NJIT’s Department of Aerospace Studies offers voluntary programs for students from NJIT and other area schools who are interested in earning a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force.  These programs are open to men and women enrolled full-time in both undergraduate or graduate degree programs, and range in length from two to four years. 

The curriculum for the four-year program includes studies on the mission and organization of the U.S. Air Force, the evolution of U.S. air power from its beginnings through the present, leadership and management theory, and U.S. defense policy.  Students also participate in Leadership Laboratory, where they learn drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, and the importance of teamwork and physical fitness.  After graduation, commissionees enter active duty as second lieutenants in the fields of engineering, aviation operations, and support.  It may be possible for students completing undergraduate degree programs to receive an educational delay to attend graduate school before coming on active duty.

Learning is not confined to the classroom for AFROTC students.  All students must attend mandatory field training the summer between their sophomore and junior years.  For students in the four-year program, the training is four weeks. Training is six weeks for students in programs of less than four years.  At field training students are placed in a variety of leadership positions and given the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership, managerial, organizational and physical skills.  Also, they are given an aviation orientation flight in a jet trainer as a special incentive.  Upon returning from field training, qualified applicants enlist in the Air Force Reserve for their last two years of training.  As juniors and seniors, they receive a $150 per month tax-free subsistence allowance during the school year. 

In the summer between their junior and senior years, students may elect to participate in optional advanced training programs, which are primarily career field oriented.  All students are encouraged to participate in yearly visits to Air Force bases, which, combined with the field training programs, allow them to see firsthand how Air Force members live and work.

Scholarships are also available to AFROTC students.  Those not receiving a 4-year scholarship directly out of high school may be eligible for 3, 2 1/2, and 2-year scholarships.  Scholarships are awarded according to academic major and projected Air Force career field; and cover tuition, lab fees, and book costs, as well as provide the $150 per month subsistence allowance that all cadets receive during their last two years.  Competition for scholarships is on a national level and takes into account the students performance in the AFROTC program (Aerospace Studies class and Leadership Laboratory), cumulative GPA in their academic degree program, and scores achieved on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT).  Eligible students are automatically considered for scholarship by joining AFROTC.

Details on the activities, benefits, and eligibility requirements of the  AFROTC Program can be obtained from the

    Department of Aerospace Studies

                    Room 210

         Faculty Memorial Hall

                    (973)-596-3626.

For more information, visit the Air Force ROTC website at: www.afrotc.com                                        

and the NJIT AFROTC Detachment 490 website at: www.njit.edu/rotc