Course Descriptions

For a more detailed description for each year of Military Science, please select one of the links below.

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

ROTC Basic Course

The first two years of Military Science (MLSC 101, 102, 203, and 204) provide a background of the historical role of military forces as well as current national military objectives. In addition, students develop basic leadership skills in problem-solving and decision-making and learn survival techniques, map reading, self-defense, rappelling, and marksmanship. Graduates of the Basic Course incur no commitment to enroll in the ROTC Advanced Course and incur no obligation for military service. Students may enroll or withdraw from any of the four courses in the ROTC Basic Course under the same provisions and in the same manner as other academic courses at IUP. Veterans of US Armed Forces, Junior ROTC and Civil Air Patrol graduates, and students who complete the ROTC Leaders Training Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, may receive exemption from the ROTC Basic Course if approved by the professor of Military Science, but they will not automatically receive academic credit for the course.

ROTC Advanced Course

The last two years of Military Science (MSLC 305, 306, 407, and 408) compose the Advanced Course and lead to a commission as an officer in the United States Army. To be eligible to enroll in the Advanced Course, a student must meet these criteria: be a citizen of the United States; be physically fit and pass a physical examination; be an enrolled academic junior or senior with at least a 2.0 GPA; be not less than 17 years of age but less than 39 by the anticipated graduation date; successfully complete the ROTC Basic Course or its equivalent; and be accepted by the professor of Military Science. Advanced Course students study advanced leadership, management, professional ethics, small unit tactics, military law, and instructional and training techniques. Practical application is the rule, and students have the opportunity to practice and polish their skills as members of the ROTC battalion leadership. Once Advanced Course students agree in writing to complete the Advanced Course, graduate on time, and accept a commission as an officer, they become eligible to receive a monthly cash stipend of $450 to $500 for 10 months of the academic year.

Freshman

MLSC 101 - Introduction to Military Science

Focuses on introduction to the Army, basic soldier skills, and the Profession of Arms. Examines what it means to be a professional in the US Army. Develops basic knowledge and comprehension of the Army Leadership Requirements Model while gaining a complete understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose, and its advantages for the student. Includes a weekly lab facilitated by MS III Cadets, supervised by MS IV cadets and cadre.

MLSC 102 - Fundamentals of Military Science

Introduces cadets to the personal challenges and competencies critical for effective leadership. Guides the personal development of life skills such as critical thinking, performance and resilience enhancement skills, and communication. Teaches the basics of the communications process and the importance of developing the essential skills to effectively communicate. Introduces the basics of squad-level tactics that will be reinforced during a weekly lab facilitated by MS III cadets, supervised by MS IV cadets and cadre.

Sophomore

MLSC 203 - Military Leadership and Communication

Focuses on leadership, communication skills, and ethics. Adds depth to the cadets' knowledge of different leadership styles; cadets gain experience in basic soldier skills such as land navigation and first aid. Reinforces communication skills through writing, briefing, and reporting. Applies acquired knowledge outside the classroom during hands-on, performance-oriented environments at the weekly lab.

MLSC 204 - Army Doctrine and Decision Making

Focuses on Army doctrine and decision making. Teaches the Troop Leading Procedures and Operations Orders process. Lead cadets to an understanding of Army doctrine, symbology, and squad tactics. Applies acquired knowledge in both tactical and non-tactical settings.

Junior

MLSC 305 - Training Management and the Warfighting Functions

Provides a rigorous, progressive course that introduces cadets to the principles of small group leadership, tactics, communication techniques, decision making, and troop leading procedures. Focuses on developing leadership competence and tactical expertise. Requires cadets to participate in class, tactical tutoring, and in the Leadership Labs; cadets must be contracted (completely or conditionally) to be enrolled in this course.

MLSC 306 - Platoon Level Tactics

Provides cadets the opportunity to hone their leadership skills and apply the knowledge base they gained in MLSC 305 to the tactical lanes during tactical tutoring and labs. Consists of a time-intensive and demanding courseload that requires rigorous study and effort to excel. 

Senior

MLSC 407 - Advanced Army Leadership Seminar

Focuses on advanced leadership and the principles of mission command. Develops knowledge, skills, and abilities to plan, resource, assess, and lead training at the small unit level. Addresses Army programs that support counseling subordinates and evaluating performance, values and ethics, career planning, and legal responsibilities. Demonstrates ability to plan, prepare, execute, and continuously assess the conduct of training at the company or field grade officer level. Includes a weekly lab overseeing MS III lesson facilitation and supervised by ROTC cadre.

MLSC 408 - Company Grade Leadership

Develops knowledge, skills, and abilities required of junior officers pertaining to the Army in Unified Land Operations and Company Grade Officer roles and responsibilities. Includes reading assignments, homework assignments, small group assignments, briefings, case studies, practical exercises, a mid-term exam, and an Army Staff Ride. Assists in preparing cadets for their BOLC B course and is a mandatory requirement for commissioning. Includes a lab per week overseeing MS III lesson facilitation and supervised by ROTC cadre.

Leadership Labs

Leadership Laboratory (three hours every Thursday afternoon)

Students participate in a practical application of leadership principles, individual movement techniques, land navigation, rifle marksmanship, leadership reaction courses, water survival training, and small unit tactics. They take what they've learned in the classroom and apply it in the field. Leadership Labs offer practical challenges, both physical and mental, and develop teamwork, trust, and leadership.