Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Aviation Studies: Flight Technology and Operations
By joining the BGSU flight technology and operations program of the aviation studies major, we will train you to become a commercial pilot. Aviation students can begin flying their freshman year at the on-campus airport within walking distance of the aviation learning community residence on our main campus.
Our high education standards and extensive flight experience mean BGSU School of Aviation graduates are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to obtain their Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificates with up to 500 fewer flight hours than are typically required, saving you considerable time and money. We also have an on-site PSI testing center, so you can take your FAA written exams right here in the flight center.
Hands on, wheels up
Students earn a Bachelor of Science in Aviation and an FAA private pilot certificate, FAA instrument rating, and FAA commercial pilot single-engine and multi-engine certificates. Students also can earn flight instructor certificates and ratings while studying as an aviation major at BGSU.
You will have the chance to fly as a freshman with the BGSU aviation studies major. With an emphasis on hands-on learning, students in the flight technology and operations program take classes that blend flight training in our young aircraft fleet with traditional classroom coursework studying avionics, management and flight operations.
Students also participate in a cooperative education experience to gain industry experience and build a professional network.
Students take most of their classes at the Bowling Green Flight Center, located on-campus at the Ohio-based Wood County Regional Airport. The Flight Center, which includes more than 20,000 square feet of hangar space, houses a fleet of 18 aircraft, classrooms, flight instruction offices, a full-motion RedBird simulator and a FRASCA simulator. Students work closely with flight instructors who provide one-on-one mentorship during their flight training.
The BGSU aviation program was ranked 10th in the country in 2020 by BestColleges.org.
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.
Career paths
- Government and law enforcement pilot
- Emergency medical service pilot
- Commercial airline pilot
- Flight instructor
- Charter pilot
- Test pilot
- Firefighting pilot
- Military pilot
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
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.
Sample courses
- Advanced Aerodynamics & Aircraft Performance
- Air Traffic Control and the National Airspace System
- Safety Management Systems
- Private Pilot Flight Instruction
- Safety Management Systems
- General Psychology
- Business Aviation
- Meteorology
The Aviation Flight Technology program and courses do not qualify for GI Bill© or VA education benefits. However, many students are eligible for other military education benefits; Please contact Nontraditional and Military Student Services at 419 372-8136 or ntmss@bgsu.edu for further information.
FTO Secondary Admissions Process
Aviation Studies: Flight Technology & Operations requires a secondary admission review by the program. Students will be asked to answer two essay questions by the deadline of Sunday, Dec. 8, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Decisions will be released via email the week of Feb. 3. Note: Currently, secondary review is only for Fall 2025 students and beyond (Spring 2026, Summer 2026, etc.). Students will receive more information by email about completing the secondary review after being admitted to BGSU. Please contact the School of Aviation at 419-372-2437 with additional questions. The specialization of Aviation Management and Operations does not have secondary review.
Military Education Benefits
The Aviation Flight Technology program and courses do not qualify for GI Bill© or VA education benefits. However, many students are eligible for other military education benefits; Please contact Nontraditional and Military Student Services at 419 372-8136 or ntmss@bgsu.edu for further information.
Aviation Studies: Flight Technology and Operations program is part of the School of Aviation in the BGSU College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering.
Accreditation
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 2022-2023, with our next reaffirmation of accreditation scheduled for 2032-2033. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
Request Information
FTO Secondary Admissions Process
Aviation Studies: Flight Technology & Operations requires a secondary admission review by the program. Students will be asked to answer two essay questions by the deadline of Sunday, Dec. 8, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Decisions will be released via email the week of Feb. 3. Note: Currently, secondary review is only for Fall 2025 students and beyond (Spring 2026, Summer 2026, etc.). Students will receive more information by email about completing the secondary review after being admitted to BGSU. Please contact the School of Aviation at 419-372-2437 with additional questions. The specialization of Aviation Management and Operations does not have secondary review.
Updated: 10/09/2024 01:23PM