OSU-Cascades » Military Science Program

Military Science Program

military science

OSU-Cascades' Military Science program offers a unique leader development opportunity specifically for the civilian, career-minded student. This program provides motivated young men and women exciting and valuable instruction in a variety of areas such as decision-making, goal-setting, team-building and small-group leadership. Classroom and outdoor activities are designed to physically, mentally, and emotionally challenge you, build your self-confidence and develop your leadership skills. If you qualify, you could earn a commission as an Army officer upon graduation in the United States Military.

The Military Science program provides on-campus military instruction in two parts: the Basic Course and the Advanced Course. All classes are fully accredited and applicable towards fulfilling academic requirements for a baccalaureate degree. There is also a minor in Military Science offered through the OSU Military Science Program. Many timeline options exist for those at different stages of their study. Contact Captain Sean Nixon for more information.

More information on:

Military Science Program Faculty

CPT, Sean Nixon, 322-3143, sean.nixon1@us.army.mil

BASIC COURSE (Introductory Phase)

The Basic Course is comprised of 100 and 200-level lower division courses, and is usually taken in your freshman and sophomore years. It is open to any student enrolled at COCC or OSU. Your participation in this course is completely voluntary and requires no military commitment. Instruction is oriented on adventurous outdoor and classroom activities that give you insight into military service, basic soldiering, and leadership.
You also learn about the citizen-soldier and some of his/her social contributions, duties and responsibilities. Through your personal involvement, you will see whether this role appeals to you.

 

Year One

Fall Term

MS 101 Military Science I (1)

MS 180 Army Physical Fitness (1)

Winter Term

MS 102 Military Science II (1)

MS 180 Army Physical Fitness (1)

Spring Term

MS 103 Military Science III (1)

MS 180 Army Physical Fitness (1)

Year Two

Fall Term

MS 201 Basic Military Skills (2)

MS 180 Army Physical Fitness (1)

Winter Term

MS 202 Land Navigation (2)

MS 180 Army Physical Fitness (1)

Spring Term

MS 203 Leadership & Management (2)

MS 180 Army Physical Fitness (1)

 

ADVANCED COURSE (Pre-Commissioning Phase)

The Advanced Course comprises the second half of your four year degree and integrates classroom instruction, military training and practical experience to progressively develop you leader skills, qualities and character.  In your junior and senior years, leader development occurs in 300 and 400-level upper division Military Science and PEH 180 Army Physical Fitness classes. We continuously assess your performance and provide you the essential feedback and reinforcement you need to become an efficient leader in business, the community and the military. 

Year Three

Fall Term2LT Trevor Batten illustrates the importance of a proper OPORD

MS 311 Military Leadership (3)

MS 180 Army Physical Fitness (1)

Winter Term

MS 312 Military Operations (3)

MS 180 Army Physical Fitness (1)

Spring Term

MS 313 Small Unit Tactics (3)

MS 180 Army Physical Fitness (1)

Summer Term

MS 314 National Advanced Leadership Camp at Ft. Lewis, WA (6).  Practical and theoretical instruction for five weeks at Ft. Lewis, WA.  Practical leadership application and experience in a military environment.  PREREQS: MS 311 and 312 and MS 313.

Year Four

Fall Term

MS 411 Preparation for Officership (3)

MS 180 Army Physical Fitness (1)

Winter Term

MS 412 Preparation for Officership (3)

MS 180 Army Physical Fitness (1)

Spring Term

MS 413 Leadership and Management of Military (3)

MS 180 Army Physical Fitness (1)

Eligibility for the Advanced Course

You must meet these requirements to be accepted into the Advanced Course:

  1. Will not be over 38 years old upon commissioning
  2. Be a U.S. citizen
  3. Be in good health as evidenced by a current physical
  4. Be of good moral character and behavior
  5. Has a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. (2.5 for GRFD Scholarship)
  6. Is a full time student
  7. Be an admitted student at Central Oregon Community College or Oregon State University (Cascade campus).

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

Annual Financial Assistance Example for an SMP Cadet at OSU

⁃                100% Tuition Assistance:            $4,500.00

⁃                GRFD Scholarship                       $10,000.00

⁃                Montgomery GI Bill                     $3,090.00

⁃                Mont. GI BIll "Kicker"                  $3,500.00

⁃                ROTC Stipend*                           $5,000.00

 

Estimated Annual Total                                 $29,735.00

* Stipend:  All contracted cadets enrolled in the ROTC program are entitled to a monthly stipend up to $500.00 (subsistence allowance) as authorized by Congress.  The subsistence allowance typically begins on the first day of school.  This stipend increases annually as the cadet progresses through military science.

Traditional Student Cadet

The traditional cadet program consists of students who contract with the GOLD program in order to become cadets and continue into the advanced courses.  Traditional cadets are allowed to apply for the GRFD Scholarship and are allotted a monthy stipend as authorized by Congress.  The traditional track does not permit the student/cadet to draw funds from the Oregon Federal Tuition Assistance, the Montgomery GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill "Kicker".  Traditional Cadets are not required to drill with a unit.

SMP Cadet (Simultaneous Membership Program)

The SMP Program is geared towards National Guard members and Army Reservists.  Once you are contracted in either the Army National Guard or Army Reserves & Army ROTC, you must join the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP).  You will become an officer in training at your National Guard/Army Reserve unit.  You have the option to request commissioning into Active Army, US Army Reserves or the Army National Guard.

What do I need to do to enroll in SMP?
  • Enlist in the Army National Guard or Reserves if not already a member or
  • Attend LTC (Leadership Training Course) as a alternative to Basic and AIT
  • Interview with the APMS (Assistant Professor of Military Science) CPT Sean Nixon
  • Discuss your interest with the Unit commander, and gain a letter of acceptance into the SMP Program
  • Register for Military Science Courses
  • Take a DoDMERB physical

COMMISSIONING

When you complete the Advanced Course and receive your degree, you are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant United States military. Depending on whether or not you decide to stay Reserve Component you will either receive an officer specialty and be assigned to a unit in Oregon based on your personal preference, academic background, civilian employment, ROTC recommendations, and the needs of the Guard/Reserves or you can opt for Active Duty and join the National Officer Merit List Rankings in order to get you branch. As a newly commissioned officer, you normally attend an Officer Basic Course (OBC) in your specialty shortly after graduation. OBC is four months or longer, depending upon your specialty, for which you are paid over $2,750 per month. Your Reserve commission permits you to serve in any state National Guard or Army Reserve unit, if a position vacancy exists, should it become necessary due to civilian employment transfer.

MINOR - MILITARY SCIENCE

The minor in military science provides the student a fundamental understanding of human behavior and the process of leading, motivating, and inspiring people to accomplish common goals. The student learns basic factors, principles, ethics, styles, and competencies of leadership that affect what he/she must be, know, and do to be an effective leader in any environment, civilian or military. This minor can, but does not have to, be earned in conjunction with participation in the OSU Cascades Military Commissioning Program.

  1. A minimum of 30 graded credited required for the minor.
  2. Earn a GPA of at least 2.0 in all courses required for the minor.
  3. Courses required for minor:

    MS 311 Military Leadership (3)
    MS 312 Military Operations (3)
    MS 313 Small Unit Tactics (3)
    MS 411 Preparation for Officership (3)
    MS 412 Preparation for Officership (3)
    MS 413 Leadership and Management of Military (3)
  4. At least 10 credit hours to be selected from the following:

    SP 111 Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3)
    WR 121 English Composition (3)
    LIB 127 Information Research Skills (2)
    HHP 295 Health & Fitness (3)

    PSY 201/202 Psychology (S) (5)
    SOC 201W General Sociology (SS) (4)
    PHIL 202 Critical Thinking (LL) (5)
    PS 204 Intro to Comparative Politics (SS) (4)

    BA 357 Operations Management (5)