College of Social and Behavioral Science
Department Office: 110 S. 1452 E. Ste 205
Phone: 801-581-6236
Website: afrotc.utah.edu
Department Chair: Lt Col Trek C. Potter
The Department of Aerospace Studies offers three- and four-year programs for students interested in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). These programs provide students with the education and training necessary to commission into the United States Air Force (USAF) or Space Force (USSF). Upon successful completion of the Aerospace Studies curriculum and a bachelor's degree of the student's choice, they will qualify to commission as Second Lieutenants in the USAF or USSF. The education and training received ensure that students understand and appreciate the mission and global responsibilities of members of the USAF and USSF.
The Department of Aerospace Studies offers academic preparation in interdisciplinary areas including communication skills, leadership studies, decision-making theory, policy formation, ethics, values, and management principles and practices. The core courses include an introduction to the Air Force, its history, leadership, and National Security Affairs. All students are free to enter the General Military Course (first two years) with no obligation, while entry into the Professional Officer Course is selected and normally initiated at the end of the student's sophomore year.
Undergraduate Program
General Requirements
Enrollment is open to men and women who:
Are U.S. citizens or applicants for naturalization. (Non-U.S. citizens may participate in the General Military Course for academic credit only.)
Are at least 14 years of age.
Are enrolled as full-time students in a program leading to an academic degree (bachelor's degree or higher).
Additional qualifications for admittance to the Professional Officer Course include:
Complete 1 through 3, above, plus the following:
The General Military Course (two-year program) and a four-week field training course.
Complete all commissioning requirements prior to the following:
Age 29 if a pilot or navigator candidate, or
Age 34 for all other categories. Waivers to extend the maximum age may be requested on a case-by-case basis.
Meet the physical standards for general military service.
Attain the current minimum scores on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test.
Have a recommendation from a board of Air Force and/or Space Force officers.
Are at least 17 years old and enlist in the Air Force Reserve prior to entering the POC.
Maintain the minimum cumulative GPA per current Air Force ROTC policy.
Commissioning Requirements
The requirements for commissioning include successful completion of the Professional Officer Course and field training, completion of a bachelor's or higher degree, and acceptance of a commission in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force.
Service Obligation
There is no military service commitment for students in the General Military Course unless the student accepts an AFROTC scholarship. Those entering the Professional Officer Course (POC) incur an active-duty service commitment of not less than four (4) years after receiving a reserve commission. POC graduates who are navigator candidates agree to serve six (6) years of active duty after graduation from navigator training. POC graduates who are pilot candidates accept ten (10) years of active duty service after graduation from pilot training.
Financial Aid
All AFROTC contracted cadets receive a tax-free allowance of $250-$600 per academic month depending on their student status (Sophomore, Junior, or Senior). During the summer, field-training-session cadets are paid approximately $500 per month in addition to free room, board, and transportation.
Scholarships
AFROTC scholarships are available on a limited and competitive basis to qualified applicants. Applications for the High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) should be made on the website: www.AFROTC.com. In-college scholarships are based on academic performance, fitness requirements, AFOQT scores, and a Commander's rating.
AFROTC Program Timeline
The AFROTC program is designed to encompass four academic years. Compressed or extended timelines may be granted on a case-by-case basis with approval from the Commander (Department Chair). Factors that may be considered for altered timelines include: prior college education, military school or academy training, prior service in the U.S. Armed Forces, or academic majors requiring more than four years to complete. Students enrolled in AFROTC may major in any field.