2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

exchange programs
Selected cadets experience the traditions and cultures of foreign countries during spring break exchange visits of
7-10 days with the air force academies of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, England, Germany, Japan, Jordan,
Korea, Peru, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine, among others. Each fall semester a maximum of 24 cadets also participate in a
semester exchange program with some of these countries’ air force academies, where they experience more extensively the
academic, military, athletic, and social activities of the host academy. The Academy’s semester exchange with France’s Ecole de
l’air began in 1969. We began an exchange with the German Offizierschule der Luftwaffe in fall 1996, with the Chilean Escuela
de Aviacion in fall 2000, with the Spanish Air Force Academy in fall 2001 and with the Canadian Air Force Academy in 2002.
In future years we hope to establish exchanges with Arabic-, Chinese-, and Russian-speaking academies. Also, during the fall
and spring semesters, a small group of second-class cadets trades places with their counterparts from West Point, Annapolis,
and the Coast Guard Academy. This interservice exchange provides a better understanding of the other services and develops
some uniformity among programs at the academies.
study abroad
Selected cadets studying Arabic, Chinese, or Russian experience a semester-long study abroad program at foreign civilian
universities. Current programs exist with Nanjing University in China, Al Akhawayn University in Morocco, and Vononezh
State University in Russia. We continue to explore opportunities in other countries for other languages.
degree paths
Several graduation paths are open to you, depending on your abilities and interests. The faculty has 20 departments offering 32
academic majors. There are 23 disciplinary, four divisional, and five interdisciplinary majors.
graduation requirements
To graduate you must, a) demonstrate an aptitude for commissioned service and leadership, b) be satisfactory in conduct,
c) be proficient in physical education and military training, d) complete the requirements for the core curriculum and for an
academic major, and e) have a minimum cumulative and core GPA of 2.00.
accreditation
The Air Force Academy is a fully accredited institution of higher learning. The Higher Learning Commission, of The North
Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504, phone 312-263-0456,
accredits the standard Bachelor of Science degree. The aeronautical engineering, astronautical engineering, civil engineering,
computer engineering, electrical engineering, engineering mechanics, environmental engineering, and mechanical engineering
majors are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET Inc., 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore
MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700, composed of representatives of the major professional engineering societies. The
computer science major is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050,
Baltimore MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700. The Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical
Society approves the chemistry, biochemistry and materials chemistry majors. The Association for the Advancement of
Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredits the management degree.
When you complete a major’s requirements, you earn the specified degree.
instructional methods
The Academy faculty uses lectures, discussions, demonstrations, tutorials, and seminars in teaching. The small size of most
classes, usually 15-20 cadets, makes the discussions practical and popular. The relaxed classroom atmosphere encourages free
communication between the instructor and cadets. You may also receive extra instruction to develop your understanding of a
subject and to improve your grades. Tests range from essay questions and themes to short-answer and multiple-choice items.
Quizzes, graded reviews, or final examinations determine your progress.
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