Military Science

Special Admission and Retention Requirements

Advanced military science courses are normally taken during the junior and senior years, or during graduate school. Qualified students pursuing a commission as a second lieutenant are contracted and paid a subsistence allowance of $420 per month for up to 10 months during the school year. Prior to commissioning, each cadet must successfully complete the four-week ROTC Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Cadets must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, meet DoD medical fitness standards and meet Army physical fitness and weight control standards.

Program Requirements

This non-degree military science curriculum is divided into two phases:

Phase One: Basic Military Science

MSCI 100. Leadership Laboratory Credits: 2.00 (two semesters)
MSCI 101. Introduction to Leadership and the Army Credits: 2.00
MSCI 102. Leadership Development Fundamentals Credits: 2.00
MSCI 200. Intermediate Leadership Laboratory Credits: 2.00 (two semesters)
MSCI 201. Leadership Styles - Theory and Application Credits: 2.00
MSCI 202. Developing Leader Skills Credits: 2.00

Total: 16 Credit Hours

Note on basic military science

The basic course is open to all JMU students. There is no military obligation incurred for taking 100- and 200-level military science courses. This curriculum is designed to help students in the near-term as leaders on campus. The classes will also help students be more effective leaders in the long-term, whether they serve in the military or as leaders in civilian life. Topics addressed include problem solving, critical thinking, problem-solving methods, leadership theory, followership, group cohesion, goal setting, feedback mechanisms, physical fitness and land navigation.

Lessons are taught in a seminar format, emphasizing student discussions and practical exercises. Courses are open to all students with no prerequisites and no military obligation. Students must enroll in both the lab and the classroom instruction.

Placement credit for the basic course may be awarded through multiple programs including: prior military service, basic training, or successful completion of the ROTC summer leadership training course at Ft. Knox, Ky.

Phase Two: Advanced Military Science

MSCI 300. Advanced Leadership Laboratory Credits: 3.00 (two semesters)
MSCI 310. Leading Small Organizations Credits: 3.00
MSCI 320. Developing Advanced Leader Skills Credits: 3.00
MSCI 400. Advanced Leadership Laboratory II Credits: 3.00 (two semesters)
MSCI 410. Seminar Command Management Credits: 3.00
MSCI 420. Seminar on Officership Transition Credits: 3.00

Total: 24 Credit Hours

Note on advanced military science

The advanced course focuses on instruction and case studies which build leadership competencies and military skills in preparation for future responsibilities as Army officers and successful completion of the Leader Development Assessment Course (LDAC) at Ft. Knox, KY. Instruction includes the principles of war, decision-making processes, planning models and risk assessment. Advanced leadership instruction focuses on motivational theory, the role and actions of leaders, and organizational communications. Courses are only open to advanced course-contracted cadets with prerequisites and a military obligation is incurred

Scholarships

Contact the department’s enrollment officers at (540) 568-3633 for scholarship information.