Minor in Military Science and Leadership

Minor

Hours: 21 On-Campus Online

About

Fort Hays State University offers a dynamic Minor in Military Science and Leadership designed to complement any major. This program provides students with the opportunity to develop expertise in military leadership while enhancing their overall academic experience.

The minor delivers a comprehensive study of military concepts, leadership principles, and national security issues. Students gain a broad understanding of military history, spanning from the American Revolution to the complexities of modern warfare. The curriculum also explores domestic and international relations, the roles of the United States Army and other armed forces, and the evolving landscape of global security.

Why pursue a Minor in Military Science and Leadership at Fort Hays State University?

The Minor in Military Science and Leadership goes beyond the study of historical battles to offer a broad perspective on global issues, including international relations and the challenges faced by developing nations. The curriculum emphasizes practical leadership development through hands-on experiences, cultivating effective communication skills, and building confidence. This well-rounded approach equips students to succeed in diverse fields such as policy, human resources, and any environment where strong, principled leadership is essential.

Who is this program for?

This minor is designed to serve a diverse group of students. Whether pursuing a military career or seeking to strengthen leadership abilities, the program is particularly valuable for:

Students with a leadership focus
Future military officers
Civilian leadership aspirations
Students seeking academic challenges
Enthusiasts of history and military studies

Learning Outcomes

The Minor in Military Science and Leadership prepares students to succeed in diverse environments. It goes beyond giving orders, focusing on the core principles of effective leadership. The curriculum covers decision-making, ethical leadership, motivation, team dynamics, and communication. This foundation enables students to inspire and guide others toward shared goals in various settings.

Art and Science of Leadership

Students develop a thorough understanding of the core principles that drive successful leadership, including decision-making in complex situations and ethical leadership practices. The courses cover motivation theories, team dynamics, and effective communication strategies. This comprehensive foundation equips students to inspire and guide others toward achieving common goals.

Develop Practical Skills for Real-World Applications

Leadership extends beyond theory, and the Minor in Military Science and Leadership reflects this. The program equips students with essential skills for diverse careers and personal growth. Through hands-on activities, students build strong relationships, navigate challenges, and foster teamwork. The curriculum also emphasizes communication skills to clearly convey vision and inspire others toward shared goals.

Become a Collaborative Changemaker

Collaboration is essential in today’s complex world. The minor develops students’ ability to build strong partnerships and lead effective teams. They learn to value diverse perspectives, foster positive environments, and manage conflict constructively. This prepares them to overcome challenges and drive positive changes in any setting.

Adapt and Thrive in a Complex World

The modern world presents evolving challenges, and the minor prepares students with strong critical thinking skills. The program develops their ability to analyze complex situations, find effective solutions, and adapt leadership styles. Students also gain insight into global issues, international relations, and emerging security threats. This prepares graduates to lead effectively in diverse professional and global settings.

Real-World Applications

The Minor in Military Science and Leadership goes beyond military theory to provide practical leadership skills through hands-on experiences. Students develop the ability to manage teams, navigate complex situations, and communicate effectively—skills essential for success in careers ranging from human resources to policymaking. The program also offers a global perspective that enriches all students, regardless of their primary or future goals. Its curriculum explores the complexities of the modern world, including international relations and challenges faced by developing countries. This blend of contextual learning and leadership development prepares students to excel in diverse careers while fostering a deeper understanding of global issues.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The curriculum incorporates the latest advancements in leadership research, ensuring students develop relevant and impactful skills. By emphasizing current findings on leadership effectiveness, the program avoids outdated theories. Required courses are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect ongoing research, providing graduates with the most up-to-date knowledge.

Beyond integrating recent research, the program undergoes rigorous, ongoing evaluations to identify improvements and incorporate emerging leadership trends. By staying at the forefront of leadership development, the Minor in Military Science and Leadership equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in any field.

Hands-on Activities

The minor incorporates practical activities throughout the curriculum, allowing students to develop and refine leadership skills through real-world experiences. Courses like LDRS 310: Field Work in Leadership Studies move beyond lectures, challenging students to apply leadership principles in simulated environments. This hands-on approach builds confidence and provides valuable feedback to enhance their abilities.

MIL 203: Basic Army Fieldcraft offers practical training that immerses students in military leadership. Through instruction in essential field skills such as navigation, teamwork, and problem-solving, students gain experience crucial for effective leadership in any context. This approach highlights the program’s commitment to combining theory with practical skill-building to prepare students for successful leadership.

What You’ll Learn:

Understand military concepts and leadership principles
Explore military history from various eras
Analyze domestic and international relations of security
Gain knowledge of the US Army and global armed forces
Examine complexities of modern warfare and global security

How You’ll Learn:

Interactive classes with hands-on experiences
Real-world simulations to test leadership skills
Courses integrating the latest leadership research
The curriculum is constantly updated with new findings
Feedback and refinement of leadership skills

Courses

The Minor in Military Science and Leadership equips students with practical leadership skills, from troop-leading procedures to effective evaluations and mentorship. Through After Action Reviews and Risk Management modules, students develop analytical and strategic thinking.

The program combines tactical training with leadership theory, helping students navigate diverse styles and succeed in collaborative settings. Whether pursuing military or civilian careers, students gain transferable skills that complement any major and enhance their leadership potential.

LDRS 310: Field Work in Leadership Studies

This interdisciplinary course is designed to provide the student with an awareness and understanding of current issues relating to the nature and tasks of collaborative leadership behavior. The student is asked to identify an issue or problem and practice leadership by developing and implementing a community project.

MIL 203: Basic Army Fieldcraft

This course will focus on the foundations of U.S Army Field Training. Topics will include: Buddy First Aid, Medical Evacuation Procedures, Military Radio Communications, Weapon Systems, Basic Field Craft, Terrain Analysis, Introduction to Plans and Orders, Orienteering.

MIL 201: Introduction to Military Leadership

This course will introduce all functions of military supervisory positions from Junior and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, Company and Field Grade Commissioned Officers, and translate those into their civilian counterparts. Topics covered will include: Mentorship, advanced analysis of Troop Leading Procedures, Evaluations, Counseling, After Action Reviews (AAR), Risk Management, and Leadership Theory.

Discover the full Minor in Military Science and Leadership course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

The Minor in Military Science and Leadership equips students with valuable leadership skills and a solid foundation in military knowledge. Those seeking to deepen their expertise or align their studies with specific career goals may also consider related programs, such as:

FAQ

What are the benefits of a Minor in Military Science and Leadership?

This minor offers a well-rounded leadership education beyond military theory. By combining practical leadership exercises with a global perspective and the latest leadership research, the program equips you with transferable skills that prepare you to excel in various careers, from the military to business and government.

Am I eligible for the Minor in Military Science and Leadership?

The Minor in Military Science and Leadership welcomes students from all majors, regardless of their future career goals. It's an inclusive opportunity that doesn't require minimum GPA requirements or standardized tests, making it accessible to many students.

How does a Minor in Military Science and Leadership compare to a Minor in Leadership Studies?

While both minors develop leadership skills, the Minor in Military Science and Leadership focuses on military leadership principles, strategy, and tactics with a potential path to becoming a commissioned officer. It includes hands-on military field skills training. Our Minor in Leadership Studies has a broader focus applicable to various contexts, teaching leadership theories, communication, and team dynamics without a military component.

What career options come with a Minor in Military Studies and Leadership?

You will gain valuable leadership skills applicable far beyond the military. The program prepares graduates for various exciting careers such as military officers, intelligence analysis, foreign policy specialists, law enforcement, or a career in business leadership.

Is the Minor in Military Science and Leadership entirely online?

Yes. FHSU offers online and on-campus courses, allowing you to balance your academic pursuits with other commitments. While core courses are available online, some specialized electives may require in-person attendance.

Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology

FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology brings together a diverse range of programs dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and social sciences. Our integrated approach allows students to develop critical skills across these disciplines, fostering an environment where future leaders and professionals are equipped to address complex societal challenges. The Criminal Justice programs offer flexible online and on-campus options, focusing on law enforcement, corrections, and legal systems with a strong emphasis on leadership and integrity. The Leadership programs develop essential organizational skills through interactive coursework and internships, supported by the Leadership Studies Association and VALUE program. Sociology programs delve into social life, behavior, and community issues, emphasizing research and critical thinking. Together, these programs foster cross-disciplinary learning, empowering students to lead and innovate within their communities and beyond.

Together, these programs create a robust educational experience that encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether you are passionate about justice, leadership, or sociology, FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology provides the knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Program and University Police joined the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) in August 2020 as Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a regional center, FHSU facilitates the only Level 3 de-escalation training available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional techniques of procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention.
Level 3 augments traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention with rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is evidence-based and has increased officer confidence in utilizing de-escalation skills in working with the public.

FHSU facilitates NDTC’s three training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, two-day face-to-face training, and a 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Due to FHSU’s $2.75 million federal grant funding, the face-to-face trainings can be provided at no cost to agencies. Scholarships may be available for agencies to train officers in the online course.

NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:

The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence is a regional hub of collaborative research and service, housed in the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University. The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence aims to reduce the constraints facing survivors, to promote the freedom of economic independence, and to empower survivors to seize opportunity freely. The center commits to providing sustainable support and improvement to help survivors break the cycle of violence and transform themselves from victims/survivors to social entrepreneurs. The Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research focusing on the causes and control of gender-based violence in rural areas. It leads and facilitates collaborative networks for researchers to apply evidence-based approaches and to investigate best practices addressing gender-based violence in rural communities. The Center establishes and develops academic-community collaborations through service-learning, research, assessment, and educational opportunities and policy recommendations that enhance the well-being of rural communities.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is designed to develop the most promising undergraduates into powerful agents of change. This year-long program offers curricular and co-curricular experiences with three tracks: corporate leadership, civic/non-profit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs emphasize real-world impact through training in projects designed to help those in need. A notable project involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals recognized for their exceptional work in nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, composed of these national heroes, provides insights and advice to students based on their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

Military Science and Leadership

Minor

On-Campus
Online

Military Science Leadership