15 Best Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics Programs for 2025

Want to earn over $111,000 annually in one of the most ever-changing industries? Boeing predicts half a million new pilot jobs will emerge in the coming years, making this the perfect time to build your aviation career.

A bachelor of science in aeronautics creates opportunities to become a commercial pilot or an aerospace engineer with potential earnings up to $133,000 annually. The prestigious United States Air Force Academy boasts an 85% graduation rate, while Purdue University provides affordable in-state tuition at $9,208. These top aeronautics schools are a great way to get the right start on your aviation trip.

The right program choice launches your path toward an aeronautics bachelor degree. We analyzed the 15 best aeronautics schools for 2025 and evaluated their admission rates, graduate earnings, and industry connections to help you make a well-informed choice.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University leads the way in aviation education with its bachelor of science in aeronautics program at the Daytona Beach campus. The program blends academic excellence with practical training.

Program Overview and Specializations

The Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (BSA) degree serves students who work in aerospace or want to start their aviation journey. The program builds on existing knowledge or introduces newcomers to core industry concepts through focused coursework. The Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) accredits the program to ensure top quality standards.

Students can shape their aeronautics degree through these Areas of Concentration:

• Aeronautical Science
• Air Traffic Management
• Aviation Maintenance Science
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science
• Space Studies and Spaceflight Operations

The Daytona Beach campus also features a flight minor that qualifies for the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate program.

Innovative Facilities and Equipment

Students train with a modern aircraft fleet and advanced flight simulators at this leading aeronautics school. The campus features over 100 labs and facilities. These include an Uncrewed Aircraft Lab, Weather Research Center, and Aircraft Accident Forensics Lab. Students also use FAA Level D flight simulators that match ground applications exactly.

Industry Partnerships and Internship Opportunities

The university builds mutually beneficial alliances with industry leaders like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, NASA, and the Federal Aviation Administration. These connections create paths to internships, co-ops, and shared research projects. Students solve actual problems for real customers, bridging academic and industry engineering.

Career Outcomes and Alumni Success

The BS in aeronautics program boasts a 95% placement rate. Graduates become flight instructors, air traffic controllers, aviation investigators, and pilots. Alumni earn an average of $86,000 annually, showing the program’s strong return on investment. Over 150,000 Embry-Riddle alumni work worldwide. The industry needs 649,000 new commercial airline pilots and 690,000 maintenance technicians in the next two decades.

Purdue University

Purdue University ranks #3 in the nation for undergraduate programs in aeronautics and astronautics. The university’s bachelor of science in aeronautics program gives students a perfect mix of theory and real-life practice.

BS in Aeronautics Program Structure

The aeronautics bachelor degree at Purdue starts after students finish the First-Year Engineering Program. Students build their knowledge in statics, dynamics, structures, thermodynamics, and aircraft/spacecraft design during sophomore year. The junior year focuses on aerodynamics, propulsion, and control systems. Students can choose between aeronautical and astronautical versions of these courses. Senior year lets you specialize in one of six areas:

• Aerodynamics
• Aerospace Systems Design
• Astrodynamics and Space Applications
• Autonomy and Control
• Propulsion
• Structures and Materials

Every student works on team-based senior design projects that combine multiple technical disciplines into an aerospace system design.

Laboratory and Simulation Facilities

Students at this top aeronautics school get access to advanced facilities like the Boeing wind tunnel at Purdue University Airport. The university is building the first quiet Mach 8 wind tunnel in the world, which strengthens its position as a leader in hypersonics research. The Aerospace Sciences Lab provides research equipment and machine shops that are crucial for hands-on learning. Students can create composite materials from start to finish at the Raisbeck Advanced Composite Laboratory.

Industry Connections

The university’s Industrial Affiliates Program, 41 years old, builds strong ties with aerospace companies. This program opens direct communication channels between the school and industry while providing funds for advanced equipment and student support. Students often land great jobs at companies like ATA Engineering, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Rolls Royce, and SpaceX.

Student Organizations and Competitions

Students can join any of the 14 aerospace-focused organizations to gain practical experience. Popular choices include the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Purdue Orbital for space and defense innovations, and Purdue Space Program. The Purdue Aerial Robotics Team stands out by creating unmanned aerial systems for international competitions. These groups help students develop technical skills and build professional networks they’ll need in their careers.

United States Air Force Academy

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) stands apart from traditional universities by providing a tuition-free bachelor of science in aeronautics program. This unique program blends elite academic education with detailed military officer training.

Aeronautical Engineering Program Features

USAFA’s ABET-accredited aeronautical engineering curriculum emphasizes aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, stability and control, aircraft structures, and experimental methods. Senior cadets choose between aircraft design or aircraft engine design sequences as their capstone project. They follow a design-build-fly approach that sets this program apart. Students tackle real-life problems in state-of-the-art facilities. Many more summer research opportunities await at universities and companies across the country.

Military Career Preparation

USAFA shapes future officers through an aerospace-focused military education program. The journey starts with simple cadet training and continues throughout the four-year program. The Academy’s athletic program builds physical fitness, confidence, and essential skills for Air Force officers. Graduates become second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force, committing to at least five years of service. Pilots must serve for 10 years after completing their flight training.

Research Facilities

Students gain valuable research experience at the Aeronautics Research Center, which houses academia’s best-equipped aeronautics facility. This 80,000 ft² laboratory features nine major wind tunnels with test velocities ranging from low speeds to Mach 4.5. The facility includes a water tunnel, three jet engine test cells, rocket testing capabilities, and flight simulators. Research focuses on low and high-speed aerodynamics, combustion and propulsion, aerospace structures, and unmanned aerial systems design.

Admission Requirements and Process

Recent classes ranked in the top three percent of their high school graduating classes. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens aged 17-23, single without dependents, and show strong moral character. Academic requirements include four years each of English, math, and lab-based science. Students also need three years of social studies and two years of a modern foreign language. Candidates must secure a nomination, usually from a congressional sponsor.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech’s Aerospace Engineering Department provides a world-class bachelor of science in aeronautics with rich research opportunities and industry partnerships.

Aeronautics Bachelor Degree Program

The 131 credit-hour Aerospace Engineering undergraduate curriculum creates a perfect balance between core disciplines and hands-on learning. Students become experts in analytical, experimental, and design aspects of aerospace engineering. They can specialize in air or space-focused tracks. The program features integrated, interdisciplinary laboratory courses that give practical experience along with courses in humanities, social sciences, and wellness. This all-encompassing approach will give graduates the skills to become capable professionals and effective leaders in the aerospace industry who uphold high ethical standards.

Specialization Options

Georgia Tech stands out from other aeronautics schools with its 10 specialty areas that let students shape their educational journey:

• Aeromechanics (focusing on aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, structures)
• Aircraft Flight Dynamics
• Controls
• Human Factors
• Propulsion
• Rotorcraft or Vertical Flight
• Space and Entrepreneurship
• Space and Science
• Space and Technology
• Spacecraft Dynamics

Senior students who maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher can customize their degree in aeronautics by enrolling in 6000-level AE lecture courses with instructor approval.

Co-op and Internship Opportunities

Students can get unique hands-on experience through Georgia Tech’s Cooperative Education Program. This five-year academic plan lets students switch between on-campus study and full-time employment. Students keep their full-time status throughout the program. The internship program offers another path to real-life experience during a single semester. Full-time positions need at least 36 hours weekly. Both programs include tuition-free audit hours on official transcripts.

Career Services and Industry Placement

The School of Aerospace Engineering runs specialized career fairs that drew 738 AE students in Fall 2023 and 286 in Spring 2024. These events help students connect with employers from industry, research labs, and startups looking for interns, co-ops, and full-time employees. Students who complete three alternating work terms with the same employer earn a special co-op designation on their diploma. This difference gives them an edge with aerospace industry employers.

Stanford University

Stanford University started its undergraduate bachelor of science in aeronautics program in 2017 at the center of technological advancement. The university graduates 11% of the nation’s PhDs in this field. The program aims to educate future aerospace leaders and conduct research that will benefit society.

Aeronautics and Astronautics Program

The Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford provides a complete curriculum that teaches students core engineering principles. Students apply their knowledge to laboratory experiments and aerospace system design challenges. The program has courses in engineering fundamentals, mathematics, sciences, and specialized aeronautics topics. These topics cover dynamics, mechanics of materials, autonomous systems, embedded programming, fluids engineering, and heat transfer. This foundation opens doors to careers in aircraft and spacecraft engineering, autonomy, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, space exploration, and telecommunication industries.

Interdisciplinary Learning Opportunities

The aeronautics bachelor degree stands out because of its cross-disciplinary approach. Research combines high-fidelity computational models in turbulence, aeroacoustics, and aerothermomechanics with reduced-order models for real-time simulation. Students connect with other engineering disciplines through specialized research laboratories:

• Flow Physics and Aeroacoustics Laboratory
• Plasma Dynamics Modeling Laboratory
• Aerospace Design Lab

Silicon Valley Industry Connections

Silicon Valley shows remarkable growth in aerospace-focused, venture capital-backed companies. The Industrial Affiliates program builds research partnerships between the department and aerospace industry. These partnerships create unique opportunities for undergraduate students. Stanford collaborates with government research laboratories and industry partners who specialize in high-risk research that leads to groundbreaking technologies.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Focus

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program teaches students how to lead innovation in organizations and start new ventures. Students learn practical tools from experts in leadership, design thinking, and workplace dynamics instead of just theory. Students develop entrepreneurial knowledge, skills, and networks through hands-on learning experiences. The program emphasizes technology-based solutions to real-life problems.

Liberty University

Liberty University runs one of North America’s largest faith-based collegiate aviation programs. The university offers a bachelor of science in aeronautics that helps you develop technical skills and ethical leadership needed in the aerospace community.

Aeronautics Program Structure

The BS in aeronautics program gives you excellent technical skills, sound judgment, and professionalism. Students learn to apply biblical principles in professional aviation settings while they develop their communication abilities. The program offers two specialized paths:

• Commercial/Corporate: Students learn policies and procedures for commercial flight operations
• Global Studies: Students prepare for humanitarian flight operations

Leadership and mentorship training starts during freshman and sophomore years. This early training prepares students to lead and mentor others in their chosen aviation fields.

Research Areas and Specializations

The School of Aeronautics at Liberty features state-of-the-art FAA-certified flight simulators for training and research. Students get hands-on experience with these certified simulators and other aeronautics equipment for their research projects. The school’s Simulator Team includes innovative aviation professionals who support student research effectively.

Industry Partnerships

The aviation industry needs 612,000 new pilots and 626,000 maintenance technicians by 2040. Liberty has built strategic collaborations with many airlines to meet this demand. Recent agreements include:

• Frontier Airlines: A pipeline agreement that helps graduates start commercial aviation careers
• Spirit Airlines: The Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program offers quick paths to the flight deck

These partnerships are a great way to get conditional job offers, mentorship opportunities, and specialized training for qualified students.

Scholarship Opportunities

Aeronautics bachelor degree students can access several financial aid options:

• Ethan LaFleur Memorial Scholarship Fund: Residential flight course students can get help with flight course expenses
• King Schools Scholarships: Worth over $20,000, including $5,000 cash and lifetime access to detailed aviation training courses
• Middle America Scholarship: Students with eligible Student Aid Index range can receive up to $6,395 in need-based aid

The school also provides the Liberty Champion scholarship and Alumni Legacy Award to qualified students.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute began its journey in 1824 with the “learning by doing” philosophy that continues to shape its bachelor of science in aeronautics program. This approach prepares students for successful careers in aerospace and related industries.

Aeronautical Engineering Program Features

RPI’s Aeronautical Engineering program emphasizes the analysis, design, and operation of aircraft, helicopters, drones, and other aerodynamic systems. The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits the curriculum, which guarantees high educational standards. Students can earn a dual major in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering through a structured program that takes eight semesters to complete. The balanced curriculum combines core foundational courses with specialized topics such as aircraft flight dynamics, propulsion, and structures.

Hands-on Learning Approach

Students apply their knowledge to ground applications from their first day through RPI’s unique experiential learning method. The 11,000 square-foot O.T. Swanson Multidisciplinary Design Laboratory serves as a hub where cross-disciplinary teams work on industry-sponsored projects with practical applications. The Forge, managed by students, creates an inclusive design community where learners build proof-of-concept models and explore state-of-the-art solutions. The MANE.Innovation Spine, a three-course sequence, brings together creativity, invention, and implementation.

Research Centers

RPI’s aerospace-focused research centers include:

• Center for Flow Physics and Control (CeFPaC) that advances flow prediction, modeling, and control research
• Center for Mobility with Vertical Lift (MOVE) that develops innovative VTOL aircraft technologies
• Gaerttner Linear Accelerator Center that supports radiation effects research

These facilities drive specialized research in aerodynamics, active structures, combustion, space vehicle control, and multidisciplinary design optimization.

Alumni Network and Career Support

RPI’s approximately 100,000 alumni worldwide create a robust support network. The Office of Alumni Engagement delivers career support throughout graduates’ professional journeys. The Center for Career and Professional Development teams up with the Office of Alumni Relations to provide job search assistance and mentorship opportunities. RPI alumni excel at prestigious aerospace companies like Boeing, GE Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon Technologies.

California Aeronautical Institute

_{Image Source: California Aeronautical University}

California Aeronautical University (CAU) offers a streamlined bachelor of science in aeronautics program. Students get hands-on flight experience while completing their detailed academic training.

Aeronautics Curriculum

The BS in aeronautics program at CAU ranks as the most detailed pilot degree in their School of Aviation. Students develop core skills through standardized lessons right from the start. They master everything in flight fundamentals including aerodynamics, flight safety, aircraft performance, aviation weather, and aviation management. This program’s intensity sets it apart – new students can start flying during their first term. The degree in aeronautics takes just over three years to complete. Students fly up to four days each week and earn six different certificates and ratings by graduation:

• Private pilot
• Instrument-rated pilot
• Certified flight instructor
• Certified flight instructor instrument
• Commercial pilot-single and multi-engine

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

CAU’s Flight Team gives students practical research experience through national intercollegiate flight competitions. The team tests their skills at SAFECON, hosted by the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA). They compete against top collegiate aviators from across the country. Students apply their classroom knowledge to real-life scenarios and make critical planning decisions about weather, fuel limitations, and fatigue management.

Design Teams and Competitions

The University Flight Team’s performance keeps improving at national competitions. They placed 20th at SAFECON 2022 and climbed to 15th at SAFECON 2023. These competitions assess various flight and ground challenges that promote safety and professionalism among future aviation professionals.

Industry Connections and Career Outcomes

CAU maintains strategic collaborations with United Airlines and several regional carriers. These relationships create faster paths to airline flight decks. Graduates also enjoy a 500 flight-hour reduction for their FAA-mandated airline transport pilot certification. CAU graduates need only 1,000 hours instead of the standard 1,500 hours to qualify for a restricted ATP. This advantage helps them start airline careers up to two years earlier than graduates from non-degree programs.

Florida Tech

Florida Tech’s prime spot on Florida’s Space Coast makes it a perfect home for their bachelor of science in aeronautics program. Students learn right next door to NASA, SpaceX, and leading aviation companies.

Aeronautical Sciences Program

The BS in aeronautics program at Florida Tech blends classroom learning with hands-on flight training. Students master both technical aerospace concepts and practical pilot skills through courses in aerodynamics, aircraft systems, aviation law, and advanced navigation. The program builds step by step, starting with basics and moving toward specialized knowledge that prepares students for successful aviation careers.

Laboratory and Research Facilities

Students use state-of-the-art facilities that make the aeronautics bachelor degree experience exceptional. The campus features flight simulators that mirror real aircraft conditions, aerodynamics labs, and maintenance training spaces. The Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training gives students access to their own training aircraft fleet. These resources help students put their classroom knowledge to work in realistic settings.

Faculty Expertise

The aeronautics faculty brings together a unique mix of former military pilots, airline captains, aerospace engineers, and industry executives. Their real-world experience and academic expertise give students knowledge that goes beyond textbooks. Faculty members stay connected with the aviation industry to keep courses current with the latest practices and technologies.

Industry Collaborations and Internships

Florida Tech stands out among aeronautics schools with its strong ties to major aerospace companies and government agencies. Students get valuable internships at local airports, maintenance facilities, and aerospace manufacturers. These opportunities often lead to jobs after graduation. Most students complete internships that boost their career readiness and industry knowledge substantially.

Ohio State University

Ohio State University leverages its prime location near NASA Glenn Research Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, and GE Aviation through strategic collaborations with these aerospace giants.

Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering Program

The aerospace engineering program at OSU, 75 years old, has built a strong reputation in the aerospace community. Students can pursue complete BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering that prepare them for careers in specialty areas of all types. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Students work in interactive labs and complete capstone projects that transform designs into testable prototypes. A 2.0 cumulative GPA requirement exists to earn this degree in aeronautics.

Specialization Options

Ohio State’s aviation program extends beyond traditional engineering paths. The Center for Aviation Studies delivers three unique academic tracks: an engineering-focused aviation degree with advanced calculus and technical coursework; a liberal arts-based air transportation degree that analyzes aviation’s connection to social forces; and a business administration degree specializing in aviation management through Fisher College of Business. Students can choose technical electives like fluid mechanics, propulsion, aircraft flight testing, helicopter aerodynamics, turbomachinery, and hypersonics.

Research Opportunities

Students access innovative technology at the Aerospace Research Center. The center’s $7.3 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2023 supports over 35 graduate students who work on projects under 15 faculty members. Undergraduates collaborate with faculty experts throughout the university on research in aerodynamic flow control, unmanned aircraft systems, helicopter dynamic stall, and aeromechanics.

Career Services and Job Placement

Engineering Career Services connects students with internships and full-time positions. 85% of career-bound BS graduates gain engineering experience before they graduate. The 2022-2023 graduates started with average annual salaries of $78,490. The university’s partnerships with eight airlines, including United, Cape Air, and JetBlue, create direct paths from classroom to commercial cockpit positions.

University of Washington

The Pacific Northwest aerospace hub lifts the University of Washington’s bachelor of science in aeronautics program to new heights. Students find exceptional opportunities in one of the world’s most resilient aerospace clusters, which includes over 1,350 companies employing 132,500 people.

Aeronautics and Astronautics Program

UW’s degree in aeronautics delivers a complete education in engineering fundamentals while students learn specialized aerospace topics. Students master aerodynamics, structural mechanics, automatic controls, flight mechanics, space dynamics, propulsion, and plasma dynamics. The program maintains high standards for admission. Students must achieve a 2.0 minimum grade in prerequisites and a 2.5 GPA, though successful candidates typically show much stronger academic performance. Core coursework includes calculus, physics, chemistry, engineering statics, mechanics of materials, and scientific computing.

Boeing Partnership Advantages

The Boeing Advanced Research Collaboration (BARC) stands as the life-blood of the alliance between UW and the aerospace giant. This mutually beneficial initiative connects Boeing engineers with university faculty and students who tackle aircraft manufacturing challenges together. Students develop solutions for collaborative robotics, safety systems, and manufacturing innovations through this partnership. Boeing has actively recruited BARC alumni for internships and full-time positions since 2017. The company deepened its commitment with a $10 million investment in UW’s new Interdisciplinary Engineering Building.

Research Opportunities

Students dive into research in six major areas: space systems, structures and composites, controls, integrated flight sciences, plasma science, and fluids. They gain hands-on experience in over 20 specialized laboratories, including the Flow Z-Pinch Lab, Computational Fluid Mechanics Lab, and Aerospace Thermal Lab. Faculty lead projects on energy harvesting at the nanoscale and computational modeling for aircraft coatings.

Pacific Northwest Aerospace Industry Connections

Washington State hosts 175 aerospace manufacturing firms. Students build valuable industry connections throughout their education. Boeing’s investment of more than $4.60 billion to 2,042 Washington-based suppliers in 2012 showcases the region’s rich aerospace ecosystem.

Kent State University 

Kent State University takes a hands-on approach to aerospace education. Their bachelor of science in aeronautics program in northeastern Ohio blends technical knowledge with real experience.

Aeronautics Program Overview

The College of Aeronautics and Engineering at Kent State offers a detailed BS in aeronautics. This program helps students launch careers in aviation management, professional flight, air traffic control, and aeronautical systems engineering. Students get ready to join the aerospace workforce right after graduation through specialized areas. The curriculum combines aviation theory with ground applications that address today’s industry needs and tomorrow’s developments.

Practical Training Overview

The aeronautics bachelor degree goes beyond classroom learning. Students use flight simulators and training aircraft at the university’s airport facilities. The program also connects students with internship opportunities at regional airlines, airports, and aviation service providers. This practical approach will give a solid foundation in technical skills and workplace expertise needed to succeed in aviation careers of all types.

Course Descriptions

The core courses cover:

• Aviation safety and security management
• Aircraft systems and components
• Aviation law and regulations
• Aerodynamics and flight principles
• Air traffic control operations
• Aviation weather interpretation
• Aircraft performance calculations

Students then take specialized upper-level courses that match their career goals, from advanced flight operations to aviation business management.

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this degree in aeronautics become experts in several areas. They learn about aviation industry structures, regulations, and best practices. Their critical thinking skills help them solve complex aviation problems. They become skilled at technical aspects of aircraft operations and systems. The program develops their team communication abilities for aviation environments. Students also build knowledge that helps them earn professional certifications in their chosen aviation field.

Among aeronautics schools, Kent State stands out by balancing theory and practice. The program creates aviation professionals who are ready to meet the industry’s needs from day one.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University adopts the international CDIO (Conceiving, Designing, Implementing, Operating) initiative in its bachelor of science in aeronautics program. This creates a balanced educational approach between project-based, hands-on learning and traditional theory-based engineering education.

Aeronautical Engineering Program Overview

SNHU’s aeronautical engineering program gives you the skills through a complete curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with ground applications. Students learn to solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. The program’s experiential design lets students plan and conduct their own flight tests, collect data, and analyze post-flight results with access to professionally piloted light aircraft.

Internship Opportunities

SNHU’s nationwide networks of alumni and employers create valuable internship experiences. The university maintains strong connections with regional airlines and aviation service providers. The career services team helps students from day one with résumé writing, portfolio development, interview preparation, and access to thousands of job postings. These resources help students build professional networks to launch their aviation careers.

Instructor Experience

The aeronautics faculty brings unique real-life expertise to your educational experience. Dr. Kyle Viator, Dean of the School of Engineering, Technology, and Aeronautics, emphasizes that “from day one in our programs, students will have the opportunity to do these real-world experiences that they’re going to have after they graduate”. The faculty’s specialists include Domenic LaFauci, who serves as an assistant professor of aviation while working as a spins and simple aerobatics flight instructor.

Courses and Curriculum

Your degree in aeronautics has specialized courses such as:

• Mechanical design and analysis using software tools for modeling and visualization
• Fluid flow fundamentals covering incompressible flow, compressible flow, and potential flow
• Control systems modeling and analysis for performance and stability evaluation
• Aircraft design techniques applying aeronautical science concepts

Students access advanced facilities including a drone flying arena, 3D printing lab, robotics lab, unmanned aerial vehicle prep space, makerspace, wind tunnel, and woodshop. These resources ensure your aeronautics bachelor degree provides both theoretical foundations and practical skills that employers need across the aviation industry.

University of North Dakota

The John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at University of North Dakota ranks among the world’s leading aerospace universities. The school operates one of North America’s largest civilian aircraft fleets.

Aeronautics with Major Options

Your bachelor of science in aeronautics experience at UND lets you choose specialized paths that match your career goals. The aviation department offers seven different aviation degrees and many more concentration options. Students interested in professional flight can specialize in either airplane or helicopter tracks within the Commercial Aviation major. Other options include Air Traffic Management, Aviation Safety & Operations, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations. Only 34 aviation programs worldwide share UND’s prestigious Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) accreditation.

Four-year Plan

An aeronautics bachelor degree needs 120 credits. Students must complete 36 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. The well-laid-out curriculum combines liberal arts education with professional aviation training. Most students finish in four years, though flight training might take longer based on your specialization. UND provides specific curriculum guides for each academic year to keep your education current with industry needs.

About UND

UND Aerospace consists of four departments with the core team of over 500 faculty and staff who teach more than 2,100 students worldwide. The university owns the world’s largest collegiate training fleet – over 110 aircraft and simulators that log more than 110,000 flight hours each year. The school’s partnerships include 15 career pathway programs with airlines.

Curriculum Descriptions

This premier aeronautics school focuses on both technical skills and personal excellence. The core courses cover Aviation Orientation, Aviation Safety, Human Factors, Flight Physiology, and Aerospace Law. Students choosing the airplane option study aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and advanced operations. Helicopter students follow a specialized rotorcraft curriculum. Without doubt, this complete approach helps students build and promote safety culture throughout the aerospace industry.

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics program offers a comprehensive education in aviation, combining technical proficiency with managerial expertise to prepare students for diverse careers in the aviation industry.​

Curriculum

The program integrates rigorous coursework in aviation science with essential business principles. Students engage in subjects such as aerodynamics, flight operations, aviation safety, and air traffic management. Complementing these technical courses are studies in aviation law, ethics, and human factors, ensuring graduates possess a well-rounded understanding of the field. Practical experience is emphasized through flight training, utilizing SLU’s fleet of Piper Archers, Piper Seminoles, and Diamond DA-20 aircraft, equipped with advanced Garmin G1000nxi navigational systems. ​

Job Opportunities

Graduates of the Aeronautics program have a wide array of career paths available. Many pursue roles as pilots, flight instructors, or aviation managers within airlines, airports, and government agencies. The program’s strong industry connections and location in St. Louis, a hub for aerospace companies like Boeing Defense, Space & Security, facilitate numerous employment opportunities. ​

Program Experience

SLU’s Aeronautics program emphasizes experiential learning, offering students hands-on opportunities from the outset. Within the first two weeks, students begin flight training, navigating complex airspaces alongside corporate, military, and commercial aviation activities. Beyond academics, students can join organizations such as Alpha Eta Rho and Women in Aviation International, fostering professional development and a sense of community within the aviation field. ​

Additional Highlights

SLU’s commitment to diversity is evident through initiatives like Girls in Aviation Day, which introduces young women to various aviation careers. The program also offers international study opportunities, allowing students to gain global perspectives on aviation practices. With a legacy dating back to 1927, SLU’s Aeronautics program combines historical prestige with modern advancements, ensuring students receive a top-tier education in aviation. ​

Compare Aeronautics Bachelor’s Programs

Start Your Aeronautics Career Today

Your future aviation career path depends on picking the right aeronautics program. Different universities shine in their own ways. Embry-Riddle boasts a 95% placement rate with detailed specializations. MIT offers advanced research opportunities, while UND has a massive flight training fleet. These programs lead to rewarding careers. Ohio State graduates start at $78,490, while MIT graduates command $120,000.

These schools have exceptional facilities. Their wind tunnels, FAA-certified simulators, and research laboratories blend hands-on experience with classroom learning. Mutually beneficial alliances with Boeing, NASA, and major airlines create direct paths from classroom to cockpit.

Your goals will help you make the final choice. USAFA gives you tuition-free education if you commit to military service. Purdue and Georgia Tech let you choose from various tracks for civilian aviation careers. The top 15 aeronautics programs have proven track records. They prepare graduates for aviation industry needs as commercial pilots, aerospace engineers, or air traffic controllers.

Take time to review each program’s strengths against your career dreams. The right choice depends on location, specialization options, research facilities, and industry connections. This detailed comparison will give you the information you need to pick an aeronautics program that lines up with your professional goals.