Full-Time Faculty: Lieutenant Colonel Paul M. Baker, Chair; Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Rebecca M. Sparacino, Major Jamey J. Barcomb, Captain Sarah E. McMahon, Captain Timothy J. Simmons, Master Sergeant Gene G. Bass, Master Sergeant (Ret.) Sydney W. Hunte, Sergeant First Class Todd C. Rielly.
The Military Science Program is designed to augment the college learning experience. The cornerstone of the program is to identify and develop future leaders. The primary goals are to identify, assess and develop the potential of young men and women for commissioning as officers in the United States Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard.
Intermediate goals include providing students with leadership and managerial skills that will prepare them to lead in public service, business, military and community organizations. This program is open to students of all majors
The traditional Military science program is four years: a two-year Basic Course (six credit hours/year), for which no military obligation is incurred and a two-year Advanced Course (six credit hours/year) for which there is a military obligation.
The Basic Course refers to the first and second year of the Military Science curriculum. It is designed as a classroom and lab course that stresses the fundamentals of leadership. A freshman student would enroll in MLS 101 and MLS 111L in the fall and MLS 102 and MLS 112L in the spring. A sophomore would enroll in MLS 201 and 211L in the fall and MLS 202, 212L in the spring. These courses are designed for students who are interested in exploring opportunities within the military and learning basic leadership fundamentals. A number of popular and challenging extra-curricular activities are available to students who take these courses. Students may take up to twelve Basic Course credits without obligation.
The basic course sequence is required for all students that want to qualify for entry into the Advanced Course. A student may also qualify for acceptance into the Advanced Course by completing the Leaders Training Course (MLS 210) at Ft. Knox, KY. Students, with prior military service may also receive placement credit.
For more information students should contact the Military Science Department located on the first floor in the Health Science Building.
The following sequence of Military Science 100 and 200 level courses can each be counted as a 3.0 credit free elective:
- MLS 101 (1 credit) and MLS 111L (2 credits)
- MLS 102 (1 credit) and MLS 112L (2 credits)
- MLS 201 (1 credit) and MLS 211L (2 credits)
- MLS 202 (1 credit) and MLS 212L (2 credits)
in their college career
The Advance Course is comprised of MLS 301/311L, MLS 302/312L, MLS 401/411L and MLS 403/412L. Upon completion of this sequence and successful completion of The Leadership Development Assessment Course (LDAC) students are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army, Army National Guard or Army Reserve. Based on the students’ area of study, Military Science 300 and 400 level courses continue to bear free elective credit.
The following sequence of Military Science 300 and 400 level courses may be counted as a 3.0 credit elective:
- MSL 301 3 and MSL 311L (0 credits)
- MSL 302 3 and MSL 312L (0 credits)
- MSL 401 3 and MSL 411L (0 credits)
- MSL 402 3 and MSL 412L (0 credits)
Note: Successful completion of the ROTC program also requires a one-semester course in military history that is offered through the History Department. Students should contact the Military Science Department for the approved Military History Courses.
Military Science Summer Credit
During the summer, students may receive 3.0 credits for completing MLS 210 (Leader Training Course (LTC) at Ft. Knox, KY. LTC is a 5-week program that allows a student to meet the prerequisite (100-200 level courses, basic course) in order to begin the junior year in the program. For example, a second semester sophomore who has not taken MLS 100-200 level courses can go to Ft. Knox over the summer and then take 300-400 level courses during his/her junior and senior years and be commissioned upon graduation.
For more information on this program, contact the Military Science Department.
All juniors receive credit for MLS 310 -Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) at Ft. Lewis, WA during the summer between their junior and senior year. This is a demanding 32-day course designed to develop and evaluate leadership ability and is required for all Advanced Course ROTC cadets.
Further details are available through the Canisius College Department of Military Science.
COURSES: 2009-2011
MSL 101 Introduction to Leadership I 1 credit
Course focuses on individual leadership skills and functioning as an effective member of a team. Optional: Leadership Lab; three one-hour physical fitness sessions; weekend military exercises. 50 minutes once a week.
MSL 102 Introduction to Leadership II 1 credit
Course continues leadership development through an introduction to problem solving and effective decision-making techniques. Optional: Leadership Lab; three one-hour physical fitness sessions; weekend military exercises. 50 minutes once a week.
MLS 201 Leadership and teamwork I 1 credit
Course focuses principally on leadership, providing an extensive examination of the unique purpose, roles and obligations of leaders. This course involves exercises in communication; goal setting and public speaking. Optional: leadership labs, three one-hour physical fitness sessions, weekend military exercises. 50 minutes once a week.
MLS 202 Leadership and Teamwork II 1 credit
Course focus is on motivational techniques, organizational ethics, values and counseling as part of a team. The course involves basic military tactics, small unit operations planning and map reading. Optional: leadership labs, three one-hour physical fitness sessions, weekend military exercises. 50 minutes once a week.
MSL 111L/112L/211L/212L Basic Course Leadership Laboratory 2 credits
Students are given opportunities to lead their peers in hands-on training in basic military skills such as land navigation, rifle marksmanship, tactics, drill and ceremony, first aid training and survival swimming. Prerequisite: Concurrent Enrollment in MLS 101, 102, 201 or 202.
MSL 210 – Summer Course - Leader’s Training Course 3 credits
A summer leadership internship held at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Students are paid and expenses are covered. Completion allows a student to compete for a Two Year Army ROTC scholarship and entrance into the Advance Course. Five weeks
MSL 301 – Unit Organization and Tactical Operations I 3 credits
Small unit operations and advanced tactics. Extensive use of situational leadership exercises and group problem solving. Formulation of oral and written operational plans and orders. Military geography and orienteering. Three hours per week. Prerequisite: Approval of department chair; concurrent registration in MLS 311L.
MSL 302 Unit Organization and Tactical Operations II 3 credits
Course focus is on application of military leadership theory. Instruction includes delivering briefings and issuing operation orders; advanced military skill training and small unit operations are emphasized. Prerequisite: Approval of department chair; concurrent registration in MLS 312L.
MSL 310 Leader Development and Assessment Course 3 credits
A five week training experience at Fort Lewis, WA designed to develop and evaluate leadership ability. The challenges are demanding, both mentally and physically. In addition to proving their leadership ability, cadets must meet established standards in physical fitness and demonstrate proficiency in military skills.
MLS 311L/312L Advanced leadership Lab 0 credits
Cadets apply basic military skills in small peer learning exercises and small unit training operations. Leadership positions are rotated to solve problems in tactics, land navigation, logistics and crisis reaction. Required for MSL 301/302 students.
MSL 401 Advanced Leadership Studies 3 credits
This course studies leadership skills required of Army Officers and prepares cadets to lead the cadet battalion during the school year. Emphasis on staff organization and function, the Army’s training management system, counseling methods and leadership. Prerequisites: MSL 301, MLS 302 and MSL 310; concurrent registration in MLS 411L.
MSL 402 Military Law, Ethics and the Military Profession 3 credits
Final preparation for commissioning as a US Army Officer. Course emphasis is on establishing command climates, the military legal system, laws of war, administrative and logistical management and transition from cadet to lieutenant. Prerequisite: MSL 401; concurrent registration in MLS 412L.
MSL 411L/412L Senior Leadership Laboratory 0 credits
Under cadre supervision, seniors plan, conduct and evaluate training for the underclass leadership labs. Seniors provide instruction, coaching and mentoring to underclass cadets, and conduct command and staff activities needed to run the cadet battalion. Required for MLS 401/402.
MLS 199/299/399/499 Independent Study 1-3 credits
Students study selected military topics under the supervision of a cadre member. Prerequisite: Permission of the Professor of Military Science