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Building Camaraderie Around the World

FOREIGN AREA STUDIES

Cadets presenting in Foreign Area Studies

“Language, regional and cultural skills … are critical to mission readiness in today’s dynamic global environment. Our forces must have the ability to effectively communicate with and understand the cultures of coalition forces, international partners, and local populations.” (Secretary of Defense Memo, 10 Aug 2011)

The Foreign Area Studies major is designed to give future officers broad-based, foreign area-related skills for worldwide service commitments. Within this program, cadets delve into an interdisciplinary exploration of one of six geo-cultural regions: Africa, Latin America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Slavic countries, while also selecting a disciplinary emphasis from one of four departments—History, Geospatial Science, Military & Strategic Studies or Political Science.

Foreign Area Studies also offers coursework incorporating a comparative framework for understanding cross-cultural dynamics. Cadets can further their understanding of other cultures through the Air Force Academy’s international education programs or a Foreign Language minor.

POTENTIAL JOB ASSIGNMENTS
Within the Air Force
  • 14NX – Intelligence Officer
  • 16FX – Regional Affairs Strategist (RAS)
  • 16PX – Political-Military Affairs Strategist (PAS)
  • Exchange Officer
  • Attaché
Outside the Air Force
  • International Affairs

SAMPLE COURSES
  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization
  • France in the Twentieth Century
  • Culture and the Military Profession
  • Model Arab League
  • Foreign Language Courses, at all levels
SUGGESTED COURSE SEQUENCE
4th CLASS YEAR (FRESHMAN) 3RD CLASS YEAR (SOPHOMORE) 2ND CLASS YEAR (JUNIOR) 1ST CLASS YEAR (SENIOR)
Beh Sci 110
Chem 100
Com Sci 110
English 111
Engr 101
For Lang 1
For Lang 2
History 100
Math 141
Math 142
Physics 110
Additional For Ar Stu
Chem 200
Econ 201
English 211
Engr Mech 220
For Lang 3
For Lang 4
Law 220
MSS 200
Physics 215
Pol Sci 211
Soc Sci 212
Additional For Ar Stu
Additional For Ar Stu
Aero Engr 315
Beh Sci 310
For Ar Stu Track Req
For Ar Stu Track Req
For Ar Stu Track Req
For Lang 5
For Lang 6
History 300
Math 300
Philos 310
Academy Opt
Additional For Ar Stu
Astro Engr 310
Biology 315
ECE 315
English 411
For Ar Stu Elective
For Ar Stu Elective
For Ar Stu Track Req
Mgt 400
MSS 415/416
S/T Energy Sys Opt

For full program requirements and course descriptions, download the current Course of Instruction Handbook.

VALIDATION AND TRANSFER CREDITS

Validation and transfer credit is considered when cadets enter the Academy. Cadets may receive transfer credit for AP courses or courses taken at a previous college or university. Before classes start incoming cadets prioritize the languages they would like to study, as well as take a placement test to determine the appropriate course level. Cadets who score well enough can earn validation and transfer credit for existing language skills.

CONTACT US

Dr. Robert Carriedo
Deputy for International History
robert.carriedo@usafa.edu
(719) 333-8648

WANT TO STUDY FOREIGN AREA STUDIES?