Aerospace Studies

Department Website

Stewart Newton, Chair

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Program offered by the Department of Aerospace Studies is conducted pursuant to provisions of the ROTC Vitalization Act of 1964. AFROTC is a leadership program for college students interested in earning a commission and entering the active duty Air Force as an officer, after completing a bachelor’s degree. AFROTC instructs students in military heritage, the development of air and space power, military ethics, drill and ceremonies, communication, human relations, and leadership theory and techniques. Teaching methods include instructor presentations, student discussions and team projects, and hands-on leadership exercises. All books and uniforms associated with AFROTC are provided at no cost to the student. Additionally, students may enroll for academic credit only. The AFROTC program is optimized to cover eight semesters of a typical student career. However, the program can be tailored to accommodate as few as the final six semesters prior to degree completion. Contact the Department of Aerospace Studies for details.

General Military Course (GMC)

Qualified freshman and sophomore students may enroll as Air Force ROTC cadets in the general military course. This program allows students to “try out” Air Force ROTC for up to two years without incurring any obligation unless on an Air Force ROTC scholarship. Students will learn about Air Force history, the historical development of airpower, and basic officership skills. Testing and screening are accomplished during the sophomore year to determine those cadets qualified for enrollment in the professional officer course. Enrollment in AERO 101/AERO 102 or AERO 201/ AERO 202, plus the corequisite lab, is required to maintain good standing in the GMC.

Professional Officer Course (POC)

Upon successful completion of a four-week field-training course at an Air Force base, qualified cadets may enroll in the professional officer course during their last two years of college. POC courses offered by the Department of Aerospace Studies are designed to prepare selected juniors and seniors for their responsibilities as Air Force officers. A subsistence stipend is paid during the last two years of college to cadets maintaining the minimum grade point average for advancement. Enrollment in AERO 301/AERO 302 and AERO 401/AERO 402, plus the corequisite lab, is required to maintain good standing in the POC. Successful completion of the POC results in receiving a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Program Qualification Requirements

  • Be a full-time undergraduate student
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Meet AFROTC height and weight standards
  • Have good moral character and no history of illegal drug use or serious civil involvements
  • Be medically qualified
  • Pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test
  • Pass an AFROTC Physical Fitness Assessment Test
  • Successfully complete field training requirements
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Be between 17 and 30 years old
  • Not be a single parent

Scholarship Opportunities

College Students: Air Force ROTC offers two, three, and four-year scholarships to college students in many majors. These scholarships include partial to full tuition and fees, a book allowance, and a monthly nontaxable stipend. Selection is based on student scores on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, cumulative grade point average, a physical fitness assessment, SAT (or equivalent) score and a rating from the cadre. To apply for any scholarship, contact the Department of Aerospace Studies.

High-School Seniors and Graduates: There are also scholarships available, on a competitive basis, to high-school seniors or graduates who have not enrolled as full-time college students. For up to four years, these scholarships pay partial to full tuition and fees, a textbook allowance, plus a monthly nontaxable stipend. Students should apply at afrontc.comprior to December 1 of the year preceding the fall term they would enter the University full-time.

Physical Conditioning

Mandatory physical conditioning is an integral part of the Department of Aerospace Studies curriculum and is required for all Leadership Lab courses including:

Course Title Credits
AERO 101LLeadership Laboratory 1010
AERO 102LLeadership Laboratory 1020
AERO 201LLeadership Laboratory 2010
AERO 202LLeadership Laboratory 2020
AERO 301LLeadership Laboratory 3011
AERO 302LLeadership Laboratory 3021
AERO 401LLeadership Laboratory 4011
AERO 402LLeadership Laboratory 4021
AERO 499LExtended Cadet Leader Leadership Laboratory0
AERO 101  - US Air Force Heritage and Values I  (1 Credit)  
Survey course introducing students to the U.S. Air Force and AFROTC. Topics include mission and organization of the Air Force, officership, professionalism, military customs and courtesies, and officer career opportunities.
Corequisite: AERO 101L
AERO 101L  - Leadership Laboratory 101  (0 Credits)  
Provides cadets the basic skills/knowledge to be functional members of the cadet corps, and activities to build camaraderie and esprit-de-corps. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.
Corequisite: AERO 101.
AERO 102  - US Air Force Heritage and Values II  (1 Credit)  
Continuation of AERO 101. Additional topics include Air Force core values, leadership principles, group leadership dynamics, and an introduction to verbal and written communications skills.
Corequisite: AERO 102L.
AERO 102L  - Leadership Laboratory 102  (0 Credits)  
Continuation of AERO 101L. Exposure to additional information on an Air Force career. Scenarios and problems teach followership and leadership skills. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.
Corequisite: AERO 102.
AERO 201  - Team and Leadership Fundamentals I  (1 Credit)  
Fundamental introduction to leadership and team-building.
Corequisite: AERO 201L.
AERO 201L  - Leadership Laboratory 201  (0 Credits)  
Preparation of students for summer training at an Air Force base; teaching drill and other leadership experiences. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.
Corequisite: AERO 201.
AERO 202  - Team and Leadership Fundamentals II  (1 Credit)  
Continuation of AERO 201. This course continues to build fundamental leadership and team building skills.
Corequisite: AERO 202L.
AERO 202L  - Leadership Laboratory 202  (0 Credits)  
Continuation of AERO 201L. Focuses on AFROTC Honor Code, Field Training Manual/procedures, and expeditionary skills required at field training. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.
Corequisite: AERO 202.
AERO 301  - Leading People and Effective Communication  (3 Credits)  
Tools and strategies for effective leadership. Topics include improving writing and public speaking skills used for briefing as well as ethics training.
Corequisite: AERO 301L.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences
AERO 301L  - Leadership Laboratory 301  (1 Credit)  
Provides cadets opportunities to develop leadership and followership skills, as well as sharpen their planning, organization, and communication ability. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.
Corequisite: AERO 301.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences
AERO 302  - Leading People and Effective Communication II  (3 Credits)  
Continuation of AERO 301. Advanced ethics and leadership skills designed to prepare the cadet to be an officer and a leader.
Prerequisites: AERO 301.
Corequisite: AERO 302L.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences
AERO 302L  - Leadership Laboratory 302  (1 Credit)  
Continuation of AERO 301L. Allows intermediate cadet leaders to further develop leadership and management skills essential in Air Force officers. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.
Prerequisites: AERO 301L.
Corequisite: AERO 302.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences
AERO 401  - National Security/Leadership Responsibilities/Commissioning Preparation  (3 Credits)  
Study of U. S. Constitution, the Armed Forces, civilian control of the military, elements of national security, USAF doctrine, Total Force, the Joint environment, terrorism, and regional and cultural studies.
Prerequisites: C or better in AERO 302 and AERO 302L.
Corequisite: AERO 401L.
AERO 401L  - Leadership Laboratory 401  (1 Credit)  
Provides senior cadet leaders opportunities to develop leadership and supervisory skills, and to effectively manage resources toward mission accomplishment. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.
Prerequisites: C or better in AERO 302 and AERO 302L.
Corequisite: AERO 401.
AERO 402  - National Security / Leadership Responsibilities / Commissioning Preparation II  (3 Credits)  
Continuation of AERO 401. Topics include national security policy and process, air and space power operations, roles of the military in society and current domestic and international issues affecting the military profession.
Prerequisites: C or better in AERO 401 and AERO 401L.
Corequisite: AERO 402L.
AERO 402L  - Leadership Laboratory 402  (1 Credit)  
Continuation of AERO 401L. Allows senior cadet leaders advanced opportunities to hone their leadership in preparation for entering active duty. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.
Prerequisites: C or better in AERO 401 and AERO 401L.
Corequisite: AERO 402.
AERO 499L  - Extended Cadet Leader Leadership Laboratory  (0 Credits)  
Provides extended cadet leaders opportunities to continue developing leadership, managerial, and communication skills, and to mentor junior cadet corps members. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.
Prerequisites: AERO 402L.