A bachelor's of science degree in aviation science provides students with training in the study of flight with a solid theoretical knowledge of concepts related to aviation. Many programs span 120 credit hours and require students to split time between ground school, where they can learn the concepts of aviation, and flight school for real-world experience.
Baylor University in Waco offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science degree that also provides a commercial pilot level qualification that includes an instrument rating and a certified flight instructor certificate.
A bachelor's degree in aviation management educates students in the skills required to run an airport, manage personnel, supervise airport operations and inspect aircraft. Graduates will be qualified to seek jobs as airport maintenance supervisors, airport first-responders and airport communications officers. Schools that have developed aviation management bachelor's degrees programs include Purdue University in West Lafayette,Indiana; Western Michigan University; and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.
Purdue's Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management incorporates studies in airport management, airline management and air traffic control. The program is designed to build operational and managerial skills and emphasizes communication, decision-making and analytical thinking. Graduates will be equipped with the skills necessary for jobs in air traffic control, air safety and airport design.
Bachelor of science degrees in aviation business administration train students in the operations management of airports, airport economics, aeronautical science and airport business marketing. Only a few institutions offer this degree, including Ohio State University in Columbus, which offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Aviation Management degree; and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, which confers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration. Students in the Embry-Riddle program can select areas of interest such as management, helicopter flight operations, fixed-wing flight operations, finance and airport management. Classes include principles of management, microeconomics, marketing, business law and strategic management. Students pursue internships at airports, airline and aerospace facilities in preparation for careers as flight coordinators, aviation consultants and sales representatives for commercial airliners and government agencies.
A bachelor of science in aviation technology trains students in aviation safety, aircraft instrumentation, navigation systems, aerodynamics, flight operations and meteorology. Students should possess a strong foundation in math and science prior to applying to institutions that confer this degree, as the course of study will include physics, calculus and statistics.
The University of Alaska Anchorage's Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology degree is a full-time program with core courses such as aviation safety, private pilot ground school, aviation law and regulations, elements of weather, negotiation and conflict management, and human factors in aviation. Professional piloting classes include instrument flying, commercial flying, aircraft accident investigation and tools for weather briefing.