United States Air Force Academy

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DEVELOPING INTELLECTS, LEADERS AND LIFETIME SUPPORTERS

DIVISIONS, DEPARTMENTS & PROGRAMS

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You can get a good education at any college or university. At the United States 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
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

Offers an education in problem solving, analytical reasoning, and technical communication skills that allow cadets to tackle the complex operational, managerial, and technical problems that routinely challenge Air 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
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 & 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 & Cyber Sciences

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Provides cadets with the hardware and software skills to design, develop, and analyze modern electronic, communications, and computer systems.
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 Program

Develops officers who are prepared to address the complex engineering and management challenges presented by modern systems design, development, and operation.
Learn about the Systems Engineering Program

HUMANITIES DIVISION
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

Foreign Languages & International Programs

The Department of Foreign Languages & International Programs develops leaders of character with global perspective through world class language and culture education.
Learn about the Department of Foreign Languages & International Programs

History

Teaches history for the profession of arms and provides a natural forum for the discussion of great leaders, past and present, insights that are invaluable to any future leader of this country.
Learn about the Department of History

Philosophy

Guides cadets to undertake their study of philosophy and religion as part of a life of energetic inquiry aimed at developing the virtues appropriate to a leader of character.
Learn about the Department of Philosophy

SOCIAL SCIENCES DIVISION
Behavioral Sciences & 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 & Leadership

Economics & Geosciences

Providing structures, principles, frameworks, and techniques to assess the world and our relationships within it.
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

From accounting to marketing to human resource management, our department develops the skills cadets need to be critical thinkers for today’s dynamic, technologically complex, global environment.
Learn about the Department of Management

Military & Strategic Studies

Prepares cadets to think strategically and creatively in order to lead and operate across the spectrum of conflict throughout the globe.
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