Department of Aerospace Studies

The Department of Aerospace Studies hosts the Air Force ROTC Program. It is traditionally a 4-year program (2 years in the GMC and 2 years in the POC); however, some students may complete it in less time if they meet certain parameters and receive approval from the Department Director. Please call the front office at (601) 266-4468 for more information.

The Air Force ROTC program offers a course of study leading to an active duty commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force. The Aerospace Studies coursework covers Air and Space Force history, followership, leadership, and national security issues. The coursework is an accredited part of the curriculum of the university. Additionally, all classes are considered electives as part of USM’s Leadership Experience Certificate. (NOTE: Visit the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development for more details.)

Students in the Air Force ROTC program are eligible for “all expenses paid” opportunities such as private pilot lessons, summer internships at government agencies, foreign language study abroad programs, cyber summer camps, Air Force Base visits, career field immersions, and so much more. Additionally, students are eligible for memberships in the student organization Eagle Booster Club and the highly-coveted Air Force ROTC Color Guard.

General Military Course (GMC)

This is typically completed during a student’s first two years of college. Men and women who are full-time university students may enroll in the GMC, which surveys the missions, activities, and history of the United States Air Force and Space Force. There is no military service obligation associated with enrollment in any GMC course unless the student has received an Air Force ROTC academic scholarship. The Director of Aerospace Studies may grant credit or partial credit for completion of the GMC for students who have served on active duty, for junior- or senior-level ROTC participation in a program of any service, and for Civil Air Patrol work.

Required GMC courses include:

- First Year: AOS 101 , AOS 101L , and Physical Training (PT) Sessions (arranged); AOS 103 , AOS 103L , and Physical Training (PT) Sessions (arranged)

- Second Year: AOS 201 , AOS 201L , and Physical Training (PT) Sessions (arranged); AOS 203 , AOS 203L , and Physical Training (PT) Sessions (arranged).

NOTE: Only students who complete GMC requirements AND get selected for the Professional Officer Course (POC) may continue in the Air Force ROTC program. Students who do not get selected for entrance into the POC, but want to compete again the following year, will be required to enroll in additional courses. Please call the front office at (601) 266-4468 for more information.

Professional Officer Course (POC) /Minor in Aerospace Studies

Only men and women who were selected to continue in the Air Force ROTC program may enroll in the POC, which emphasizes the practical application of leadership, effective communication, outlines the roles and responsibilities of an officer, and outlines how they are tied to national security. (NOTE: Selection occurs during the Spring Semester of a student’s second year in the program.) Enrollment in the POC will be done under an Air Force enlistment (inactive reserves) in which students are obligated to accept a commission into active duty upon completion of their studies. Students with prior military service may apply for direct entry into the POC. Students entering in the POC must have two academic years remaining in college as full-time students at the undergraduate level.

Required POC courses include:

- Third Year: AOS 312 , AOS 312L , and Physical Training (PT) Sessions (arranged); AOS 313 , AOS 313L , and Physical Training (PT) Sessions (arranged)

- Fourth Year: AOS 412 , AOS AOS 412L , and Physical Training (PT) Sessions (arranged); AOS 413 , AOS 413L , and Physical Training (PT) Sessions (arranged)

Air Force ROTC Scholarship Opportunities

High School Scholarship Program (HSSP). The Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) application window opens in June of each year to rising seniors in high school, and closes in December. Scholarship recipients will receive 100% of their college tuition and authorized fees at any public or private institution with an Air Force ROTC detachment. They will also receive a monthly living expense and annual book stipend. Air Force ROTC scholarships do not cover room and board. For more details and to submit an application, students should visit www.afrotc.com. HSSP requirements include: U.S. Citizen; Pass a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA); Cumulative GPA of 3.0+; SAT composite of 1240+ or ACT composite of 26+.

In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP). The Air Force ROTC In-School Scholarship Program (ICSP) application window opens in the Fall and Spring semester to current college freshmen and sophomores already enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program. Scholarship recipients will receive either a TYPE I (100% of their college tuition and authorized fees) or TYPE II (Up to $18,000 per year for college tuition and authorized fees). They will also receive a monthly living expense and annual book stipend. Air Force ROTC scholarships do not cover room and board. For more details and to submit an application, students should visit www.afrotc.com. ISCP requirements include: U.S. Citizen; Pass a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA); Cumulative GPA of 2.5+.

Charles McGee Leadership Award (CMLA). This in-college scholarship is awarded to all individuals selected for entrance into the Professional Officer Course (POC) who successfully complete Field Training, typically done during the summer between their sophomore and junior year of college. It pays up to $18,000 per year for two years and cannot be applied to graduate studies. Any scholarship awardee will be allowed to convert their award for a $10,000 per year “housing scholarship” used for on-campus housing. This is for room only; board is not included and the conversion must begin at the start of the fall academic term, if exercised. CMLA requirements include: U.S. Citizen; Selection to enter the POC; Graduate from Field Training.

USM Foundation – George Robert Hall Scholarship. The purpose of this fund is to award a $1,494.00 scholarship to one Professional Officer Course (POC) Air Force ROTC Cadet with financial need. The recipient must be in and maintain good standing in the Air Force ROTC program throughout the award period. Aerospace Studies will review the recipient’s status after each academic term and advise the USM Foundation if there is need to withdraw the scholarship for failure to maintain standards. If the scholarship is withdrawn, the provisions above will be used to select a new recipient. George Robert Hall requirements include: Member of the POC; FAFSA-verified Financial Need.

USM Foundation – Thomas C. Lennep Scholarship. The purpose of this fund is to provide a $729.00 scholarship to an Air Force ROTC student. who is a junior or senior. with a 2.75 GPA or above. Thomas C. Lennep requirements include: College Junior or Senior; Minimum GPA of 2.75.

USM ROTC Scholarship. As of fall 2017, The University of Southern Mississippi will offer a $1,000 semester ROTC Scholarship to selected ROTC students. Department of Military Science and Leadership will select no more than 20 eligible cadets (10 Army ROTC and 10 Air Force ROTC) to receive this scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded each semester for only the fall and spring terms. USM ROTC Scholarship requirements include: Enrolled in the AFROTC program; Merit-based and decided by the Department of Aerospace Studies.

Programs

Requirements

Air Force ROTC Program