The U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) provides women and men at Texas Christian University, Texas Wesleyan University, Dallas Baptist University, University of Texas at Arlington, Weatherford College, and Tarrant County College the education and training necessary to develop the management and leadership skills vital to professional Air Force officers.
Enrollment in the General Military Course (first two years) is voluntary for eligible students and does not obligate non-scholarship students for further military service. The Professional Officer Course (last two years) is also voluntary but competitive. Because the Professional Officer Course leads to a commission in the U.S. Air Force, those selected to continue training in the POC will incur military obligation.
Aerospace studies courses are taken concurrently with other degree programs. No degree is offered in aerospace studies, but up to 24 semester hours may be earned in aerospace studies over the four-year period. Some of the classes may be used to meet major elective requirements; students should see their academic adviser for confirmation. Students who enroll in aerospace studies classes must attend both classroom and leadership laboratory classes at TCU. The laboratory classes give students first-hand experience in developing leadership and organizational skills while preparing them for enrollment in the Professional Officer Course.
Aerospace Studies Program Requirements
Four-Year Program (that can be completed in as little as three years)
This program enables students to take advantage of four years of Aerospace Studies courses. Each semester, for the first two years, cadets take a one-credit hour academic class and a one-credit hour Pass/No-Credit Leadership Laboratory (LLAB). The first two years collectively are referred to as the General Military Course (GMC). Upon successful completion of the GMC, cadets are selected for continuation in the program will attend a paid, four-week, field training course. After completing field training, cadets enroll in the final two years, referred to as the Professional Officer Course (POC). Each semester in the POC, students take a three-credit hour academic class and a one-credit hour Pass/No-Credit LLAB. AFROTC uniforms and textbooks are issued by the unit for all GMC and POC cadets.
More detailed information about the Air Force ROTC Program is available through the Department of Aerospace Studies. The department is located in office 247 of the Rickel Academic Wing on the TCU campus. Please visit www.afrotc.tcu.edu or call (817) 257-7461 with any questions.
Aerospace Studies General Qualifications
Please call (817) 257-7461 or visit www.afrotc.tcu.edu for up-to-date entry requirements.
AFROTC Program Benefits
As Air Force ROTC cadets, students are entitled to selective benefits. Social and co-curricular activities, together with leadership and academic training, are all part of Air Force ROTC. All scholarship cadets and also non-scholarship POC cadets receive a nontaxable subsistence allowance each month during the school year. Drill team, honor guard and Arnold Air Honor Society are just a few social outlets for the cadets. Summer opportunities for cadets can include a paid visit to a military installation for two weeks, freefall parachuting, combat survival training, flight nurse shadowing and duty as a cadet training assistant at field training.
AFROTC Scholarships
Air Force ROTC offers scholarships that vary in length of award and amount based on academic major and applicant qualifications. All awarded scholarships pay a stipend for textbooks and fees, plus a monthly, nontaxable, stipend during the school year. Scholarship awards are based on specific academic majors related to the needs of the U.S. Air Force. The scholarship opportunities for in-college students are determined at the national level by Air Force ROTC Headquarters and are subsequently administered by the detachment/Department of Aerospace Studies. Scholarship applicants are selected using the whole-person concept, which includes objective factors (i.e., GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and physical fitness test) and subjective factors (i.e., personal evaluations).
Because the scholarship program varies according to budget and needs of the Air Force, interested applicants should contact the Department of Aerospace Studies at (817) 257-7461 or www.afrotc.tcu.edu for specifics.
AFROTC Commissioning
Upon successful completion of the AFROTC Program and baccalaureate degree, a student is commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. In some instances, entry onto active duty can be delayed by students continuing in post-baccalaureate degree programs.
