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 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 an aviation degree?

Application Deadlines

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

Commercial Aviation–Airplane and Aviation Management are no longer accepting applications for Fall 2022 due to capacity restrictions. Fall 2023 applications will open Aug. 1, 2022.

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. In 2020, students in UND's flight training programs (plane, helicopter, UAS) broke a record for hours flown (126,000).

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.

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

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?

130K

Median salary for a commercial pilot

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

13%

Percentage of aviation industry growth to 2030

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 Careers

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

Delta Airlines
United Airlines
American Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Sun Country Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Southwest Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Spirit Airlines
Allegiant Air
FedEx Express
UPS Airlines

Aviation Degree Courses

Best Commercial Aviation Degree

UND's commercial aviation program consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

Top Aviation Degree

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

Explore More Options

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