Undergraduate minor: aerospace studies
Website: https://veterans.uiowa.edu/air-force-rotc
The Aerospace Studies Program administers the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) at the University of Iowa. AFROTC prepares highly qualified undergraduate students for commissions as officers in the United States Air Force and the United States Space Force.
While AFROTC is structured primarily for students pursuing active-duty Air Force and Space Force commissions, any undergraduate or graduate student may take aerospace studies courses for academic credit, with the exception of the leadership laboratories. The amount of credit that may be applied toward a degree varies from college to college at the University of Iowa. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, for example, accepts a maximum of 20 s.h. of aerospace studies credit. Additionally, any undergraduate student may apply the courses toward the minor in aerospace studies.
In order to receive a commission, AFROTC cadets must satisfactorily complete all University of Iowa degree requirements as well as courses specified by the U.S. Air Force.
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
AFROTC offers programs lasting two, three, or four years. Joining early gives students the opportunity to try AFROTC without obligation. It also can give them an advantage in the scholarship selection process.
The AFROTC program's three main components are the general military course (GMC), the professional officer course (POC), and the Field Training (FT) program.
General Military Course
The general military course (GMC) consists of one AFROTC course (1 s.h.), physical fitness training, and a leadership laboratory taken each semester for two years. Any student who meets AFROTC qualifications and is in good academic standing is eligible to participate in the GMC. Students normally apply for the GMC up to the time they earn 60 s.h. Students who have earned more than 60 s.h. may enroll in the GMC if they are willing to extend their academic plan by a semester or more.
Professional Officer Course
The professional officer course (POC) consists of one AFROTC course (3 s.h.), physical fitness training, and a leadership laboratory taken each semester for two years. Students accepted into the POC make a commitment to serve a minimum of four years as U.S. Air Force or Space Force officers. To enter the POC, students must be selected to attend and must successfully complete field training. Students generally take the POC during their last 60 s.h.
Field Training
All POC applicants must successfully complete Field Training (FT) at a U.S. Air Force base. Selection to attend FT is competitive; if selected to attend, students experience an intensive, two-week program generally completed the summer after the sophomore year. It provides a first-hand look at the active duty Air Force and Space Force and develops military leadership and discipline. Students participate in junior officer education, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat training, physical fitness training, and expeditionary skills training in a simulated environment. After completing FT, cadets are ready to return to school and assume leadership positions in the AFROTC program.
Activities
Students may compete for acceptance to a variety of optional AFROTC summer training programs. If selected, a student may return to Field Training as a cadet training assistant (CTA), travel to another country for a cultural immersion program, or compete for other Air Force immersion programs as available. The Air Force provides transportation, meals, lodging, and a daily expense allowance for all summer programs.
The AFROTC cadet corps also sponsors community service projects, intramural athletics, and social events, including formal and informal dinners.
Educational Delay
Cadets may request an educational delay to postpone entry to active duty until after completion of an advanced degree or professional training program. Selection for an educational delay is highly competitive.
Financial Aid
In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP)
If a prospective cadet is already in college, they can still experience the benefits of joining AFROTC. Freshman and sophomore students may be eligible for the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP). The program awards scholarships based on merit during two selection phases (fall and spring semesters).They provide varying awards for tuition and fees, a stipend for books, and a monthly tax-free subsistence allowance. Applicants are selected based on objective and subjective factors. This scholarship does not cover room and board.
General Charles McGee Leadership Award (CMLA)
Cadets who are not already on scholarship and are selected to commission into the Air Force or Space Force are awarded a scholarship that pays $18,000 per year for two years upon successful completion of field training. Any scholarship awardee has the option to convert their award for a $10,000-per-academic-year “housing scholarship” used for on-campus housing. This is for room only; board is not included, and the conversion must begin at the start of the fall academic term if exercised.
All uniforms and required AFROTC textbooks are furnished free of charge.
Undergraduate Program of Study
Minor
- Minor in Aerospace Studies
Aerospace Studies Courses
AERO:1100 Air Force Heritage and Values I 1 s.h.
Introduction to the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC); featured topics include structure of the U.S. Air Force, the Air Force's capabilities, career opportunities, benefits, Air Force installations, core values, leadership, teambuilding, and communication skills. Requirements: first-year or sophomore standing.
AERO:1119 Crosstown Air Force Mentoring 0 s.h.
Mentoring opportunity from an Air Force Officer as needed to provide guidance on the Air Force way of life; for crosstown enrolled Air Force ROTC students. Requirements: crosstown enrollment as AFROTC cadet.
AERO:1150 AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) AS 100-FA 1 s.h.
A progression of experiences designed to develop leadership ability; military customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, military professional development, the life and work of a junior officer; leadership skills in a practical, supervised military lab setting. Offered fall semesters. Corequisites: AERO:1100. Requirements: first-year or sophomore standing.
AERO:1159 Crosstown Air Force Lab 0 s.h.
A progression of experiences designed to develop leadership ability; military customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, and military professional development. Requirements: crosstown enrollment as AFROTC cadet.
AERO:1200 Air Force Heritage and Values II 1 s.h.
Introduction to the United States Air Force (USAF) and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC); featured topics include evolution of the U.S. Air Force/Air Force history, principles of war/tenets of air power, what the Air Force brings to the joint fight, Department of the Air Force, and Air Force major commands; leadership concepts including ethical decision-making, communication, and professional speaking opportunities. Requirements: first-year or sophomore standing.
AERO:1250 AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) AS 100-SP 1 s.h.
A progression of experiences designed to develop leadership ability; military customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, military professional development, the life and work of a junior officer; leadership skills in a practical, supervised military lab setting. Offered spring semesters. Corequisites: AERO:1200. Requirements: first-year or sophomore standing.
AERO:2100 Team and Leadership Fundamentals I 1 s.h.
Foundation for leadership and team building; concepts applied in team-building activities and class discussion, including demonstration of basic verbal and written communication; featured topics include listening, followership, and problem solving efficiently.
AERO:2150 AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) AS 200-FA 1 s.h.
See AERO:1150. Offered fall semesters. Corequisites: AERO:2100.
AERO:2200 Team and Leadership Fundamentals II 1 s.h.
Foundation for leadership and team building; concepts applied in team building activities and class discussion, including demonstration of basic verbal and written communication; featured topics include conflict management, comprehensive airman fitness, and a leadership capstone.
AERO:2250 AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) AS 200-SP 1 s.h.
See AERO:1150. Offered spring semesters. Corequisites: AERO:2200.
AERO:3100 Leadership Studies: Leading People and Effective Communication I 3 s.h.
Builds on leadership fundamentals taught in AERO:2100 and AERO:2200; students study leadership and leadership skills to use in their future Air Force environment; profession of arms, communications skills, and ethics; case studies used to examine Air Force leadership situations and demonstrate and exercise practical application of the concepts studied. Requirements: junior or higher standing.
AERO:3150 AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) AS 300-FA 1 s.h.
See AERO:1150. Offered fall semesters. Corequisites: AERO:3100.
AERO:3200 Leadership Studies: Leading People and Effective Communication II 3 s.h.
Leadership and leadership skills used in the Air Force environment; continued study of the profession of arms, communication skills, and ethics taught in AERO:3100; creating a vision, mentoring, and other leadership fundamentals; students continue to hone their reading, writing, and speaking skills via several communication studies applications; case studies used to examine Air Force leadership situations, and to demonstrate and exercise practical application of the concepts studied; goal is to instill a more in-depth understanding of how to effectively lead people and organizations. Requirements: junior or higher standing.
AERO:3250 AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) AS 300-SP 1 s.h.
See AERO:1150. Offered spring semesters. Corequisites: AERO:3200.
AERO:4100 National Security/Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation I 3 s.h.
Introduction to the national security process, regional studies, advanced leadership ethics, and Air Force doctrine; focus specifically on current Air Force organization, leadership, and practical knowledge needed for a student's future as an Air Force officer; students improve oral and written communication skills and delve into military professionalism and ethics. Requirements: junior or higher standing.
AERO:4150 AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) AS 400-FA 1 s.h.
See AERO:1150. Offered fall semesters. Corequisites: AERO:4100.
AERO:4200 National Security/Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation II 3 s.h.
Continuation of AERO:4100 which introduced the national security process, regional studies, advanced leadership ethics, and Air Force doctrine; students expand their knowledge to comprehend the responsibility, authority, and functions of an Air Force commander and selected provisions of the military justice system; designed to prepare cadets for life as a second lieutenant; students continue to improve oral and written communication skills. Requirements: junior or higher standing.
AERO:4250 AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) AS 400-SP 1 s.h.
See AERO:1150. Offered spring semesters. Corequisites: AERO:4200.
