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edu
AVIATION College of Education
DEGREES AND PROGRAMS OFFERED EXAMINING THE QUALITY OF OUR PROGRAM
The Department of Aviation offers a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in The program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and
Aviation with a concentration in Professional Flight and Aviation Management. Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI). The Department also
Our Professional Flight program launches graduates into a piloting career by maintains an active membership with the University Aviation Association.
providing excellence in flight training backed by a solid classroom foundation. Interested students will find professional flight training with technologically
We strongly encourage our students to supplement their education by electing advanced aircraft, giving a jump start to a career in any sector of the market
to take one of the minors the university has to offer. Many Aviation Management which flies aircraft with the same instrumentation. Quality and safety in
majors follow this path to help to provide them with a base for career success education are maintained through the department’s instructor development
in the aviation industry. Students who go through our program are given the program and an active safety program. In addition, flying jobs, including
advantage of diversity in their knowledge, preparing the best for what the flight instructor positions are available to the student during their education as
industry will need now, and in the future. they become qualified. This is a terrific opportunity for students to build flight
experience while completing their degree.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Flight training is provided by North Star Aviation at the Mankato Regional
At this point in time, the aviation industry has many positions in flying and Airport, which is located 15 minutes from the campus. The airport facility houses
management available. The aviation industry is experiencing the strongest hiring two Redbird full-motion simulators which students can use at any time during their
wave it has ever seen. In the decade following 2001, hiring news from the training, flight planning facilities designed solely for students in the program, a
industry-focused mainly on the loss of opportunity, but now a new era has begun computer center used for studying while at the airport, and the flight dispatch
in aviation. Within the next 20 years, the industry as a whole will be requiring center. The newly renovated flight center also includes a student study lounge
over 600,000 pilots world-wide. Many new employees will be required to fill and food mart. The newest addition to our program is in the Wiecking Center
aircrew positions and to facilitate sustained airline growth over the same period on campus, two Aerosim CRJ700 Jet Flight Training Devices (FTD) which are
as managers. used to help student pilot’s transition into airline flying procedures and prepares
them for a great career.
PILOTING
Job openings for a piloting career are numerous. Across the world, pilots are HOW TO PREPARE FOR OUR PROGRAM
needed in every facet of aviation from airlines to corporate flight departments, Specific program considerations are included in the student handbook,
the military and much more. The most common path to enter the professional which can be accessed through our webpage. However, on the whole, no
flying career is to become a certified flight instructor. While flight instruction prior flight experience is required before entering our program. Our program
can lead to a career of its own, this is often used by pilots to build the flight trains pilots from zero flight time to fully certified commercial pilots. As a
time and experience required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and high school student, we recommend a balanced set of courses with as much
airline companies who do the hiring. Once hired into a career field, aviation depth as possible into mathematics, physics, as well as both written and oral
promises steady growth from one position to the next as pilots work their way communication. Of course, any aviation course offered by your school is
to senior positions. Despite the cost of training, pilots look forward to a fulfilling, a plus!
rewarding career that will eventually compensate them for early sacrifices.
AVIATION COMMUNITY ON CAMPUS
MANAGEMENT The Aviation program boasts four great opportunities for incoming students to
Like piloting, there are many opportunities for aviation managers around the take advantage of: Women in Aviation International Northern Lights Chapter,
world. These include airport management, airline dispatch, marketing, sales, the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) registered Maverick Flight
flight school management, planning and forecasting, fixed base operations Team, Aviation Management Club and NGPA. These organizations combine
and regulatory oversight to name a few. Many of our graduates find careers to provide a wonderful learning environment where lifelong connections can be
with airlines, airports, and the Federal Aviation Administration, among others. made, and education goes well beyond the classroom.
Students who pursue the aviation management emphasis will not only learn Freshman inbound to the program also have the opportunity to reside in the
about aviation management, airport and airline operations, aviation safety, Aviation Learning Community (LC), a program that allows students to live on the
and human factors, and will also receive a solid foundation in the areas same floor with an upper division student, Learning Community Coordinator.
of marketing, finance, accounting and project management. An aviation LC participants take first year courses together and partake in aviation activities
management concentration opens the door to a career path with abundant organized by the Learning Community Coordinator. Membership in Aviation
options around the globe. organizations and the LC living environment have proven very beneficial to the
success of a student in the program, and beyond!
INTERNSHIPS FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
The Department of Aviation strongly recommends that students participate in Department of Aviation
internships to expose themselves to aviation experiences. The program is proud Minnesota State University, Mankato
to have many ongoing internship relationships and pilot pathway programs 328 Armstrong Hall
with Delta Propel, Sun Country Airlines, Endeavor Air, Compass Airlines, Mankato MN, 56001
Minnesota Business Aviation Association, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Phone
AirSpace Minnesota and more. Numerous students from each concentration 507-389-6116 (v) • 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY)
have followed these opportunities into full employment offers. On top of
program partnerships, there is a wide selection of internships across the country, Email Web
depending on what a student wishes to pursue. aviation@mnsu.edu mnsu.edu/aviation
To schedule a visit with Aviation email: aviation@mnsu.edu
FACULTY To arrange for your full campus visit please call:
All of the faculty members in the department have professional aviation experience. Office of Admissions: 507-389-1822
Professors have worked in both the civilian or military sectors of flying and can Toll-free: 800-722-0544
bring practical education experience that goes beyond theory. Members also
maintain flight instructor credentials to better understand student issues in the
flight training portion of their learning. Flight instructors hired by our flight training
provider are primarily those who have also completed our rigorous instructor
development program.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
The Program and Department offer many scholarships opportunities each year to
high-achieving students who are active in organizations and their education.
SAMPLE FOUR-YEAR CURRICULUM (PROFESSIONAL FLIGHT, BS)
First Year (Fall) First Year (Spring)
AVIA 101 World of Aviation (3) AVIA 153 Private Lab II (1)
AVIA 150 Private Pilot (3) PHYS 101 Introductory Physics (3)
AVIA 151 Private Lab I (2) General Education Area 7 (3)
MATH 112 College Algebra (4) ENG 101 Composition (GA 1A) (4)
General Education Area 5 (3) General Education Area 6 (3)
FYEX 100 First Year Seminar (1)
Second Year (Fall) Second Year (Spring)
AVIA 201 Theory of Flight (3) AVIA 250 Commercial (3)
AVIA 240 Instrument (3) AVIA 251 Commercial Lab I (2)
AVIA 241 Instrument Lab I (2) General Education Area 1B (3)
AVIA 243 Instrument Lab II (1) General Education Area 9 (3)
GEOG 217 (4) General Education Area 10 (3)
Writing Intensive Course (3) General Education Area 6 (3)
Third Year (Fall) Third Year (Spring)
AVIA 253 Commercial Lab 2 (2) AVIA 360 Flight Instructor (3)
AVIA 334 Aviation Management (3) AVIA364 Flight Instructor Flight lab (3)
General Education Area 3 (3) AVIA 445 Human Factors (3)
General Education Area 2 (3) Writing Intensive Course (3)
General Education Area 11 (3)
General Elective (3)
Fourth Year (Fall) Fourth Year (Spring)
AVIA 338 Advanced Aircraft Sys. (3) AVIA 436 Flight Ops and Proc. (3)
AVIA 340 Flight Operations (3) AVIA 450 Pro Pilot Theory (3)
AVIA 432 Aviation Law (3) AVIA 451 Pro Flight Simulator (3)
AVIA 437 Aviation Safety (3) AVIA 455 Aircraft Performance (3)
300/400 Elective (3) 300/400 Elective (3)
For additional information about course requirements, please visit mnsu.edu/academics/academic-catalog/
04-22
An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University. This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the telephone numbers listed on this page.
Safety/Security Programs & Statistics are available at www.mnsu.edu/safety
Placement & Occupational Outlook for Majors are available at www.mnsu.edu/cdc/
(Click on Resources and then Graduate Statistics)