Aviation Studies: Flight Technology and Operations

Career - what can you do with an aviation degree?

Bowling Green State University has a strong track record of employment for graduates of the aviation studies program. The airline industry is cyclical, but air transport, cargo and ground operations career prospects are strong, with aircraft manufacturer Boeing reporting it believes “the market fundamentals driving air traffic demand remain strong and we remain confident in the long-term strength of the aviation industry.”

Upon graduation, our students are employed as pilots, operations staff, flight instructors, charter pilots and work in the recreation and sightseeing industry. After building flight time, our graduates pursue employment as commercial pilots for airlines, air freight and cargo, charter operations or corporate flight careers.

As the national demand for pilots continues to climb, BGSU has created a pathway for students to enter the workforce faster through a newly formed partnership with one of the largest regional airlines in the United States.

The University’s partnership with Republic Airways provides students a direct pipeline to a career through conditional job offers, which they can receive as early as their second year.

Curriculum

The aviation studies major curriculum is designed to prepare students for responsible positions in general and commercial aviation. All instruction leading toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight certification is conducted in accordance with the appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations. 

In addition to being trained as commercial pilots, you will also study general education subjects, aircraft systems, crew concepts, management and administration. The program is geared toward training students with no previous flight experience with the focus on creating future pilots in the airline and corporate aviation environment. Students enrolling in our flight technology and operations program begin flight training their first year, either in the fall semester or spring semester.

We aim to create competent, skillful professional pilots and flight department leaders who can solve flight operations problems within the aviation industry. We also aim to develop crew resource management, operational risk management, and professional safety skills in students for their careers in the aviation industry. Throughout all curriculum subjects, you will learn professional, business and ethical responsibility in the global aviation environment.