Careers
Education
In the Space Force, education is paramount at every level. Thus, we offer many ways for current and aspiring officers to advance their education with first-class guidance and available financial assistance every step of the way.
The Space Force offers full-time paid internships for students currently attending college or who have recently graduated, with hands-on training and available tuition assistance.
Getting Started
CONTINUING EDUCATION
THE AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (AFIT)
AFIT’S AIR FORCE GRADUATE SCHOOL FOR ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
THE AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY CENTER FOR CYBERSPACE RESEARCH (CCR)
AFIT’S CIVILIAN INSTITUTION PROGRAM
MILITARY TUITION ASSISTANCE (MILTA) PROGRAM
SQUADRON OFFICER SCHOOL (SOS)
THE POST-9/11 GI BILL
Getting Started
AIR FORCE ROTC
Air Force ROTC is a scholarship program available at nearly 1,000 colleges and universities across the country. The program can help you study at the college of your choice while earning money for school and preparing to be an Officer in the Space Force after graduation. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official Air Force ROTC website
THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY
The Air Force Academy offers world-class education and cost-free tuition in exchange for your service in the Space Force. If you excel at leadership and academics, and you’re determined to become an officer in the Space Force, we’d love to hear from you. For the most complete information on how to prepare and apply, visit the Academy Admissions website.
THE AIR FORCE TECHNICAL DEGREE SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM (TDSP)
The Air Force Technical Degree Sponsorship Program (TDSP) offers financial assistance to college students pursuing an engineering or meteorological degree who are within 24 months of graduation. Each candidate must successfully meet and complete an evaluation by the Officer Training School (OTS) board. Those selected get paid to attend school full-time and receive active-duty E-3 (Specialist 3) enlisted pay along with housing and food allowances and medical and dental benefits. Upon graduation, you’ll be commissioned as an officer and get started in a Space Force job specific to your technical skills.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
THE AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (AFIT)
AFIT allows Space Force Officers to pursue graduate studies as a full-time, active-duty assignment. Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, AFIT is a world leader in defense technological education, research and consultation. Plus it’s the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for professional, continuing education.
AFIT’S AIR FORCE GRADUATE SCHOOL FOR ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
AFIT’s Air Force Graduate School for Engineering and Management is among the nation’s top engineering schools and enables officers to earn a master’s degree or Ph.D. in one of more than 20 areas of specialization.
THE AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY CENTER FOR CYBERSPACE RESEARCH (CCR)
Helping train and equip future Guardians for cyber careers, the Air Force Institute of Technology Center for Cyberspace Research (CCR) conducts defense-focused research at the graduate level. This center responds to the changing educational and research needs of the Air Force, Space Force, Department of Defense and the federal government.
AFIT’S CIVILIAN INSTITUTION PROGRAM
AFIT’s Civilian Institution program enables officers to pursue specializations not available at AFIT by attending one of more than 400 world-renowned universities, research centers, hospitals or industrial organizations.
MILITARY TUITION ASSISTANCE (MILTA) PROGRAM
Active-duty personnel can pursue voluntary, off-duty educational opportunities with assistance from the Military Tuition Assistance (MilTA) program. Currently, the program pays 100 percent (up to $250 per semester hour or equivalent) of the cost of college tuition with a limit of $4,500 per fiscal year. Courses and degree programs may be academic or technical and can be taken from two- or four-year institutions on base, off base or by correspondence.
SQUADRON OFFICER SCHOOL (SOS)
Officers can step out of their current specialty and focus on becoming more-effective leaders through the Squadron Officer School (SOS). Participants will initially gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Space Force’s Core Values and mission. Then, through classes and field exercises, they’ll develop leadership skills, experiencing firsthand how their skills as a leader directly influence the success of the Space Force as a whole.
THE POST-9/11 GI BILL
Eligible, active duty Guardians can receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Space Force through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. These benefits may be used for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, vocational and technical training, tutorial assistance, books, supplies, and monthly housing. Generally, benefits are payable for 15 years following release from active duty and may be transferred to spouses or dependent children.