Academics

If you are looking for state-of-the-art aviation training and a bachelor's degree that will lead to a lifetime of career opportunities, the undergraduate programs at the College of Aviation are for you. At Western Michigan University you will find all the advantages of an undergraduate education at a major student-centered research University that is one of the top 100 public universities in the nation. You will prepare for a career in aviation with a revolutionary new curriculum and practical training built around the skills the airline industry knows that future employees should have. The College of Aviation degree programs are accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International.

Due to high demand, students applying for aviation flight science must apply for the fall semester and complete their applications by the established deadline to be considered for admission into the program. Admission decisions for students applying to the flight science program will be released after each deadline has passed. Students seeking re-admission will be reviewed on a case by case basis.  Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

The aviation flight science application will consist of the following review process and procedures:

  • A holistic review, using all sections of the application, including: academic transcript(s), extracurricular activities, honors and awards, essay, and any letters of recommendation.
  • Students who are not offered admission to aviation flight science but who are admissible to WMU will be offered admission to university curriculum, our program for students who are still exploring majors.  Please note: No major changes will be allowed into aviation flight science at a later date.

A completed application, fee or waiver, and all required transcript(s) must be received by the following dates:

  • First-year application deadline: December 15. Admission decisions will be released mid-February.
  • Transfer application deadline: February 15. Admission decisions will be released mid-April.

Information for International Students and English Proficiency

  • Admission into the Aviation Flight Science program requires a higher English proficiency score than required for admission into the University.  For the official policy and requirements, please click here.

TUITION AND FEES

Program assessment

All degree programs utilized an outcomes-based assessment process with feedback loops for continuous improvement.  Previously, most assessment was inputs-based.  Programs needed to show they offered certain content and experiences.  Outcomes-based reverses that process.  Rather than measure inputs, programs must provide documented evidence that students are achieving specific objectives and outcomes.

Areas of assessment

  • Program Educational Goals - what we expect every graduate to be capable of performing upon graduation.
  • Program Mission Statements - these mission statements are specific to each Major, and are directly related to program outcomes, College mission, and WMU mission.
  • Program Learning Outcomes - these are specific to each Major and include the knowledge and skills acquired and demonstrated upon graduation.  They are related to Program Educational Goal.
  • Course Learning Outcomes—knowledge and skills students must acquire and demonstrate specific to each course taken.

Objectives and outcomes are measured in a variety of ways. Direct measures are those that can be quantified such as the score on an examination. Indirect measures are not directly quantifiable but valuable such as surveys and employer interviews.

Specific measures are determined for each objective and outcome and assessed on a regular basis. Data is analyzed and is the basis for program or course change. Follow-up assessment determines if changes have made the desired improvements. Assessment occurs on a regular schedule in a repeating cycle.

ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT RESOURCES AND DATA

  1. AABI accredits all three College of Aviation Programs.  Accreditation ensures that professional programs achieve and maintain a level of performance, integrity, and quality that entitles them to the confidence of the education community and public they serve.  AABI’s purpose is to serve as the official accrediting body for collegiate aviation. 
  2. AABI MISSION – The Aviation Accreditation Board International advances quality aviation education in partnership with industry.
  3. AABI VISION – AABI is instrumental in the development of the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals.