Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Program
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program trains students to become scholar warrior leaders who make a positive impact in the world. This award-winning program combines traditional college education with military instruction in order to develop exceptional United States Air Force and Space Force officers. Multiple enrollment options give students an opportunity to participate in AFROTC without initial commitment for military service. This program is for students who want to learn how to be leaders.
All students in Air Force ROTC have access to study materials and uniforms for use in AFROTC. In addition, most upper level cadets enlisted in the Air Force Reserve receive a monthly subsistence allowance. Cadets may apply for Air Force ROTC scholarships, which are available on a competitive basis to those who meet the basic minimum requirements of a 2.5 cumulative grade point average, are a U.S. citizen, pass a physical fitness test, and pass a Department of Defense medical exam. For further information, contact the AFROTC office at 210-458-4624. Walk-ins are also welcome on the first floor of the Graduate School and Research Building (GSR), Room 1.220.
UTSA and participating crosstown school students may enroll in courses that are required in order to become a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is voluntary and open to all qualified students, male and female. The requirements are as follows:
- Must be at least 14 (with parents' consent)
- Good moral character
- Good physical condition
- Full-time student
Students attending the following participating crosstown schools are eligible to enroll: Trinity University, St. Mary’s University, The University of the Incarnate Word, Our Lady of the Lake University, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Schreiner University, and any Alamo Colleges District system school. Crosstown students will enroll in Air Force ROTC at UTSA. All AFROTC courses & training are held at the UTSA Main Campus. Contact us at (210)458-4624, or AFROTCDet842@utsa.edu for more information.
Nursing students at UT Health San Antonio may also enroll in Air Force ROTC at UTSA.
To obtain a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force and/or Space Force, a baccalaureate degree in one of the disciplines offered by UTSA or participating crosstown schools and completion of a Four-Year AFROTC Program is required. The full four-year program may be tailored down to less than four years based on the student’s academic progress and the future needs of the Air Force. For complete details on completing AFROTC in less than four years, contact an Air Force ROTC advisor at 210-458-4624. Walk-ins are also welcome on the first floor of the Graduate Studies and Research Building (GSR), Room 1.220.
Credit for Aerospace Studies courses may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree, but are generally classified as free electives. There is no maximum number of semester credit hours of Aerospace Studies that may be applied to the degree requirements for each major. Credit for Aerospace Studies courses awarded by another college or university are accepted by UTSA as credit, within the same limitations as Aerospace Studies credit earned at UTSA.
Program Requirements
This program does not require a formal application for admission and consists of 16 semester credit hours of aerospace studies. Any student wishing to participate in the freshman and sophomore-level courses of Air Force ROTC may enroll in these classes at the same time and in the same manner as for other UTSA courses. The freshman and sophomore courses comprise the General Military Course (GMC). Membership as a cadet in the GMC does not confer any military status or commitment upon the student. During the GMC, students can compete for admission to the Professional Officer Course (POC), which is described below. Cadets in the Four-Year Program attend a two-week field training course (If selected by HQ AFROTC board) the summer between their sophomore and junior years.
All POC students enlist in the Air Force Reserve (Obligated Reserve Status) and receive a monthly subsistence allowance.
A required leadership laboratory graded on a pass/fail basis is conducted in conjunction with all Aerospace Studies courses. This laboratory offers students the opportunity to learn and practice the skills and techniques required to be an Air Force/Space Force officer within a realistic Air Force/Space Force organizational framework. It also provides cadets with opportunities to learn about the conduct of Air Force/Space Force missions and operations through guest lectures and professional development training. Cadets are also required to attend physical fitness training a minimum of two times per week, which will help prepare them to pass the required physical fitness test.
Cadets may apply for Air Force ROTC scholarships. Three-and-a-half, three, two-and-a-half, and two-year scholarships are available to cadets who meet the basic minimum requirements (achieving and maintaining a 2.5 grade point average, passing a physical fitness test, and passing a physical). Students with questions are encouraged to come by GSR 1.220 or call an Air Force ROTC scholarship advisor at 210-458-4624.
Minor in Aerospace Studies
This minor is designed to enhance the Aerospace Studies curriculum. A Minor in Aerospace Studies (ASC) will develop a well-rounded perspective of a future Air Force/Space Force officer’s role and decision-making ability in political, sociological, historical, and geographical arenas.
All students pursuing a Minor in Aerospace Studies must complete 20 semester credit hours.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Required core courses | ||
| ASC 2031 | The Evolution of United States Air Force Air and Space Power I | 1 |
| ASC 2041 | The Evolution of United States Air Force Air and Space Power II | 1 |
| B. Additional courses | ||
| Select 3 of the following, two of which must be at the upper-division level: | 9 | |
| The Foundation of the United States Air Force I | ||
| The Foundation of the United States Air Force II | ||
| Air Force Leadership Studies I | ||
| Air Force Leadership Studies II | ||
| National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty I | ||
| National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty II | ||
| C. Additional courses | ||
| Select 3 of the following, 2 of which must be at the upper-division level: | 9 | |
| World Regional Geography | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Political Geography | ||
| History of Modern Warfare | ||
| History of American Foreign Relations | ||
| Civil Rights in Texas and America | ||
| Introduction to Global Politics | ||
| Political Movements | ||
| European Governments | ||
| Governments and Politics of Southeast Asia | ||
| Governments and Politics of East Asia | ||
| Politics of the Developing World | ||
| Politics of the Middle East | ||
| American Foreign Policy since World War II | ||
| Force in International Politics | ||
| Current Issues in World Politics | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 20 | |
To declare a Minor in Aerospace Studies, obtain advice, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult the Department Chair/Professor of Aerospace Studies in conjunction with an advisor in the office of Undergraduate Studies Support and Technology Services.
Aerospace Studies (ASC) Courses
ASC 1031. The Foundation of the United States Air Force I. (1-2) 1 Credit Hour.
A survey course designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Focuses on mission and organization of the Air Force, officership and professionalism, military customs and courtesies, Air Force opportunities, and an introduction to communication skills. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements the course by providing cadets with followership experiences. Generally offered: Fall. Course Fee: LRRT $12.50.
ASC 1041. The Foundation of the United States Air Force II. (1-1) 1 Credit Hour.
A continuation of ASC 1031, students progress in acquiring skills and demonstrating their proficiency. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements the course by providing cadets with followership experiences. Generally offered: Spring.
ASC 2031. The Evolution of United States Air Force Air and Space Power I. (1-1) 1 Credit Hour.
Examines general aspects of air and space power through a historical perspective. Covers a time period from the first balloons and dirigibles to the space-age systems of the Global War on Terror. Historical examples are provided to extrapolate development of AF distinctive capabilities and missions to demonstrate the evolution of today’s USAF air and space power. Examines several fundamental truths associated with war in the third dimension. Reviews importance of AF core values with use of operational examples and historical AF leaders. Stresses development of communication skills. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements the course by providing cadets with followership experiences. Generally offered: Fall. Course Fee: LRRT $12.50.
ASC 2041. The Evolution of United States Air Force Air and Space Power II. (1-1) 1 Credit Hour.
A continuation of ASC 2031, students progress in acquiring skills and demonstrating their proficiency. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements the course by providing cadets with followership experiences. Generally offered: Spring.
ASC 3013. Air Force Leadership Studies I. (3-2) 3 Credit Hours.
A study of leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge, Air Force personnel and evaluation systems, leadership ethics, and communication skills required of an Air Force junior officer. Case studies are used to examine Air Force leadership and management situations as a means of demonstrating and exercising practical application of the concepts being studied. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements the course by providing advanced leadership experiences in officer-type activities, giving students the opportunity to apply leadership and management principles. Generally offered: Fall. Course Fee: LRRT $37.50.
ASC 3023. Air Force Leadership Studies II. (3-1) 3 Credit Hours.
A continuation of ASC 3013, students progress in acquiring skills and demonstrating their proficiency. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements the course by providing advanced leadership experiences in officer-type activities, giving students the opportunity to apply leadership and management principles. Generally offered: Spring.
ASC 4013. National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty I. (3-1) 3 Credit Hours.
Examines the national security process, regional studies, advanced leadership ethics, and Air Force doctrine. Special topics of interest focus on the military as a profession, officership, military justice, civilian control of the military, preparation for active duty, and current issues affecting military professionalism. Within the structure, continued emphasis is given to refining communication skills. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements the course by providing advanced leadership experiences in officer-type activities, giving students the opportunity to apply leadership and management principles.
Generally offered: Fall. Course Fee: LRRT $37.50.
ASC 4023. National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty II. (3-1) 3 Credit Hours.
Continuation of ASC 4013, students progress in acquiring skills and demonstrating their proficiency. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements the course by providing advanced leadership experiences in officer-type activities, giving students the opportunity to apply leadership and management principles. Generally offered: Spring.