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Commercial Aviation Degree

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (B.S. Aero)

Be a part of the dynamic aviation industry at one of the largest and most-respected collegiate programs in the world.

Broaden your career with a commercial aviation degree that allows the option for flight training in airplanes or helicopters. Gain the fundamental knowledge and essential experience to launch your career in a variety of professional opportunities.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4-5 years
Credit hours:
120
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply

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Why earn an Aviation degree?

Airplane & Helicopter 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.

An unweighted high school GPA of 3.25 is required for acceptance into the Aviation Management and Commercial Aviation degrees.

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

Earn a B.S. in Aeronautics with a major in Commercial Aviation from the UND Aviation Department. We are known around the world for aviation education excellence. Safety is at the core of our operation, with an FAA-approved Safety Management System (SMS) and Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP).

The curriculum is designed to fully prepare you for a variety of flight-related careers. You'll gain a solid background in aviation with flight instructor ratings, along with a liberal arts core. It's exactly what you need to launch your exciting aviation career, whether you choose a airplane or helicopter specialty.

Airplane Specialization

The airplane specialization focuses on developing future pilots for the airline, cargo and corporate flying industries. You’ll receive a well-rounded education on the aerospace industry beyond the technical skills you’ll gain in our state-of-the-art fleet and training devices. You’ll earn an FAA commercial pilot certificate in single-engine and multi-engine aircraft along with an instrument rating. Then, you'll complete our jet transition course that is modeled from existing training programs used at today’s airlines, cargo and corporate operators. You will also earn a FAA flight instructor certificate giving you the opportunity to work as a flight instructor as you build experience for the opportunities in today’s aviation industry. 

Helicopter Specialization

UND Aerospace is the leader in collegiate helicopter flight training, with more than 40 years of experience. While this specialization is unique to rotorcraft, you may satisfy all flight course requirements for any of the majors offered by the aerospace college using helicopters. You'll earn your private pilot rotorcraft, commercial, instrument and certified flight instructor certificates in the high-performance Robinson R44 Cadet, the world's bestselling piston helicopter. You will also use cutting-edge technology like our Garmin touchscreen suite of avionics. All of this, combined with our state-of-the-art academic and maintenance facilities, provide the best environment for pilots to train.

Our instructors come from a variety of backgrounds and provide you with the most advanced training offered. Whether it is flying in four unique seasons or performing touchdown autorotations, you will gain the experience and the confidence you need to begin your professional career. In the classroom, you will learn from subject matter experts in virtually every field of aviation set in an intimate, diverse university environment.

AABI Accredited Aviation Degree

UND's Commercial Aviation program is fully accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

Student Achievement Data

UND's Commercial Aviation Degree

  • Earn a commercial pilot certificate with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and a certified flight instructor certificate with instrument rating.

  • Train with a state-of-the-art virtual controller simulator and radar simulators.

  • For a fixed-wing specialty, you'll gain essential knowledge in single-engine, multi-engine, VFR and IFR flight to the commercial pilot standard.

  • For a helicopter specialty, you'll gain essential knowledge in the various types of aircraft flight to the commercial standard. 

  • Learn to fly in many types of weather. Over the course of the year, the temperature at UND typically varies from 0°F to 82°F.

  • The John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences operates one of the largest fleets of civilian aircraft in North America. 

What can I do with an aviation major?

198k

Median annual salary for airline and commercial pilots, 2024

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5%

Projected job outlook for airline and commercial pilots through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates of the UND aviation programs have plenty of career opportunities, especially as a career commercial pilot and related professions. UND graduates with a B.S. in Commercial Aviation can expect exciting opportunities in several piloting professions, including:

  • Commercial Airline Pilot
  • Cargo Pilot
  • Helicopter Pilot
  • Corporate Jet Pilot
  • Flight Instructor

Commercial Aviation Degree Pathways

The world recognizes the quality of the pilots our programs produce. The Aviation Department has secured a number of defined career pathway partnerships with industry-leading airlines. These programs are designed to help UND students get interviews and begin careers with major carriers around the world.

Aviation Degree Pathways

Commercial Aviation Careers

UND trained pilots have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Alaska Airlines
  • Allegiant Air
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • FedEx Express
  • Frontier Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines
  • Sun Country Airlines
  • U.S. Army
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • United Airlines
  • UPS Airlines

Aviation Degree Courses

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 327. Gas Turbine Engines. 2 Credits.

This course will provide an in-depth introduction to the turbine engine through the study of its development, theory of operation and the function of turbine engine components. Prerequisite: AVIT 142 or AVIT 324; open to Aviation majors and minors only; minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S,SS.

ATSC 231. Aviation Meteorology. 4 Credits.

A study of weather hazards, meteorological flight planning, aviation weather equipment and human factors in weather flying safety. Prerequisite: ATSC 110. Prerequisite or Corequisite: AVIT 222, AVIT 260 or AVIT 342. F,S.

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.

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.

Commercial Aviation UND

Best Commercial Aviation Degree

UND is the world's most comprehensive aerospace university.

Best Value Schools

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.

Top Aviation Degree

Discover Jordan Gyapong's favorite reasons for flying UND Aerospace.

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