Program Overview

Aviation Management Degree

The Aviation Management degree at the University of North Dakota is a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) program that equips students with the technical and business skills necessary to manage airlines, fixed base operators (FBOs), specialized aviation service organizations (SASOs), and more.

Program Details

• Program Type: Major
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated Time to Complete: 4 years
• Credit Hours: 120

Admission Criteria

• Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
  • Opens: August 1, 2026
  • Closes: October 31, 2026
• Required GPA: 3.25 minimum unweighted (HS) | 2.60 college (Transfers)
• Additional Requirements: An official high school transcript and senior course schedule are required to complete the application.

Customized Aviation Management Degree

The program offers four tracks for students to specialize their aviation education:

Flight

• Earn a minimum of an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings.
• Gain a broad education in business to excel within the aviation industry as a manager, pilot, sales executive, or in other roles.

Airport Management

• Benefit from a comprehensive curriculum focusing on administrative areas related to airport operations, planning, and consulting.

Air Transportation

• Gain an understanding of the essentials of flight and business operations with a targeted education on airlines, general aviation, and risk management.

Dispatch

• Acquire problem-solving and decision-making skills to successfully work as an aircraft dispatcher through a curriculum covering safety, weather, and technical aspects that impact flight operations and scheduling.

Accredited Aviation Management Degree

The Aviation Management degree program is accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, placing the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration in the top 5% of business schools worldwide.

Career Opportunities

Aviation Management graduates are qualified to work in various roles, including:

• Aircraft Sales Manager
• Avionics Manager
• Director of Maintenance
• Quality Control Manager
• Flight Line Manager
• Safety Management Systems
• Airport General Manager
• Fuel Farm Supervisor
• Ground Service Supervisor

Graduates have gone on to successful careers with major airlines, Boeing, Rolls Royce, owners/operators of fixed-based operations, Northrup Grumman, General Atomics, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and more.

Courses

The program includes a range of courses such as:

• Aerospace Law
• Multi-Engine Systems and Procedures
• Strategic Management
• Airport Planning and Administration
• Aviation Safety
• Aircraft Systems

Military Friendly

The University of North Dakota is recognized as a top college for military-affiliated students, offering dedicated support services, military-affiliated peer support, ROTC programs, priority registration for those using VA funding, and strong support for spouses.