Academics

“The typical day of an ROTC cadet, really, the bulk of it is taking their courses to pursue their academic degree. On top of that, they may have Leadership Laboratory or you may have your Air Force Science class as well. Before all that even starts, you wake up bright and early for physical training.

You are around people who have similar goals and values. One thing that unites us is that same desire to serve. The cadets do form friendships and relationships with their peers, you make those bonds, you take classes together, so by the time you are finished the program, you do have those lifelong friends.”

As an officer in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force, others will look to you for your leadership and expertise. That begins in college and Air Force ROTC, where you’ll take the necessary courses and learn what it takes to become an officer.

General Military Course (GMC)

The General Military Course (GMC) comprises the first two years of Air Force ROTC program. All cadets must successfully complete classes in aerospace studies and pass all Leadership Laboratories that are part of AFROTC curriculum.

Professional Officer Course (POC)

Cadets compete for an allocation in the Professional Officer Course (POC) during the second year of the GMC. During the POC, cadets must be enrolled as a full-time student at a college or university that offers AFROTC classes or has a crosstown agreement.

For more information on AFROTC academic requirements, please visit: https://www.afrotc.com/what-it-takes/academic/

Rutgers University - New Brunswick Schedule of Classes

AS100

The Foundations of the United States Air Force (1 credit)

Survey course designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and encourage participation in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Featured topics include: overview of ROTC; special programs offered through ROTC; mission and organization of the Air Force; brief history of the Air Force; introduction to leadership and leadership related issues; Air Force Core Values; Air Force officer opportunities; and an introduction to communication skills. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

Leadership Laboratory I (0 credit)

Fundamentals of drill and ceremonies; physical fitness training; leadership exercises; and military-related skill sets.
 

AS200

The Evolution of Air and Space Power (1 credit)

Designed to examine general aspects of air and space power through a historical perspective. Utilizing this perspective, the course covers a time period from the first balloons and dirigibles to the space-age global positioning systems of the Afghan/Iraqi wars. Historical examples are provided to extrapolate the development of Air Force capabilities (competencies) and missions (functions) to demonstrate the evolution of what has become today's USAF air and space power. As a whole, this course provides the students with a knowledge-level understanding for the general element and employment of air and space power from an institutional doctrinal and historical perspective. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

Leadership Laboratory II (0 credit)

Continuation of Leadership Laboratory I. Advanced drill and ceremonies; physical fitness training and evaluation; leadership exercises; and military-related skill sets.
 

AS300

Air Force Leadership Studies (3 credits)

Study of leadership; management fundamentals; professional knowledge; leadership ethics; problem-solving strategies; 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. A mandatory Leadership Laboratory complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences in officer-type activities, giving students the opportunity to apply leadership and management principles of this course.

Leadership Laboratory III (0 credit)

Advanced leadership experience in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, controlling, and communicating.
 

AS400

National Security Affairs (3 credits)

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 this structure, continued emphasis is given to refining communication skills. A mandatory Leadership Laboratory complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences, giving students the opportunity to apply the leadership and management principles of this course.

Leadership Laboratory IV (0 credit)

Advanced leadership and management skills and their application.