WHO WE ARE

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 eligible to pursue a commission as an Army Second Lieutenant. The goals of the Department of Military Science are to provide instruction and hands-on experience in leadership, management, and organization in the dynamics of the small group environment. Today’s leader is faced with a myriad of challenges and ever-changing situations. To prepare for these challenges, the student receives classroom instruction concentrating on the various leadership and management techniques. Most instruction concentrates on experiential learning. Students are placed in leadership positions and 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 is the foundation for development of successful leadership in the business, academic, and military communities, and dominates the student’s junior- and senior-year military science curriculum. This empirical educational experience culminates with a 30-day summer leadership practicum at Fort Lewis, Wash., (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 a commission as a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant.

The military science curriculum provides the opportunity for students to experience diversified course offerings that augment the military science courses. The purpose is to ensure a well-rounded student who is fully prepared to meet the rigors and challenges of a professional leader. The required subjects are written communications, American Military History, and computer literacy. Additionally, two semesters of a foreign language are strongly encouraged. These courses are available through the College’s course offerings.