A degree in Aviation Management and Operations from Western Michigan University prepares you for a wide range of leadership roles across the aviation industry, spanning airport management, airline operations, and corporate logistics. On the ground, graduates often step into pivotal roles like airport managers or duty officers overseeing airfield safety, lease negotiations, and daily operations. On the commercial side, you can manage local airline stations, dispatch flights, or work as a revenue analyst maximizing route profitability, while others transition into corporate flight department management, aviation consulting, or regulatory careers with the FAA.

Yes, Western Michigan University’s Aviation Management and Operations program actively bridges the gap between classroom theory and industry reality through immersive, hands-on learning. During your senior capstone, you will use state-of-the-art simulation software to build, run, and manage a highly detailed, real-world airline business plan.

Yes! You can find the updated list of the latest College of Aviation scholarships on Scholarship Universe. When applying for scholarships, it is important to follow the directions carefully. Scholarship selection committees are very particular, and attention to detail is usually one of the first sorting criteria followed.

Admission to WMU's B.S. in Aviation Management and Operations follows WMU's standard first-year admission criteria. Students interested in the major can connect with a faculty advisor for program-specific guidance.

Classes will be split between WMU’s main campus in Kalamazoo and the aviation campus in Battle Creek. Related courses and essential studies will be held on main campus, in addition to some introductory level aviation classes. As students advance through the program, more classes will be held at the aviation campus. All flight training will be held at the Battle Creek Executive airport. For tech ops students, all labs (which make up the majority of the classes) are held at the aviation campus. Additional required classes, such as chemistry, physics, and essential studies courses are held on the main campus. For management and operations students, there will also be a number of classes held in WMU’s Haworth College of Business, in addition to classes at the aviation campus and essential studies on main campus. WMU’s residence halls are located in Kalamazoo on the main campus.

We no longer offer a program specific to air traffic control. WMU used to be one of 15 AT-CTI schools, but in 2012, the FAA changed their hiring process to require only 1) a four year bachelors degree or 2) three years work experience or 3) a combination of the two. There is no aviation requirement to be hired. We thought it was unfair to offer the program to our students when there is no guaranteed job after graduation. If you are interested in becoming an air traffic controller, we recommend the aviation management and operations program, which qualifies you to apply for air traffic control, but also offers additional career opportunities. 

Yes! Recently we have implemented a 15-credit program for UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems). Check it out here!

The University offers two other UAV-related graduate certificates. The Certificate Program in UAVs Applications in Geological and Environmental Sciences gives students a comprehensive understanding of the available geophysical and remote sensing sensors mounted on UAVs, and training on their applications in addressing geological and environmental problems. It consists of four classes. The Certificate Program in Geospatial Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles emphasizes obtaining and analyzing airborne imagery to yield accurate 2D maps of the Earth's surface land cover and vegetation health, and 3D surface models. It consists of three classes.

The graduate certificates are offered by the departments of Aviation Sciences, Geological and Environmental Sciences, and Geography in partnership with the Extended University Programs office. Both of WMU's UAV-related certificate programs require nine-credit hours of classes and feature a combination of online, face-to-face and hybrid--online and face-to-face--instruction. They are open to anyone with a bachelor's degree. Students may enroll in either program at any point in the year.

Here at the College of Aviation, we offer an Aviation Administration, Graduate Certificate Program, but do not offer a Master's option. Western Michigan University has a number of graduate programs available to students, however not in the College of Aviation. A complete list of WMU's graduate offerings can be found here.