Military Science

Program Description

A four-year ROTC program includes instruction for freshman and sophomore students as well as advanced students. As stated in the introduction of the College of Education and Human Development Handbook, a minor in Military Science is offered, giving the student academic credit for the leadership, critical thinking and military skills training received. At least 19 credit hours are required to receive credit for a minor.

The Advanced Military Science Program

The Advanced Military Science Program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi allows qualified students to earn commissions as Second Lieutenants in the active Army, the Army Reserve, or the National Guard. 

Entry into the program is restricted to students who have demonstrated scholastic ability, excellent character, and leadership potential. Qualification is based on successful accomplishment of any one of the following:

  1. Honorable military service.
  2. Completion of the U.S. Army Cadet Command Camp (a 4 week summer compression program).
  3. Completion of the first two years of the ROTC four-year program at another institution.

The two-year curriculum is centered on developing leadership and management skills. Training exercises aimed at increasing the students’ confidence are practiced throughout the program.

Graduates of this program are appointed in entry management positions in the Army depending upon their preferences, academic majors, and demonstrated leadership.

Program Requirements

Basic Military Science

Required Courses
MSCI 1170Introduction to the Army1
MSCI 1171Foundations of Leadership1
MSCI 2270Leadership and Ethics2
MSCI 2271Army Doctrine and Decision Making2
Total Hours6

The Advanced Military Science Program

Required Courses
MSCI 3403Training Management and the Warfighting Functions4
MSCI 3404Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations4
MSCI 4403The Army Officer4
MSCI 4404Company Grade Leadership4
HIST 4335The Military and United States History3
or MSCI 3301 American Military History
Total Hours19

Courses

MSCI 1170  Introduction to the Army  
1 Semester Credit Hour (1 Lecture Hour)  

MSCI 1170/MSL 101 Focuses on introduction to the Army and basic soldiers.  It introduces Cadets to the Army and the Profession of Arms.  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 begin learning map reading and land navigation. Students will have a initial classes on fieldcraft, first aid, individual/team movement techniques that will include a weekly lab facilitated by MS III Cadets and supervised by MSIV's and cadre.

MSCI 1171  Foundations of Leadership  
1 Semester Credit Hour (1 Lecture Hour, 1 Lab Hour)  

MSCI 1171/MSL 102 Introduces Cadets to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership.  Cadets learn how the personal development of life skills such as critical thinking, time management, goal setting, and communication.  Cadets learn the basics of the communications process and the importance for leaders to develop the essential skills to effectively communicate in the Army.  Cadets will begin learning the basics of squad level tactics that will be reinforced during a weekly lab facilitated by MS III Cadets and supervised by MSIV's and Cadre.

MSCI 1172  Ranger Leadership Laboratory  
1 Semester Credit Hour (1 Lab Hour)  

RANGER LEADERSHIP LABORATORY Practical leadership and teamwork training in rappelling, rope bridges, weapons firing, map reading and land navigation, water safety, patrolling, and other ranger skills. Includes a weekend field trip where the techniques learned will be applied in competitive events. Cross listed with KINE 1116. May be repeated for credit.

MSCI 2270  Leadership and Ethics  
2 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours)  

MSCI 2270/MSL 201 Focuses on leadership and ethics. The course adds depth to the cadets knowledge of the different leadership styles Cadets will conduct a leadership analysis of famous leaders and self-assessment of their own leadership style. The Army Profession is also stressed through understanding values, and ethics and how to apply both to different situations they may encounter as a leader. Army values and Ethics and their relationship to the Law of the Land Warfare and philosophy of military service are also stressed. 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 and supervised by MSIV's and Cadre.

MSCI 2271  Army Doctrine and Decision Making  
2 Semester Credit Hours (1 Lecture Hour, 1 Lab Hour)  

MSCI 2271/MSL 202- Focuses on Army doctrine and decision making.  The course begins with analytical techniques, creative thinking skills and the Army problem solving process as related to situations faced by leaders when making decisions. TLPs and OPORD will lead cadets to an understanding of Army Doctrine and Symbology. Squad tactics will be covered in classes on Unified Land Operations. 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

MSCI 3301  American Military History  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

A comprehensive, but brief account of the U.S. Army from past to present.  Integrates the basic knowledge of American military history into the future officer's education.  This is an Army standardized, mandatory course that is a part of pre-commissioning training for contracted U.S. Army ROTC cadets.  Employs American military history as a tool for studying military professionalism and applying critical-thinking skills and decision-making skills to military problems.  Analyzes the definition of Military History, the theory and practice of war, and the American Military System as an intellectual framework for applying critical-thinking skills and problem-solving skill to the study of historical, military problems.

Prerequisite: (MSCI 1170, 1171, 2271 and 2270).

MSCI 3403  Training Management and the Warfighting Functions  
4 Semester Credit Hours (4 Lecture Hours)  

MSCI 3304/MSL 301 Focuses on training management and the warfighting functions.  It is an academically challenging course where you will study, practice and apply the fundamental of Training Management and how the Army operates through the Warfighting functions.  At the conclusion of this course, the Cadet will be capable of planning, preparing, and executing training for a squad, conductiong small unit tactics.  Includes a lab per week using peer facilitation overseen by MSL IVs, supervised by ROTC Cadre.

MSCI 3404  Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 1 Lab Hour)  

MSCI 3404/MSL 302 Focuses on applied leadership in small unit operations.  It is an academically challenging course where you will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of direct-level leadership and small unit tactics at the platoon level.  At the conclusion of this course, you will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating, and leading a platoon in the execution of a mission.  Includes a lab per week using peer facilitation overseen by MSL IVs, supervised by ROTC cadre.  Successful completion of this course will help prepare for the Cadet Summer Training Advance Camp to be attended in the summer at Fort Knox, KY.

MSCI 4305  Advanced Problem Solving  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Military Science special problems course designed for individual study in modern day military structure and policies.

MSCI 4403  The Army Officer  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 1 Lab Hour)  

MSCI 4403/MSL 401 Focuses on development of the Army Officer.  It is an academically challenging course where the Cadet will develop knowledge, skills, and abilities to plan, resource, and assess training at the small unit level. You will 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, you 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.

MSCI 4404  Company Grade Leadership  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 1 Lab Hour)  

MSCI 4404/MSL 402- Is an academically challenging course where you will 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 knowledge of how well the Cadet 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 for the BOLC B course and is a mandatory requirement for commissioning.  Includes a lab per week overseeing MSL III lesson facilitation and supervised by ROTC Cadre.

MSCI 4696  Military Science Directed Individual Study  
1-6 Semester Credit Hours  

Programs will be designed for individual cases through special permission of the Department Chair and Dean. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies.