Naval Science, Minor

Return to: 3430 Department of Military Science and Leadership

Minor info: Maj. Nick Francois, Department of Military Science and Leadership, Georgia State University (nfrancois@gsu.edu, 404-413-6495)
Minor liaison: Lt. Jacob Bush, Navy ROTC, Georgia Institute of Technology (navy@nrotc.gatech.edu, 404-385-6304)

The minor will familiarize the student with basic and advanced concepts of Naval Science with emphasis on naval history, technology, and leadership. This minor will support the students who plan to serve their country by recognizing their academic achievement outside of their major coursework. The minor will also give students who do not pursue military service a basic working knowledge of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Concepts learned complement any chosen career path.

The Naval Sciences minor is offered in collaboration with the Navy ROTC (NROTC) program based at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. Students pursuing the minor take Naval Science coursework on the campus of Georgia Tech. Students register for courses through the cross-registration process, which is described at https://registrar.gsu.edu/registration/cross-registration/.

Admission to the Minor

Students interested in pursuing the Naval Science minor should discuss this option with their Georgia State University academic advisor. Transfer students and other students who have taken the majority of their undergraduate coursework at institutions other than Georgia State University should consult their academic advisor before cross-registering for courses to ensure that they will have a suitable number of Georgia State credits at the expected term of graduation.

Minor Requirements

A minimum of nine credit hours of upper-division coursework must constitute the required 15 credit hours of minor coursework. Students may not repeat any course for double credit. Courses taken to satisfy core curriculum Areas A through E may not be counted as coursework in the minor. Core Area F courses may be counted as coursework in the minor.

Courses may be taken in any order, but students are highly encouraged to complete NS 1321 before enrolling in any other courses.

NS 1321 Introduction to Naval Science. This course is an introduction and orientation class designed to give students a broad overview of the roles of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. This course also provides an introduction to the structure, terminology, customs, and uniforms of the Navy and Marine Corps. 3 Hours
NS 1323 Naval Maritime History. This course surveys U.S. Naval history from its European origin to the present with emphasis on major developments and the geographical forces shaping these developments. The course also covers present day concerns on seapower and maritime affairs, including the economic and political issues of maritime commerce, the law of the sea, and the rise and decline of the Soviet Navy. 3 Hours
NS 2321 Naval Leadership and Management. Survey of managerial functions, communication, and major theories of leadership and motivation applied to the Navy organization. The course culminates with focus on naval core values. 3 Hours
NS 2323 Navigation. This course develops and broadens the student’s understanding of basic piloting and the laws of vessel operations by applying the fundamentals of navigation at sea. 3 Hours
NS 3323 Evolution of Warfare. A historical exploration of warfare practiced by great nations. Selected campaigns are studied with emphasis on leadership, evolution of tactics, weaponry, and principles of war. 3 Hours
NS 3325 Naval Weapon Systems. This course develops and broadens the student’s understanding of basic engineering concepts and principles as applied to naval weapon systems, with a focus on sensors and weapon delivery. 3 Hours
NS 3326 Naval Systems Engineering. This course develops and broadens the student’s understanding of basic engineering concepts and principles as applied to naval engineering. 3 Hours
NS 4320 Naval Operations. This course develops and broadens the student’s understanding of relative motion, surface ship operations, and naval command, control, and communications. 3 Hours
NS 4322 Naval Leadership and Ethics. Study of Naval values and ethics to include core values, Navy regulations, and military law. Duties and responsibilities of a junior naval officer. 3 Hours
NS 4333 Amphibious Warfare. A historical exploration of warfare practice by great nations. Selected campaigns are studied with emphasis on leadership, evolution of tactics, and principles of war. 3 Hours