USMAPS Academics

The USMAPS academic program aligns with the U.S. Military Academy core curriculum and provides tailored instruction to best meet the needs of individual Cadet Candidates.

USMAPS Academics

The USMAPS academic program aligns with the U.S. Military Academy core curriculum and provides tailored instruction to best meet the needs of individual Cadet Candidates.

Improvement at All Levels

A central goal of the academic program is to prepare cadet candidates for the rigors of the U.S. Military Academy's rigorous core curriculum. USMAPS employs a variety of proven methods and resources to help cadet candidates develop the knowledge required to successfully navigate the demanding courses at West Point.

Individualized Approach

Based on an assessment of their prior math performance and diagnostic testing, cadet candidates are placed into an appropriate math class so they may receive instruction tailored to readiness in mathematics. This flexible academic approach allows cadet candidates to improve in weak areas while continuing to grow in areas where they already possess a solid foundation. During the academic year, cadet candidates can move between tracks to ensure they remain challenged to excel. 

USMAPS Academic Leadership

LTC Ronald Alcala

Dean, USMAPS

LTC Ronald Alcala is the dean for the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS). He also is executive editor of the West Point Press and the Articles of War, as well as affiliated with the Lieber Institute for Law & Warfare.

Before joining the faculty, Alcala served as a judge advocate in various legal positions advising commanders on criminal law, international law, and administrative law issues. He is co-editor of "The Impact of Emerging Technologies on the Law of Armed Conflict" (Oxford University Press, 2019) and is an elected member of the Executive Committee of the American Society of International Law’s law of armed conflict interest group. 

Read more about the Dean at USMAPS Meet the Academic Department Teams

USMAPS Academic Departments

Our Mission: The mission of the USMAPS Department of English is to help cadet candidates read critically and write argumentatively, preparing them for success in the humanities portion of the Plebe curriculum at the U.S. Military Academy.

Objectives

The department will accomplish this mission by enabling cadet candidates to do the following:

  • Write critically in a variety of academic contexts by using the process approach to writing.
  • Read and think critically using a variety of different texts using the conversational approach to reading.
  • Speak and listen in class discussions, oral presentations, and course conferences.
  • Document written and spoken work properly to showcase the traits of good scholarship.
  • Appreciate the roles of the humanities (history, literature, culture, and the life of the mind) in being a leader of character. 
Meet the English team

Our Mission:  The mission of the USMAPS Department of Mathematics is to educate cadet candidates in core mathematics concepts so that each graduate has the mathematical foundation to succeed in the mathematics department at the U.S. Military Academy.

Objectives

The department will accomplish this mission by enabling cadet candidates to do the following:

  1. Acquire a body of knowledge
  2. Communicate effectively
  3. Apply technology
  4. Become competent and confident problem solvers
  5. Develop Habits of Mind
Meet the mathematics team

Our Mission: The mission of the USMAPS Department of Natural Sciences is to develop scientific process skills along with mastering essential science concepts to prepare cadet candidates to succeed in the science curriculum at the U.S. Military Academy.

Objectives

The department will accomplish this mission by enabling cadet candidates to do the following:

  1. Embrace the values of academia to include academic integrity, informational literacy, technological literacy, and commitment to science
  2. Use interactive practices including communication, management, and collaboration to work within teams and lead peers
  3. Comprehend foundational scientific concepts
  4. Apply and analyze scientific concepts using logical, critical thinking processes to solve multistep problems
  5. Develop laboratory skills and conduct experiments
Meet the natural sciences team

Academic Schedule & Grading

Academic weeks are organized with "1" days and "2" days running alternately.  This program allows flexibility in scheduling required courses and for efficiency in the use of instructors and facilities.  The academic year consists of four quarters, averaging 36 classroom days each.  Teachers grade accordingly to accomplish the standard objectives and criteria.  Test results are not curved.  All students who attain the same level of performance against the standard receive the same grade.
 
All cadet candidates are expected to work diligently to surpass course standards in all areas.  Those cadet candidates who do not perform to the course standards are counseled, given specific remedial actions to improve performance, and provided an opportunity to remediate the material.  Cadet candidates who repeatedly fail to attain course standards may be disenrolled. 

Center for Enhanced Performance (CEP)

Our Mission:  The mission of the USMAPS Center for Enhanced Performance is to facilitate cadet candidates’ development and increase readiness for the U.S. Military Academy.

Objectives

The Center for Enhanced Performance will accomplish its mission by enabling cadet candidates to do the following: 

  • Adapt to USMAPS and USMA norms and expectations
  • Apply self-regulatory strategies to maximize preparation and performance in the academic, physical, military, and character domains
  • Orient towards a growth mindset in learning and well-being
  • Exhibit self-efficacy within performance contexts
Meet the USMAPS CEP team

CEP Support for Cadet Candidates

The Student Success Seminar focuses on the following:

  • Transition to USMAPS & USMA
  • Self-Regulation 
  • Learning Strategies & Techniques
  • Reflection & Capstone Project

Academic Coaching and Mentoring provides support for cadet candidates in the following ways:

  • Individual Needs Assessment
  • Goal Setting
  • Cadet Candidate Development Team
  • Personal & Social Development

The Academic Improvement Program provides the following services for cadet candidates who require them:

  • Academic Interventions
  • Remediation Plans

The Tutor Progam provides support for cadet candidates in the following ways:

  • Supervise Academic Officers
  • Tutor Training
  • Group Study & Review Sessions

Performance Enhancement and Sport Psychology provides support for cadet candidates in the following ways:

  • Team Building
  • Mental Skills Training
  • Injury Recovery/Concussions

Athletics

The USMAPS Department of Physical Education and Athletics provides cadet candidates with a world-class physical developmental program, led by top-tier staff and faculty focused on developing leaders of character.

Learn more about athletics at USMAPS

Military Training

Military training begins on the first day the cadet candidates arrive and is integrated into the academic year curriculum through a military science program. Military training also includes a focus on character development. 

Learn more about military training at USMAPS