Military Science Minor

Military Science offers a two, three and four-year Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program designed to develop future officers in the areas of leadership, management, foreign policy, national security, military history and military skills. The Army ROTC program also offers a series of optional adventure outings and on-campus activities during the school year. These include orienteering, rappelling, sports programs and social activities. Enrollment in the Army ROTC program is not a requirement for taking military science courses. Military Science offers a varied class schedule to meet students’ requirements. The Army ROTC program consists of one course per semester along with scheduled leadership laboratories and field training.

Four-Year Commissioning Program

The four-year program is divided into two parts: the basic course and the advanced course. The basic course is usually taken in the freshman and sophomore years. No military commitment is incurred during this time, and students may withdraw at any time through the end of the second year. The first year consists of 2-unit introductory courses each semester. The second year consists of 2-unit courses with instruction on organizational leadership theories. Uniforms, necessary military science textbooks and materials are furnished without cost.

After completing the basic course, students who have demonstrated officer potential, have met physical and scholastic standards and agree to contract are eligible to enroll in the advanced course. This course is normally taken in the final two years of college and consists of outlined military science and designated enrichment courses that include communication skills, military history and computer literacy.

In addition, the advanced course consists of a paid five-week leadership assessment course held during the summer between the junior and senior years. This course permits students to put into practice the leadership principles and theories acquired in the classroom. All students in the advanced course receive uniforms, necessary military science textbooks, pay for the leadership assessment course, and a living allowance of up to $4,000 each school year.

Upon completion of the advanced course, students are commissioned Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army. The available options after commissioning are active duty for a minimum of three years or three months active duty for training followed by part-time participation in the U.S. Army Reserve or U.S. Army National Guard.

Several special programs are available for students who have previous ROTC training or active military service. These programs allow for part- or full-placement credit for the basic course. In addition, a program is available for simultaneous participation in both Army ROTC and the Army Reserve or Army National Guard.

Two-Year Commissioning Program

This program offers students the opportunity to be commissioned officers after two years of Army ROTC instead of four years. The two year program is designed for community and junior college graduates and students who did not take Army ROTC during their first two years or who have prior military experience. The five-week summer Cadet Basic Camp, provides the military skills and leadership training normally taught during the freshman and sophomore on-campus courses. Basic Camp is conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and a paid salary, transportation, meals and lodging will be furnished. Basic Camp graduates enroll in Military Science 301 to enter the advanced course and complete the advanced program.

Applying for the Program

USD students enroll in military science courses by signing up during registration in the same manner as for other university classes. There is no advance application needed for the freshman or sophomore classes. However, students enrolling in Military Science courses need to contact USD Military Science to receive information on lab schedules, equipment, materials and activities.