Military science and leadership, minor in

The minor in military science and leadership is designed for undergraduate students seeking to enhance their primary field of study with formal instruction in leadership, critical thinking and military science. Open to all Virginia Commonwealth University students, the program is especially relevant for those pursuing careers in military service, public leadership or fields that demand strong organizational and decision-making capabilities.

The minor requires the completion of 21 semester hours from approved military science course work. Students must earn a minimum of 12 credit hours with a grade of C or better to satisfy the academic requirements. In addition to the core curriculum, students must complete HIST 191, a three-credit military history course, which provides essential historical context and strategic insight for leadership development. For students pursuing a commission as Army officers through the ROTC program, HIST 191 is a mandatory requirement for commissioning.

Eligibility to complete the minor is contingent upon contracting into the Army ROTC program with a commitment to commission as an officer. Students who do not contract and commit to commissioning are not eligible to continue in the program beyond the MS 3 level, and therefore will not be able to complete the minor.

The program is structured to assess and develop leadership potential through progressively rigorous academic instruction, physical training and hands-on leadership experiences. Cadets participate in challenging, mentally and physically demanding environments where they are evaluated on a wide range of skills critical to success in both military and civilian leadership roles.