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.