Aerospace Studies

All University Colleges and Schools

Faculty

Nathan Chang (Department Chairperson), Aaron Blackburn, Kevin Kim, Luke Preslar, John Paul Durago, Isaiah Thomas

General Military Course

The first two years of Aerospace Studies (AERO 100 The Foundation of the United States Air Force I, AERO 200 The Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power I) are designated the General Military Course (GMC) for students enrolled in Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC). There are no prerequisites for these courses, and all University students may participate. These courses focus on developing individual communication skills, basic leadership traits, understanding the environment of the Air Force officer, and comprehending the historical development of the United States Air Force in the national security structure. AERO 100 The Foundation of the United States Air Force I and AERO 200 The Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power I may be taken concurrently to allow late entry into the program by second-semester first-year and sophomore students.

Professional Officer Course

The last two years of AFROTC (AERO 300 Air Force Leadership Studies I, AERO 400 National Security Affairs Preparation for Active Duty I) are designated the Professional Officer Course (POC) for students enrolled in AFROTC. They are designed to prepare cadets for duty as officers in the United States Air Force and provide students with a working knowledge of advanced leadership and management theories and applications, as well as an understanding of the United States national security processes. The POC includes academics, interaction with military and national security professionals, and the practice of leadership and management in a large group environment.

Special Notes

Aerospace Studies academic courses are open to all students who wish to take these classes as electives, whether they are cadets or not. Courses may or may not count toward graduation, depending upon the student’s major. Students should consult their Dean and Department Chairperson for allowable courses. Leadership laboratories are mandatory for members of the cadet wing. Students that are not members of the cadet wing cannot enroll in the leadership laboratory courses.

Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program

The AFROTC program at Loyola Marymount University is conducted by active duty Air Force Officers assigned to the Department of Aerospace Studies. The program is designed to prepare qualified men and women for careers as commissioned officers in the United States Air Force. Textbooks, uniforms, and all other equipment used in this program are furnished by the Air Force at no expense to the student.

Air Force ROTC offers three- and four-year scholarships. Additionally, Loyola Marymount University supplements some Air Force ROTC scholarships with room and board.

A nominal four-year program consists of two years of the General Military Course, followed by two years of the Professional Officer Course. Admission into the Professional Officer Course is limited to those students who successfully pass required written, oral, and physical examinations. During the summer between the sophomore and junior year, cadets are required to attend four weeks of field training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, to familiarize them with Air Force life. The Air Force furnishes all uniforms, equipment, and transportation. Students also receive pay and allowances authorized by current directives at the time of field training attendance. After successfully completing field training, qualified cadets enter the Professional Officer Course and receive $350-400 per month, tax-free, during the final two years of AFROTC. For information on scholarships, please go to www.afrotc.com.

AFROTC offers students expanded access to management theories and practice, exposure to industry and military leaders, and opportunities to better comprehend international political and security environments. While most training takes place on the LMU campus, it includes extensive interaction with students from other local universities and colleges who participate in the program. In addition to a commission upon graduation, cadets may apply for careers as pilots, navigators, space and missile operators, business administrators, engineers, health professionals, intelligence, officers, and many other specialties.

Courses

Aerospace Studies (AERO)

Code Title Semester Hours
AERO 100The Foundation of the United States Air Force I1
AERO 101The Foundation of the United States Air Force II1
AERO 102Laboratory I0
AERO 103Laboratory II0
AERO 200The Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power I1
AERO 201The Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power II1
AERO 202Laboratory III0
AERO 203Laboratory IV0
AERO 300Air Force Leadership Studies I3
AERO 301Air Force Leadership Studies II3
AERO 302Laboratory V0
AERO 303Laboratory VI0
AERO 400National Security Affairs Preparation for Active Duty I3
AERO 401National Security Affairs Preparation for Active Duty II3
AERO 402Laboratory VII0
AERO 403Laboratory VIII0