Military Science

Objectives

To prepare academically and physically qualified college women and men for the rigor and challenge of serving as officers in the United States Army, on active duty or in the National Guard or Reserve. To that end, the program stresses service to country and community through the development of values, attributes, skills and actions necessary for success as a leader.

The Program

The program complements the historical mission of Seattle University in teaching and learning, education for values, preparation for service, and growth of person. Through elective courses, students are exposed to a rigorous curriculum where they learn vital leadership and management skills unique to Military Science. It is multifaceted with distinctive sub-elements to meet individual needs and requirements. For example, ROTC is traditionally a four-year program, but individuals with prior service, members of Reserve or National Guard units, participants in high school JROTC, and summer Leader’s Training Course attendees may complete the program in two years or less. Normally, all students participate in one class day per week (two to three hours), one workshop (leadership lab) per quarter, and one overnight field exercise per quarter. Physical fitness of all cadets is closely monitored.

The program allows for scholarship assistance for selected students, a monthly stipend for all scholarship and third and fourth year students, and attendance at confidence-building courses during the summer: Air Assault School, Airborne School, and lieutenant summer internships. For specifics about the program, please contact the Professor of Military Science. High school seniors interested in applying for four-year scholarships must submit applications. Undergraduate and graduate students with at least two years remaining may be eligible to apply for three-year and two-year scholarships.

Financial Assistance

Cadets may receive financial assistance in a number of forms: two-, three-, and four-year scholarships that are awarded by the Department of the Army annually. Scholarships pay full tuition, book and mandatory fees, are enhanced by room and board grants provided by Seattle University, and pay a monthly stipend for living expenses. Non-scholarship benefits include a monthly stipend and other benefits available through participation with the National Guard or Reserve.

Commissioning Requirements

To be commissioned in the United States Army, students must complete the military science curriculum, including successful completion of the four-week Leader Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Wash., the summer prior to the last academic year.

The Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to prepare students to become leaders by instilling and developing leader values, attributes, skills, and actions. Behavioral development occurs through course work in the areas of professional military education (PME) and military skills/professional knowledge.

PME requirements are met through the student’s course of academic studies and attainment of a baccalaureate degree; completion of the Military Science Advanced Course (MLSC 3010 , MLSC 3020 , MLSC 3030 , MLSC 4010 MLSC 4020 , MLSC 4030 ) and the Leader Development and Assessment Course (MLSC 3140 ).

Military skills and professional knowledge provide a foundation in such areas as leadership theory, ethics, roles, and responsibilities of the officer in military operations. Military skills are developed during the conduct of leadership workshops and quarterly field training exercises. In addition, the evolution of warfare and military theory with a particular emphasis on the place of military institutions in society is included.

Leadership development occurs both in and out of the classroom by placing students in a variety of leadership positions. Oral presentations and writing requirements are incorporated in all classes as another means of developing these important communication skills.