Airport control tower

Online Aviation Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics

Complete your Aviation Studies degree to get your start in the aviation industry.

Prepare for an exciting career in the aviation industry with UND's online Aviation bachelor’s degree. This flexible program equips you with the skills and expertise to advance in aviation management, safety, and operations—100% online and backed by one of the nation’s top aviation schools.

Program type:
Major
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why choose UND’s online aviation degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

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

Elevate your career with the online Aviation Studies bachelor’s degree program at the University of North Dakota (UND). This comprehensive program is designed to provide you with a solid foundation for a successful career in the aviation industry. Here's what you can expect:

  1. Top Rated Aviation School: UND’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is a global leader in aviation education, consistently ranked among the best aviation schools in the country.
  2. Flexible, 100% Online Learning: Study on your schedule with asynchronous classes, allowing you to balance work, family, and education.
  3. A Broad-Based Education: The program begins by equipping you with a well-rounded liberal arts education. You'll explore diverse fields, including communication, social science, mathematics, science, technology, and fine arts/humanities. This comprehensive approach ensures that you develop a holistic understanding of the world and enhances your critical thinking abilities. Employers value these skills as they demonstrate your capacity to think analytically, communicate effectively, and solve problems.
  4. Aviation Expertise: As you progress through the program, you have the flexibility to focus on aviation management-related curriculum or choose to pursue your Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) private pilot certificate.
  5. A Globally Recognized Degree: Upon completion of the program, you'll graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, majoring in Aviation Studies. Your degree is conferred by the esteemed UND John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, renowned across the globe for academic excellence. This credential represents a high standard of education but opens doors to a multitude of career opportunities in the aviation industry.

Types of Aviation Studies Degree Specializations

This is not a professional flight program. If you are seeking a professional flight degree, please apply to our Commercial Aviation program

Select one of the following areas to specialize in:

Aviation Safety

Study Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards, safety management systems, insurance, and cyber-security. Prepare for roles in safety auditing, accident prevention, and aviation risk management.

Aviation Business

Gain knowledge in finance, aviation operations, along with fleet planning and aircraft acquisitions. Prepare for careers in aviation operations, business strategy, and management roles.

Affordable and 100% Online Aviation Degree

  • Students in this program pay the same online tuition rate regardless of their legal residency. Compare our tuition and you find UND offers an affordable online Aviation Studies degree.

  • If you have an existing technical aviation background, this program provides an opportunity to expand your knowledge of the aerospace industry and obtain a bachelor's degree in aviation.

  • The online Aviation Studies degree can be completed entirely online. You never have to come to campus.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

What skills can you learn from an online aviation degree?

Through a combination of experiential learning, industry-relevant coursework, and hands-on projects, you’ll gain expertise in key areas of aviation and aerospace.

✓ Air Traffic Management

✓ Aircraft Accident Investigation

✓ Aircraft Systems & Performance

✓ Airline Operations & Management

✓ Airport Planning & Administration

✓ Aviation Business & Financial Management

✓ Aviation Regulations & Compliance (FAA Standards)

✓ Aviation Safety

✓ Aviation Safety Management Systems

✓ Contemporary Issues in Aviation

✓ Cyber Security

✓ Fleet Planning & Acquisition

✓ Fundamentals of Business Management

✓ Human Factors in Aviation

✓ Risk Management in Aviation

Career Opportunities with an Online Aviation Degree

104k

Median annual salary for directors of operations, 2025

PayScale.com

104k

Median annual salary for aircraft maintenance managers, 2025

PayScale.com

Top Career Paths for Aviation Studies Graduates

UND graduates with a bachelor's degree in Aviation Studies can expect exciting opportunities in several professions, including:

  • Aviation Network Technicians ensure the seamless operation of aviation network systems. You'll play a vital role in maintaining and troubleshooting communication and data networks that are critical to aviation operations, including air traffic control systems and in-flight connectivity.
  • Aviation Systems Engineers are instrumental in designing, implementing, and maintaining complex aviation systems and technologies. Your expertise will contribute to the development of cutting-edge aviation solutions, from aircraft avionics to air traffic management systems.
  • Maintenance Directors oversee and manage aircraft maintenance programs, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. You’ll be responsible for the upkeep of aircraft fleets, minimizing downtime and maximizing safety.
  • Safety Management System experts identify, assess, and mitigate risks. You'll contribute to creating a safety culture, implementing safety protocols, and reducing accidents and incidents.
  • Aviation Safety professionals are responsible for designing and implementing safety programs, conducting safety audits, and developing risk management strategies to ensure the well-being of all aviation stakeholders.
  • Operations Directors oversee various aspects of aviation operations. Your role involves managing and optimizing the day-to-day activities, ensuring operational efficiency, and upholding safety standards.
  • Airfield Operators manage and maintain the physical infrastructure of airports, including runways, taxiways, and aprons. They ensure that all aspects of the airfield are in top operational condition, adhering to safety and regulatory standards.

This is not a professional flight program. If you are seeking a professional flight degree, please apply to our Commercial Aviation program. 

Courses

AVIT 126. Introduction to UAS Operations. 2 Credits.

This course of instruction introduces the student to the history of Remotely Piloted Aircraft and their current and future development for use in a burgeoning civil industry. Specific blocks deal with aircraft, ground, communications, launch and recovery systems while emphasizing the human integration into the overall system. Lab portion is required. 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 250. Human Factors. 2 Credits.

This course introduces the student to issues influencing human performance in the complex operational aviation environments. Theory and practical applications of cognitive processing, decision-making, interpersonal interaction and communication will be presented. This course also provides an introduction to design elements intended to optimize man-machine interaction. Prerequisite: Minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S,SS.

AVIT 405. Airline Operations and Management. 3 Credits.

This course examines the four major areas of air carrier operations, including ground, technical, flight and system operations, as well as airline economics, utilizing a management simulation tool. There is an intensive examination of regional, point-to-point and network carrier operations. Student management teams make weekly decisions in seven categories: Overall Strategy; Marketing; Operations Management; Human Resource Development; Finance; Asset Management; and Behavioral Elements. A portion of each class time is devoted to simulation activities, and the reading assignments focus on management decisions pertinent to the topic assigned, relying in part on current industry events, with an emphasis on ethical decision making. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status, open to Aviation majors and minors only, and a minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S,SS.

AVIT 407. General Aviation Operations and Management. 3 Credits.

Aspects of the operation and management of corporate flight departments, fixed-base operations, air cargo operations, and fractional ownership programs will be discussed. Pertinent regulations including FAR parts 91and 135 will be studied. Aircraft and equipment evaluations will be conducted. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status, open to Aviation majors and minors only, and a minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S,SS.

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.

Aviation Studies BS UND

Best Aviation School

Our bachelor in Aviation Studies ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

#2 Best Pilot School & Aviation College

Why UND online?

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Flexible Online Aviation Bachelor's Degree

This is not a professional flight program. If you are seeking a professional flight degree, please apply to our Commercial Aviation program. 

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Cade Bice standing by plane

Leader in Aviation

"Studying online asynchronously gave me the latitude to work as a flight instructor while maintaining a full-time school schedule in my free time. This, combined with the reputation UND upholds as an aviation school, is what drew me to the program."

- Cade Bice ’23 Aviation Studies

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.

FAQs

No, UND's online aviation degree program doesn’t provide flight training to become a pilot. This is not a professional flight program. If you are seeking a professional flight degree, please apply to our Commercial Aviation program

UND is committed to assisting students in funding their education, providing over $105 million in financial aid annually. A range of financial aid options offered by UND, including scholarships (merit-based), grants (need-based), and loans, help students alleviate college costs.

Our bachelor’s degree program in Aviation Studies provides students the necessary knowledge to help them pursue a career as an airline pilot. However, the program is online, and does not provide FAA Pilot Certification. Students who wish to fly should find a local flight school where they can learn to fly while completing the bachelor’s degree in Aviation Studies.

UND’s Aviation graduates enjoy a diverse array of career opportunities, including roles such as Aviation Network Technicians, Aviation Systems Engineers, Maintenance Directors, Safety Management System experts, Aviation Safety professionals, Operations Directors, and Airfield Operators. This is not a professional flight program. If you are seeking a professional flight degree, please apply to our Commercial Aviation program. 

All online Aviation Studies degree students pay the say affordable tuition rates regardless of their legal residency. Visit our Tuition & Aid page for details.

Yes, the online Aviation Studies degree is 100% online, with no campus visits required.

Leaders in Aerospace

Develop leadership skills to make an impact and leave your legacy at UND.

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