Preface

 

 

West Point is committed to developing leaders capable of mastering the modern battlefield

through the Academic Program. The challenges of future warfare are many: continuous armed

conflict, the proliferation of technology, ethical and legal debates over combat obligations, and

the speed of operations-to name a few. These challenges will require Army officers to think

critically, innovate rapidly, and make informed decisions.

 

For this reason, West Point's academic program requires cadets to complete both a robust

interdisciplinary core curriculum as well as an academic major of their choice. The core

curriculum-the broad liberal arts aspect of the cadet's education-covers academic fields

ranging from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to the Social Sciences and

Humanities. The academic major allows a cadet to focus on an academic field of their choice

and gain intellectual depth.

 

This Redbook provides specific descriptions of the Academic Program's components that are

designed to develop cadets into capable and forward-thinking leaders. It identifies majors and

minors available to each class as well as a listing of all courses offered during each academic

year and term. The Redbook also includes descriptions of some of our Academic Individual

Advanced Development offerings that enrich what is taught in the classroom. Through these

components, the Redbook serves as a reference document to use while deciding on a major

and/or minor, refining a course of study, mentoring a cadet, or addressing questions concerning

academic requirements and opportunities.

 

There are many additional resources to help cadets achieve their potential and pursue their

intellectual passions. Company Academic Counselors (CACs) and Department Academic

Counselors (DACs) are available to work with cadets to develop a personally enriching course

of study. Information sessions, open houses, and other opportunities to engage in conversations

with faculty and fellow cadets also provide cadets with the opportunity to learn more about

majors, minors, and enrichment opportunities.

 

Faculty can rely on Educating Future Officers to describe how we maintain and enhance our

tradition of academic excellence and innovation so that we can achieve our overall mission: "to

educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader

of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of

professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army."

 

I wish you all the best of luck during the upcoming academic year. Thank you for committing to

the critical and creative thinking that the Army needs. Live honorably, lead honorably, and

demonstrate excellence.