Faculty The United States Air Force Academy retains a distinguished faculty composed of leaders, professionals and officers. A dynamic mix of civilian and military faculty and a shared approach to cadet education makes the Academy stand out as a premier military facility as well as a world-class institution of higher learning. Distinguished Staff Each faculty member at the Academy must possess a master’s degree. Half have obtained a Ph.D. This talented faculty supports an array of more than 30 majors and 18 research centers. Dedicated, Accessible Instructors We approach education as a partnership in discovery, maintaining an 8 to 1 student to faculty ratio at the Academy. The faculty uses the seminar approach to instruction, when possible, keeping lectures to a minimum. Our instructors are committed to the education of cadets and do their best to not only teach the course material but also to help our cadets grow as leaders. Leaders and Mentors Do you want to Attend the Academy?
Campuses Course requirements & Entrance tests. If you wish to attend the United States Air Force Academy, your academic achievements through your high school years are of paramount importance. Per our selection criteria, academic admissions factors are weighted at 60% of total admission considerations. Achieving excellent grades in a wide range of courses and high standardized test scores are critical to a successful application. Take Challenging Courses These suggested courses cover all four years of high school and will give you a very solid academic record. Remember, these are only our suggestions — you might need to modify them for your own situation. Class Rank The Academy attracts top students from across the nation. Back to Top Plan to Succeed on Standardized Tests We consider ACT or SAT Reasoning scores an important indicator of your academic ability. See your high school guidance counselor to schedule the PLAN or PSAT as a sophomore. Score Ranges
Basic Cadet Training Much of your first summer at the United States Air Force Academy will be spent in Basic Cadet Training (BCT). This rigorous, six-week orientation program introduces you to military life. BCT is a very serious undertaking. Your performance and attitude in this program will strongly influence your future success at the Academy. The Rigors of BCT Each of BCT’s two phases—one in the cadet area, the other in Jacks Valley—makes its own demands and offers its own rewards. This phase focuses on the transition from civilian to military life. During Field Day, your squadron competes against other BCT squadrons in events such as distance races, log relays and the tug-of-war to test teamwork. Following the military and physical preparation of BCT in the cadet area, training continues in Jacks Valley, a wooded area on the Academy grounds. The end of BCT and transition into the academic year are marked by the Acceptance Parade. Meeting the Challenge Do you want to Attend the Academy?
curriculum Aside from your major course of study at the United States Air Force Academy, there are many additional opportunities to enrich your education and life beyond academics. These programs provide opportunities to develop leadership, build character and broaden development of the “whole person” to succeed as an officer in the United States Air Force. Opportunities include: Academic Support and Recognition Programs The Academy offers several programs that give cadets academic support, extension and recognition. Cadets may deepen and broaden their educational trajectory by participating in one of the following programs. Student Academic Affairs The Student Academic Services Center offers programs and services designed to enhance the academic success of every cadet. Majors Night This program is designed to help curious young cadets determine a major course of study. Academy Scholars Program Back to Top Exchange Programs Interservice Exchange Cadet Semester Exchange Abroad Program (CSEAP) Legal Training
Minimum GPA required. Athletic Facilities Athletics are a critical part of the Academy experience. As a result, the athletic facilities at the United States Air Force Academy are some of the finest in the nation. Our athletic complex includes the Cadet Gymnasium, the Cadet Field House, the Holaday Athletic Center, the Falcon Athletic Center and a number of outdoor playing fields complete with staff dedicated to providing developmental guidance to Academy cadets. “Athletic competition tests an individual’s ability to operate under stress, against adversity and as a selfless member of a team. Holaday Athletic Center The Holaday Athletic Center (HAC) is the newest athletic facility at the Academy. Cadet Gymnasium The five-level Cadet Gymnasium is the standard by which other collegiate athletic complexes are judged. Cadet Field House Located across the street from the Gymnasium, this complex is equally impressive with: Falcon Athletic Center Sports Medicine Outdoor Fields Do you want to Attend the Academy?
Thing to know At the United States Air Force Academy, you will be held to strict standards, academically, physically and morally. When it comes to the acquisition of knowledge, the honing of the body, and the attainment of military proficiency, we take our jobs very seriously. And we expect the same from our cadets. Most courses at the Academy are graded on a grade point scale, with an “A” worth four grade points per semester hour and an “F” worth zero. Semester Schedule The fall and spring semesters contain approximately 17 weeks of instruction (40 lessons), extending from early August to the week before Christmas and the first week in January through mid-May. Cadet Achievement and Recognition Each semester, the following honors are bestowed on cadets in recognition of their achievements. Deficiency and Disenrollment Academic Deficiency You’ll be deficient in academic studies at mid-semester or the end of a semester if any of the following occur: Military Deficiency Physical Deficiency
Location of campus. The United States Air Force Academy is located 55 miles south of Denver and eight miles north of Colorado Springs. There are many convenient travel options and places to stay to facilitate your visit to the Academy. There are also plenty of nearby destinations to explore if you have the time while in Colorado. Driving Directions If you travel to the Academy by car, you will find that entrances are clearly marked. From the north, you may enter the Academy at Exit 156. Driving from Colorado Springs Airport As you depart the airport, go west on Drennen Road to Powers Boulevard. Head north to Woodmen Road (about 12 miles) then west to Academy Boulevard and then north — directly to the south entrance of the Academy. Driving from Denver International Airport Go south on Peña Boulevard to I-70. Travel Options Air: The Colorado Springs Airport is convenient to the Academy. Rail: Amtrak Railway serves Denver. Bus: Greyhound also serves Colorado Springs and taxi and auto rentals are available.
Character + Leadership (CCLD) Character and leadership development is a crucial, all encompassing part of a cadet’s experience at the United States Air Force Academy. The Center for Character & Leadership Development (CCLD) ensures that character development, education and scholarship are a major focus of Academy life. From basic training to graduation, cadets can expect to see character development programs in every aspect of their lives, with the ultimate goal of imbuing them with the inner desire to put integrity first, place service before self, and strive for excellence in all they do. Vision and Mission of the CCLD The CCLD is the Air Force’s premier center for integrating the development of character and leadership and the United States Air Force Academy’s catalyst for achieving it’s highest purpose. CCLD Commitments The CCLD facilitates character development programs and activities throughout all aspects of the Academy experience. Organization of the CCLD The CCLD is organized into four directorates: