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Aerospace Studies
Office: 205 Dickinson Hall Phone: 545-2437/2451 E-mail: afrotc@acad.umass.edu Web site: www.umass.edu/afrotc Head of Department: Professor (Lt Colonel) Van Dalsen; Assistant Professors (Captain) Stevens and (Captain) Scougall. The Department of Aerospace Studies-also known on campus as "Air Force ROTC"-is unique in that it is the only agent through which a student can, upon graduation, receive a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force. To earn this commission, a cadet (a student pursuing a commission) must meet the Reserve Officer Training Corps eligibility requirements, enroll in Aerospace Studies courses, attend a two-hour, no-credit leadership lab each week, pass an Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, be physically qualified, attend an officer field training program, and receive a baccalaureate or postgraduate degree. Upon graduation and commissioning, the officer will normally serve a period of active duty in the Air Force. Qualified students in good academic standing, in any recognized major, are eligible for a commission. The department places no demands upon the student's curriculum. Aerospace Studies academic courses are open to all students. Air Force ROTC Advantages The Air Force ROTC program combines valuable hands-on leadership and management training which greatly enhances a student's overall college education and future job opportunities either in the United States Air Force or the civilian sector. The goal is to produce future leaders for the Air Force and the nation. Qualified cadets may explore these opportunities during the first two years of the program with no military obligation. This experience also includes visiting Air Force installations, receiving Air Force aircraft flight orientations, flying light aircraft, and participating in a variety of challenging and unique training programs. Basic Program The Four-Year Air Force ROTC program is comprised of the General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC), and is tailored for cadets with three or more years of undergraduate study remaining. In the GMC, a cadet learns the mission and structure of the Air Force, examines military life, and studies the strategies, doctrines, and missions of aerospace power from balloons to today's use of space vehicles. The leadership lab, which is required for all cadets, is cadet-led. This leadership experience prepares them for increased levels of responsibility and their future role as military officers. Activities include a variety of professional and social functions. Course textbooks are available to all students at no cost, and uniforms and other essential materials are also provided to the cadet at no cost. Two-Year Program The Two-Year Cadet Program, also called the Professional Officer Course, is open to qualifying junior college transfer students, sophomores, and veterans with at least two years of academic studies remaining. This course is highly competitive and entry is based on Reserve Officer Training Corps eligibility requirements, standardized test scores, college major, grade point average, a physical examination, and personal interview. After successfully completing a five-week field training course, cadets are eligible to enter the POC. Air Force ROTC Scholarships Air Force ROTC one- to four-year college scholarships are available on a competitive basis to qualifying high school and college students. Scholarship recipients are selected using the whole person concept. This includes objective factors (grade point average) and subjective factors (interview evaluation). In selected academic areas, scholarships may be extended to meet a five-year degree program recognized by the college. Most scholarships cover full college tuition and most laboratory fees, and incidental fees; plus a $150 monthly tax-free allowance during the school year, and an annual $432 textbook stipend. Veterans Eligible veterans may enroll in Air Force ROTC while in college, complete degree requirements, and earn an Air Force commission. Veterans can use their GI Bill or veteran's benefits, receive the tax-free allowance, and compete for other scholarship and financial aid programs. The Minor The Department of Aerospace Studies also offers a minor in Aerospace Studies. While the minor is most appropriate for those wishing to pursue a commission as an officer in the Air Force, it is open to all students at the University without incurring any military obligation. A minor in Aerospace Studies provides knowledge about the aerospace studies field, aviation history, military law, aspects of national security, and developing management and leadership skills. Training gained through the minor is an asset to those students interested in government employment (non-military and military) or aerospace-related industries and the private sector. | |
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