commercial aviation students in front of plane

Commercial AviationB.S. Aero

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

Bring your career into greater focus with a commercial aviation degree that allows the option for flight training in fixed wing aircraft 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

Why earn a bachelor's degree in commercial aviation?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Feb. 1* | April 15^
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

*Freshman Priority Deadline
^Transfer Priority Deadline

Earn a B.S. in Aeronautics with a Major in Commercial Aviation from the UND Aviation Department, known around the world for academic excellence. 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 fixed-wing or helicopter specialty.

Aviation Career 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.

AABI Accredited

The Commercial Aviation program is fully accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

Student Achievement Data

Commercial Aviation at UND

  • 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. 

Careers in Commercial Aviation 

121K

Median salary for a commercial pilot

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

6%

Percentage of industry growth to 2028

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
  • Director of operations
  • Helicopter pilot (with helicopter specialty)
  • Corporate jet pilot
  • Chief pilot

UND Commercial Aviation Alumni

Commercial Aviation alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Skywest, Inc.
  • Delta Airlines
  • Endeavor Air, Inc.
  • Compass Airlines

Commercial Aviation Courses You Could Take

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. 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. Prerequisites: 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. 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. Prerequisite: Open to Aviation majors and minors only; minimum GPA of 2.6. Prerequisite or Corequisite: AVIT 221. 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. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior status, open to Aviation majors and minors only, and a minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S,SS.

Work Worth Doing

Follow Queen Ngale as she navigates the commercial aviation program at UND.

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the aviation department?

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