2026-2028 Catalog

Four-Year Program

The Military Science Department conducts a dynamic four-year program of instruction which develops the mental and physical qualifications of graduates in preparation for positions of leadership within the military and civilian communities. Students may enroll at any time for full academic elective credit without incurring any military service obligation. However, the last two years of the program are oriented toward preparing the student for a military career.

The innovative and well-taught courses complement all major areas of study by broadening the student's basic education. The complete curriculum includes both military leadership and management courses; courses which provide an awareness of the heritage of the U.S. military; the Armed Forces' role in national defense strategy; professional military subjects; and military ethics.

Students desiring to attain a highly sought-after commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army must meet eligibility requirements and complete the entire Military Science/ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) Advanced Course (25 units). To be eligible for participation in the Cal Poly ROTC Program, a student must be enrolled full time (12 units) at Cal Poly, have at least two years remaining as a university student to permit completion of the advanced course prior to reaching the 30th birthday, and be physically qualified.

Financial Assistance

Many opportunities for financial assistance are available to students. Three areas of opportunities are: ROTC cadets who sign a contract for Advanced Phase, students who earn an ROTC scholarship, and cadets who train with Reserve or National Guard units. All ROTC cadets sign a contract to participate in the Advanced Phase of ROTC and receive a $300 - $500 a month allowance. Criteria to participate in the Advanced Phase are stated later. Highly competitive two-, two and a half, three-, and four-year ROTC scholarships are available. The scholarship provides payment of either full tuition or room and board (student’s choice), books, supplies, and the $300 - 500 a month allowance for the duration of the scholarship. Students interested in ROTC scholarship should contact the Military Science Department. Reserve or National Guard training provides an additional two sources of financial assistance: approximately $165 a month for one weekend drill and approximately $190 a month tuition assistance from the National Guard/Army Reserve "New GI Bill®" benefits.

Equipment and Uniforms

All necessary equipment, uniforms and textbooks for participation in the Military Science/ROTC program are furnished to the student by the United States Government free of charge. Title to this property, other than expendable items, remains with the government.

Phases of Four-Year Program

The four-year program elective military science curriculum is divided into two diverse phases. The basic phase is primarily for freshmen and sophomores, and the advanced phase is for junior and senior level students

Basic Phase

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

The Basic Phase is a two-year challenging opportunity where students may, without obligation, investigate the ROTC Program and the military as a full- or part-time career. Students may enter and leave this phase during any quarter. The curriculum for the basic phase is listed below and offers many exciting opportunities for all students. To become an ROTC cadet during this phase requires the student be registered for a Military Science class, completion of an ROTC enrollment form (obtained at the Military Science Department, Dexter Building, Room 115), and an interview with the ROTC Enrollment Officer. Because this phase is for students to examine the ROTC Program without obligation, participation in ROTC activities is encouraged but not mandatory.

Entry to the Advanced Phase is accomplished either by successfully completing the four required Basic Phase classes, completing ROTC Leader’s Training Course or completing any military basic training program. Students have the option of contracting (making a commitment to complete the Advanced Phase and serve in the Army as a Commissioned Officer after graduation) any time during their second year of the Basic Phase of study.

Advanced Phase

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

The Advanced Phase is a two-year period where ROTC cadets receive advanced leadership and management training. The cadets receive many hours of hands-on, practical leadership experiences to prepare them for a military career or a management position in the civilian sector. To become a cadet in the Advanced Phase a student must complete the Basic Phase, ROTC Summer Leader’s Training Course (LTC) or Basic Training. The student must also make a commitment to attend all required training activities and sign a contract to accept a prestigious commission in the United States Army. In return for the student's commitment, the Military Science Department provides $450-500 a month (which is based on program year), classroom instruction, real leadership opportunities, and continuous professional development of their leadership skills.
 
After their first year of the Advanced Phase, cadets usually attend a four-week camp where their leadership skills are further developed and assessed. All equipment, uniforms, room, board, and medical care are furnished free while at this camp. The cadets also receive approximately $800 during the five weeks. Upon successful completion of the Advanced Phase and graduation from the university, the cadet is commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.

Program Requirements

Basic Phase

First-Year
MSL 1101Foundation of Officership I1
MSL 1102Foundation of Officership II1
MSL 1110Basic Exercises in Military Leadership1
MSL 1111Orienteering2
MSL 1112Basic Army Physical Training Program1
Second-Year
MSL 2201Foundations of Leadership I2
MSL 2202Foundations of Leadership II2
MSL 2212Leader's Training Course 16
MSL 2240American Military History and the Evolution of Western Warfare 24
Total Units20
1

LTC is an optional 5-week summer training course (1-7 units) at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

2

MSL 2240 or equivalent is required for commissioning of all cadets; approved substitutions are HIST 3320 The Age of Revolution in the Americas, HIST 3321 United States Civil War and HIST 3322 Modern United States History.

Advanced Phase

Third-Year
MSL 3301Tactical Leadership I3
MSL 3302Tactical Leadership II3
MSL 3310Intermediate Exercises in Military Leadership1
MSL 3312Intermediate Army Physical Training Program1
MSL 3314Leadership Development and Assessment Course 16
Fourth-Year
MSL 4401Developmental Leadership I3
MSL 4402Developmental Leadership II3
MSL 4410Advanced Exercises in Military Leadership2
MSL 4412Leadership of Army Physical Training Program1
MSL 4501Military Leadership at the Platoon Level1
MSL 4502Military Leadership in an Organizational Staff1
Total Units25
1

LDAC is a required 5-week summer training experience at Fort Lewis, Washington (6 credits).

Undergraduate Minors

How to Read Course Descriptions

LDR Courses

LDR 1101 Emotional Intelligence 1.0: Self-Awareness and Self-Management (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP

Explores the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) with an emphasis on self-awareness and self-management and its pivotal role in leadership development. 1 seminar. Formerly LDR 101 at Cal Maritime.
LDR 1102 Emotional Intelligence 2.0: Social-Awareness and Relationship Management (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP

Explores the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) with an emphasis on social-awareness and relationship-management and its pivotal role in leadership development. 1 seminar. Formerly LDR 102 at Cal Maritime.
LDR 1103 Navigating Leadership Through Influential Leadership Texts (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP

Engage with a rotating selection of influential books on leadership, exploring key leadership principles and different perspectives on leadership. Through in-depth reading, discussion, and reflection activities, examine how the selected book's ideas can be applied to real-world leadership challenges while gaining practical tools for improving their own leadership skills. 1 seminar. Formerly LDR 103 at Cal Maritime.
MSL 1101 Foundation of Officership I (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F

Introduction to issues and competencies of the Army officer profession. Stereotypes about the military, the role of the Army officer, customs and traditions within the military, and personal and physical development. Not open to students with credit in MSL 212 or MSL 2212. 1 lecture. Formerly MSL 101.
MSL 1102 Foundation of Officership II (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: SP

The role of leadership within a large organization. Definition of leadership, leadership framework, individual and organizational core values, and the moral responsibility of leadership. Not open to students with credit in MSL 212 or MSL 2212. 1 lecture. Formerly MSL 102.
MSL 1110 Basic Exercises in Military Leadership (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Enrollment in any MSL course or consent of department head. Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in MSL 1101, MSL 1102, MSL 2201, or MSL 2202.

Small-unit military operations. Incorporation of the military decision-making process in the planning, execution and conducting of a wide variety of squad, platoon, and company sized missions. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 activity. Formerly MSL 110.
MSL 1111 Orienteering (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP

Principles of orienteering, basic map reading, and compass skills, including practical land navigation techniques. 2 lectures. Formerly MSL 111.
MSL 1112 Basic Army Physical Training Program (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP

The Army Physical Fitness Program and its proper execution. Physical training to the Army standards with the goal of successfully passing the Army Combat Fitness Test. 1 laboratory. Formerly MSL 112.
MSL 2201 Foundations of Leadership I (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F

First of two courses taken sequentially for the development of individual leadership traits and capabilities using the Army officer as a model. The Army's problem solving methods, written and oral communications, tactics, and group leadership. Not open to students with credit in MSL 212 or MSL 2212. 2 lectures. Formerly MSL 201.
MSL 2202 Foundations of Leadership II (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP

Continuation of the development of individual leadership traits and capabilities using the Army officer as a model. The Army's problem solving methods, tactics, and group leadership. Not open to students with credit in MSL 212 or MSL 2212. 2 lectures. Formerly MSL 202.
MSL 2212 Leader's Training Course (6 units)
Term Typically Offered: F

Completion of Leader's Training Course (LTC). Five weeks of training off campus at a designated military base. Travel pay and salary provided through the Military Science Department. No obligation. LTC graduates eligible to enroll in ROTC Advanced Program. Not open to students with credit in MSL 101, MSL 102, MSL 201, MSL 202, MSL 1101, MSL 1102, MSL 2201, or MSL 2202. 6 lectures. Formerly MSL 212.
MSL 2240 American Military History and the Evolution of Western Warfare (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP

Comprehensive analysis of American military history from the early Anglo-French period to the end of the 20th Century. Examination of the strategies, operations and tactics of military warfare, and exploration of how social, economic, and technological factors produced the distinct patterns of war that characterize the struggles of the past two hundred plus years. 4 lectures. Formerly MSL 240.
MSL 2275 Facilitation and Teambuilding Experiences (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP

Techniques and models used in leadership, facilitation, and team building. Emphasis on leadership and facilitation styles and models, team building and group dynamics, and working with various populations. Field trip required. 3 seminars. Crosslisted as EIM/MSL 2275. Formerly MSL/RPTA 275.
MSL 3301 Tactical Leadership I (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: One of the following: MSL 101, MSL 102, MSL 201, MSL 202, MSL 1101, MSL 1102, MSL 2201, or MSL 2202; or equivalent training provided and certified by the United States Army and approved through the Cal Poly ROTC Program (e.g.

Advanced leadership skills through a focus on the Army's Training Management process, the Warfighting Functions, and foundational command and control doctrine. Analyze and apply mission planning tools (OPORDs, METT-TC), rehearse leadership in field scenarios, and engage in peer evaluation, self-development, and professional reading. 3 lectures., U.S. Army Basic Training, U.S. Army ROTC Basic Camp, etc.). Formerly MSL 3301.
MSL 3302 Tactical Leadership II (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: MSL 301 or MSL 3301.

Applied leadership in small unit operations through experiential learning in tactics, ethical decision-making, and communication. Leadership theory and personality assessment tools, offensive and defensive operational plans, and platoon-level operations. 3 lectures. Formerly MSL 302.
MSL 3310 Intermediate Exercises in Military Leadership (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
CR/NC
Recommended: MSL 301 or MSL 3301.

Build upon foundational military leadership in leadership roles during training exercises. Leadership of peer teams through drill, tactical training, and fieldcraft. Initiative, accountability, and instructional ability in dynamic environments. Repeatable up to 3 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 activity. Formerly MSL 310.
MSL 3312 Intermediate Army Physical Training Program (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Recommended: MSL 301, MSL 302, MSL 3301, or MSL 3302.

The Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) framework. Student-led physical training (PT) at the junior-cadet level. Cadets will lead group PT sessions, incorporating principles of performance readiness, injury prevention, and fitness planning while developing confidence and command presence in physical training environments. 1 laboratory. Formerly MSL 312.
MSL 3314 Leadership Development and Assessment Course (6 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
CR/NC
Prerequisite: MSL 301 or MSL 3301; MSL 302 or MSL 3302; and consent of instructor.

Six-week summer training program required to achieve an Army commission. Testing and training as functional Army officers and determination of potential for service. Travel pay, room and board, and salary provided by the United States Army. Held at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Field trip required. Credit/No Credit grading only. 6 lectures. Formerly MSL 314.
MSL 4401 Developmental Leadership I (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: MSL 302 or MSL 3302.

Knowledge, skills, and attributes expected of future Army officers operating in complex environments. Mission command, multidomain operations, and unit readiness. Assess threats, plan and evaluate training, and operate as leaders within the Army's organizational and operational structures. 3 lectures. Formerly MSL 401.
MSL 4402 Developmental Leadership II (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: MSL 401 or MSL 4401.

Full spectrum of responsibilities expected of a Company Grade Officer. Multidimensional role of platoon leaders, from fostering ethical climates and mentoring subordinates to ensuring unit readiness, legal compliance, and operational effectiveness. Personal leadership development, military professionalism, and transitioning into officership. 3 lectures. Formerly MSL 402.
MSL 4410 Advanced Exercises in Military Leadership (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: MSL 302 or MSL 3302 and MSL 310 or MSL 3310.

The supervision and evaluation of the organization, planning, resourcing, and execution of selected Army tactical missions, and mentoring assigned students. Repeatable up to 3 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. 2 activities. Formerly MSL 410.
MSL 4412 Leadership of Army Physical Training Program (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing and contracted status in Army ROTC. Recommended: MSL 401 or MSL 4401.

Senior-level Cadet's ability to lead, mentor, and evaluate junior-level Cadets through the lens of the Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system. Supervise physical training sessions, provide developmental feedback, and assess performance in alignment with Army readiness standards. Leadership in health, wellness, resilience, and physical performance. Repeatable up to 3 units. 1 laboratory. Formerly MSL 412.
MSL 4501 Military Leadership at the Platoon Level (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: MSL 402 or MSL 4402.

Individual research and study into the Army Leadership Philosophy and it's practical application to military leadership at the platoon level. Assess and evaluate multiple military leadership techniques and processes to better prepare for future military career. Repeatable up to 2 units. Formerly MSL 400.
MSL 4502 Military Leadership in an Organizational Staff (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: MSL 402 or MSL 4402.

Individual research and study into the Army Leadership Philosophy and it's practical application to military leadership in an organizational staff. Assess and evaluate multiple military leadership techniques and processes to better prepare for future military career. Repeatable up to 2 units. Formerly MSL 470.