College of Aviation

student holding airplane

Aviation Programs

Do you want to be flying at the top of your class? Recognized as one of the best 6 flight schools in the world, the College of Aviation has earned a global reputation of excellence. With more than 85 years of history under our wings, our degree programs offer revolutionary new methods of instruction that touch on all areas of aviation: management, maintenance and flight. Our aviation programs are accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International. You can also secure a career—while earning your degree. We have established exciting partnerships with United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, among others, to create accelerated career paths for the next generation of elite aviators.
Schedule a Tour Request Information

College of Aviation
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5461 USA
(269) 964-6375

I loved the fleet of aircraft, the overall campus feel, and the backup routes that were available if flying fell through. On top of that was the very professional way the tours of Western's main campus and the College of Aviation facilities were conducted.  It all made me feel comfortable choosing WMU.

—– Tommy Szymanski, aviation management and operations major

I really like the people at the College of Aviation. Everybody is very accepting and supportive. They're willing to work with you and help, no matter the situation. I generally feel accepted into this industry. 

—Claire Holloway, junior flight science major

The people here have been so kind, welcoming and helpful in every way. Whenever I'm struggling with just about anything, there is always someone on campus I can go to.

—–Brayden Broad, first-year technical operations major
Plane fleet lineup

Academic majors, minors and training options

Male student in a cockpit smiling behind him.

Aviation flight science

The aviation flight science program emphasizes intellectual as well as technical competencies. The program is geared toward educating and training pilots, future captains and managers. Students with zero flight experience can apply.
Two students flanking a small aircraft, maintenace, repair work.

Aviation technical operations

The aviation technical operations (tech ops) program prepares students to enter aircraft maintenance, repair, manufacturing and other positions in the aerospace industry.
Female student looking at the camera, sitting on a small aircraft wing.

Aviation management and operations

The aviation management and operations program focuses on the business and managerial aspects of the aviation industry.
Plane Flying

Aviation minors

The College of Aviation offers three minors for undergraduate students: aviation science, military leadership and aviation studies, and professional aviation preparation.
Working at Fort Custer, students marching.

Airforce ROTC

The Airforce ROTC program is designed to give interested students the opportunity to become an Air Force or Space Force officer while earning a degree.
A student flying a drone with a professor watching.

Certificate Programs

We also offer our new certificate courses: Aviation Administration (graduate), Aircraft Dispatch and Scheduling, and Unmanned Aerial Systems Operations (drones). 

Learning outcomes

All of our learning outcomes are based on the specific program you choose and are measured in a number of ways and analyzed holistically. We combine intellectual and practical application to determine whether you meet your program's objectives and assess your skills on a regular basis. As we constantly strive to find new and better ways to improve our programs, our goal is for our students to graduate with confidence in order to meet the demands of the field.

Assessment

Program education goals
Program mission statements
Program learning outcomes

Resources

Admission criteria
Tuition and fees
College of Aviation Assessment Plan
2021-22 Career Outcomes Report: College of Aviation

Group of students working around a table at the College of Aviation.

Still unsure?

Discover whether Western's College of Aviation has the right program to take your educational and professional goals to new heights.
Discover WMU Aviation