Department of Aerospace Studies
Aerospace Studies
All University Colleges and Schools,
Faculty:
Douglas Erlenbusch, Steven Mink, Patrick Reimnitz, Charles Washuk, Darin Weidauer
General Military Course:
The first two years of Aerospace Studies (AERO 100, 200) are designated the General Military Course (GMC) for students enrolled in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). There are no prerequisites for these courses, and all University students may participate. These courses focus on developing individual communication skills, understanding the environment of the Air Force officer, and comprehending the historical development of the United States Air Force in the national security structure. AERO 100 and 200 may be taken concurrently to allow late entry into the program by sophomores or second-semester freshmen.
Professional Officer Course:
The last two years of AFROTC (AERO 300, 400) are designated the Professional Officer Course (POC) for students enrolled in AFROTC. They are designed to prepare cadets for duty as officers in the United States Air Force and provide the student with a working knowledge of advanced leadership and management theories and applications, as well as an understanding of the United States national security systems and processes. The POC includes academics, interaction with military and national security professionals, and the practice of leadership and management in a large group environment. Students not currently enrolled in AFROTC who desire to enroll as a cadet in the POC should contact the Department early in their sophomore year. This does not preclude normal enrollment in the class by students who are not cadets.
Special Notes:
All courses in Aerospace Studies may or may not count toward graduation, depending upon the student’s major. Students should consult their Dean and Department Chairperson for allowable courses. Leadership laboratories are mandatory for members of the cadet corps but optional for students taking the academic courses as electives.
Scholarship cadets incur a military obligation upon entry into their sophomore year on the start date of AERO 200.
Non-scholarship cadets do not incur a military obligation until as late as the end of the first semester of the Professional Officer Course (AERO 300).