Academic Catalog

Aerospace Studies

Curriculum

The four-year program is divided into the General Military Course (GMC), primarily for freshmen and sophomores, and the Professional Officer Course (POC), primarily for juniors and seniors. Under the four-year program, students register for Air Force ROTC in their freshman year and complete a four-year academic curriculum, including a three-week summer field training program between their sophomore and junior years. Students may join the program during the sophomore year. The GMC requires attending a one-credit course and a 90-minute leadership laboratory each week. ROTC cadets must also attend physical training twice a week.

Enrollment in the GMC does not confer military status. Normal course progression for GMC students is AIRS 101, AIRS 102, AIRS 201, AIRS 202, along with the associated Leadership Laboratory of AIRS 111, AIRS 112, AIRS 211 and AIRS 212. Students who want to take the POC must complete prerequisite courses, pass the Air Force commissioning physical, and be admitted by the department head. The normal prerequisite for POC admission is completion of the GMC and field training. POC members are student officer candidates, they are obligated to complete the course, accept a commission in the Air Force, and serve a tour of active duty. POC members receive a monthly, tax-free allowance of $450 to $500. Normal course progression for POC members is AIRS 301, AIRS 302, AIRS 401, AIRS 402, along with associated Leadership Laboratory of AIRS 311, AIRS 312, AIRS 411 and AIRS 412.

Program Description

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is a nationwide program that allows students to pursue commissions (become officers) in the United States Air Force (USAF) while simultaneously attending college.

AFROTC classes are held on college campuses throughout the United States and Puerto Rico; students can register through normal course registration processes. AFROTC consists of four years of Aerospace Studies classes (Foundations of the USAF, Evolution of USAF and Space Power, Air Force Leadership Studies, and National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty), and a corresponding Leadership Laboratory for each year (where students apply leadership skills, demonstrate command and effective communication, develop physical fitness, and practice military customs and courtesies). College students enrolled in the AFROTC program (known as "cadets") who successfully complete both AFROTC training and college degree requirements will graduate and simultaneously commission as Second Lieutenants in the Active Duty Air Force.

The AFROTC program is currently offered at the University of Minnesota Duluth, but they have a crosstown agreement that allows our students to enroll in AFROTC and become full-fledged cadet participants. More information on AFROTC course descriptions.

View more information on the AFROTC program.