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 are still eligible to participate in the program. 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 in Steele Building. 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- to 3.5-year scholarships are 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 Stipend and Opportunities
All contract and scholarship cadets are eligible to earn up to $3,000 per academic year for studying a foreign language or participating in a study abroad program.
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.
Our partners at the UNC–Russian Flagship program offer an incredible opportunity for Russian language development that culminates in a year-long study abroad in a Russian speaking country as well. The Russian Flagship program is only offered at a handful of universities throughout the country and offers scholarships to students interested in maximizing their Russian language proficiency.
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.
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.
AERO–Aerospace Studies
Undergraduate-level Courses
Part one of a two-part course that examines the opportunities of an Air Force officer, as well as the structure and function of the Air Force.
Part two of a two-part course that examines the opportunities of an Air Force officer, as well as the structure and function of the Air Force.
Seminar in topics related to the United States Air Force.
Readings and research of topics regarding the United States Air Force.
This course lays the foundation for leading effective teams and developing leadership skills.
This course continues to lay the foundation for leading effective teams and developing leadership skills.
Examines air power theory and practice from 1914 to the present. Focuses on the application of air power as an instrument of war and the effectiveness of that application.
Part one of a two-part course concerning contemporary leadership and management of the Air Force Officer.
Part two of a two-part course concerning contemporary leadership and management of the Air Force Officer.
AERO 393. Air and Space Expeditionary Training. 1 Credits. Provides leadership training in a military environment. Professional development is achieved through academics, physical fitness, marksmanship, and leadership exercises. Course reviews leadership lessons in a simulated expeditionary deployment to a combat zone. Restricted to ROTC cadets from all services.
IDEAs in Action Gen Ed: HI-INTERN.
Part one of a two-part class that examines the basic elements of national security policy and process issues relevant to new Air Force officers.
Part two of a two-part class that examines the basic elements of national security policy and process issues relevant to new Air Force officers.
Required for all AFROTC cadets. The purpose of the LLAB program is to augment the AFROTC academic curriculum by providing prospective Air Force officers the opportunities and feedback needed to develop the leadership, managerial, and supervisory skills required of successful Air Force officers. The laboratory also offers insight into career opportunities in the USAF, life, and work of the USAF junior officer, and military ceremonies.
Department of Aerospace Studies
ROTC Armory, 221 South Columbia Street, CB# 7480
(919) 962-2074
Chair
Brie Vihlen
