The core curriculum will arm you with the knowledge you need to succeed in today's world with more than 30 courses covering:

• biology
• chemistry
• computer science
• mathematics
• physics
• aeronautical engineering
• astronautical engineering
• civil engineering
• electrical engineering
• engineering mechanics
• behavioral sciences
• economics
• law
• management
• political science
• English
• foreign languages
• history
• philosophy

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. A limited number of academic courses are offered for the Third-, Second- and First-Class cadets during a 10-week summer term.

Placement Testing

Early in BCT, you'll take placement examinations offered by the academic departments. Your individual ability, preparation and achievement will determine the classes you'll take during your first semester. The summary below shows the standard sequence required of most cadets.

AP CREDIT

Grades achieved in AP/IB courses are given additional weighting for admission. Scores received on AP/IB exams are not used for admission consideration. However, if you score well on the AP/IB tests, you may validate some Academy courses. Some departments administer a test to you once you arrive; earning high marks on the test may enable you to be placed in an accelerated or advanced course, or perhaps receive validation credit and substitute another course. Following is a listing of Academy departments accepting AP test scores.

OVERLOADING COURSES

Depending on your GPA, you may qualify to overload courses – taking classes beyond the normal semester maximum – for more latitude in your course program planning.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

The Academy faculty teaches using a combination of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, tutorials and seminars. The small size of most classes, usually 15 to 20 cadets, makes the discussions practical and popular and the relaxed classroom atmosphere encourages free communication between the instructor and cadets.

SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION

Student Academic Services
The Student Academic Services Center offers courses and individualized instruction designed to increase cadet academic performance. If you want to improve your time management, general study skills, reading rate and comprehension, writing skills or need tutoring in a specific core course, the Student Academic Service Center staff can help. Information on graduate scholarship opportunities is also available.

Visual Services

• Supplemental instruction using satellite downlink, videotape and live transmission to classrooms and dormitories.
• State-of-the-art interactive media for computer-based instruction, video production support, digital graphic and photographic products and self-help video origination and editing.
• A lending facility provides notebook computers, linear/digital projectors, course-related videos and traditional projection/audio equipment.