Military Science

The Program

In a cooperative association between Providence College and the U.S. Army Cadet Command, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), military science is offered as part of the elective curriculum of the College. The curriculum is divided into two parts: the Basic Leadership Program (freshmen and sophomores) and the Advanced Leadership Program (juniors and seniors). Students may enroll in the Basic Leadership Program (100 or 200-course offerings) without any obligation to serve in the military. Those students who do commit and contract into the Advanced Leadership Program (300 and 400-course offerings) are on track to pursue a commission as an Army Second Lieutenant serving full-time in the Active Army or part-time in the Army Reserves or Army National Guard.

The goal of the Department of Military Science is to develop students into physically fit, professionally competent, self-directed leaders of character. This lofty goal is attained through individual dedication, instruction, and hands-on experience in leadership, management, and organizational dynamics in the small group environment. Today’s leader is faced with a myriad of challenges and ever-changing situations. To prepare for these challenges, students receive classroom instruction concentrating on the various leadership and management techniques and ethical decision making. Most instruction concentrates on experiential learning. Students are placed in leadership positions and are expected to lead and motivate, solve problems, plan and execute tasks, prioritize resource allocation, conduct physical fitness training, and evaluate performance. This hands-on experience coupled with routine and candid personalized feedback is the foundation for successful leadership development in the business, academic, and military communities. This empirical educational experience culminates with a 30-day summer leadership practicum at Fort Knox, Kentucky (all expenses paid). Undertaken between the student’s junior and senior years, this course evaluates the student’s leadership development to date and sets the blueprint for continued development during the senior year, culminating in earning a commission as a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant. Students can expect to be challenged as they develop into effective and authentic leaders.

The military science curriculum is designed to augment the academic program of a student’s election and consists of one 3.0 credit free elective military science course each semester and one military history elective over the course of a student’s undergraduate study. The purpose is to ensure a well-rounded student who is fully prepared to meet the rigors and challenges of a professional leader. Additionally, two semesters of a foreign language are strongly encouraged. These courses are available through the College’s course offerings. In connection with Military Science, there are a variety of programs that provide financial and increased leadership incentives to qualified and interested students:

1. There are a limited number of academic scholarships available to qualified freshmen and sophomores. These scholarships provide full tuition, $1,200 per year for books and supplies, and a $420 per school month stipend. To compete for these scholarships, students must enroll and participate in ROTC and elect to participate in the Contracting & Scholarship Board held each semester.

2. All students who selected to contract into the Advanced Leadership Program (juniors and seniors) receive a $420 per school month stipend.

3. Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP): This is a dual leadership program that provides students with the benefit of increased leadership and management experience through a partnership with the Army Reserves or the Army National Guard.