Is Double Minoring in Two Languages Possible?

sa_applicant2023

USNA 2023
Joined
Dec 19, 2017
Messages
102
Hello everyone,

I have been an applicant for USAFA 2023 and finished all off my interviews, applications, etc. So now, I am just waiting on answer from the nomination panels and USAFA themselves.

My ideal track for attending USAFA is to major in Computer Science, Cyber Science or Mathematics, and I want to double minor in two different languages - Russian and Arabic.

WHAT??? That is so hard, what are you thinking? Allow me to explain.

During my senior year in high school, I am on my fourth year of learning Russian and I have been doing great in it since I can effectively read and write the language. I am sure that I can continue to improve. As for Arabic, I definitely have to improve my skills in reading writing and speaking. Don't get me wrong, I can surely read write and speak Arabic but it needs work.

All in all, I have a lot of prior knowledge and possible future potential in these languages and I think that I would be able to skip a few introductory classes. The question is - does anyone know if I can double minor in two different languages that I already have a decent amount of experience in?

In case you were wondering - I would want to have these languages under my belt as I hope to achieve one of these careers - an AF intel officer, cyber security operations officer, fighter pilot or space operations officer. Eventually after military service I would aim to be a federal agent for the Department of Justice.

If anybody has an answer to my question, I would gladly appreciate it.
 
While you await answers from experienced posters, go onto the USAFA website and find the course catalog. See what class levels are available, because given your background, you may find you’ve actually outrun the curriculum (or have limited runway). Also see a cadet’s full four-year curriculum, with your target major, to get an idea of how many electives you’re allowed. It’s not as many as at typical colleges. Even if you’re not able to officially minor in a language, you may be eligible to do various foreign-study programs, which may benefit you more than a class or two. Best wishes.
 
It is possible, depending on how many classes you validate and how willing you are to have a packed schedule. I personally know at least one person who is double minoring in French and Russian. Definitely possible, especially if you have experience in both.
 
It's great to have a plan, but have know of many cadets who changed majors after a semester or two at the academy. Some cadets struggle with one major and other take double majors in addition to IC sports, glider IP, space operations, and or other activities. Take it a step at a time - secure your appointment, prepare for BCT, kick butt at BCT (and placement exams), and then excel during your first semester. At that point, you will be work with you academic adviser and make a more education assessment if your ideal track is viable.

Good luck. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
 
You have to take 3 classes after the 300 level to minor(and then take the test that qualifies you to get the pay increase in the Air Force). Depending what you test into during your bct tests and what your AP tests scores are you can test pretty high if you’re good. Since I tested into a senior level class for my language that I’ve been taking since middle school I’ll have a minor at the end of first semester sophomore year. So basically it might not even be an issue trying to minor in two languages if you are good enough at both of them
 
Also if you want to take two languages go talk to your ac advisor before the school year starts and they’ll send you to get your schedule changed because initially they just scheduled me for one language
 
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