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 called the Basic Course and the 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, 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 called the National Advanced Leadership Camp. The National Advanced Leadership Camp gives students the chance to practice what they have learned in the classroom, and apply their leadership skills.

The Two-Year Program

The two-year program is designed for a student who did not take ROTC during their first two years of school, 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 that are participating in the Simultaneous Membership Program.

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 the Leaders' Training Course is most often required. There is no military commitment to attend this fully-paid four-week camp.

After successfully completing Leader's Training Course, students who meet all the necessary enrollment requirements continue in the Advanced Course.

Army ROTC Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Army ROTC scholarships for two, three and four years are awarded on a competitive basis to the best qualified students who apply.

Four-year scholarships are awarded to students who will be entering college as freshmen. Based on the availability of scholarships, three- and two-year scholarships are awarded to students already enrolled in college.

Each scholarship covers tuition and fees, a specified amount for textbooks, supplies and equipment, plus an allowance of $2,500 to $4,000 for every year the scholarship is in effect.

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. 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.

Minor in Military Studies

The minor in Military Studies is offered to any student completing the courses of study listed below. The minor not only prepares cadets for active duty service but also provides them the opportunity to study one of our country's major instruments of power, the United States Military. In addition to studying Air Force & Army organization, missions, and operations, the student will gain a broader perspective of the military in general by completing a course in American Military History & a cross-service curriculum emphasizing our country's focus on "Joint" military operations.

**If a student is not accepted into MAS 309 or MSG 303 by the respective military service, the student can substitute an additional upper division course along with MSG 470, physical fitness training.