If you’re drawn to serving your country and leading others, becoming a U.S. Air Force officer could be the path for you. The good news? You don’t need to attend the Air Force Academy to become an officer. In fact, if you already have — or are working toward — a bachelor’s degree, you’re well on your way.
Whether you’re currently enlisted and thinking about your next step, or you’re a civilian with aspirations of joining the Air Force in a leadership role, this article will walk you through the officer career opportunities available to college graduates. We’ll also explain how Bellevue University — a military-friendly, accredited university — supports military-aligned students with flexible, career-focused programs built around the unique needs of service members, veterans, and their families.
As an Airman stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, I sought a higher education that would not only advance my career but also equip me for the future. Bellevue University stood out to me for several reasons. First and foremost, their military-friendly policies were a game-changer. The flexibility of their online programs allowed me to balance my military duties with my academic pursuits. The acceptance of my military credits streamlined the process and accelerated my degree progress. Secondly, the accelerated degree programs offered by BU aligned perfectly with my need for efficient and effective education. I was able to complete my degree in a timely manner without sacrificing quality.
– Keith McIntosh, Ph.D., MBA, BS Management Information Systems, Bellevue University
What Is an Air Force Officer?
Let’s start with the basics. Air Force officers are commissioned leaders responsible for planning, directing, and managing operations across a range of specialties, from flying aircraft to managing cyber warfare to overseeing logistics, engineering, or healthcare services.
In short: Enlisted personnel execute missions. Officers lead them.
Becoming an officer typically requires a bachelor’s degree, either before you join the Air Force or while you’re enlisted and working toward promotion.
Paths to Becoming an Air Force Officer with a Bachelor’s Degree
If you're ready to lead in the U.S. Air Force and you’ve got (or are working toward) a bachelor’s degree, you’ve already taken a major step toward commissioning as an officer. There are a couple of primary paths to get there, and Bellevue University supports both.
1. Air Force ROTC at Bellevue University (via UNO Detachment 470)
One of the most direct ways to become an officer is through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Bellevue University students have access to AFROTC through a crosstown partnership with the University of Nebraska at Omaha, home to Detachment 470.
Here’s how it works:
- Dual Enrollment: You’ll earn your bachelor’s degree at Bellevue while completing AFROTC leadership courses, training, and physical fitness sessions through UNO.
- Program Structure: ROTC typically spans three to four years. You’ll progress from the General Military Course (GMC) to the Professional Officer Course (POC) and complete a multi-week field training experience between your sophomore and junior years.
- Commissioning: After completing both your degree and ROTC requirements, you’ll commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force.
Bonus: ROTC students may be eligible for scholarships that cover tuition, books, and a monthly living stipend, making it an affordable path to both a degree and a military career.
Whether you're starting college right out of high school or returning as an adult learner, this partnership gives you access to a traditional commissioning route, all while earning a flexible, career-aligned degree from Bellevue University.
2. Officer Training School (OTS)
Already have your degree or almost finished? Officer Training School (OTS) is the most common path for those who didn’t participate in ROTC but still want to become an officer.
Here’s what to know:
- What It Is: A rigorous, approximately 9-week leadership training program held at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.
- Who It’s For: Civilians with a bachelor’s degree and enlisted Airmen seeking to commission.
- What You’ll Learn: Leadership, Air Force customs, physical readiness, field exercises, and critical decision-making skills to prepare you to lead enlisted personnel.
OTS is highly competitive, so applicants with relevant degrees (like those in business, cybersecurity, healthcare, or science/technology) and strong leadership potential often stand out.
Bellevue University’s programs are designed to align with high-demand officer career fields and fit around your schedule, especially if you're balancing service, work, or family life.
What Should You Study? Choosing the Right Degree for Your Air Force Career
There’s no single “right” degree for becoming a military officer. Some of the most successful Air Force officers come from a wide range of academic backgrounds — engineering, business, cybersecurity, psychology, and more. The key is to choose a degree that builds your leadership potential, sharpens your critical thinking, and aligns with your long-term career aspirations, whether you plan to serve in the Air Force for a few years or pursue a long-term military career, or even transition to civilian life after your service.
Here are some areas of study that align well with Air Force officer roles, along with specific degree options Bellevue University offers:
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
STEM degrees are in high demand within the Air Force, especially as technology becomes more integrated into nearly every aspect of military operations. Whether you’re interested in piloting aircraft, managing cyber defense, or working with satellite technology, a STEM background is a great foundation for an Air Force officer.
Relevant Degrees Bellevue Offers:
Business & Management
Strong leadership and organizational skills are critical in military settings. A business degree can prepare you to take on roles involving logistics, acquisition, contracting, and general operations management, all of which are integral to Air Force missions. Officers with a business background are essential for resource management and operations planning.
Relevant Degrees Bellevue Offers:
- Business Administration
- Supply Chain and Logistics Management
- Healthcare Management
- Project Management
- Leadership
Healthcare & Emergency Services
Air Force officers in healthcare and emergency services play key roles in maintaining the health and readiness of military personnel. Degrees in healthcare, emergency management, or public safety can lead to officer positions in medical services, disaster relief coordination, and crisis management.
Relevant Degrees Bellevue Offers:
Psychology & Human Services
Understanding human behavior and mental health is crucial to team dynamics, leadership and management styles, and group behavior. A degree in psychology or human services can be particularly beneficial for officers overseeing personnel, leadership training, and team development.
Relevant Degrees Bellevue Offers:
Of course, these are just a few examples. No matter which Air Force career field interests you, Bellevue University offers flexible, career-relevant degree programs that can support your officer aspirations and give you valuable skills for life after the military.
And because Bellevue is military-friendly, you can often transfer in prior college credit or military training, helping you finish faster and focus on what’s next.
Through hard work, dedication and the support of institutions like Bellevue University, I believe that anything is possible.
– Keith McIntosh, Ph.D., MBA, BS Management Information Systems, Bellevue University
How Bellevue University Supports Military Students
Bellevue University has a long-standing commitment to serving military students — whether you’re active-duty, a veteran, part of the Guard or Reserves, or a military family member. Our programs are built to meet you where you are, with the flexibility and support you need to succeed.
Here’s how we back you up:
- 100% online course options so you can learn from anywhere, on your schedule
- Military-friendly tuition and acceptance of Tuition Assistance and VA benefits
- Dedicated Military Veteran Services Team to guide you through admissions, benefits, and academic planning
- Generous credit transfer policies, including credit for military training and experience
- Support for PCS moves, deployments, and life’s curveballs, because we understand the demands of military life
Whether you're starting your degree, finishing what you started, or preparing to transition to officer ranks, Bellevue University is built to serve those who serve.
I vividly recall the dedication of my professors who were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly supportive. They understood the unique challenges faced by military students and were always willing to accommodate our needs. Bellevue University provided me with the tools and resources I needed to succeed, both academically and professionally.
– Keith McIntosh, Ph.D., MBA, BS Management Information Systems, Bellevue University
Ready to Lead? Start Your Officer Career with Bellevue
If you’re thinking about serving as an Air Force officer, your bachelor’s degree is more than just a credential — it’s your runway to leadership. And Bellevue University is here to help you take off.
Whether you’re active-duty looking to promote, a veteran seeking new purpose, or a civilian ready to serve, Bellevue’s military-aligned programs are built to support your goals — and your growth.
Explore programs. Talk to an advisor. Get mission-ready.
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