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Department of Aerospace Studies
Professional Officers Course (POC)

Students are accepted into the POC on a competitive basis provided they have at least two years of full-time undergraduate course work remaining.  Performance in the GMC and the Field Training encampment are among the factors considered.

The POC consists of four 3-credit courses that extend over a two-year period.  The AS 300 level, "Leading People and Effective Communication," teaches cadets advanced skills and knowledge in management and leadership. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing leadership skills and communication. Cadets have an opportunity to try out these leadership and management techniques in a supervised environment as juniors and seniors.  The AS 400 level, "National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty," is designed for college seniors and gives them the foundation to understand their role as military officers in American society. It is an overview of the complex social and political issues facing the military profession and requires a measure of sophistication commensurate with the senior college level. The final semester provides information that will prepare the cadets for Active Duty.

Students who successfully complete the requirements of the POC and their degree programs will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force  and will enter active duty within one year.  Delay of entry to active duty to study at the master’s or doctoral level may be permitted.  There are many career opportunities individuals can qualify for, including but not limited to pilot, space and missile operations, cyberspace operations, engineering, medical and nursing career fields.