Stephen F. Austin State University

Department of Military Science

Areas of Study & Degrees

Military science is a campus-wide minor. No baccalaureate degree is conferred.

Faculty

Objectives

Basic military science courses are open to all students, male and female, and may be taken with no military service obligation. Qualified students may choose to participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) commissioning program, which provides the students with the opportunity to earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the regular Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing an academic degree.

Administrative Information

Military science courses receive full academic credit. Students may receive one hour physical activity credit, with approval from their college dean for each MSC 101, 102, 201 and 202 class. Students are provided all necessary classroom and laboratory material by the Department of Military Science.

For additional information, visit the Military Science Building on campus or call (936) 468-4505.

Admission Requirements

The requirements for the admission of freshmen to the ROTC program are identical to those for admission to the university. Entry into the advanced portion (MSC 300- and 400-level instruction) of the commissioning program is exclusive to qualified students who are pursuing a commission as an Army officer or who have been approved to pursue a minor in military science.

Transfer Students

Students transferring to SFA from another institution may enroll in military science courses at SFA and may be eligible for participation in the commissioning program even if the student did not participate in ROTC at the previous institution. The level of entry into the program is dependent upon academic status and prior service experience. Interested students should contact the Department of Military Science as soon as possible.

Veteran Advanced Placement

Students who have prior military service may be eligible for advanced placement. Eligibility will be determined by the professor of military science after an interview and review of military records. Students currently involved with the Army National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve may participate in the commissioning program and take advantage of additional benefits.

Academic Minor (20 hours)

A minor in military science consists of 20 semester hours, with at least 12 hours of advanced courses. Leadership laboratories (MSC 207 and 407) do not count toward the 20 semester hours. Students must maintain a C average in military science to satisfy major/minor requirements for graduation.

Writing Enhanced Courses & Honors Courses

Students may petition their individual instructor and the department chair for writing-enhanced course credit for all military science courses. A similar process is used for earning honors course credit for military science courses.

Laboratory Requirements

Laboratory requirements outlined in the course descriptions are co-requisite with the lecture portion of that course. A separate lab grade is given for MSC 207 or 407.

Lab activities may include rappelling, orienteering, land navigation, obstacle course, tactical leadership, marksmanship, guest speakers and other activities as scheduled. Each student will be required to turn in a medical release form stating the ability to handle vigorous physical activity.

Basic Leadership Laboratory

Students enrolled in MSC 207 receive one credit hour per semester. Enrollment in a 100- or 200-level military science course is co-requisite to enrollment in MSC 207. MSC 207 is designed to enhance personal development in leadership, confidence and physical fitness.

ROTC Scholarships

Army ROTC offers two- three- and four-year merit-based scholarships to qualified students. Texas National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve scholarships also are available. Contact the Department of Military Science for details.

ROTC Stipends

ROTC stipends for contracted students in the commissioning program are:

Nursing Students

Army ROTC also provides two- three- and four-year scholarships to nursing students with an opportunity to attend specialized training while still in school. Selected commissioning program nursing students have the opportunity to conduct the Nursing Summer Training Program and gain up to two credit hours toward nursing electives.

Service Obligations

Students in the commissioning program incur a duty obligation of four years. These four years can be served on active duty or in the National Guard/Army Reserve. Scholarship students incur a four-year active obligation.

Military Science Activities

ROTC activities include the Austin Color Guard, Ranger Challenge, Stone Fort Battery Cannon Crew, Pershing Rifles, Trailblazers and Austin Raiders. Specific information may be obtained from the Department of Military Science. Selected cadets may attend a variety of schools to include Airborne Training or Air Assault Training. Opportunities in Cadet Troop Leadership training and Nursing Summer Training Program are available during the summer.

Professional Military Education Required Course for Contract Students

Students pursuing a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or National Guard through ROTC, in addition to the normal requirements for commissioning, must complete a required military history course offered within the department or by the university. Further details may be acquired by contacting the Department of Military Science.

Courses in Military Science (MSC)

Unless otherwise indicated, courses are 3 semester hours credit, 3 hours lecture per week.

101.

Introduction to Military Science - Two semester hours, two hours lecture per week, two hours lab per week. Introduction to basic military science skills necessary to perform as a successful leader to include seminar and practical application. Primary focus on management techniques, including goal setting, interpersonal communication, time management and team building. Professionalism and ethical decision making also presented. Students desiring credit for Leadership Laboratory must enroll in MSC 207. Fall only. Incidental fee $10.

102.

Basic Leadership Skills - Two semester hours, two hours lecture per week, two hours leadership laboratory per week. Practical and “hands-on” exercises. Discussions in professional military subjects and continued development of basic military skills at the individual and collective level. Focus on leadership and teamwork in adverse environments. Students desiring credit for Leadership Laboratory must enroll in MSC 207. Spring only. Incidental fee $10.

201.

Basic Leadership Skills - Two semester hours, two hours lecture per week, two hours leadership laboratory per week. Discussion, lecture and practical exercises of the principles of military leadership, written communication techniques and officership. Practical application of intermediate-level skills with an emphasis on land navigation and basic tactics. Students desiring credit for Leadership Laboratory must enroll in MSC 207. Fall only. Incidental fee $10.

202.

Management and Small Unit Leadership - Two semester hours, two hours lecture per week, two hours leadership laboratory per week. Readings, discussion and lecture on the principles of military leadership, officership, and ethics and the role of the non-commissioned officer. Practical exercises in oral and written communications for the small unit. Practical application of military leadership and management at the small unit level. Students desiring credit for Leadership Laboratory must enroll in MSC 207. Spring only. Incidental fee $10.

207.

Basic Leadership Laboratory - One semester hour, two hours practical application per week. May be repeated for a maximum credit of four hours. Customs, courtesies and traditions of the service; drill and ceremonies; rappelling; adventure training; introduction to the Army and the military leader’s role. Application of leadership principles, stressing responsibilities of the leader and the development of leadership potential through practical exercises. No military obligation incurred for those taking the course. To be taken concurrently with MSC 100- and 200-level academic courses. Fall and spring. Incidental fee $15. Each student will be required to turn in a medical release form stating they are able to handle vigorous physical activity.

301.

Leadership Methods of Instruction and Oral Communication - Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week and three hours laboratory per week. Basic leadership, land navigation, physical readiness training, combat orders, mission planning, combat patrolling, methods of instruction, oral communication, and application of leadership and management techniques. Students desiring credit for Leadership Laboratory may enroll in MSC 407. Prerequisite: Completion of basic course(s) or instructor approval. Fall only. Incidental fee $10.

302.

Military Organizations and Functions - Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week and three hours laboratory per week. Map reading, written communications, combat intelligence, communications security, military organizations, small unit tactics, weapons training, marksmanship and military mountaineering. Students desiring credit for Leadership Laboratory may enroll in MSC 407. Prerequisite: MSC 301 or instructor approval. Spring only. Incidental fee $10.

375.

Special Topics - One to three semester hours. Can be repeated as topics vary. Topics to include military history, army readiness, leadership assessment, etc. Students desiring credit for Leadership Laboratory may enroll in MSC 407. Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in upper level MSC course or have department chair approval. Incidental fee $10.

401.

Applied Leadership, Logistics, and Training Development - Three semester hours, three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Applied leadership and counselling; preparing, planning and conducting training; the personnel management system; post and installation support; logistics; battlefield operating systems; and principles of war. Students desiring credit for Leadership Laboratory may enroll in MSC 407. Prerequisite: MSC 302 or instructor approval. Fall only. Incidental fee $10.

402.

The New Officer, Military Law, and Applied Leadership - Three semester hours, three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. Military law and justice, law of war, concerns and considerations for the new officer. Prerequisite: MSC 401 or instructor approval. Spring only. Incidental fee $10.

407.

Advanced Leadership Laboratory - One semester hour, three hours practical application per week. May be repeated for maximum credit of four hours. Duties and responsibilities of junior leaders; practical application of leadership principles; drill and ceremonies; physical training; tactics; land navigation; rappelling; and commissioned officer preparation. To be taken concurrently with MSC 300- and 400-level academic courses. Fall and spring. Incidental fee $15. Each student will be required to turn in a medical release form stating the ability to handle vigorous physical activity.