Aerospace Studies and Military Science

Iowa offers programs in Aerospace Studies for students pursuing an education while working toward a commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and Military Science for students pursuing an education while working toward commission as an officer in the U.S. Army.

Minor in Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC)

The Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC) gives students the opportunity to pursue a college education while working toward a commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Many students take advantage of financial aid packages.

After graduation, those who complete the program are commissioned as second lieutenants and enter one of more than 140 career fields.

While in school, you will have the option of attending summer programs that are available only to cadets. If you're adventurous, you might take courses on flying gliders, free falling, parachuting, and combat survival offered at the Air Force Academy. Other summer programs allow students to intern at active-duty U.S. Air Force installations, including the Pentagon.

Some summer courses, including internships and foreign language courses, are available overseas.

To Join

High school and college students interested in joining the program must be U.S. citizens who are full-time students, in good physical health and fitness, of good moral character, and able to pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT). In addition, they must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.50.

Course Work

AFROTC is entirely voluntary, with courses open to all undergraduate students. The amount of Aerospace Studies Program credit that may be applied toward a degree varies from college to college at the University of Iowa.

Examples of Aerospace Studies Program courses include:

• Foundations of the U.S. Air Force
• Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power
• Air Force Leadership Studies
• National Security Affairs
• Readings in Contemporary Military Issues

Review Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC) in the UI General Catalog to learn more about the program and required course work.

Scholarships

High school students may apply for Air Force ROTC scholarships at www.afrotc.com. Scholarships pay tuition and mandatory fees, provide money for books, and offer a monthly tax-free stipend that varies according to your academic class standing. 

Students do not need a scholarship to be in the program. Those who miss the application deadline or who are not awarded a scholarship out of high school may still join the program and compete for scholarships.

For more information, visit www.afrotc.com, email [email protected], or contact the unit admissions officer at 319-335-9221.

Minor in Military Science (Army ROTC)

The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is an elective program designed to integrate with the regular college curriculum and to give you the skills you need to become successful officer in the U.S. Army.

The ROTC Program consists of highly motivated and dedicated cadets who have the desire to advance their leadership potential, communication skills, and physical fitness. ROTC also offers qualified students the opportunity to compete for scholarships. Successful completion of Army ROTC increases opportunities in civilian life as well as in the military. Courses teach cadets skills they need to become a successful leader.

The program also offers opportunities to participate in extracurricular teams, including Ranger Challenge, Color Guard, homecoming events, and competitive intramural activities. The ROTC Program encourages involvement with campus-based activities to the maximum level.

To Join

The Army ROTC program looks for scholars, athletes, and leaders. Students who want to serve, increase their mental and physical toughness, and are selfless in work or play are the backbone of the organization.

To receive a commission when you graduate, you must be a U.S. citizen, a full-time student, in good physical health, and of high moral character. In addition, you must have a grade-point average of at least 2.50 and an ACT score of at least 19.

Course Work

Military Science Program courses teach leadership skills and introduces you to the opportunities the U.S. Army offers college graduates. Basic courses are open to all University of Iowa students. If you have an interest in learning more about the program, consider taking one of the following courses:

• Advanced Military Fitness
• Leadership and Personal Development (first-year first semester)
• Introduction to Tactical Leadership (first-year second semester)
• Innovative Team Leadership (sophomore year first semester)
• Foundations of Tactical Leadership (sophomore year second semester)

Review Military Science (Army ROTC) in the UI General Catalog to learn more about the program and required course work. 

After Graduation

When you graduate, you will receive a commission as a second lieutenant in the active component, National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve.

You will belong to a respected professional organization. As part of the active army, you will have opportunities to travel the world and gain invaluable leadership skills. If you decide to serve part-time, your commitment will be one weekend per month and two weeks during the summer (depending on unit requirements).

Whether you decide to make a career of the army or use it as a stepping stone to civilian employment, you will find the skills you learned will be useful in all professions. Civilian employers actively recruit former officers because they know U.S. Army officers have strong management skills and understand how to positively influence organizations to achieve success.

Scholarships

Depending on the availability of funds, qualified students may compete for two-, two-and-one-half-, three-, three-and-one-half-, or four-year merit-based scholarships. The deadline to apply is January 10 of your senior year in high school. Apply at http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students/four-year-scholarship.html. 

You do not have to receive a scholarship to join Army ROTC. If you miss the scholarship deadline or who do not receive a scholarship through the high school process, you can still enroll in classes or the program and compete for scholarships.

Scholarships pay full tuition (in-state or out-of-state), mandatory student fees, and course fees. Scholarship winners also receive a $1,200 annual book allowance and a monthly living allowance of up to $500 while they are in school.

Visit http://armyrotc.com/edu/univia/index.htm or contact the Military Science (Army ROTC) Program at 319-335-9187 or [email protected] for more information.

1. Submit your application.

   You can apply through the University of Iowa application or the Common Application (fall session only). We make admission decisions on a rolling basis beginning October 1 (International Application deadlines vary depending on your area of study).

2. Pay the application fee.

   The $80 application fee is non-refundable. No application fee waivers are available unless you will be graduating from a high school inside the U.S.

3. Upload your academic records.

   Within your Admissions Profile in MyUI, upload copies of all required official transcripts from every secondary school (high school), college, university, technical/vocational institute, or professional institution you have attended.
   
   Examine the Country Specific Admissions Requirement List to learn more about the required credentials and minimum academic standards needed for Admissions. Iowa offers college credit for a variety of exams.

4. Meet our English Proficiency Requirement.

   See details of our English Proficiency Requirements. If applicable, have the testing agency send us your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score.

5. Have your ACT or SAT scores sent by the testing agency.

   Our institution code is 1356 for the ACT; 6681 for the SAT.

   ACT or SAT is required if:​
   • You plan to use ACT/SAT to meet the English Proficiency Requirement
   • You plan to apply for scholarships (some awards require an ACT or SAT score)