Program Coordinator/Contact
Lt Col Gary Priest, Department Head
AFROTC / Aerospace Studies
DePuy Military Hall Room 100, Box 2236
605-688-6106
Program Information
The Aerospace Studies minor provides leadership education and practical experience that prepares students for professional careers in the Air Force, Space Force, and civilian organizations. The minor is open to students in all majors.
The curriculum includes coursework in leadership, management, national security affairs, and the role of air and space power. Students develop leadership, project management, critical thinking, and communication skills through academic instruction and participation in Leadership Laboratory, where students plan, organize, and lead structured activities in a professional environment.
Completion of the Aerospace Studies minor strengthens students’ leadership credentials and prepares them for leadership roles in military and civilian professions. Students who meet eligibility requirements may pursue a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force or Space Force. Participation in AFROTC does not incur a military service obligation until a student is selected for and accepts a scholarship requiring such commitment or is selected for an enrollment allocation into the Professional Officer Course (POC).
The Aerospace Studies minor consists of academic coursework and Leadership Laboratory. Courses emphasize advanced leadership, management, national security affairs, and preparation for professional service.
Leadership Laboratory provides practical leadership experience through structured training, planning activities, and supervised leadership roles.
Students seeking a commission must complete additional requirements, including attendance at summer Field Training, medical qualification, and passing a physical fitness assessment in accordance with Department of the Air Force standards.
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