commercial aviation airplanes and helicopter

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

Why earn an aviation degree?

Airplane Application Deadline
Fall 2023:
Nov. 1, 2022
Helicopter Application Deadline
Fall 2023:
Aug. 15, 2023

Aerospace Students

Aviation Management and Commercial Aviation (Airplane) are no longer accepting applications for fall 2023. The next term available is fall 2024. Applications open Aug. 1, 2023 with an application deadline of Nov. 1, 2023. This deadline does not apply to Commercial Aviation (Helicopter).

To be eligible for the Aviation Management or Commercial Aviation- Airplane programs, a student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

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 earn a FAA commercial pilot certificate and 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

The helicopter specialization is specific to rotorcraft operations. You'll earn your commercial pilots' certificate with instrument rating and a certified flight instructor certificate while gaining valuable experience in the Robinson R44, the world's best selling piston helicopter. 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.

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?

134K

Median salary for a commercial pilot

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

6%

Percentage of aviation industry growth to 2031

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. 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. Prerequisites: ATSC 110 and either AVIT 102 or AVIT 105. 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.

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