Military Science

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Chair: Lieutenant Colonel Stephen A. Ashpes

Faculty

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen A. Ashpes, professor, M.A., Webster University
Captain William Stanley, assistant professor, B.S., California State University, Fresno
Captain Eric N. Weyenberg, assistant professor, B.S., University of Wisconsin, Madison

The Department of Military Science offers graduate students training and experience in the art of organizing, motivating, and leading others, while completing their studies for a degree in an academic discipline of their own choice. Completion of the program leads to a commission in the U.S. Army. The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is open to all eligible students, both male and female. The curriculum is centered around an applied leadership training program which is designed to develop those personal traits and qualities essential to successful leadership in civilian life, as well as the military environment. Those who complete the advanced program will serve as commissioned officers with National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, or regular U.S. Army units.

Program

Army ROTC offers a two-year program which meets the needs of most graduate students. To enter this program students usually attend a 28-day leader’s training course the summer before entering the advanced courses. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Students are paid while attending the training course. Upon completion of the course students may enter directly into the advanced course and start receiving a monthly stipend.

Veterans’ Option

In most cases, prior military service will qualify for placement credit so that veterans may enroll directly in the advanced course. Veterans are permitted to receive G.I. Bill benefits and state benefits as well as the monthly stipend while enrolled in the advanced course.

Eligibility

Interested students should contact the department on enrollment procedures and specific eligibility requirements. Generally, to enroll in the military science program leading to an officer’s commission the student must

be a citizen of the United States or have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence under applicable provisions of the Immigration and Naturalization Act and be at least 17 years of age;

be enrolled as a full-time student at NIU with at least four semesters remaining at NIU;

be able to complete the ROTC program prior to reaching 30 years of age (Age requirements may be waived in some cases.);

be physically and mentally qualified and of good moral character; and

be selected by the professor of military science.

Commissioning Requirements

There are four requirements for a graduate student to be commissioned as either a Reserve or Active Duty Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. The graduate student must hold an undergraduate degree in any major, complete or earn credit for the four years of military science undergraduate classes, complete the advanced internship in military science, and complete a military history class.

Leadership Laboratory

A leadership laboratory is required each week for all military science students. Content varies with the student year-group and military science class.

Course List (Advanced Courses)

Credit earned in military science is not applicable toward graduate degree requirements.

301. Adaptive Tactical Leadership Credits: 3

302. Leadership in Changing Environments Credits: 3

325. Basic Internship in Military Science Credits: 3

350. Advanced Internship in Military Science Credits: 3

401. Developing Adaptive Leaders Credits: 4

402. Leadership in a Complex World Credits: 4

495. Independent Study Credits: 3

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