Military Science

Undergraduate Program Information

The Military Science program leads to a commission as an officer in the Army Reserve, National Guard or Active Duty Army. The program consists of four parts:

  1. the student’s academic major,
  2. nondepartmental courses of value to the military service,
  3. courses in military science and
  4. a six-week Leader Development and Assessment course.

The department offers a four-year program divided into two parts: the basic course (two years) and the advanced course (two years). Selected students may qualify for the two-year program with prior military service or successful completion of a six-week summer Leaders’ Training Course. Financial assistance and scholarships are available for qualified individuals. Students should contact the Department of Military Science to obtain additional information.

Requirements

Courses should be taken in sequence, normally one per semester. The student’s Military Science advisor will recommend course sequence. Military Science students must sign up for and attend courses plus laboratories. Departmental requirements may not be taken S/U.

Prefix Title Credits
Basic Course Freshman
M SC 110Introduction to Military Science2
M SC 111Introduction to Leadership2
Basic Course Sophomore
M SC 210Self/Team Development3
M SC 211Leadership in Action and Team Building3
M SC 225Directed Studies1-3
Advanced Course Junior
M SC 310Leading Small Organizations I3
M SC 310 LLeading Small Organizations I Lab1
M SC 320Leading Small Organizations II3
M SC 320 LLeading Small Organizations II Lab1
M SC 325Advanced Directed Studies1-3
M SC 350Cadet Summer Training Advanced Course3
Advanced Course Senior
M SC 401Leadership Challenges and Goal Setting3
M SC 401 LLeadership Challenges and Goal Setting Lab1
M SC 402Transition to Lieutenant3
M SC 402 LTransition to Lieutenant Lab1
M SC 425Practicum1-4
Nondepartmental Requirements
Select one course in Military History to meet Professional Military Education requirements. 13
Total Credits35-42
1

See your Military Science advisor for specific courses.

Minors for the Department

LTC Adam D. Buchanan, Department Head

Senior Military Science Instructor: MSG Keith Platt; Assistant Professor of Military Science: CPT Jay Kubler; Military Science Instructors: SFC Jesus Diaz; MSG Justin Spangler National Guard Liasions: CPT Alfonzo Orenday; Logistics Technician: Mr. Tony Scott: Human Resources Assistant: Mr. Julian Ramos; Event Planner Senior: Mrs. Monica Dunivan

Military Science Courses

M SC 110. Introduction to Military Science

2 Credits (2+1P)

Introduction to the Army, the Profession of Arms, and critical thinking. Students will examine the Army Profession and what it means to be a professional in the U.S. Army. The overall focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of the Army Leadership Requirements Model while gaining a complete understanding of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student. Cadets also learn how resiliency and fitness supports their development as an Army leader. Includes a weekly lab facilitated by MSL III Cadets and supervised by Cadre. May be repeated up to 2 credits. Restricted to Las Cruces campus only.

M SC 111. Introduction to Leadership

2 Credits (2+1P)

Introduction to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Students learn how the personal development of life skills such as critical thinking, time management, goal setting, and communication contribute to effective leadership. Students learn the basics of the communications process and the importance for leaders to develop the essential skills to effectively communicate in the Army. Students will begin learning the basics of squad level tactics that will be reinforced during a weekly lab facilitated by MSL III Cadets and supervised by Cadre. May be repeated up to 2 credits. Restricted to Las Cruces campus only.

M SC 210. Self/Team Development

3 Credits (3+1P)

A focus on leadership and decision making. The course adds depth to the student’s understanding of the Adaptability Army Learning Area. Outcomes are demonstrated through Critical and Creative Thinking and the ability to apply Troop Leading Procedures (TLP) to apply Innovative Solutions to Problems. The Army Profession is also stressed through leadership forums and a leadership self-assessment. Students are then required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom in a hands-on performance-oriented environment during a weekly lab facilitated by MSL III Cadets and supervised by Cadre and three physical fitness sessions per week. Restricted to Las Cruces campus only.

M SC 211. Leadership in Action and Team Building

3 Credits (3+1P)

A focus on Army doctrine and team development. The course begins the journey to understand and demonstrate competencies as they relate to Army doctrine. Army Values, Teamwork, and Warrior Ethos and their relationship to the Law of Land Warfare and philosophy of military service are also stressed. The ability to lead and follow is also covered through Team Building exercises at squad level. Students are then required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom in a hands-on performance-oriented environment during a weekly lab facilitated by MSL III Cadets and supervised by cadre and three physical fitness sessions per week. Restricted to Las Cruces campus only.

M SC 225. Directed Studies

1-3 Credits

Individual directed studies under supervision of the Professor of Military Science. May be repeated up to 12 credits. Restricted to Las Cruces campus only.

Prerequisite(s): GPA 2.5 or better.

M SC 310. Leading Small Organizations I

3 Credits (3)

Part of the Senior ROTC Advanced Course, this course provides a Focus on training management and the warfighting functions. It is an academically challenging course were Cadets study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Training Management and how the Army operates through the Warfighting functions. At the conclusion of this course, Cadets will be capable of planning, preparing, and executing training for a squad conducting small unit tactics. Includes one lab meeting per week using peer facilitation overseen by MSL IVs, supervised by ROTC Cadre and three physical fitness sessions per week. Students must meet Basic Course of Military Science requirements to enroll in this course.

Corequisite(s): M SC 310 L.

M SC 310 L. Leading Small Organizations I Lab

1 Credit (1P)

Planning, coordination, execution and evaluation of training and activities with basic course students and ROTC program. Students develop and refine leadership skills in positions of responsibility. Open only to students taking M SC 310.

Corequisite(s): M SC 310.

M SC 320. Leading Small Organizations II

3 Credits (3)

Part of the Senior ROTC Advanced Course, this course provides a focus on applied leadership in small unit operations. It is an academically challenging course where Cadets study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of direct level leadership and small unit tactics at the platoon level. At the conclusion of this course, Cadets will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a platoon in the execution of a mission Includes one lab meeting per week using peer facilitation overseen by MSL IVs, supervised by ROTC Cadre and three physical fitness sessions per week. Successful completion of this course is a requirement to Cadet Summer Training Advance Camp during the summer, at Fort Knox, KY. Prerequisite(s): M SC 310

Corequisite(s): M SC 320 L.

M SC 320 L. Leading Small Organizations II Lab

1 Credit (1P)

Practice and refinement of leadership skills. Different roles assigned for students at different levels in the program. Planning, coordination, execution and evaluation of training and activities with basic course students and ROTC program. Open to students taking M SC 320.

Corequisite(s): M SC 320.

M SC 325. Advanced Directed Studies

1-3 Credits

Directed individual study of advanced subjects under the guidance of the Professor of Military Science. May be repeated up to 12 credits.

Prerequisite(s): GPA 2.5 or better.

M SC 350. Cadet Summer Training Advanced Course

3 Credits (3)

Advanced Camp. Advanced Camp is a 31-day training event which takes place at Fort Knox, KY. It is designed to assess a Cadet’s ability to demonstrate proficiency in basic officer leadership tasks. Cadets are evaluated on their ability to lead at the Squad and Platoon levels, both in garrison and tactical environments. Cadets are mentally and physically tested during a 12-day consequence driven field training exercise that replicates a combat training center rotation. Successful completion of the Advanced Camp is a requirement for commissioning. Consent of Instructor required.

Prerequisite(s): M SC 310, M SC 310 L, M SC 320, and M SC 320 L.

M SC 401. Leadership Challenges and Goal Setting

3 Credits (3)

Part of the Senior ROTC Advanced Course, this course provides a focus on development of the Army Officer. It is an academically challenging course were Cadets develop knowledge, skills, and abilities to plan, resource, and assess training at the small unit level. Cadets also learn about Army programs that support counseling subordinates and evaluating performance, values and ethics, career planning, and legal responsibilities. At the conclusion of this course, Cadets will be familiar with how to plan, prepare, execute, and continuously assess the conduct of training at the company or field grade officer level. Includes a lab per week overseeing MSL III lesson facilitation and supervised by ROTC Cadre and three physical fitness sessions per week. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Prerequisite(s): M SC 320

Corequisite(s): M SC 401 L.

M SC 401 L. Leadership Challenges and Goal Setting Lab

1 Credit (1P)

Different roles assigned for students at different levels in the program. Practice and refinement of leadership skills. Planning coordination, execution and evaluation of training and activities with basic course students and ROTC program. Open only to students taking M SC 401. May be repeated up to 1 credits.

Corequisite(s): M SC 401.

M SC 402. Transition to Lieutenant

3 Credits (3)

The final course within the Senior ROTC Advanced Course, this course is an academically challenging course were Cadets further develop knowledge, skills, and abilities required of junior officers pertaining to the Army in Unified Land Operations and Company Grade Officer roles and responsibilities. This course includes reading assignments, homework assignments, small group assignments, briefings, case studies, practical exercises, a mid-term exam, and an Oral Practicum as the final exam. The Oral Practicum explores the Cadet’s knowledge of how they will be prepared for the 20 Army Warfighting Challenges (AWFC) covered throughout the ROTC Advanced Course. Successful completion of this course will assist in preparing Cadets for their BOLC B course following graduation and commissioning. It is a mandatory requirement for commissioning. Includes a lab per week overseeing MSL III lesson facilitation and supervised by ROTC Cadre and three physical fitness sessions per week. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Prerequisite(s): M SC 401

Corequisite(s): M SC 402 L.

M SC 402 L. Transition to Lieutenant Lab

1 Credit (1)

Different roles assigned for students at different levels in the program. Practice and refinement of leadership skills. Planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of training and activities with basic course students and ROTC program. Open only to students taking M SC 402. May be repeated up to 1 credits.

Corequisite(s): M SC 402.

M SC 425. Practicum

1-4 Credits

Independent projects conducted under the direction of the Professor of Military Science, and concerned with analysis of selected leadership or management problems. Course not eligible for S/U grade. May be repeated up to 16 credits.

M SC 465 L. Military Decision Making - Graduate Level Lab

1 Credit (1)

Students will work as part of a planning team in the application of the Military Decision Making Process to planning, coordination, and publish a comprehensive training plan and guidance which outlines all training and activities of the NMSU Army ROTC program for the semester following the semester of the course (i.e. the fall course develops the spring plan). Students develop and refine leadership skills in positions of responsibility. Open only to students taking M SC 465. May be repeated up to 1 credits. Consent of Instructor required. Consent of Professor of Military Science (PMS) is required and the PMS will interview all prospective students prior to enrolling into this course.

Corequisite(s): M SC 465.

 

Phone: (575) 646-4030

Website: https://armyrotc.nmsu.edu/