Physics

Our modern military owes its technological superiority to great physicists. The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Physics program produces scientifically literate leaders of character, capable of navigating our armed forces through the increasingly complex obstacles our nation faces. In the study of physics, cadets develop the knowledge, skills and persistence necessary to solve unforeseen, abstract, complex and ill-defined problems. Our graduates enter active duty confident in their ability to adapt and overcome the many “unknowns” for which they’ll be responsible during their service – from STEM research to piloting aircraft.

A Physics degree is the only path to becoming an Air Force physicist (Air Force Specialty Code 61D). Most 61Ds are assigned to work cutting-edge research and development projects and next-generation weapons system acquisition programs under Air Force Materiel Command, Air Force Space Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, and other major commands. These assignments may include experimental design and data analysis, launching new satellites, briefing members of Congress, and fielding state-of-the-art technologies. The Air Force depends critically on 61Ds for their scientific expertise, critical thinking skills, fresh perspectives, and new ideas applied to the nation’s toughest (and often highly classified) technical challenges in the pursuit of maintaining the United States’ air, space and cyberspace dominance for decades to come.

Physics students have opportunities to participate in world-class scientific research and participate in summer research at the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, NASA or other laboratories around the country. Graduates also have a wide variety of graduate school scholarships and sponsorship available to them.