Department of Aerospace Studies

Introduction

The United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program provides leadership training to students pursuing a career as an officer in the United States Air Force. The AFROTC program is open to students looking for a challenging career and the opportunity to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. AFROTC is more than just a department in the College of Arts and Sciences; it is a professional organization designed to provide students growth, development, and leadership opportunities beyond the classroom. Cadets learn and develop these skills through hands-on experiences both inside and outside the traditional classroom setting.

The Air Force ROTC Program

Four-Year Traditional ROTC Program

This program is for students who enroll as cadets in AFROTC and plan to graduate in four years with a commission as an Air Force second lieutenant. Cadets must take aerospace studies courses, AERO 500 Leadership Laboratory, and participate in weekly physical training. In the spring of their sophomore years, cadets will compete for a spot to attend a two-week field training course in the summer. Successful completion of field training grants entry into the Professional Officer Course (POC) for their junior and senior years. Cadets in the POC refine their leadership skills and prepare for a United States Air Force active duty commission upon graduation.

Non-Traditional ROTC Program

Students who do not enroll in Air Force ROTC in their first semester may still be eligible to participate in the program. If so, they will participate in the same academic courses, leadership laboratory, and physical training as traditional cadets. All non-traditional cadets will be required to complete AERO 101, AERO 102, AERO 201, and AERO 202 prior to attending field training.

Interested Students

Students seeking to learn more about the Air Force or ROTC can take AERO 101, AERO 102, AERO 201, or AERO 202 with no obligation. These courses provide an introduction to Air Force operations and culture, providing students with the necessary information to make an informed decision about whether the Air Force interests them.

Advising

All majors and minors have a primary academic advisor. At a minimum, students who join the AFROTC program are required to meet with their advisor every fall to develop and update their academic plan. The department’s education officer and academic instructors help oversee this process. For information on Air Force officer careers, please visit the AFROTC website.

Special Opportunities in Aerospace Studies

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Two- and three-year scholarships may be available to students based on merit or specialized major (e.g., foreign language or nursing). In most cases, these scholarships cover tuition and fees, provide a monthly stipend ($300 to $500 each month), and a textbook allowance ($450) each semester. The scholarship does not cover room and board. 

Foreign Language/Study Abroad Opportunities

Air Force ROTC cadets are uniquely eligible to participate in Department of Defense language grant programs through major universities, often involving study abroad. See Project GO or contact the unit admissions officer for more information.

Extracurricular Activities

The AFROTC experience is more than classroom study; cadets participate in a variety of extracurricular activities. These include social functions such as a heritage dinners, fundraising events, presenting the flag at home football and basketball games, volunteer work in the community, and trips to military bases. Recent cadet activities are highlighted on a public Facebook page.

Arnold Air Society (AAS) is a national service organization dedicated to furthering the traditions, purposes, and concepts of the United States Air Force as a military organization and a professional calling. The local AAS chapter is active nationwide and AFROTC cadets attend the regional and national conventions each year.

Guaranteed Job Placement

Successful completion of the AFROTC program guarantees commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Minor

• Aerospace Studies Minor

Courses

• Aerospace Studies (AERO)

Professor

Brie Vihlen, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force.

Assistant Professors

Matthew Spinks, Major, U.S. Air Force.
Juan Rodriguez, Captain, U.S. Air Force.