Military Science

The goal of the U.S. Army ROTC program is to develop technically competent, physically fit, and highly motivated men and women for positions of responsibility as commissioned officers in the active U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Reserve, and the National Guard. Upon completion of the curriculum, students will have an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of the military as an art and as a science. The leadership and managerial experience gained through ROTC provides great benefit for students in their military careers as well as in both their civilian endeavors. 

Rice does not offer a degree in military science. However, interested students in Rice degree-granting programs may receive credit for courses in military science taken at the University of Houston. The financial aid available to an ROTC student may be used for Rice courses as well as the University of Houston ROTC courses.

For general university requirements, see Graduation Requirements. For requirements for a specific degree program, see the pages for that degree program. For more information on the Army ROTC program in particular, contact the military science department at the University of Houston by calling 713-743-3875.

Statutory Authority

General statutory authority for establishment and operation of the ROTC program, including the scholarship program, is contained in Title 10, United States Code, Chapter 103 (Sec. 2102–2111). Specific rules and procedures are found in U.S. Army Regulation 145–1.

Course Credit

ROTC classes may be taken for elective credit toward any degree plan at the University of Houston or Rice University. Freshman-and sophomore-level classes are open to all students, regardless of age or physical condition. No military obligation is incurred as a result of enrollment in these courses. Junior- and senior-level courses are more restrictive and do require a military obligation. ROTC scholarship students also incur a military obligation.

Four-Year Program

The four-year program is divided into two courses: the basic course, which is normally attended by students during their freshman- and sophomore years; and the advanced course, attended during the junior and senior years. Advanced course students attend a six-week paid advanced camp in Fort Lewis, Washington, normally between their junior and senior years.

The Basic Course

The basic course consists of four semesters of military science, which include:

MILI 121INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP2
MILI 122INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP II2
MILI 201FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP2
MILI 202FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP II2

These freshman- and sophomore-level classes are open to all students without obligation.

The Advanced Course

Students entering the advanced course must enter into a contract to pursue and accept a commission in the active army, the Army Reserve, or the National Guard. To be considered for contracting into the advanced course, the student must be a full-time student in a course of instruction that leads to a degree in a recognized academic field, have a minimum of two years of academic work remaining in a curriculum leading to a baccalaureate or advanced degree, be under age 30 when commissioned, and pass a physical and medical examination.

Two-Year Program

The two-year program is designed for students who did not take the basic course but otherwise are eligible to enroll in the advanced course. This program allows students completing their sophomore year to attend a four-week Leader’s Training Course during June and July at Fort Knox, Kentucky, in lieu of taking the first two years of ROTC. There is no military obligation for attending Leader’s Training Course. The army provides transportation, room, and board. Students are paid approximately $900 for the four-week period.

Laboratory Requirements

A military science laboratory is required for students enrolling in:

MILI 121INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP2
MILI 122INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP II2
MILI 201FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP2
MILI 202FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP II2
MILI 301ADVANCED LEADERSHIP3
MILI 302ADVANCED LEADERSHIP II3
MILI 401ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP3
MILI 402LEADERSHIP IN A COMPLEX WORLD3

This laboratory provides hands-on opportunities for marksmanship training, rappelling, drill and ceremonies, communications training, and other activities.

Veterans

Veterans who have served on active duty or in the Army Reserve or National Guard also are eligible for the ROTC program. Although veterans are not required to take the basic course, they are encouraged to do so. All students, including veterans, must have a minimum of 54 credit hours prior to enrolling in the advanced course.

National Guard and Army Reserve Members

Students enrolled in ROTC may also be members of the Army Reserve/National Guard. Through the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), those students enrolled in the advanced course will be placed in a leadership position as a cadet and will receive pay and entitlements from the National Guard or Army Reserve in the pay grade of Sergeant (E-5).

Financial Assistance

The United States Army offers, on a competitive nationwide basis, four-, three-, and two-year scholarships. The scholarships cover tuition 100%. Recipients also receive benefits for educational fees (to include lab fees), a book allowance, and a subsistence allowance ranging from $300 to $500 per month. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must be under age 27 on the anticipated graduation date. Applications are available from the military science department. Veteran applicants can extend the age limit up to a maximum of three years, based on prior active duty service.

Other Financial Aid

All students enrolled in the advanced course will receive a subsistence allowance of $450 per month junior year and $500 per month senior year. For more information, contact the military science department. GI Bill® recipients still retain benefits.

Tuition

Members of the Army or the Army Reserve, National Guard, Texas State Guard, or other reserve forces may be exempted from the nonresident tuition fee and other fees and charges.

Special Training

Basic- and advanced-course students may volunteer for and may attend the U.S. Army Airborne and Air Assault courses during June, July, and August. Cadet Troop Leadership Training positions also are available to Advanced-course cadets during the summer months.

Miscellaneous

All participating cadets are eligible for our internal scholarships provided by our alumni and sponsors of the program.

The Corps of Cadets sponsors an annual military ball in addition to other social events throughout the school year. The Department of Military Science sponsors extracurricular activities such as the University of Houston Color Guard and the Ranger Challenge Team.

Military Science does not currently offer an academic program at the graduate level.

Chair and Professor

Chairman Lieutenant Colonel Hung Ta

Assistant Professors

Major Ronyel Sanders
CPT Justin Eley
Sergeant First Class Timothy Gilley
Mr. Roland Thomas

For Rice University degree-granting programs:
To view the list of official course offerings, please see Rice’s Course Catalog.
To view the most recent semester’s course schedule, please see Rice's Course Schedule.

Military Science (MILI)

MILI 106 - INTERMEDIATE PHYSICAL FITNESS

Short Title: INTERMEDIATE PHYSICAL FITNESS

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hour: 1

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level

Description: Physically demanding. Develops skills through team competition. Land navigation, assembly/disassembly of weapon, tactics, assembly of one-man rope bridge. Students are also required to attend fitness training 5 times a week. Participants compete for Ranger Challenge slots. Selected cadets compete against other teams at the annual Ranger Challenge competition. Course taught at the University of Houston. Must provide CC Form 139-r to Military Science Dept. at UH prior to attendance. Recommended prerequisite(s): Must be ROTC cadet. MUST BE ENROLLED IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COURSES: MILI 121, MILI 201, MILI 301 OR MILI 401. Faculty: Al Francis. Repeatable for Credit.

MILI 109 - INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL FITNESS

Short Title: INTRO TO PHYSICAL FITNESS

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hour: 1

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level

Description: Open to all students. Utilizes Army fitness techniques; develops strength, flexibility and endurance; develops self-confidence through leadership training and physical activities. Course taught at the University of Houston. Must provide CC Form 139-r to Military Science Dept. at UH prior to attendance. Repeatable for Credit.

MILI 121 - INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP

Short Title: INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 2

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level

Description: Principles of effective leadership and reinforcement of self-confidence through participation in physically and mentally challenging training with upper-division ROTC students; develop communication skills to improve individual performance and group interaction. One hour classroom session and a required lab. No military commitment is required for attending this course. Course taught at the University of Houston. Must provide CC Form 139-r to Military Science Dept. at UH prior to attendance. Department Permission Required.

MILI 122 - INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP II

Short Title: INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP II

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 2

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level

Description: Continuation of MILI 121. One hour classroom session and a required lab. No military commitment is required for attending this course. Course taught at the University of Houston. Must provide CC Form 139-r to Military Science Dept. at UH prior to attendance. Department Permission Required.

MILI 123 - LEADERSHIP LAB

Short Title: LEADERSHIP LAB

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 0

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level

Description: Course taught at the University of Houston. Must provide CC Form 139-r and DA 3425 to Military Science Dept. at UH prior to attendance. Department Permission Required.

MILI 201 - FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP

Short Title: FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 2

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level

Description: Characteristics of leadership, problem analysis, decision making, oral presentations, first aid, small unit tactics, land navigation, fitness training. Fitness training required two times per week in addition to class and lab. Course taught at the University of Houston. Must provide CC Form 139-r to Military Science Dept. at UH prior to attendance. Department Permission Required.

MILI 202 - FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP II

Short Title: FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP II

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 2

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level

Description: Continuation of MILI 201. Course taught at the University of Houston. Must provide CC Form 139-r to Military Science Dept. at UH prior to attendance. Department Permission Required.

MILI 203 - LEADERSHIP LABORATORY

Short Title: LEADERSHIP LABORATORY

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 0

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level

Description: Course taught at the University of Houston. Must provide CC Form 139-rand DA 3425 to Military Science Dept. at UH prior to attendance. Department Permission Required.

MILI 238 - SPECIAL TOPICS

Short Title: SPECIAL TOPICS

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Seminar, Internship/Practicum

Credit Hours: 1-4

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level

Description: Topics and credit hours may vary each semester. Contact department for current semester’s topic(s). Repeatable for Credit.

MILI 281 - LEADER TRAINING COURSE (LTC)

Short Title: LEADER TRAINING COURSE (LTC)

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 8

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Lower-Level

Description: Four week off campus field training practicum. Introduces students to the Army and Leadership. No military obligation is associated with this course. Course taught at the University of Houston. Department Permission Required.

MILI 301 - ADVANCED LEADERSHIP

Short Title: ADVANCED LEADERSHIP

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 3

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Upper-Level

Description: Leadership training, preparing combat orders, military instruction principles, small unit tactics, and tactical communications. Course is designed to prepare students for Leader Development Assessment Course (LDAC). In addition to class, students must attend lab and physical fitness training. Course taught at the University of Houston. Department Permission Required.

MILI 302 - ADVANCED LEADERSHIP II

Short Title: ADVANCED LEADERSHIP II

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Upper-Level

Description: Continuation of MILI 301. Course taught at the University of Houston. Department Permission Required.

MILI 304 - LEADERSHIP LABORATORY

Short Title: LEADERSHIP LABORATORY

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 0

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Upper-Level

Description: Course taught at the University of Houston. Department Permission Required.

MILI 349 - LEADER DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT

Short Title: LEADER DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Internship/Practicum

Credit Hours: 4

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Upper-Level

Prerequisite(s): MILI 302

Description: Off campus field training practicum stressing application of leadership management with emphasis on tactical and special military skills. Course taught at the University of Houston. Department Permission Required.

MILI 398 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS

Short Title: SPECIAL PROBLEMS

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 3

Restrictions: Enrollment limited to students with a class of Junior or Senior. Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Upper-Level

Description: Course taught at the University of Houston. Department Permission Required.

MILI 401 - ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP

Short Title: ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 3

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Upper-Level

Prerequisite(s): MILI 302

Description: Leadership and command, military law, administrative/staff operations and procedures, dynamics of the military team, training management, ethics and professionalism. Prepares students for commissioning as an Army Officer. In addition to class, students must attend lab and physical fitness training. Course taught at the University of Houston. Department Permission Required.

MILI 402 - LEADERSHIP IN A COMPLEX WORLD

Short Title: LEADERSHIP IN A COMPLEX WORLD

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Upper-Level

Prerequisite(s): MILI 302

Description: Continuation of MILI 401. Course taught at the University of Houston. Department Permission Required.

MILI 403 - LEADERSHIP LABORATORY

Short Title: LEADERSHIP LABORATORY

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 0

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Upper-Level

Description: Course taught at the University of Houston. Department Permission Required.

MILI 439 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS

Short Title: SPECIAL PROBLEMS

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 3

Restrictions: Enrollment limited to students with a class of Senior. Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Upper-Level

Description: Course taught at the University of Houston. Department Permission Required.

MILI 477 - SPECIAL TOPICS

Short Title: SPECIAL TOPICS

Department: Military Science

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Internship/Practicum, Seminar, Lecture, Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1-4

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate, Undergraduate Professional or Visiting Undergraduate level students.

Course Level: Undergraduate Upper-Level

Description: Topics and credit hours may vary each semester. Contact department for current semester's topic(s). Repeatable for Credit.

Description and Code Legend

Note: Internally the university uses the following descriptions, codes, and abbreviations for this academic program. The following is a quick reference:

Course Catalog/Schedule 

  • Course offerings/subject code: MILI