Air force academy required classes for aerospace engineering

United States Air Force Academy

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CURRICULUM

Cadets salute for the national anthem played during the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2020 graduation ceremony

Learn about the U.S. Air Force Academy curriculum, including what’s required of cadets before graduation, the grading system, declaring a major, and accreditation.

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree and be commissioned a second lieutenant in the Air Force or Space Force, a cadet must complete the following curriculum requirements:

For more information, review the Academic Core Curriculum and Outcomes and download the current Course of Instruction Handbook which documents:

GRADING

The Academy grades on a 4.0 scale. In addition to letter grades, there are seven special grades that are not associated with any quality points and do not impact GPA calculations.

Grade Quality Points Special Grades
A 4.0 P (Passing)
A- 3.7 N (No Grade)
B+ 3.3 W (Withdrawn)
B 3.0 WP (Withdrawn Passing)
B- 2.7 WF (Withdrawn Failing)
C+ 2.3 IC (Incomplete Controllable)
C 2.0 IU (Incomplete Uncontrollable)
C- 1.7
D 1.0
F 0.0
GPAs
Semester GPA Divide the total quality points by the total semester hours
Cumulative GPA Includes all grades earned at the Academy
Core GPA Includes grades for all core courses
Major GPA Includes grades for courses designated by Department Heads
MPA Military Performance Average
OPA Overall Performance Average. Determines graduation order of merit. OPA is the weighted combination of 50% GPA, 40% MPA and 10% PEA (Physical Education Average).
ADVISING

The Academy curriculum is extremely robust—in addition to the academic demands placed on a cadet, there are also many athletic, military training and other extracurricular activities that fill a cadet’s schedule. To help balance these demands, cadets are assigned an academic advisor upon entering the Academy. Advisors also help with:

For cadets who have yet to declare a major, there are two advisors assigned to each squadron. You will receive a new advisor after declaring.

MAJORS & MINORS

All cadets must declare a major by the registration deadline of their third semester (typically, October of their second-class/sophomore year).

Major’s Night provides cadets with an opportunity to learn about available majors and minors at the Academy. Cadets can also learn about self-improvement programs and services provided by the Academic Success Center. Major’s Night is typically offered early in the spring and fall semesters.

ACADEMIC WORKING GROUP

Headed by the Dean of Faculty, this group meets monthly to discuss academic issues of concern with the goal of dispelling rumors, resolving problems, improving processes, and more. Two-way communication is encouraged—if you have questions or suggestions, contact your squadron or group academic point of contact, who will forward issues to the Wing Academic Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO).

The meetings are attended by: