Academics

Education in Leadership

Two soldiers in camouflage kneel in a wooded area, arranging training markers and notes on the ground.

Miami University Army ROTC focuses on developing cadets as Students, Athletes, and Leaders to commission as quality Second Lieutenants for any U.S. Army component. The curriculum uses Military Science (MSC) courses with required co-requisite Leadership Labs for hands-on application of leadership, tactics, and Army values. These integrate with your major coursework. Students that complete their Junior and Senior year will earn a Minor in Military and Strategic Leadership.

Prospective cadets can enroll in lower-level courses with no military obligation. Contracted cadets (scholarship or obligation) must meet Army standards for progression, including GPA, fitness scores, and medical clearance. Juniors (MS3) are required to be contracted to enroll in advanced courses and attend Cadet Summer Training (Advanced Camp).

If you need enrollment assistance, keep your schedule open for the course's time block and contact the program cadre for an override.

Part of the ROTC Curriculum is a requirement to take a US History Course. Cadets will need to take History 111 or History 112 to meet this requirement. AP credit for HST111 or HST112 is accepted.

Courses follow Army ROTC's standard progression, with credits totaling 8 per year (including labs), keeping the program flexible alongside Miami's academics. All include mandatory weekly Leadership Labs (often Thursdays, 2+ hours) for practical training in drill, tactics, land navigation, patrolling, operation orders, and small-unit leadership—uniform required on lab days.

Freshmen (MS1)

MSC 121 (Foundations of Officership + MSC 121L (Leadership Lab) in one semester; MSC 122 (Developing Leadership Competencies and Tactical Foundations) + MSC 122L (Leadership Lab) in the other. Combined 8 credit hours across the year. These build foundational officer responsibilities, Army values/ethics, leadership framework, personal development (fitness, time management, resilience, communication), and basic tactics (team/squad movement, patrolling, battle drills). Labs apply concepts in realistic scenarios to develop self-awareness and teamwork.

Sophomores (MS2)

MSC 221 (Individual Leadership) + MSC 221L (Lab); MSC 222 (Individual Leadership Part II) + MSC 222L (Lab). Focus on creative tactical leadership, team dynamics, motivation, land navigation, squad tactics, Warrior Ethos/Soldier's Creed, influencing others, decision-making, problem-solving, and junior officer duties. Labs transition to advanced levels with emphasis on communication and training conduct.

Juniors (MS3)

MSC 321 (Advanced Tactical Leadership Part I) + MSC 321L (Lab); MSC 322 (Advanced Tactical Leadership Part II) + MSC 322L (Lab). Academically challenging: study, practice, and apply leadership fundamentals, small-unit tactics, adaptive skills, planning/execution of missions in classroom, lab, or field STX environments. Prepares directly for Cadet Summer Training (Advance Camp) during the summer after MS3 year. Labs simulate Advance Camp demands with evaluations, feedback, and scenarios to build critical thinking and self-awareness.

Seniors (MS4)

MSC 421 (Adaptive Leadership) + MSC 421L (Lab); MSC 422 (Leadership in a Complex World) + MSC 422L (Lab). Capstone: Apply staff officer duties (training management, Army writing, decision-making) to plan/execute battalion events. Explore complex COE issues (military law, rules of engagement, terrorism, NGOs, civilians, host-nation support). Labs have cadets lead underclassmen training, passing on LDAC experience to prepare others.

Physical Readiness Training (PRT) occurs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:00-7:30am to prepare cadets to excel on the Army Fitness Test (AFT). It's a core requirement for all cadets, emphasizing holistic health and readiness.

Additional Requirements and Opportunities

Summer training: Basic Camp (for lateral-entry/new cadets), Advanced Camp (capstone for MS3s), and optional schools (Airborne, Air Assault, etc.).
Extracurriculars: Ranger Challenge, Color Guard, Pershing Rifles, field training exercises (e.g., weekend FTXs), and competitive events enhance skills.
Check the official Bulletin for the latest (schedules/credits can vary slightly year-to-year).

Miami MSC Curriculum Bulletin Link

This structure delivers rigorous yet balanced leadership development, preparing you to commission while thriving at Miami—reach out to cadre for your personalized path!

Military and Strategic Leadership Minor

U.S. Army service member in uniform taking notes with a pencil during a classroom training session.

The Military and Strategic Leadership Minor provides students with advanced study in leadership, decision-making, and organizational management through the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. The curriculum emphasizes adaptive leadership, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking, with students applying classroom instruction in hands-on leadership laboratories that simulate real-world military and organizational challenges.

The minor is restricted to students who have met the prerequisites for theU.S. Army ROTC Advanced Course by successfully completing one of the following: the MSI and MSII ROTC course curriculum, ROTC Basic Camp, or U.S. Army Basic Combat Training. Courses are taught by U.S. Army–certified instructors.

Military and Strategic Leadership Minor Bulletin Link