Army ROTC (Military Science)
West Chester University students are eligible to participate in the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program through a formal cross-enrollment agreement with the Widener University Department of Military Science. Army ROTC offers University students the opportunity to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and a commission in the United States Army, Army National Guard, or United States Army Reserve. All ROTC classes and leadership labs are taught at West Chester University.
The Army ROTC program consists of a basic course taken during the freshman and sophomore years, and an advanced course taken during junior and senior years. Successful completion of the basic course is required before placement in the advanced course. Students who participated in Junior ROTC in high school or who have prior military service may receive partial or full credit for the basic course, which is determined by the Army Professor of Military Science. The basic course requirement also may be satisfied through attendance at a four-week Army ROTC Leadership Training Course (LTC) at the end of the sophomore year. Qualified students receive a stipend of $420 per month from September to June. Guaranteed National Guard and Reserve Forces options are also available.
Nursing students who complete the four-year or two-year program, obtain their nursing degree, and pass their Nursing Board Examinations are commissioned into the Army Nurse Corps. Two-year, three-year, and four-year Army ROTC scholarships are available on a competitive basis. These scholarships pay 100 percent of the student’s tuition or room and board up to $10,000 and include payment of certain University fees, as well as a $1,200 book and school supplies subsidy.
Applications for Army ROTC scholarships must be submitted early in the spring semester.
Applications for attendance at the LTC must be submitted early in the spring semester of the sophomore year.
Military Science students also participate in orientation and field training activities as part of the Military Science curriculum. These activities are an exploration of historical, organizational, and functional activities of the U.S. Army, conducted in conjunction with the Army Officer Education Program, and are recognized as a part of the commissioning preparation process for cadets.
Activities are conducted off campus through tours, field trips, laboratory sessions, and practical field application that includes marksmanship, land navigation, small unit operations, rappelling, water survival, color guard, organized athletics, and other military skills. Varying degrees of health and body risk are involved in these activities. The government of the United States, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, West Chester University, its officers, trustees, employees, agents, or students assume no liability for any injury caused during the above activities. For injuries incurred while participating in ROTC activities, the Department of Labor will assume the cost above the student’s personal health insurance.
For further information on scholarship and career opportunities, contact the Professor of Military Science, Widener University, Chester PA 19013, 610-499-4097, or CPT Lucas Frisch, Assistant Professor of Military Science, West Chester University, 809 Roslyn Avenue, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-430-4403.
All undergraduate students are held to the academic policies and procedures outlined in the undergraduate catalog. Students are encouraged to review departmental handbooks for program tips, suggested course sequences, and explanations of procedures. When applicable, additional policies for specific department programs may be listed below.
MSI
MSI 101. Introduction to the Army: Foundations of Agile and Adaptive Leadership. 1 Credit.
This course focuses on introduction to the Army and basic soldier skills. 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 learn to perform basic soldier skills to survive in a field environment to support their development as an Army leader. Included is a weekly lab facilitated by MS III cadets, supervised by MS IV's and cadre.
Typically offered in Fall.
MSI 102. Introduction to Leadership: Foundations of Leadership. 1 Credit.
Learn/apply principles of effective leading. Reinforce self-confidence through participation in physically and mentally challenging exercises with upper-division ROTC students. Develop communication skills to improve individual performance and group interaction. Relate organizational ethical values to the effectiveness of a leader. A required leadership lab, plus participation in three one-hour sessions for physical fitness. Participation in a weekend exercise also is required.
Typically offered in Spring.
MSI 113. Army Physical Readiness Training. 1 Credit.
This course is designed to provide the necessary information and skills to enable the cadet to participate in and lead fitness activities safely and effectively, which is essential to the Army way of life. This will include discussion of fitness principles and practical application of techniques discussed. The course will investigate methods of improving muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardio respiratory fitness, flexibility and body composition.
Pre / Co requisites: MSI 113 requires a corequisite of MSI 201 or MSI 202.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
MSI 199. Transfer Credits. 1-50 Credits.
Transfer Credits.
Repeatable for Credit.
MSI 201. Leadership and Ethics. 2 Credits.
This 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 presented through the understanding of values, 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 Land Warfare and philosophy of military service are also discussed. Students are then required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom during hands-on performance-oriented environments at the weekly lab facilitated by MS III cadets, supervised by MS IV's and cadre.
Pre / Co requisites: MSI 201 requires prerequisites of MSI 101 and MSI 102.
Typically offered in Fall.
MSI 202. Army Doctrine and Decision-Making. 2 Credits.
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, Offensive Operations, and Defensive 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 MS III cadets and supervised by MS IV's and cadre. Successful completion of this course will help prepare students for Cadet Summer Training/Basic Camp.
Pre / Co requisites: MSI 202 requires a prerequisite of MSI 201.
Typically offered in Spring.
MSI 301. Leading Small Organizations I: Training Management and the Warfighting Functions. 3 Credits.
This course involves a series of practical opportunities to lead small groups, receive personal assessments and encouragement, and lead again in situations of increasing complexity. Uses small-unit defensive tactics and opportunities to plan and conduct training for lower-division students to develop these skills as vehicles to practice leading. A required leadership lab, plus required participation in three one-hour sessions for physical fitness. Participation in one weekend exercise also is required, and one or two more weekend exercises may be offered for participation.
Pre / Co requisites: MSI 301 requires prerequisites of MSI 101, MSI 102, MSI 201, and MSI 202.
Typically offered in Fall.
MSI 302. Leading Small Organizations II. 3 Credits.
Continues methodology of MSI 301. Analyze tasks, prepare written or oral guidance for team members to accomplish tasks, delegate tasks, and supervise. Plan for and adapt to the unexpected in organizations under stress. Examine and apply lessons from leadership case studies as well as the importance of ethical decision-making in setting a positive climate that enhances team performance. Students 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, students 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 (MS III) facilitation overseen by MS IV's, supervised by ROTC cadre. Successful completion of this course will help prepare students for Cadet Summer Training/Advanced Camp.
Pre / Co requisites: MSI 302 requires a prerequisite of MSI 301.
Typically offered in Spring.
MSI 399. USMC ROTC (PLC). 3 Credits.
USMC ROTC (PLC)
Typically offered in Summer.
MSI 400. US Military History. 3 Credits.
Students develop an awareness of the relationship of military establishment to society particularly the US.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
MSI 401. The Army Officer: The Army Profession and Mission Command. 3 Credits.
This course focuses on development of the Army officer. It is an academically challenging course: students will develop knowledge, skills, and abilities to plan, resource, and assess training at the small unit level. They 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, students 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 MS III lesson facilitation and supervised by ROTC cadre.
Pre / Co requisites: MSI 401 requires prerequisites of MSI 301 and MSI 302.
Typically offered in Fall.
MSI 402. Transition to Lieutenant: Company Grade Leadership. 3 Credits.
Continues the methodology from MSI 401. Identify and resolve ethical dilemmas. Refine counseling and motivating techniques. Examine aspects of tradition and law as related to leading as an officer in the Army. Prepare for a future as a successful Army lieutenant. A required leadership lab, plus required participation in three one-hour sessions for physical fitness. Participation in one weekend exercise also is required, and one or two more weekend exercises may be offered for optional participation.
Pre / Co requisites: MSI 402 requires a prerequisite of MSI 401.
Typically offered in Spring.
MSI 410. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.
Students become familiar with army supply management operations and procedures focusing on inventory and requisitioning procedures.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
MSI 499. USMC ROTC (PLC). 3 Credits.
Military Science transfer credit.
Typically offered in Summer.
