Aerospace Studies

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Aerospace Studies

Lt Col Liza Theriault, Chair
Telephone: (919) 660-1861
Fax: (919) 660-1871
Email: liza.theriault@duke.edu

The mission of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program is to develop leaders of character for tomorrow’s Air Force and Space Force.

AFROTC is a three to four-year program designed to recruit, educate, and commission future leaders for the Air Force and Space Force. This program is hosted at Duke University and split into two sections: General Military Course (GMC) and Professional Officer Course (POC). If you do not want to join the AFROTC program as a cadet you can still enroll in the Aerospace Studies classes to receive course credit. If you enroll in these classes but choose not to be a cadet, you will be considered a participating student and will not be required to enroll in the Leadership Lab.

The GMC course is a two-year that is offered to freshman and sophomore students who meet the minimum AFROTC requirements. Leadership Lab is required to be taken in conjunction with this program. The GMC program is designed to enhance one’s military leadership preparation, communication and followership skills, physical fitness, and understanding of the Air Force and Space Force lifestyle. Students who complete the GMC program may compete for a spot to attend Field Training, an intense, two-week-long program, typically attended between one’s sophomore and junior year.

The POC course is a two-year program that is offered to junior and senior students who have successfully completed the GMC and Field Training programs. Leadership Lab is required to be taken in conjunction with this program. The POC program is designed to refine one’s leadership, organization, and communication skills. Upon successful completion of the AFROTC program and NCCU’s academic requirements, students commission into the Air Force or Space Force.

Additional opportunities:

• Students may compete for summer professional development programs.
• Students may compete for various types and lengths of scholarships (contact Detachment 585 Recruiting Office, Captain Nethania Swanson, via email at det585@duke.edu or visit AFROTC.com and afrotc.duke.edu for more information).
• Students may obtain minor in Aerospace Studies by completing a minimum of 18 semester hours in aerospace studies classes and one of the following classes: POLS 3310  , POLS 3730 , POLS 3740 , HLS 3000 , HLS 3500 , or HST 3210.

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