PDF version of this chapterAerospace Studies
Physical Education Building 112
(213) 740-2670
Administration
Richard MacIntosh, Colonel, USAFFaculty
Professor: Richard MacIntosh, M.A. (Colonel, USAF)Associate Professor: Craig Allen, M.S. (Major, USAF)
Assistant Professors: Nancy Koch-Castillo, M.A. (Captain, USAF); David Kruger, M.B.A. (Captain, USAF)
The Department of Aerospace Studies offers both four-year and two-year programs of instruction leading directly to commissioning as an officer in the United States Air Force. To obtain a commission, qualified students must pass an aptitude test and a physical examination, complete either program of instruction and concurrently receive an undergraduate or graduate degree. Credits earned in aerospace studies courses count as electives in all College of Letters, Arts and Sciences degree programs. Those students who qualify for and are selected to enter Air Force pilot training will be given flight instruction. Qualified applicants may compete for Air Force scholarships. Scholarships may pay for full tuition, books and associated fees. Click here for additional scholarship information.
Students on scholarship must successfully complete a course in expository writing within two academic years. Students must also successfully complete a course in mathematical reasoning prior to commissioning.
Program Requirements
Four-Year Program
This program consists of eight semesters of aerospace studies courses (AEST 100ab through 400ab) plus a four-week summer field training course. Students enroll in the first four semesters of aerospace studies (AEST 100ab and 200ab) in the same manner as in any other course of instruction at USC. Application to enroll in the last four semesters (AEST 300ab and 400ab) must be made after completion of a summer field training course.Two-Year Program
This program is available to any student having two academic years remaining at either the graduate or undergraduate level. The program consists of a five-week summer field training course followed by four semesters of aerospace studies courses (AEST 300ab and 400ab). Application to this program should be made in the fall or early spring semester preceding the summer field training course.Field Training Course
Field training is offered during the summer months at selected Air Force bases throughout the United States. Students in the four-year program participate in four weeks of field training, normally between their sophomore and junior years. Students applying for entry into the two-year program must successfully complete one week of field training prior to enrollment in AEST 300ab.The major areas of study in the four-week field training course include junior officer training, aircraft and aircrew orientation, career orientation, survival training, base functions and Air Force environment, and physical training.
The major areas of study included in the five-week field training course are the same as those conducted at four-week field training and AEST 100ab and 200ab courses.