With state of the art technology, highly skilled instructors, and a well-maintained fleet of aircraft, BGSU Aviation is the perfect place to become a professional in the Aviation industry! Since 1978, BGSU Aviation has been training students to work as airline pilots, corporate pilots, airport managers, airfield specialist, aviation consultants, and so much more.
We offer our students a Bachelor of Science in Aviation degree with specializations in Flight Technology and Operations or Aviation Management and Operations. We also offer a minor in Airport Systems and Operations. Interested in knowing why BGSU Aviation is the right choice for you? Check out our What Sets Us Apart page!
Why Choose BGSU Aviation?
On-Campus Airport
BGSU is one of only a few universities in the United States that has an airport on main campus. The Wood County Regional Airport is only a short walk from the residence halls, making getting to your flight slot or ground class hassle-free. Learn more about the Wood County Regional Airport.
Program Support
There are over 70 aviation faculty and staff members here at BGSU to support the program. This includes Flight Instructors, our in-house maintenance department, flight support, scheduling, dispatching, faculty, and administrative support. Meet our faculty and staff here.
Modern Fleet
Our fleet consists of 18 aircraft, a full-motion RedBird simulator and a FRASCA simulator. When it comes to university aviation programs in the midwest, we have the newest fleet of aircraft. Take a moment to explore our fleet. In 2021, we conducted over 13,000 hours of flight training.
Aviation News
New Bowling Green flight Center training facility ready for takeoff
Representing a key public-private partnership, the Bowling Green Flight Center will help prepare BGSU graduates to meet aviation industry needs.
$5 million investment to transform BG Flight Center
The BGSU Aviation program is on the rise, with a $5 million investment in new aircraft, state-of-the-art flight simulators and expansion of the BG Flight Center.
Recent BGSU aviation alumnus selected for new Civil Path to Wings initiative
Tanner Mackall ’21, second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, credits BGSU for significant flight experience he gained as a civilian.
Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Aviation degree requires a minimum of 122 program hours: 4-12 hours of cooperative education, 21 hours of professional core, 42-46 hours of specialization, 22 hours in other required courses, 6 hours of supplemental focus, 6 hours of technical electives, and 36 hours of BG Perspectives.
Course Requirements for B.S. in Aviation- Flight Technology and Operations (FTO)
- TECH 2890 - Cooperative Education
- TECH 3890 - Cooperative Education (optional)***
AERT 2000 - Introduction to Aviation
History of global aviation development and aviation regulations within the United Statues. Topics covered will include the historical aspects of aviation development upon humanity, basic introduction of air transportation, regulatory development and administration of air transportation system. Emphasis on air carrier and general aviation.
AERT 2050 - Aviation Maintenance Management
This course will introduce aspects of air carrier maintenance management that are appropriate to the pilot, supervisor, or manager responsible for maintenance operations and safety. It will contain a basic philosophy of maintenance and the requirements for an effective maintenance operation. In addition, the course will examine the status of FAA maintenance regulations, present some objectives of maintenance, and review maintenance regulatory requirements.
AERT 3000 - Air Transportation
Study of the common carrier air transportation system and the structure of commercial air carriers. Emphasis on scheduled air carrier organizations and activities.
AERT 3490 - Aviation Law
Introduction to the pathways of legal compliance in the aviation industry. Topics include: The FAA's systems approach, The regulatory role of SMS, the concept of administrative law, The Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations System, aviation regulatory history, The Federal Regulators, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the rulemaking pathway, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) process, Special Federal Aviation Regulations (SFAR's), Airworthiness Directives, FAA Certificates and Authorizations, Oversight and Enforcement.
AERT 3520 - Crew Resource Management
Introduction into the major disciplines that contributed to the development of Crew Resource Management (CRM). This course will introduce aspects of CRM that are appropriate to the aviation field. Topics covered include human factors, aeronautical decision making, situational awareness, organizational culture, national culture, operator/machine interface, the shared problem model and the Bio-Psycho-Social model.
AERT 3540 - Aviation Management
An introduction to management and operations in the aviation service industry. The various aspects and issues of small airports, fixed base operators and general aviation are discussed with a focus on current practices and procedures.
AERT 4600 - Safety Management Systems
An overview of the process for integrating safety into day-to-day aviation operations, to include safety goals and performance targets, risk assessments, responsibilities and authorities, rules and procedures, and monitoring and evaluation processes.
AERT 2200 - Private Pilot Ground School~
Aerodynamics, aircraft systems, charts, airports, communication procedures, meteorology, regulations, aviation publications, flight computer, medical facts, radio navigation and cross country flight planning.
AERT 2220 - Private Pilot Flight Instruction I
Initial Private Pilot-Airplane basic flight training maneuvers and instruction through solo flight. Includes supplemental ground instruction.
AERT 2230 - Private Pilot Flight Instruction II
Completion of requirements for Private Pilot-Airplane. Includes cross country flight requirements.
AERT 2240 - Air Traffic Control and the National Airspace System~
A study of the nation's air traffic control system. Focus on basic air traffic control procedures and regulations, FAA control facilities, FSS services, radio communication and navigation principles, safety, and new developments.
AERT 2800 - Instrument Ground School
Instrument flight planning, meteorology, approach procedures, approach chart interpretation and instrument flight communications.
AERT 2810 - Basic Instrument Flight Instruction
First course in a sequence offering approximately half of the PIC cross country flight and dual basic instrument flight instruction required for the FAR Part 61 Instrument-Airplane rating or FAR Part 141 Commercial Pilot-Airplane certificate with Instrument-Airplane rating.
AERT 2820 - Advanced Instrument Flight Instruction
Second course in a sequence offering additional solo cross country flight and dual advanced instrument flight instruction required for the FAR Part 61 Instrument-Airplane rating or FAR Part 141 Commercial Pilot-Airplane certificate with Instrument-Airplane rating.
AERT 3200 - Commercial Ground School
Aerodynamics, aircraft systems, commercial pilot operations, weight and balance, and complex aircraft operation.
AERT 3240 - Basic Commercial Flight Instruction
Aerodynamics, aircraft systems, commercial pilot operations, weight and balance, and complex, multiengine aircraft operations.
AERT 3250 - Advanced Commercial Flight Instruction
Second course in a sequence offering additional instruction in aerodynamics, aircraft systems, commercial pilot operations, weight and balance, and complex, multiengine aircraft operations.
AERT 3060 - Multiengine Ground School
Theory of multiengine airplane operation including the ground instruction necessary for preparation for the FAA multiengine rating. Covers transition to multiengine aircraft, multiengine aircraft systems, operational considerations and emergency procedures.
AERT 4040 - Advanced Aerodynamics & Aircraft Performance
Advanced flight theories including airfoil shape, drag, velocity, lift and thrust, stability and control; advanced principles of performance including capabilities, limitations, design criteria, weight and balance charts, comparative analysis of aircraft and certification of aircraft.
AERT 4050 - Advanced Aircraft Systems
In-depth discussion of electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems on aircraft, design and performance standards, capabilities and limitations, conformance to FAA specification.
GEOG 2130 - Meteorology
Physical processes of atmosphere and relationships to daily weather patterns.
PHYS 2010 - College Physics I**
First term of an introductory physics sequence using algebra and trigonometry, but not calculus. Topics include motion, forces, energy, fluids, heat and simple harmonic motion.
AERT 4680 - Business Aviation
Capstone course that integrates a student's knowledge and skill in study of operations and management of business aviation companies. Focus on assessment and analyses of equipment, human resources, financial, economic and marketing requirements.
- BA 2030 - Business Communication~ or
- ESHP 2040 - Intro to Entrepreneurship~
- MATH 1220 - College Algebra~**
- COMM 1020 - Speech Communication**
- COMM 2010 - Communication Theory, COMM 2030 - Small Group Communication or 2100 Intl Communication****
- IS 2000 - Management Info Systems or CS 1000 - Understanding Computers
- SOC 1010 - Principles of Sociology**
- PSYC 1010 - General Psychology**
- AERT 2000-4990
- AERO 3120 - Leading People and Effective Communication 2.0, 4110 - National Security/Leadership Responsibilities/Commissioning Preparation 1.0, 4120 - National Security/Leadership Responsibilities/Commissioning Preparation 2.0
- ACCT 2000-3990 or ACT 2000-3990
- BA 3000-3990
- FIN 2000-3990
- GEOG 1250 - Weather and Climate**, ____, 3030 - Severe Weather, ____
- COMM 2000-4990
- LEGS 3000-4990
- MKT 3000-4990
- MGMT 3000-4990
- MSL 3020 - Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations, 4010 - The Army Officer, 4020 - Company Grade Leadership
- PSYC 3110 - Social Psychology, ____, 3500 - Survey of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, ____
- THEM 2000-4990
- Two General Electives (by advisement) *3000 level and above
At least one course in each of the following:
- English Composition and Oral Communication
- Quantitative Literacy
At least two courses in each domain:
- Humanities and the Arts
- Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
Each student enrolled in a baccalaureate program must satisfactorily complete WRIT 1120 (Seminar in Research Writing), one course approved for Cultural Diversity in the United States, and one course approved for International Perspectives.
Additional courses from any of the five categories listed above to reach a minimum of 36 credit hours.
Course Requirements for B.S. in Aviation - Aviation Management and Operations (AMO)
- TECH 2890 - Cooperative Education
- TECH 3890 - Cooperative Education
- TECH 4890 - Cooperative Education (optional)***
AERT 2000 - Introduction to Aviation
History of global aviation development and aviation regulations within the United Statues. Topics covered will include the historical aspects of aviation development upon humanity, basic introduction of air transportation, regulatory development and administration of air transportation system. Emphasis on air carrier and general aviation.
AERT 2050 - Aviation Maintenance Management
This course will introduce aspects of air carrier maintenance management that are appropriate to the pilot, supervisor, or manager responsible for maintenance operations and safety. It will contain a basic philosophy of maintenance and the requirements for an effective maintenance operation. In addition, the course will examine the status of FAA maintenance regulations, present some objectives of maintenance, and review maintenance regulatory requirements.
AERT 3000 - Air Transportation
Study of the common carrier air transportation system and the structure of commercial air carriers. Emphasis on scheduled air carrier organizations and activities.
AERT 3490 - Aviation Law
Introduction to the pathways of legal compliance in the aviation industry. Topics include: The FAA's systems approach, The regulatory role of SMS, the concept of administrative law, The Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations System, aviation regulatory history, The Federal Regulators, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the rulemaking pathway, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) process, Special Federal Aviation Regulations (SFAR's), Airworthiness Directives, FAA Certificates and Authorizations, Oversight and Enforcement.
AERT 3520 - Aviation Safety
Presentation and analysis of factors and procedures relating to aviation safety, techniques for accident prevention, development of safety programs, accident investigation analyses, and understanding human factors.
AERT 3540 - Aviation Management
An introduction to management and operations in the aviation service industry. The various aspects and issues of small airports, fixed base operators and general aviation are discussed with a focus on current practices and procedures.
AERT 4600 - Safety Mgmt Systems
An overview of the process for integrating safety into day-to-day aviation operations, to include safety goals and performance targets, risk assessments, responsibilities and authorities, rules and procedures, and monitoring and evaluation processes.
ACCT 2000 or 2210 - Accounting Concepts
Accounting concepts and procedures and their contribution to administrative processes. Enterprise analysis, relevant data, its uses and limitations.
AERT 2150 - Aviation Ground Operations~
An introduction to safety and security in airport and FBO ground operational activities, to include fueling, aircraft marshalling, ground vehicle operation, accident/incident response and reporting, and general aviation security.
CONS 2350 - Intro to Construction
Basic concepts of construction management and technology, including office organization, building construction techniques, surveying, building materials, plan reading and estimating.
CONS 2390 - Construction Document Reading
An introductory course to construction document reading. Provides a basic working knowledge of construction drawings, design and construction mathematics, specifications, material submittal process, building codes, and material quantity take-off.
ECON 2000 or 2020 - Economics**
Alternative economic goals; economic growth, full employment, price stability, fair income distribution, economic security, economic freedom, consumer sovereignty, efficiency.
MGMT 3050 - Principles of Organization & Management
Fundamentals of organization theory; objectives, policies, decision-making, authority, management development, leadership, communication, motivation and effective human relations; management principles.
MGMT 3610 - Human Resources Management
Survey of HRM activities including job analysis, performance appraisal, job evaluation, wage surveys, compensation and benefits, labor relations, health and safety, and relevant government regulations.
MKT 3000 - Marketing (prereq ECON 2000)
Introduction to marketing activities and decisions for non-business students. Topics include: product, price, promotion, distribution activities; market segmentation; buyer behavior; marketing research.
QS 3550 - Foundations of Lean (online only)
Foundations of quality improvement systems applied for variation and waste reduction and productivity enhancement for lean six sigma manufacturing and non-manufacturing environments.
AERT 3480 - Airport Operations
Current practices in the operation, maintenance, management and safety of air carrier airports. Focus on airport certification requirements. Reviews organization and operation of major airport facilities.
AERT 3820 - Airport Operational Plans
Principles and concepts involved in the development and implementation of airport emergency, environmental, and security plans in response to federal requirements and technological advancements.
AERT 4350 - Airport Administration
Concepts and practices involved in the administration of public use airport facilities and assets, to include finance and capital acquisition, grant administration, rates and charges, concession management, public and constituent liaison, and governmental operation.
AERT 4560 - Airport Planning and Design
A study of airport master planning and system planning requirements. Covers detailed aspects of the airport layout plan and airport design criteria. Evaluation is made of passenger and cargo terminal layout, ground access, land use planning and airspace requirements
AERT 4680 - Business Aviation
Capstone course that integrates a student's knowledge and skill in study of operations and management of business aviation companies. Focus on assessment and analyses of equipment, human resources, financial, economic and marketing requirements.
- BA 2030 - Business Communication~ or
- ESHP 2040 - Intro to Entrepreneurship~
- MATH 1220 - College Algebra~**
- COMM 1020 - Speech Communication**
- COMM 2010 - Communication Theory, COMM 2030 - Small Group Communication or 2100 Intl Communication****
- IS 2000 - Management Info Systems or CS 1000 - Understanding Computers
- SOC 1010 - Principles of Sociology**
- PSYC 1010 - General Psychology**
- AERT 2000 - Introduction to Aviation, 4990 - Problems in Aviation Studies
- AERO 3120 - Leading People and Effective Communication 2.0, 4110 - National Security/Leadership Responsibilities/Commissioning Preparation 1.0, 4120 - National Security/Leadership Responsibilities/Commissioning Preparation 2.0
- ACCT 2000-3990 or ACT 2000-3990
- BA 3000-3990
- FIN 2000-3990
- GEOG 1250 - Weather and Climate**, ____, 3030 - Severe Weather, ____
- COMM 2000-4990
- LEGS 3000-4990
- MKT 3000-4990
- MGMT 3000-4990
- MSL 3020 - Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations, 4010 - The Army Officer, 4020 - Company Grade Leadership
- PSYC 3110 - Social Psychology, ____, 3500 - Survey of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, ____
- THEM 2000-4990
- Two General Electives (by advisement) *3000 level and above
At least one course in each of the following:
- English Composition and Oral Communication
- Quantitative Literacy
At least two courses in each domain:
- Humanities and the Arts
- Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
Each student enrolled in a baccalaureate program must satisfactorily complete WRIT 1120 (Seminar in Research Writing), one course approved for Cultural Diversity in the United States, and one course approved for International Perspectives.
Additional courses from any of the five categories listed above to reach a minimum of 36 credit hours.
~ Matriculation courses are in bold print.
** These courses may be also used to meet the BG Perspective courses requirement, but hours are only used once.
*** A second co-op, TECH 3890, can also be taken to fulfill a Technical Elective requirement
****Communication courses - Choice of COMM 2010 Communication Theroy, COMM 2030 Small Group Communication, COMM 2070 Interpersonal Communication, or COMM 2100 International Communication
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in the Aviation Studies program are expected to:
- Solve aviation-related problems using knowledge, skills, and aptitudes gained in the program to assure productive outcomes;
- Maintain professional and social relationships with others in developing, conducting, and promoting safe aviation operations;
Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
The Aviation Studies program is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). More information about accreditation.
Professional Licensure (If applicable)
Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.
Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Aviation Studies, Flight Technology and Operations program, leads to professional licensure. More information on professional licensure.
Gainful Employment (If applicable)
Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
The Aviation Studies program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.
Specializations:
Aviation Management Operations
Flight Technology and Operations
Aviation Studies offers a bachelor degree program in two specialization areas including Aviation Management and Operations, and Flight Technology and Operations.
The Aviation Management & Operations (AMO) specialization focuses on the business aspects of the aviation industry with coursework covering law, air traffic control regulations, construction, planning design, public relations, accounting and economics.
The Flight Technology and Operations (FTO) specialization is designed to educate and train professional pilots. In addition to being trained as commercial pilots, the students also study general education subjects, aircraft systems, crew concepts, management, and administration.
Updated: 08/04/2022 12:31PM