Department of Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC)

The Department of Aerospace Studies at NC State provides academic coursework and leadership development through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program. The department offers students the opportunity to learn about air and space operations, leadership, and national defense as part of their undergraduate education. Faculty are active-duty officers with a range of professional experience that informs instruction and supports student learning. Lt Col Sarah Bergkamp serves as Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies and leads the AFROTC program and its academic instruction.

Aerospace Studies courses are open to NC State students and may be taken as electives. For students pursuing a commission in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force, the AFROTC program provides a structured pathway that combines academic study with leadership training. Complete information about the program can be found online.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training (AFROTC) Program

The AFROTC program at NC State prepares students to earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force. Aerospace Studies courses are open to all students and may be taken as electives without military obligation. Students who complete the Aerospace Studies curriculum may also be eligible to earn the Military Studies: Aerospace Studies minor.

The program is structured as a four-year sequence that integrates academic coursework with leadership development and training. Students typically enroll in Aerospace Studies courses during their first two years and may enter the cadet program during this period. Participation beyond introductory coursework requires full-time enrollment and meeting program requirements.

Throughout the program, cadets develop leadership skills, discipline, and professional competencies through classroom instruction, training activities, and experiential learning opportunities. Additional programs and summer training experiences may be available to support continued development.

Upon successful completion of program requirements and graduation, cadets are commissioned as officers and incur a service commitment in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force.

Scholarship Opportunities and Stipend

Competitive scholarships are awarded by the Air Force to high school students through the High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) as well as to cadets already in college through the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP). ICSP scholarships are merit based. AFROTC scholarships pay for tuition, fees and books, and provide cadets a stipend each month during the academic year for miscellaneous expenses. Stipends for AFROTC scholarship cadets vary according to the cadet’s year of academic enrollment in AFROTC.

For example, scholarship freshmen currently receive $300 per month, sophomores $350 per month, juniors $450 per month and seniors $500 per month. Additionally, cadets who complete field training and are enrolled in the POC receive a stipend regardless of scholarship status. All scholarships have minimum academic standards that must be maintained.

Eligibility

All full-time freshmen and sophomores with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and a desire to seek a commission may enroll in the GMC program without obligation to the Air Force through enrollment in the AS 100-level and 200-level  blocks of Aerospace Studies curriculum.

To enter the POC, cadets must meet physical, medical and academic requirements, and successfully complete field training (typically between the second and third year). In addition, some age, citizenship and background restrictions apply; contact the department for more details. Students desiring to enter the four-year program can simply register for the AS 100-level course.  All students interested should contact the Air Force ROTC office for more information.

Organization

The Air Force ROTC Cadet Corps, nicknamed “Wolfpack Warriors,” is organized as a cadet wing staffed entirely by cadets for leadership development. They are assisted and advised by experienced active duty officers and non-commissioned officers who are assigned as instructors to the detachment. Three collateral organizations, Arnold Air Society, Wolfpack Warrior Booster Club and Honor Guard, support the cadet wing organization as well as the university and community.

Uniforms

Uniforms are provided by the federal government and are worn by cadets on the day of Leadership Laboratory (Wednesday) or as specified by cadet corps leadership.

Contact Information

Reynolds Coliseum
2411 Dunn Ave.
NC State Box 7380
Raleigh, NC  27695-7380
Main Phone:  919.515.2417  
Fax:  919.515.4456

Faculty

Plans