Housed in the College of General Studies and offered by Air Force ROTC Detachment 730 at the University of Pittsburgh, this 19-credit minor provides undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to explore military structure, leadership, and national defense.
The program is designed to build real-world skills that prepare students for future professional and personal success. It complements majors such as history, political science, criminal justice, public service, business, and fields involving advanced technology in demanding missions. The minor can also be a valuable asset for students interested in careers with government agencies like the Department of Defense, NASA, or the CIA, as well as with private industry partners.
Eligibility:
Students must be currently enrolled in the Air Force ROTC Program to pursue this minor while completing their commissioning requirements.
What You’ll Learn
This minor covers exciting topics in Aerospace Studies, Leadership, and Organizational Management. You’ll begin by learning about:
- The structure and roles of the Air Force and Space Force
- How pay grades and systems work
- Teamwork, followership, and how to be a strong team member
As you go further, you’ll explore more advanced topics like:
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Planning missions and leading small teams
- Understanding different cultures and leading with professionalism
- How military operations have shaped U.S. and world history
Hands-On Leadership Experience
In your third and fourth years, you can take on real leadership roles. These roles help you build skills in:
- Planning and organizing tasks
- Communicating clearly
- Setting goals and managing change
- Giving feedback and helping others grow
You’ll also take part in physical fitness training and leadership labs, which may happen on weekends. These are required for Air Force ROTC students planning to become an officer in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force after graduation.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to and remain in the Aerospace Studies Minor, students must:
- Be enrolled in the Air Force ROTC Program.
- Meet and maintain all contractual obligations associated with participation in the Air Force ROTC.
- Maintain a minimum semester GPA of 2.00 to remain eligible for commissioning into the United States Air Force or United States Space Force.
- Earn a passing grade in each course within the Aerospace Studies Minor to fulfill the academic requirements for the minor.
Graduation Requirements
Students must officially declare their minor with their Aerospace Studies Adviser prior to applying for graduation in order for the minor to be noted on their official transcript.
Coursework
In order to complete the minor, you will take the courses as outlined below.
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Core Courses: (16 credits)
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You will take all 8 semesters of Aerospace Studies courses for a total of 16 credits.
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Electives: (3 credits)
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Choose one course from the list of approved History electives.
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Support and Guidance
The Aerospace Studies Minor is led by a dedicated team here to help you succeed:
- Air Force ROTC instructors with real-world experience in fields like flying, cyber, intelligence, medical, engineering, and more. These instructors are highly qualified Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officers from both the Active Duty and Reserve components of the U.S. Air Force.
- The Program Coordinator, who will serve as your academic advisor and guide you through the minor.
Together, they’ll support you every step of the way—both in and out of the classroom.
Contact Information
Air Force ROTC Detachment 730
Office Location: 4200 Fifth Avenue, 2917 CL
Phone: (412) 624-6031
Email: afdet730@pitt.edu