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 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:
Dec. 31

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. 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 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 Air Lines
  • 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

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.

Commercial Aviation UND

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