DIVISIONS, DEPARTMENTS & PROGRAMS
You can get a good education at any college or university. At the U.S. Air Force Academy, we broaden your horizons, galvanize your character, and help you pave the way to an exciting career. Here, a world-class education is just the beginning.
With 20 different departments and a broad core curriculum, cadets can be certain they’ll find an area of study that interests and challenges them. Browse the list below to discover more information on each department.
Basic Sciences Division
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Biology
Cadets study different facets of biology within our molecular biology lab, life sciences research center, aerospace physiology lab, genetics lab, cadaver lab and greenhouse.
Learn about the Department of Biology -
Chemistry
Provides a curriculum for cadets interested in chemistry, biochemical chemistry, or engineering chemistry to pursue positions in research, development, graduate school, or medical/dental school.
Learn about the Department of Chemistry -
Mathematical Sciences
Strengthens critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and technical communication skills that allow cadets to tackle the complex operational, managerial, and technical problems that routinely challenge Air Force and Space Force officers.
Learn about the Department of Mathematical Sciences -
Physics And Meteorology
Helps cadets become great thinkers, to understand the laws and equations behind the devices that enable our modern technological society, and to develop real-world solutions to enhance the capabilities of the Air Force and Department of Defense.
Learn about the Department of Physics And Meteorology
Engineering Division
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Aeronautics
Supports cadets, the Air Force, and the world through studies in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, propulsion, aircraft structures, and experimental methods.
Learn about the Department of Aeronautics -
Astronautics
Cadets design and build rockets and missiles, communications satellites, space navigational systems, space vehicles, and other assets that contribute to our national economy and security.
Learn about the Department of Astronautics -
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Prepares cadets for careers as civil engineers, which design, build, and sustainably maintain the physical infrastructure of the largest weapons platform in the Air Force inventory—the Air Force Installation.
Learn about the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering -
Computer And Cyber Sciences
Helps cadets develop computer-based skills and abilities that can be applied in all Air Force career fields.
Learn about the Department of Computer And Cyber Sciences -
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Our department builds engineers who bridge the gap between cutting-edge hardware and software. Cadets design, develop, and analyze the next generation of robotic, communication, and computer systems critical for air, space, and cyberspace dominance.
Learn about the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering -
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is a broad-based and flexible program, allowing cadets to focus in many important disciplines, such as structures, materials, thermal-fluid systems, and dynamic/mechatronic systems.
Learn about the Department of Mechanical Engineering -
Systems Engineering
Develops officers who are prepared to address the complex engineering and management challenges presented by modern systems design, development, and operation.
Learn about the Department of Systems Engineering
Humanities Division
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Department Of Languages And Cultures
The Department of Languages and Cultures develops leaders of character with global perspective through world class language and culture education.
Learn about the Department of Department Of Languages And Cultures -
English & Fine Arts
Leaders throughout history have used their skills as readers, thinkers, and communicators to effect change. Our department is committed to improving the reading, writing, and speaking skills of all cadets.
Learn about the Department of English & Fine Arts -
History
Our department teaches history for the profession of arms, helping future officers develop the empathetic skills necessary to understand people- past and present- in a manner crucial for all leaders.
Learn about the Department of History -
Philosophy
Our department guides cadets in their study of philosophy and religion as part of a life of energetic inquiry aimed at developing the virtues appropriate to leaders of character.
Learn about the Department of Philosophy
Social Sciences Division
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Behavioral Sciences And Leadership
Provides a scientific foundation for understanding human behavior across multiple domains using Psychology, Sociology, Human Factors Engineering, and Leadership disciplines.
Learn about the Department of Behavioral Sciences And Leadership -
Economics & Geosciences
Economists develop critical thinking skills to efficiently allocate resources, design and align incentive structures, and assess policies using advanced data analytics. Geospatial scientists apply knowledge of the human condition, scientific reasoning, and a spatial perspective to analyze ill-defined problems and make recommendations.
Learn about the Department of Economics & Geosciences -
Law
Cadets develop analytical skills and build expertise in the study of law and its role and function in both American society and the international community.
Learn about the Department of Law -
Management
Our department expertly crafts a curriculum spanning accounting, analytics, human resource management, and strategy among others in the full range of management topics, designed to equip our cadets with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the intricacies of today’s dynamic, technologically sophisticated, and globally interconnected world.
Learn about the Department of Management -
Military & Strategic Studies
Our department develops strategists by arming future Air Force and Space Force leaders with the knowledge to operate across the spectrum of conflict worldwide. Our cadets gain an understanding of every military domain and how to employ instruments of national power to achieve U.S. National Security goals effectively.
Learn about the Department of Military & Strategic Studies -
Political Science
Prepares cadets to comprehend domestic and international political events by examining political theories and ideologies, international relations, American politics, international security, defense decision-making, and more.
Learn about the Department of Political Science