Majors & Minors
At the U.S. Air Force Academy, academics prepare cadets to think critically, solve wicked-hard problems and lead in an increasingly complex operational environment. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on research and interdisciplinary learning, cadets develop the knowledge and judgment needed to serve as Air Force and Space Force officers.
Whatever major you choose, you’ll be supported by accomplished faculty who are experts in their disciplines and committed to cadet development. Small class sizes and an open-door culture foster close collaboration between faculty and cadets, creating opportunities for mentorship, research and hands-on learning that extend beyond the classroom.
MAJORS
DIVISIONAL MAJORS
The divisional major program is recommended for cadets already declared in a disciplinary major within the respective division who, for a variety of reasons, find the divisional approach more suited to fulfilling graduation requirements. Since the divisional majors lack the structure of a disciplinary major, they are generally not appropriate paths for cadets who may be interested in graduate school, as additional undergraduate coursework in the selected discipline will likely be required prior to entering graduate school.
Entry into a divisional major is generally done at the direction of a disciplinary advisor and must be approved by the Division Chair or the Divisional Major Advisor-In-Charge (AIC). The AIC will advise cadets on the specific requirements of the major appropriate to their individual circumstances.
MINORS
MAJORS’ NIGHT, DECLARING, AND MULTIPLE MAJORS & MINORS
Each semester, the Academy hosts Majors’ Night to help cadets explore their options by speaking with department representatives and consulting with academic advisors or AAOCAs. Visit the Academic Calendar for upcoming Majors’ Nights events. Cadets can declare a major from day one, but it’s recommended that you wait until later in your fourth-class (freshman) year to allow for course adjustments during your first semesters. To declare a major, meet with your Associate Air Officers Commanding for Academics. Cadets must declare a major by October of their third semester. In addition to their primary program of study, cadets can earn a minor or multiple majors. Contact your academic advisor for details. Download the Course of Instruction Handbook to learn about prerequisites and what semester they must be fulfilled so you can stay-on-track for successful program completion.
ENHANCING YOUR ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
Academic Success Center: International education opportunities include semester exchanges, summer language immersion and cultural experiences that broaden cadets’ global perspective and cross-cultural competence.
Service Academy Exchange Program: An exceptional semester-long opportunity to grow your network, see new places, and experience the other service academies.
International Education Programs: One of the most comprehensive international education programs in the country. International education opportunities include semester exchanges, summer language immersion and cultural experiences that broaden cadets’ global perspective and cross-cultural competence
Research Centers: The Office of Research is a designated Air Force Laboratory and Office of Research Technology and Applications. What does this mean for cadets and faculty? It means we are at the center of collaborative innovation between government, academia, and industry. Shared expertise, equipment, and testing facilities raise our research capabilities to a whole new level.
Graduate Studies: Graduation is only the beginning. Cadets have earned prestigious scholarships, including Rhodes, Marshall and Fulbright awards, to pursue advanced study around the world. The Graduate Studies Office also oversees opportunities for select graduates to earn advanced degrees immediately after commissioning through programs such as the Academy Scholars Program.