Skip to main content
University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota
    • Admitted Students
    • Current Students
    • Families of Current Students
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Alumni
    • Email
    • Blackboard
    • Campus Connection
    • Employee Self-Service
    • Hawk Central
    • Degree Map
    • Zoom
  • Directory
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Student Life
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Majors & Programs
  • About
University of North Dakota
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Student Life
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Majors & Programs
  • About
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
Aviation management degree student holding a bag
  • Home
  • Program Finder
  • Aviation Management (B.B.A.)
print Print Page

Aviation Management Degree

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)

Watch your aviation career take off at UND (and get your wings while you're at it).

There's more to running a successful flight operation than just flying. With an Aviation Management degree, you'll gain the technical and business skills needed to manage airlines, fixed base operators (FBOs), specialized aviation service organizations (SASOs), and more. Depending on the track you select, you may earn various FAA certificates.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply

Request Information

Why consider an Aviation Management degree?

Application Deadline
Fall 2025:
Closed
Fall 2026:
Apply ASAP after Aug. 1, 2025

Aerospace Students
Aviation Management and Commercial Aviation are no longer accepting applications for fall 2025. The next term available is fall 2026. Applications open Aug. 1, 2025.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure the best chance of being considered for each program. Admission deadlines are subject to change in future terms.

Aviation Management students will not fly their first year.

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

UND is committed to the business of aviation. Our graduates have the technical and managerial skills to ensure safe, successful air travel. You'll learn by taking classes at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences and the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. This tremendous duo will put you at a higher altitude in the business of aviation.

While in the Aviation Management program you'll receive a well-rounded college experience that enhances communication, team work and leadership skills while fostering an appreciation for other cultures.

Customized Aviation Management Degree

Specialize your aviation education, by taking one of four tracks:

Flight

You will earn a minimum of an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings while gaining a broad education in business to help you excel within the aviation industry as a manager, pilot, sales executive or whatever your future may bring. 

Note: New students in the Aviation Management flight track will not fly their first year in the program.

Airport Management

You’ll benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on administrative areas related to airport operations, planning and consulting.

Air Transportation

Gain an understanding for the essentials of flight and business operations with a targeted education on airlines, general aviation and risk management.

Dispatch

You will acquire the problem-solving and decision-making skills to successfully work as an aircraft dispatcher through a curriculum covering safety, weather and technical aspects that impact flight operations and scheduling.

Accredited Aviation Management Degree

AACSB Logo

This aviation management degree program is accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Accreditation by AACSB International puts the Nistler CoBPA in the top 5% of business schools in the world.

 

UND's Aviation Management Degree

  • Access the world's largest collegiate training fleet — 120 aircraft in all.

  • Get thrown for a loop (on purpose) when you join UND's own Aerobatics Team.

  • Join business and aviation student-led organizations that attend annual conferences and travel to a major destination every year.

  • Pursue opportunities for internships with airlines, fixed base operators, aviation insurance companies, and aircraft manufacturers.

  • For those in the Airport Management track, you'll qualify for industry certification from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) after completing our final course.

  • Start your aviation management career with our Career Paths program. The partnerships lead to a conditional offer of employment or interview at a regional airline. Some lead to a guaranteed interview at a major carrier.

Aviation Management Degree Jobs

167k

Median annual salary for aviation managers in the U.S.

Vocational Training HQ

163k

Median annual salary for an aircraft manager, 2025

Salary.com

Aviation Management graduates are responsible for keeping their organizations safe, successful and profitable. You'll be qualified to work at jobs including:

  • Aircraft Sales Manager
  • Avionics Manager
  • Director of Maintenance
  • Quality Control Manager
  • Flight Line Manager
  • Safety Management Systems
  • Airport General Manager
  • Fuel Farm Supervisor
  • Ground Service Supervisor

Is Aviation Management a good degree?

Aviation Management is a good degree because it gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Commercial Flight Training
  • Safety Management Systems Training
  • Human Factors and Flight Physiology
  • Airline, Airport and General Aviation Managements Training
  • Business and Aerospace Law
  • Project Management
  • Aerospace and Business Law
  • Strategic Planning

Our Aviation Management degree graduates have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • All Major Airlines
  • Boeing
  • Rolls Royce
  • Owners/Operators of Fixed Based Operations
  • Northrup Grumman
  • General Atomics
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Denver International Airport
  • Metropolitan Airport Commission - Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
  • Southwest Airlines
  • U.S. Department of Defense

Aviation Management Degree Courses

AVIT 403. Aerospace Law. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the United States legal system and the development of air law. The course will cover a broad range of topics related to aviation operations including constitutional law, administrative law, Federal Aviation Administration enforcement actions, aircraft ownership issues, products liability law, criminal law, contract law, and international law. Course activities include case reading, argument, and legal research. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status, open to Aviation majors and minors only, and a minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S,SS.

AVIT 325. Multi-Engine Systems and Procedures. 2 Credits.

This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and proficiently exercise the privileges and responsibilities of a Commercial Pilot with a Multi-engine rating. Included are discussions concerning Aeronautical Decision Making of multi-engine aircraft systems, aerodynamics, Single-Pilot Resource Management, weight and balance, aircraft performance, and abnormal/emergency procedures. The course also includes a scenario based introduction to U.S. Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) governing common carriage commercial operations. The student must complete the appropriate flight lessons to satisfactorily complete the course. Prerequisite: AVIT 323 and AVIT 324; open to Aviation majors and minors only; minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S,SS.

MGMT 475. Strategic Management. 3 Credits.

This is the capstone course in business. The focus is on understanding companies, competitors, and industries, and the factors that influence long term competitive advantage. In addition to and in conjunction with these topics, students apply knowledge gained in prerequisite courses to develop integrated cross-functional business strategies. The course includes a comprehensive business exam covering material from all prerequisite courses. Prerequisite: ACCT 200, ACCT 201, ECON 201, ECON 202, ECON 210, ISBA 217, MGMT 300, MGMT 301, FIN 310, MRKT 305, and 95 credits. F,S.

AVIT 402. Airport Planning and Administration. 3 Credits.

This is the first of a two course curriculum in airport administration. This initial course provides an introduction to the complex elements of airport planning and its importance in achieving a successful airport operation. Course content includes a study of the duties and responsibilities of the airport manager with a special emphasis on the Federal Air Regulations governing the operation and administration of commercial service airports within the United States. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status, open to Aviation majors and minors only, and a minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S.

AVIT 208. Aviation Safety. 3 Credits.

This course provides the student with a detailed introduction into aspects of aviation safety, aviation safety programs, risk management, and the associated components of pilot psychology, physiology, human factors, and accident review and investigation. Prerequisite: A minimum GPA of 2.6. Prerequisite or Corequisite: AVIT 102 or AVIT 105 or AVIT 142 or AVIT 220. F,S,SS.

AVIT 324. Aircraft Systems. 3 Credits.

This course provides an in-depth study of reciprocating engine, propeller, electrical, environmental, hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, ignition, lubrication, and pressurization systems. The learner must complete the appropriate flight lessons to satisfactorily complete the course. Prerequisite: AVIT 222; open to Aviation majors and minors only; minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S,SS.

Military Friendly® School

Top Military Friendly School Badge Gold

UND is a top college for military affiliates. In fact, 1 in 7 students are veterans, active duty, spouses, or military dependents. 

  • Dedicated Support Services: You’ll have access to the Veteran & Military Services office, where you can get personalized help with VA benefits, advising, scholarships, and counseling resources.
  • Military Affiliated Peer Support (MAPS): At UND, you’ll find peer student support staff ready to guide you, offer encouragement, and connect you with the resources you need to achieve your academic and personal goals.
  • ROTC Programs: If you’re looking to grow as a leader, UND’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs provide you with hands-on leadership training and the opportunity to build lasting camaraderie.
  • Priority Registration: Individuals using VA funding benefit from priority course registration, ensuring you can build a schedule that fits your other commitments.
  • Spouse Support: UND is ranked in the Top 10 Military Spouse Friendly Schools, reflecting our strong support for spouses through flexible degree programs, advising and a welcoming campus culture.

Leader in Aviation Management

Follow along for a Day in the Life of Josh, an Aviation Management major at UND.

Request Information

Explore More Options

Looking to connect with the college or find a similar degree?

  • Nistler College of Business & Public Administration
  • John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
  • Find Similar Degrees

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.

Ready to Enroll?

  • Request Information
  • Schedule a Visit
  • Apply Now
  • UND.info@UND.edu
  • 701.777.3000
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • X
  • Contact UND
  • Campus Map
  • Events Calendar
  • Community & Belonging
  • Explore Programs
  • Employment
  • Make a Gift
  • Campus Safety (SafeUND)
University of North Dakota

© 2025 University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, ND - Member of ND University System

  • Accessibility & Website Feedback
  • Terms of Use & Privacy
  • Notice of Nondiscrimination
  • Student Disclosure Information
  • Title IX
©
UND.info@UND.edu
701.777.3000 | 1.800.CALL.UND
UND.edu/programs