Courses

Course Descriptions

MINOR IN MILITARY SCIENCE (16 credit hours)
Students enrolled in other degree programs at West Virginia State University who are interested in taking Military Science courses, but not interested in completing the entire Military Science or ROTC program (Reserve Officer Training Corps), have the option of obtaining an academic minor in Military Science.  The primary purpose of the minor is to allow students the opportunity to experience the Army and all it has to offer while simultaneously obtaining a minor degree in addition to their selected academic major.  Requirements for this degree are to successfully complete any combination of 16 Military Science credit hours, ranging from the MSC-100 level to the MSC-200 level.  Advanced level classes open to the minor are; MSC-301, 303, 350, 351, 450, 451, and through special approval from the Professor of Military Science, MSC-490, Seminar in Military Leadership.

THE BASIC COURSE
The term Basic Course refers to the first and second year, pre-commissioning, and leadership development curriculum for Military Science courses: MSC-101, 103, 150, 102, 104, 151, 201, 203, 250, 202, 204, and 251.  The courses are designed for beginning students of Military Science or ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) who may want to try Military Science without obligation or those who may want to qualify for entry into the Military Science Advanced Course.  A number of popular and challenging extracurricular activities are associated with these basic courses.

101. INTRODUCTION TO MILITARY SCIENCE (2 credit hours)
A topical survey of military science that introduces the student to the organization of the U.S. Army by contrasting and comparing it with civilian organizations.  The course introduces the student to the basic concepts of drill and ceremony; provides basic techniques to refine student's listening, writing, and speaking abilities; examines the nature of military law; explains the evolution of military heritage and standards of professional behavior; provides an overview of training management principles; and concentrates on building self-discipline and self-confidence.  Co-requisite: MSC-103.  Participation in the annual ROTC hall of fame induction ceremony is mandatory.  Participation in a fitness class is optional except for contracted cadets.

102. PRACTICUM IN MILITARY TRAINING MANAGEMENT I (2 credit hours)
A continuation of MSC-101.  Students will learn to apply principles of effective leadership, which reinforces self-confidence through participation in physically and mentally challenging exercises with upper division ROTC students.  This course also develops communication skills to improve individual performance and group interaction: and relate organizational ethical values to the effectiveness of a leader. CO-requisite: MSC 104 Military Science Leadership Laboratory II.  Participation in a physical fitness class and a weekend field training exercise is optional but highly encouraged.

103 & 104.  PRACTICUM IN MILITARY TRAINING MANAGEMENT LABORATORIES I & II
(1 credit hour)
This laboratory section is designed to offer the student an opportunity for integration and application of training management and leadership techniques.  Team membership and leadership positions are tailored based on the student's academic alignment.  Course includes exercises such as rappelling, group presentations, basic marksmanship, drill and ceremonies, and field training.  Co-requisite: The appropriate military science course, MSC-101 & 102.  Contracted MSC-100s must also enroll in the appropriate fitness class, i.e. MSC-150 or 151.

150 & 151.  BASIC PHYSICAL FITNESS AND CONDITIONING I & II (1 hour credit)
Open to all students, but required of all contracted MSC-100 level cadets or students.  Students participate in and learn to lead a physical fitness program.  Emphasis is on the development of an individual fitness program and the role of exercise and fitness in one's life.  Leadership positions are tailored based on the student's academic alignment.

201.  INTRODUCTION TO SMALL UNIT LEADERSHIP (2 credit hours)
Students will learn and apply ethics-based leadership skills that develop individual abilities and contribute to the building of effective teams.  Course focuses on the development of skills in oral and written communications, planning events, coordination of group efforts, advanced first aid, land navigation, and basic military tactics.  Pre-requisite: MSC-101, 103, 102, & 104 or permission from the Professor of Military Science.  Co-requisite: MSC-203 and MSC-250.

202. PRACTICUM IN MILITARY TRAINING AND TACTICS (2 credit hours)
Students are introduced to individual and team aspects of military tactics in small unit organizations.  The class compares the actions of small organizations in the process of developing strategy and tactics, while taking into account theoretical, political, economic, and physical factors.  They continue to develop leadership and critical skills.  Pre-requisite: All MSC-100 level classes, MSC-201, 203, & 250, prior military training, or permission from the Professor of Military Science.  Co-requisite: MSC-203 and MSC-250.

203 & 204.  PRACTICUM IN MILITARY TRAINING  MANAGEMENT LABORATORIES III & IV (1 credit hour)
This laboratory section is designed to offer the student an opportunity for integration and application of training management and leadership techniques.  Team members and leadership positions are tailored based on the student's academic alignment.  Course includes exercises such as rappelling, group presentations, marksmanship, drill and ceremonies, and field training.  Co-requisite: The appropriate military science lecture course, MSC-201 & 202. Additionally, all MSC-200s must take the appropriate fitness class, i.e. MSC-250 or 251.

250 & 251.  BASIC PHYSICAL FITNESS AND CONDITIONING III & IV (1 hour credit)
Open to all students, but required of all cadets or students enrolled in MSC-201, 202, 203, or 204.  Students participate in and learn to lead a physical fitness program.  Emphasis is on the development of an individual fitness program and the role of exercise and fitness in one's life.  Leadership positions are tailored based on the student's academic alignment.

210. CAMP CHALLENGE (6 credit hours)
A six-week summer camp conducted at an Army post.  The student receives pay.  Travel cost, lodging, and meals are defrayed by the Army.  The environment is rigorous and is similar to Army Basic Training.  No military obligation is incurred.  Open only to students who have not taken the sequence of MSC 101, 102, 201, 202, 103, 104, 203, 204, 250, or 251.  Entry also requires students to pass a physical examination (paid for by ROTC).  Completion of MSC-210 qualifies a student for entry into the Advanced Course.  Seven different training cycles are offered during the summer, but spaces are limited based on the needs of the U.S. Army.  Candidates can apply for a space anytime during the academic year prior to the summer of intended participation.  Qualifying students are also eligible to compete for ROTC scholarships during the summer camp.

THE ADVANCED COURSE
The term Advanced Course refers to the third and forth year, pre-commissioning, and leadership development curriculum for Military Science courses: MSC-301, 303, 350, 302, 304, 351, 310, 401, 403, 450, 402, 404, & 451.  It is open only to students who have completed the Basic Course or earned placement credit for it through various methods.  A student can also qualify for entry into the Advanced Course by completing the summer encampment, MSC-210, Camp Challenge, the Lateral Entry Program, or the Alternate Entry Program.  Completion of Basic Training, AIT, (Advanced Individual Training), and 54 semester hours are required qualifications for acceptance into the Lateral Entry Program.  Any student with 54 semester hours qualifies for entry into the Advanced Course under the Alternate Entry Program.  The Advanced Course is designed to qualify students for a commission as an officer in the United States Army.  Students must complete MSC-310, ROTC Advanced Camp, typically in the summer between their junior and senior year.  All courses must be taken in sequence unless otherwise approved by the Professor of military Science.  Students enrolled in the Advanced Course receive a stipend per month during the academic year ($300 as a junior and $350 as a senior).  Juniors at Advanced Camp also receive pay.

301. LEADING SMALL ORGANIZATIONS I (2 credit hours)
Series of practical opportunities to lead small groups, receive personal assessments, encouragement, and lead in situations of increasing complexity.  Cadets will use small unit in offensive and defensive tactics and experience opportunities to plan and conduct training for lower division students both to develop skills and as vehicles for practicing leadership.  Pre-requisite: Completed all basic Army ROTC requirements or permission from the Professor of Military Science.  Co-requisites: MSC-303, Advanced Course Leadership Laboratories and MSC-350, Advanced Physical Fitness Training and Conditioning are required in conjunction with this course.  Participation in both the ROTC hall of fame induction ceremony and the weekend FTX, are mandatory. While not mandatory, participation in all Mini-Exercises is highly encouraged.  Open also to those seeking a minor in Military Science.

302. LEADING SMALL ORGANIZATIONS II (2 credit hours)
Continues methodology of MSC-301.  Course focuses on the skills necessary to analyze tasks and prepare both written and oral guidance for team members in the accomplishment of tasks.  Cadets will delegate and supervise task, plan for and adapt to the unexpected or unfamiliar situations in organizations under stress, and examine the importance of ethical decision making in setting a positive climate that enhances team performance.  Prerequisite: MSC-301, 303, & 350.  Co-requisites: MSC-304 & 351.

303 & 304.  ADVANCED COURSE LEADERSHIP LABORATORIES I & II  (1 credit hour)
Open only to students in the associated Military Science lecture course (MSC 301 & 302) or those seeking a minor in Military Science.  Different leadership roles are assigned to students at different levels of the program.  The course involves assignment of leadership responsibilities for the planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of various training and activities with basic course students in addition to the ROTC program as a whole.  Students develop, practice, and refine leadership skills by serving and being evaluated in a variety of responsible positions.  Co-requisite: The appropriate Military Science lecture course, MSC-301 or 302 and an advanced conditioning classes MSC-350 or 351.  Open also to those seeking a minor in Military Science.

350 & 351.  ADVANCED PHYSICAL FITNESS TRAINING   AND CONDITIONING I & II
(1 credit hour)
Students will participate in a physical fitness program to learn techniques for developing a fitness program and lead physical fitness.  Develops the physical fitness required of an officer in the U.S. Army.  Open only to, and required of students in MSC-301, 302, or those seeking a minor in Military Science.

310. ROTC ADVANCED CAMP  (6 credit hours)
A six-week camp conducted at an Army post.  Required of all students who have completed MSC-301, 303, 350, 302, 304, and 351.  The student receives pay, travel, lodging, and most meal cost are defrayed by the U.S. Army.  The Advanced Camp environment is highly structured and demanding, stressing leadership at small unit levels under varying, challenging conditions.  Individual leadership and basic skills performances are evaluated throughout the camp.  The leadership and skills evaluations at Advanced Camp weigh heavily in the subsequent selection process that determines the type of commission and job opportunities given to the student upon graduating from  college, the ROTC program, and subsequently their commissioning.

401. LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES AND GOAL-SETTING  (2 credit hours)
Cadets plan, conduct, and evaluate activities of the ROTC cadet organization.  They must articulate goals and put plans into action to achieve or exceed established goals.  They assess organizational cohesion and develop strategies to improve it.  Cadets learn and apply various Army policies and programs in this effort.  Prerequisite: Completion of all MSC-300 level classes.  Co-requisite: MSC-403 and MSC-450.

402. TRANSITION TO LIEUTENANT (2 credit hours)
Continues the methodology of MSC-401.  Students identify and resolve ethical dilemmas and refine counseling and motivating techniques; examine aspects of tradition and law as related to leading as an officer in the Army.  Cadets prepare for a future as a successful Army lieutenant.  Prerequisite: Completion of all MSC-300 level classes in addition to MSC-401, 403, and 450.  Co-requisites: MSC-404 and 451.

403 & 404.  ADVANCED COURSE LEADERSHIP LABORATORIES III & IV (1 credit hour)
Open only to students in the associated Military Science (MSC) lecture course.  Different leadership roles are assigned to students at different levels of the program.  The course involves leadership responsibilities for the planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of various training and activities with basic course students and for the ROTC program as a whole.  Students develop, practice, and refine leadership skills by serving and being evaluated in a variety of responsible positions.  Co-requisite: The appropriate military science lecture course, MSC-401, MSC-402, and an advanced conditioning classes MSC-450 or 451.

450 & 451.  ADVANCED PHYSICAL FITNESS TRAINING AND CONDITIONING III & IV
(1 credit hour)
Students will participate in a physical fitness program to learn techniques for developing a fitness program and lead physical fitness.  Develops the physical fitness required of an officer in the U.S. Army.  Open only to, and required of students in MSC-401, 402, or those seeking a minor in Military Science.

490.  SEMINAR IN MILITARY LEADERSHIP (3 credit hours)
Study and application of military history through classroom instruction, directed readings, oral and written presentations.  This class will incorporate multiple presentations on leadership examples throughout history, battle analysis, a closer look at Operations Orders and their use as a leadership tool, and/or a Military Staff Ride to a local battlefield.  The seminar will include classes, directed readings, and both oral and written presentations on such topics as national security, logistic management, military law, ethics, and analytical models for decision making.  Prerequisites: Junior or senior ROTC standing, pursuant of an academic minor in Military Science, or special permission from the Professor of Military Science.