Military Science Program (ROTC)
Full-Time Faculty: Lieutenant Colonel Chad Gosney; Major Mike Feliciano; Captain Alexander Walters; Captain Stanley Szumigala; CPT Erin Morris; Sergeant Major Cecil Surgeon; Sergeant First Class Adam Smallwood; Andrew G. Ciepiela, Staff Sergeant (Retired); Jessica Moretti
The Military Leadership & Science (MLS) Program augments the college learning experience. The cornerstone of the MLS program is the development of leaders. Individual courses support the identification, assessment, and leadership development of young men and women. The goal of the MLS Program is to train confident and competent leaders of character for commissioning as officers in the United States Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Every student taking MLS will learn superior organizational, 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 and there is no requirement for previous military service or experience.
The traditional MLS 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), plus a US Military History Course (3 credits); for which there is a military obligation.
The Basic Course refers to the first and second year of the MSL 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 111 in the fall and MLS 102 and MLS 112 in the spring. A sophomore would enroll in MLS 201 and MLS 211 in the fall and MLS 202 and MLS 212 in the spring. These courses are designed for students who want to improve their leadership. Instructors develop their students’ physical, mental and critical thinking skills through team building and collective hands-on problem solving case studies. A number of popular and challenging extra-curricular activities are available for 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. MLS 210-Basic Camp is held at Fort Knox, KY, between the summer of the student’s sophomore and junior year. Basic Camp is a mandatory component for students who have not completed the 100- and 200-level MLS courses/labs. Students, with prior military service may also receive placement credit directly into the Advanced Course with approval from the Department Chair.
The Advanced Course is comprised of MLS 301 & MLS 311, MLS 302 & MLS 312, MLS 401 & MLS 411, MLS 402 & MLS 412, and MLS 480. Upon completion of this sequence and successful completion of Advanced Camp 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 that may be used toward a student's 120 hours needed to graduate.
For more information students should contact the Military Science Department located on the first floor in the Health Science Building.
Military Science Summer Credit
During the summer, students may receive 3 credits for completing MLS 210-Basic Camp, a 29-day training program at Ft. Knox, KY. Basic Camp is a mandatory component for students who have not completed the 100- and 200-level MLS courses/labs and are seeking to enter the Advanced Course and receive an Army Commission. Students must meet all contracting criteria to attend; attendance may occur between either the freshman and sophomore year or sophomore and junior year. For more information on this program, contact the Military Science Department.
Juniors can receive credit for MLS 310 at Ft. Knox, KY; required training during the summer between their junior and senior year. This is a demanding 30-day course designed to increase critical thinking and enhance leadership skills and is mandatory for all Advanced Course ROTC cadets.
Curriculum
Basic Course (incurring no military obligation)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MLS 101 & MLS 111 | Introduction to the Army and Critical Thinking and Leadership Lab | 3 |
| MLS 102 & MLS 112 | Introduction to Profession of Arms and Leadership Laboratory | 3 |
| MLS 201 & MLS 211 | Foundations of Leadership and Leadership Laboratory | 3 |
| MLS 202 & MLS 212 | Foundations of Tactical Leadership and Leadership Laboratory | 3 |
Advanced Course (incurring military obligation)
Student must either complete the Basic Course above or MLS 210 to enter the Advanced Course sequence.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MLS 301 & MLS 311 | Adaptive Team Leadership and Advanced Leadership Lab | 3 |
| MLS 302 & MLS 312 | Applied Team Leadership and Advanced Leadership Lab | 3 |
| MLS 401 & MLS 411 | Mission Command and the Army Profession and Senior Leadership Laboratory | 3 |
| MLS 402 & MLS 412 | Mission Command and the Company Grade Officer and Senior Leadership Laboratory | 3 |
| MLS 480 | U.S. Military History | 3 |
Note: Students are required to sign up and participate in Leadership Labs during the Advanced Course even though they do not receive credit for the labs.
Roadmap
The following sequence of Military Science 100 and 200 level courses can each be counted as a 3.0 credit, free elective:
| Freshman | |
|---|---|
| Fall | Spring |
| MLS 101 & MLS 111 | MLS 102 & MLS 112 |
| Sophomore | |
| Fall | Spring |
| MLS 201 & MLS 211 | MLS 202 & MLS 212 |
| Junior | |
| Fall | Spring |
| MLS 301 & MLS 311 | MLS 302 & MLS 312 |
| Senior | |
| Fall | Spring |
| MLS 401 & MLS 411 | MLS 402 & MLS 412 |
| MLS 480 (may be taken any semester of junior or senior year) | |
Note: Students must present Medical Documentation signed by their doctor in order to participate in the lab portion. The required form is available at the Army ROTC department at Canisius University.
Courses
MLS 101 Introduction to the Army and Critical Thinking 3 Credits
This course introduces Cadets to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Cadets learn how the personal development of life skills such as critical thinking, time management, goal setting, stress management, and comprehensive fitness relate to leadership, and the Army profession. Optional: Leadership Lab; three one-hour physical readiness training (PRT) sessions; one Field Training Exercise (FTX) per semester.
Offered: every fall.
MLS 102 Introduction to Profession of Arms 3 Credits
This course introduces Cadets to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for adaptive leadership. Cadets learn the basic of the communications process and the importance for leader's to develop the essential skills to effectively communicate in the Army. Students will examine the Army Profession and what it means to be a professional in the US Army. Optional: Leadership Lab; three one-hour PRT sessions; one Joint FTX (JFTX) per semester.
Offered: spring.
MLS 111 Leadership Lab 0 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. All students will be required to provide medical documentation that they are fit to participate in a normal college physical education course. Lab is conducted on Thursday from 3:00-5:00pm every week.
Offered: fall.
MLS 112 Leadership Laboratory 0 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. Lab is conducted on Thursday from 3:00-5:00 pm every week.
Prerequisite: all students will be required to provide medical documentation that states they are fit to participate in a normal college physical education course. Corequisite: MLS 101, MLS 102, MLS 201 or MLS 202.
Offered: spring.
MLS 199 Independent Study 3 Credits
Students study selected military topics under the supervision of a cadre member.
Prerequisite: permission of the professor of military science.
MLS 201 Foundations of Leadership 3 Credits
This course explores the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership theories that form the basis of the Army leadership framework. Aspects of personal motivation and team building are practice planning, executing and assessing team exercises. Optional: leadership labs, three one-hour PRT sessions, one FTX per semester.
Fulfills College Core: Oral Communication
Offered: fall.
MLS 202 Foundations of Tactical Leadership 3 Credits
This course examines the challenges of leading teams in the complex operational environment. The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operations orders. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army Leadership Requirements Model explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. Cadets develop greater self awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. Optional: leadership labs, three one-hour PRT sessions, one JFTX per semester.
Offered: spring.
MLS 210 Basic Camp 3 Credits
Required for all students seeking a Commission in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard; this 29-day course is designed to challenge Cadets mentally, physically and prepare them to meet the challenges of becoming a Commissioned Officer. Basic Camp allows students to enter the ROTC Advanced Course without having taken MLS100 and 200 level courses. Students must be contracted to attend Basic Camp.
Restrictions: students must be approved by the ROTC enrollment officer to register.
Offered: summer.
MLS 211 Leadership Laboratory 0 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. Lab is conducted on Thursday from 3:00-5:00 pm every week.
Prerequisite: all students will be required to provide medical documentation that states they are fit to participate in a normal college physical education course. Corequisite: MLS 101, MLS 102, MLS 201 or MLS 202.
MLS 212 Leadership Laboratory 0 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. Lab is conducted on Thursday from 3:00-5:00 pm every week.
Prerequisite: all students will be required to provide medical documentation that states they are fit to participate in a normal college physical education course. Corequisite: MLS 101, MLS 102, MLS 201 or MLS 202.
Offered: spring.
MLS 299 Independent Study 3 Credits
Students study selected military topics under the supervision of a cadre member.
Prerequisite: permission of the professor of military science.
MLS 301 Adaptive Team Leadership 3 Credits
This course challenges Cadets to study, practice, and evaluates adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with challenging scenarios related to squad tactical operations. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership attributes and actions. Based on such feedback, as well as their own self-evaluations, Cadets continue to develop their leadership and critical thinking abilities.
Prerequisite: approval of ROTC enrollment officer. Corequisite: MLS 311L.
Offered: fall.
MLS 302 Applied Team Leadership 3 Credits
This course is an academically challenging course where you will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army Leadership, Officership, Army Values and ethics, personal development, and small unit tactics at the team and squad level. At the conclusion of this course, you will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a team or squad in the execution of a tactical mission.
Prerequisite: student must be a contracted Cadet. Corequisite: MLS 312.
Offered: spring.
MLS 310 Advanced Camp 3 Credits
CLC is a demanding 30 day course held at Fort Knox, KY which is designed to increase critical thinking skills and enhance leadership skills. It is required for all Advanced Course ROTC cadets. In addition to proving their leadership ability, cadets must meet established standards in physical fitness and demonstrate proficiency in military skills.
Prerequisites: MLS 301, 311, 302 and 312.
Offered: summer.
MLS 311 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. Leadership lab is required for all contracted cadets working to earn a commission.
Corequisite: MLS 301.
Offered: fall.
MLS 312 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. Leadership lab is required for all contracted cadets working to earn a commission.
Prerequisites: MLS 301 and MLS 311. Corequesite: MLS 302.
Offered: spring.
MLS 399 Independent Study 3 Credits
Students study selected military topics under the supervision of a cadre member.
Prerequisite: permission of the professor of military science.
MLS 401 Mission Command and the Army Profession 3 Credits
Mission Command and the Army Profession explore the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations. You will examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. You also explore aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield, the decision making processes and host nation support.
Prerequisites: MLS 301/311, MLS 302/312 and student must be a contracted Cadet. Corequisite: MLS 411L.
Fulfills College Core: Oral Communication
Offered: fall.
MLS 402 Mission Command and the Company Grade Officer 3 Credits
Mission Command and the Company Grade Officer explore the dynamics of leading in the complex situations during Unified Land Operations I, II, and III. Examine the Art of Command and how to properly communicate with your NCOs and Soldiers during Taking Charge 1, 2 and 3, and Developing Others (counseling). During Cultural Awareness and Cultural Property Protection (CPP), you will discuss numerous situations on how ethical decisions impact personnel and the unit mission. Through the understanding of your roles and responsibilities, you will learn about Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF), Being Ready and Resilient (R2C), and Individual and Family Readiness can assist you in preparing your Soldiers and their Families on reducing and managing stress during times of uncertainty.
Prerequisite: student must be a contracted Cadet. Corequisite: MLS 412.
Fulfills College Core: Oral Communication
Offered: spring.
MLS 411 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. Participate in separate labs to enhance their understanding of Military operations.
Corequisite: MLS 401. Restriction: Approval by the ROTC enrollment officer.
Offered: fall.
MLS 412 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. Participate in separate labs to enhance their understanding of Military operations.
Corequisite: MLS 402. Restriction: Approval by the ROTC enrollment officer.
Offered: spring.
MLS 480 U.S. Military History 3 Credits
Explore the evolution of the United States Army from its origins in the Revolutionary War all the way through current operations in Iraq/ Afghanistan as well as the Global War on Terrorism. We will discuss in depth the effects the growth of our nation had on the development of a Professional Army. Students will gain an appreciation for the history of the U.S. Military through the study of wars, campaigns and battles while also gaining an understanding of the differences between strategic, operational and tactical levels. Further insight into battles will be taught by reflecting on events utilizing the 9-principles of war as a means of battle analysis. We will also explore the effects politics and international policy has on determining military strategies, also touching on the effects that different cultures/ethnic groups have on both past and present military operations.
Prerequisites: student must be a contracted Cadet.
MLS 499 Independent Study 3 Credits
Students study selected military topics under the supervision of a cadre member.
Prerequisite: permission of the professor of military science.
