College of Aviation

Aviation Programs

Do you want to be flying at the top of your class? Ranked as No. 2 best aviation college in the nation, the College of Aviation has earned a global reputation of excellence and offers the only comprehensive program at a public university in Michigan. With more than 80 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.

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Which aviation program is right for me?

As one of the largest and most prestigious programs in the country, we proudly train our students to be critical thinkers, clear communicators and ethical participants in this ever-changing and demanding field. Our offerings include four-year degrees in aviation flight science, aviation maintenance technology and aviation management and operations. And for students who are looking for additional educational options, we also provide aviation minors, Airforce ROTC and specialized training courses.

The College of Aviation is so committed to its students, and students in turn feel honored to earn their wings from an institution known for producing outstanding leaders in the aviation industry.

—Ricardo Escalante-Villalta, B.S.'23 aviation management and operations (from El Salvador)

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.

Student walking among several aircrafts at the College of Aviation.

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.

Yewon Lee at an Avionics internship at Duncan Aviation.

Specialized training

The College of Aviation allows students to select specialized training courses that can further distinguish their degree and enhance their career opportunities.

Get on a direct career path with aviation leaders through Western’s partnerships

Aviate with UA

United Airlines and the College of Aviation are searching for the best and the brightest pilots for their career development initiative, Aviate. The five-step program will support existing pilot pathways and advance ambitious graduates to United Airlines successfully.

Delta Propel

Delta Air Lines is teaming up with the College of Aviation to develop the next generation of world-class pilots. A first of its kind, the Propel program offers students three unique career routes in an accelerated timeline to progress to Delta.

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.