Military Studies

Interdepartmental Minor

The Military Studies program is designed for students interested in learning about military skills and careers. The mission of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs is threefold. First, students are developed mentally, morally, and physically in order to make them strong leaders. Second, a desire for development in mind and character is instilled in students so they may assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government. Finally, students are imbued with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty in order to graduate with a basic professional background and motivation toward their careers.

The Military Science, Naval Science and Air Force Aerospace departments accomplish this mission through detailed courses of instruction occurring throughout a typical student’s college career. All academic courses offered by these departments focus on the development of professional military skills and their application. Each department offers courses unique to its branch of the military. Students in Army ROTC classes gain an appreciation for ground warfare and doctrine, while students in Naval Science develop an appreciation for naval surface and maritime engineering.  The Air Force Aerospace Studies curriculum familiarizes students with Air Force structure and doctrine. On a broader scale, all three departments offer courses promoting leadership and sound management practices that investigate the military’s role in American domestic and foreign policy, and can be employed in any career path.

Military Science, Naval Science and Air Force Aerospace courses are offered in the interdepartmental Military Studies program in the following participating departments: Military Science, Naval Science and Air Force Aerospace.

Undergraduate Study

Undergraduate study in this program provides the student with an opportunity to develop a minor in Military Studies. The three Iowa State University ROTC programs offer over 64 credits of specialized coursework. The minor in Military Studies is open to any Iowa State University student.

Undergraduate students may minor in Military Studies by taking 15 credits of coursework from a combination of any of the three ROTC programs - regardless of whether or not a commission in the Armed Forces is tendered. At least 6 of the 15 credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above.