Why study aviation management at BGSU in Ohio?
- Real-world experience. Required co-ops, internships, guest speakers and industry networking events build hands-on business aviation skills.
- AABI accreditation. The aviation management program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), the gold standard for collegiate aviation accreditation.
- Scholarships. Aviation management majors have access to scholarships funded by industry and alumni, including awards specific to AM students.
- Industry connections. The Aviation Industry Advisory Board provides networking opportunities. It includes professionals from NetJets, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Republic Airways and Toledo Air Traffic Control.
- Highly-skilled instructors. Learn from a community of aviation professionals committed to your success.
- On-campus airport. The BGSU aviation program is one of the few academic aviation programs to have an airport within walking distance – the Wood County Regional Airport.
- Top-tier student organizations. Forge lifelong professional and personal connections through our student organizations.
- Aviation Learning Community. Live and learn alongside peers who share your schedule and goals – and early-morning flight times.
The BGSU aviation studies program ranks No. 4 in the U.S. by Flying Magazine and in the top 10 nationally by TheBestColleges.org.
Public university in the nation for career preparation
The Wall Street Journal
Career - what can you do with an aviation management degree?
BGSU aviation management degree graduates are skilled professionals and leaders who take on managerial and operational challenges within the aviation industry. They work in:
- Air transportation industry
- Airline management fields
- Aircraft brokerage and insurance
- Airport management and operations
- Aviation operations professions
Employers include national, international and Ohio-based airports, airlines, consulting firms, general aviation facilities and businesses with aviation-oriented customers.
BGSU aviation management degree graduates are qualified for roles as:
- Airport operations manager. Oversee day-to-day airport functionality, ensure regulatory compliance and optimize passenger experience.
- Airline manager. Manage airline logistics, route planning and customer service strategies.
- Air traffic coordinator. Maintain safe and efficient airspace operations.
- Aircraft brokerage and insurance specialist. Facilitate the buying, selling and leasing of aircraft while providing clients with tailored aviation insurance coverage to protect their assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Corporate aviation manager. Manage private and business aviation fleets.
- Aviation consultant. Advise organizations on regulatory policies, technology and efficiency improvements.
Few careers offer the kind of personal fulfillment and financial rewards that aviation management does:
- A deep-rooted sense of responsibility to ensure safe and efficient aviation operations
- The exhilaration of problem-solving in a fast-paced environment
The global nature of the industry means lots of opportunities to travel, network and expand your career possibilities.
Career paths
- Airline manager
- Airport manager
- Airport security management
- Aviation consulting firms
- Cargo and logistics operations
- Crew scheduling specialists
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
The aviation management degree combines business and management with technical systems and safety.
Coursework covers:
- Aviation law
- Air traffic control regulations
- Construction
- Planning design
- Public relations
- Accounting
- Economics
The program is 122 credit hours, which includes 2 co-ops. Co-ops are full-time, semester-long professional internships (40 hours/week) directly related to your major.
We welcome students to the aviation management program from a diverse range of educational backgrounds and professional disciplines, such as general management, business and communications.
Sample courses
- Airport Administration
- Airport Operations
- Airport Planning and Design
- Air Traffic Control and the National Airspace System
- Aviation Management
- Business Aviation
- Crew Resource Management
- Safety Management Systems
University in Ohio – big or small, public or private – students would choose again
The Wall Street Journal
Aviation studies student organizations
Build character, make connections and sharpen skills by getting involved in active aviation student organizations.
Falcon Flight Team
The mission of the BGSU Flight Team is to promote all aspects of aviation excellence, including safety, skill development, education and career opportunities. We have demonstrated our skills through competition at the SAFECON national collegiate aviation competition for the past three years.
AAAE
The American Association of Airport Executives at BGSU is an excellent resource for those interested in a career in aviation management. Discover key connections, training and career opportunities, scholarships and more.
Aviation Ambassadors
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.
Alpha Eta Rho (Beta Gamma Chapter)
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. It 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.
Women in Aviation: Bowling Green Chapter
The purpose of the Bowling Green chapter of International Women in Aviation is to foster networking while raising awareness of the accomplishments and contributions of women in the aviation industry. Benefits of membership include job search/opportunities, access to scholarships and mentors.
Aviation Learning Community
The Aviation 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.
News
The aviation management program is part of the School of Aviation in the BGSU College of Engineering and Innovation.
Updated: 10/22/2026 05:39PM