Aviation Academic Programs
The aviation studies major is designed to prepare students for responsible positions in general and commercial aviation. The major is organized around two specializations: aviation management and operations, and flight technology and operations. All instruction leading toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight certification is conducted in accordance with the appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations.
Flight Technology and Operations (FTO)
Flight technology and operations
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. 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 can expect to spend an extra $70,000 - $80,000 over the course of four years in addition to university tuition costs. Loans, grants, and scholarships are available to help meet these costs. Despite the additional cost, students say the program is well worth it.
FTO Program Educational Goals*
Aviation Program Educational Goals: BGSU builds a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive community where creative ideas, new knowledge, and entrepreneurial achievements can benefit others in our region, the state of Ohio, the nation, and the world. Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in the Aviation Studies program will be capable of the following Program Educational Goals (PEG):
- PEG 1: Create competent, skillful professional pilots and flight department leaders who can solve flight operations problems within the aviation industry;
- PEG 2: Develop crew resource management, operational risk management, and safety professionalism skills in students for their careers in the aviation industry;
- PEG 3: Impart professional, business, and ethical responsibility in the global aviation environment.
* The program educational goals are proposed and are in the approval process at the University level.
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.
Aviation Management and Operations (AMO)
Aviation management and operations
The aviation management and 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. Graduates are employed by airports, airlines, engineering and consulting firms, general aviation facilities, and auxiliary businesses with aviation-oriented customers.
AMO Program Educational Goals*
Aviation Program Educational Goals: BGSU builds a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive community where creative ideas, new knowledge, and entrepreneurial achievements can benefit others in our region, the state of Ohio, the nation, and the world. Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in the Aviation Studies program will be capable of the following Program Educational Goals (PEG):
- PEG 1: Create competent, skillful aviation professionals and leaders who can solve managerial and operational problems within the aviation industry;
- PEG 2: Develop a solid foundation of aviation management, operational risk management, organizational behavior, and safety professionalism in the aviation industry;
- PEG 3: Impart professional, business, and ethical responsibility in the global aviation environment.
* The educational goals are proposed and are in the approval process at the University level.
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.
About the Program
Aviation Studies offers a bachelor degree program in two specialization areas including Aviation Management and Operations, and Flight Technology and Operations.
The Aviation Management and 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.
Course Requirements for BS 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 BS 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 - Principles of Marketing for Non-Business Majors
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.
NOTES:
- All aviation (AERT) courses much be completed with a C or higher.
- Supplemental Focus and Technical Electives courses are in addition to those specifically listed on the sheet.
- When students use courses to fulfill more than one requirement the total minimum program hours of 122 may not be met.
FTO Program Educational Goals*
Aviation Program Educational Goals: BGSU builds a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive community where creative ideas, new knowledge, and entrepreneurial achievements can benefit others in our region, the state of Ohio, the nation, and the world. Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in the Aviation Studies program will be capable of the following Program Educational Goals (PEG):
- PEG 1: Create competent, skillful professional pilots and flight department leaders who can solve flight operations problems within the aviation industry;
- PEG 2: Develop crew resource management, operational risk management, and safety professionalism skills in students for their careers in the aviation industry;
- PEG 3: Impart professional, business, and ethical responsibility in the global aviation environment.
* The program educational goals are proposed and are in the approval process at the University level.
AMO Program Educational Goals*
Aviation Program Educational Goals: BGSU builds a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive community where creative ideas, new knowledge, and entrepreneurial achievements can benefit others in our region, the state of Ohio, the nation, and the world. Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in the Aviation Studies program will be capable of the following Program Educational Goals (PEG):
- PEG 1: Create competent, skillful aviation professionals and leaders who can solve managerial and operational problems within the aviation industry;
- PEG 2: Develop a solid foundation of aviation management, operational risk management, organizational behavior, and safety professionalism in the aviation industry;
- PEG 3: Impart professional, business, and ethical responsibility in the global aviation environment.
* The educational goals are proposed and are in the approval process at the University level.
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 January 2023. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
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.
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.
Updated: 10/09/2024 01:24PM