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
Program Requirements
Basic Phase
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year | ||
| MSL 1101 | Foundation of Officership I | 1 |
| MSL 1102 | Foundation of Officership II | 1 |
| MSL 1110 | Basic Exercises in Military Leadership | 1 |
| MSL 1111 | Orienteering | 2 |
| MSL 1112 | Basic Army Physical Training Program | 1 |
| Second-Year | ||
| MSL 2201 | Foundations of Leadership I | 2 |
| MSL 2202 | Foundations of Leadership II | 2 |
| MSL 2212 | Leader's Training Course 1 | 6 |
| MSL 2240 | American Military History and the Evolution of Western Warfare 2 | 4 |
| Total Units | 20 | |
- 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
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Third-Year | ||
| MSL 3301 | Tactical Leadership I | 3 |
| MSL 3302 | Tactical Leadership II | 3 |
| MSL 3310 | Intermediate Exercises in Military Leadership | 1 |
| MSL 3312 | Intermediate Army Physical Training Program | 1 |
| MSL 3314 | Leadership Development and Assessment Course 1 | 6 |
| Fourth-Year | ||
| MSL 4401 | Developmental Leadership I | 3 |
| MSL 4402 | Developmental Leadership II | 3 |
| MSL 4410 | Advanced Exercises in Military Leadership | 2 |
| MSL 4412 | Leadership of Army Physical Training Program | 1 |
| MSL 4501 | Military Leadership at the Platoon Level | 1 |
| MSL 4502 | Military Leadership in an Organizational Staff | 1 |
| Total Units | 25 | |
- 1
LDAC is a required 5-week summer training experience at Fort Lewis, Washington (6 credits).