build on developing knowledge of the leadership attributes and core leader competencies through the understanding of Army rank, structure, and duties as well as broadening knowledge of land navigation. Case studies will provide a tangible context for learning the Soldier’s Creed and Warrior Ethos.

MSC 2042 | Individual/Team Tactics

MSC 2042 examines the challenges of leading teams in the complex operational environment.  The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders.  Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army Leadership Requirements Model explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. Students develop greater self-awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills.  Case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios.

MSC 3053 | Advanced Leadership and Tactics I

This is an academically challenging course where students will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership, Officership, Army values and ethics, personal development, and small unit tactics at the team and squad level.  At the conclusion of this course, students will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a team or squad in the execution of a tactical mission during a classroom PE, a Leadership Lab, or during a Situational Training Exercise (STX) in a field environment.  Successful completion of this course will help prepare students for success at the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) which students will attend the following summer at Fort Knox, KY.  Students will receive systematic and specific feedback on their leader attributes values and core leader competencies from ROTC cadre and senior ROTC Cadets using the ROTC Leader Development Program (LDP) model.

MSC 3063 | Advanced Leadership and Tactics II

The final semester of the Junior year continues focusing on the fundamentals of Army leadership, Officership, Army values and ethics, personal development, and small unit tactics at the team, squad, and platoon level.  At the conclusion of this course, students will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a team or squad in the execution of a tactical mission during a classroom PE, a Leadership Lab, or during a Situational Training Exercise (STX) in a field environment.  Successful completion of this course will help prepare students for success at the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) which students will attend in the summer at Fort Knox, KY.  Students will receive systematic and specific feedback on their leader attributes values and core leader competencies from ROTC cadre and Senior ROTC Cadets using the ROTC Leader Development Program (LDP) model.

MSC 3093 | US Military History

Students will study and apply the history of the American military.  This course builds an understanding of and integrates the principles and practices of changing economics, society and world events on military operations and American culture throughout the history of the United States.  At the conclusion of this course, students will have knowledge of the American Military’s history and the effects of a changing society and world economy on the American military.

MSC 4073 | Applied Leadership and Management I

This semester transitions the focus of student learning from being trained, mentored and evaluated as a Junior Cadet to learning how to train, mentor and evaluate underclass Cadets.  Senior Cadets learn the duties and responsibilities of an Army staff officer and apply the Military Decision Making Process, Army Writing Style, and the Army’s Training Management and METL Development processes during weekly Training Meetings to plan, execute and assess battalion training events.  Cadets learn to safely conduct training by understanding and employing the Composite Risk Management Process.  Students learn how to use the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF) program to reduce and manage stress.

MSC 4083 | Applied Leadership and Management II

The final semester of the advanced course explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in unified land operations.  Students will examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism.  Students also explore aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing students for Army officer life, and their first unit assignment. Students explore Military Professional Ethics and ethical decision making, gain practical experience in Cadet Battalion leadership roles, demonstrate personal skills in operations and communications; evaluate and develop Junior Cadets as small unit leaders, and prepare for the transition to a career as an Army Officer.

MSC 4123 | Independent Study in Leadership

The ROTC Program Officer-In-Charge will conduct leadership classes with students and assign additional coursework as needed to develop the student into a successful Army officer.