The Business of Flight
One of two specializations offered as a minor or major under BGSU’s aviation program, aviation management and operations students focus on the vital operations and businesses that support the global aviation industry.
With an emphasis on hands-on learning, students complete a series of professional core classes focused on the management and operations of the business aspects of the aviation industry. Additionally, students have the opportunity to interact with aviation professionals through site visits and aviation industry networking events.
Students also participate in cooperative education experiences before graduation. This allows students to gain valuable real-world skills and begin building a professional network within the aviation industry.
Career - what can you do with an aviation studies degree?
BGSU aviation degree graduates are employed in the air transportation industry, airline management fields, aviation operations and aviation engineering professions. Employers include national, international and Ohio-based airports, airlines, engineering and consulting firms, general aviation facilities and businesses with aviation-oriented customers.
Graduates are skillful aviation professionals and leaders who can solve managerial and operational problems within the aviation industry’s unique requirements. They will impart their professional, business and ethical responsibility in the global aviation environment.
Career paths
- Airport Security Management
- Cargo and logistics operations
- Aviation consulting firms
- Airport manager
- Airline manager
- Crew scheduling specialist
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Opportunity to interact with aviation professionals. BGSU provided me the opportunities to interact with the aviation industry on a professional level while in school. The support from faculty and staff within my degree program was critical in facilitating my transition from student to professional.
Matt McVicker
Class of 2011
Curriculum
The aviation management and operations (AMO) specialization provides an interdisciplinary approach to management and technology systems and their application to the exacting demands of the aviation environment. The curriculum focus is on aviation, management, technical systems operation and safety. One benefit of the program is that a student can utilize an educational background in other disciplines, such as facility management or general management.
Classes cover a variety of aviation-related topics, including law, air traffic control regulations, construction, airport planning and design, public relations, accounting and economics.
Aviation management students also have the opportunity to train for their pilot’s license. We are one of a few universities that have their airport located on the main campus. The BG Flight Center and its hangars are a short walk from your residence hall.
The aviation program at Bowling Green State University continues to have one of the newest and most up-to-date aircraft fleets in the wider Ohio region. We also have an established aviation learning community composed of students in the aviation program.
Sample courses
- Airport Planning and Design
- Crew Resource Management
- Principles of Organization and Management
- Aviation Law
- Airport Administration
- Air Transportation
Student organizations
Joining a student organization is a great way to develop your character and skills as an aviation student. Bowling Green State University students and staff run a variety of organizations to expand your education in aviation.
BGSU's Flight Team mission is to promote all aspects of aviation excellence, including safety, skill development, education and career opportunities. We demonstrate our skills through competition at the SAFECON national collegiate aviation competition and have done so for the past three years.
The Aviation Ambassadors were formed in 2015. This group of engaged aviation students help with Preview Days, Presidents Day, STEM Day and other recruitment activities on the BGSU campus, as well as off-campus activities such as college fairs and air shows.
Founded on April 10, 1929, at the University of Southern California, Alpha Eta Rho (AHP) is the oldest professional aviation fraternity in history. The Bowling Green chapter comprises just some of the 50,000 alumni across the world, and strives to promote contact between the students of aviation and those engaged in the profession, while constantly improving aviation education and research in the field.
The purpose of the Bowling Green chapter of the International Women in Aviation organization is to network and foster networking while raising awareness of the accomplishments and contributions of women in the aviation industry. The BG chapter of WAI seeks to foster, promote and engage in aviation education, particularly as it relates to women in aviation. Benefits of membership include job search/opportunities, access to scholarships and mentors.
This BGSU learning community provides students in all specializations of the aviation major with the opportunity to socialize, live and study with others who share their interests and experiences. The Aviation Community also offers an atmosphere that is conducive to students' early morning flight times and the demanding nature of aviation course work.
The Aviation Management and Operations program is part of the School of Aviation in the BGSU College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering.
Updated: 12/06/2024 03:45PM