4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration at California State University, Los Angeles, offers a comprehensive, industry-driven curriculum that equips students with the business, technical, and leadership skills essential for managing aviation organisations. This program is ideal for students seeking careers in airline operations, airport management, aviation safety, and regulatory compliance, combining hands-on learning with strong theoretical foundations.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: Students begin with foundational courses such as TECH 1400 – General Aeronautics, introducing the aviation industry and its operations, and CIS 1200 – Information and Technology Literacy, which builds essential tech skills. Additionally, TECH 1100 – Introduction to Design Application and 3D Modelling develops technical problem-solving abilities, while GEOG 1700 – Meteorology provides an understanding of the weather’s impact on aviation.
Year 2: The curriculum advances with courses like TECH 1430 – Airport Operations, which covers the daily functions and management of airports, and ACCT 2100 – Principles of Financial Accounting, giving students a solid grounding in financial principles critical to the aviation business. ECON 2090 – Applied Business and Economic Statistics I introduces data analysis skills relevant to operational decision-making.
Year 3: Students delve into specialised aviation management topics with TECH 3420 – Airline Administration, focusing on airline business operations, and TECH 3430 – Airport Administration, which explores airport management and planning. TECH 3440 – Aviation Law covers the legal and regulatory frameworks governing aviation, while TECH 3450 – Air Cargo introduces logistics and freight management.
Year 4: The final year emphasises strategic and leadership skills through courses like TECH 4400 – Safety Factors in Aviation, which examines safety management systems, TECH 4460 – Airport Planning, focusing on infrastructure development, and TECH 4470 – Senior Seminar: Aviation Problems, where students analyse real-world aviation challenges. Marketing knowledge is enhanced with MKT 3100 – Principles of Marketing, rounding out the business skills needed for aviation administration.
Focus areas: Airline operations, airport management, aviation safety, aviation law, air cargo logistics, aviation finance and marketing.
Learning outcomes: Graduates will be prepared to manage aviation organisations effectively, ensure compliance with safety and legal standards, oversee airport and airline operations, and lead strategic initiatives within the aviation industry.
Professional alignment (Accreditation): The program aligns with industry standards and prepares students for careers in diverse aviation sectors, supported by Cal State LA’s strong connections with the aviation industry.
Reputation (Employability rankings): California State University, Los Angeles is recognised for its practical, industry-focused aviation administration program, which enhances graduates’ employability in managerial and operational roles within the aviation sector.
The BS in Aviation Administration at California State University, Los Angeles, offers a comprehensive, hands-on education tailored to prepare you for leadership and management roles in the aviation industry. The program combines aviation-specific knowledge with business and management skills, supported by specialised facilities and a carefully designed curriculum.
Key experiential learning components include:
Specialised coursework with practical focus: Courses such as Airport Operations, Airline Administration, Aviation Law, Aviation Security, Air Cargo, and Aviation Safety Factors provide in-depth knowledge paired with real-world case studies and problem-solving exercises.
Use of industry-standard software and technology: Students engage with tools for airport planning, air traffic control simulations, and aviation finance modelling to develop technical proficiency.
Internship opportunities: The program encourages internships within the Los Angeles aviation hub, offering hands-on experience with airlines, airports, and regulatory agencies.
Capstone and Senior Seminar (TECH 4470): A project-based course where you analyse and propose solutions to current aviation industry problems, fostering critical thinking and leadership.
Two specialised tracks: Choose between the Aviation Concentration (focused on Airline Operations, National Airspace System, Air Traffic Control) or the Operations and Supply Chain Management Concentration (focused on Management, Leadership, and Supply Chain), tailoring your learning to career goals.
Access to university resources: Including the campus library, career services, and connections to the aviation industry in the greater Los Angeles area.
Graduates of the BS in Aviation Administration at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) are well-equipped for dynamic careers in airline management, airport operations, aviation safety, and regulatory agencies. Typical roles include airline operations manager, airport administrator, aviation safety coordinator, and aviation regulatory specialist. The program’s industry-driven curriculum and hands-on learning environment ensure graduates are ready to advance organisational goals in the aviation sector.
Key progression and future opportunities include:
University services: Cal State LA provides state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and software tailored for aviation studies, along with dedicated academic advising and career support to connect students with internships and job placements in the Los Angeles aviation hub.
Employment stats and salary: While specific university employment stats are not published, aviation administration professionals typically enjoy competitive salaries and strong job prospects in the Los Angeles region, a major centre for air transportation.
University–industry partnerships: Cal State LA has received grants from NASA to establish a University Research Centre focused on aerospace technology, enhancing research opportunities and industry collaboration. The program’s alignment with industry needs ensures graduates are prepared for current and emerging aviation challenges.
Long-term accreditation value: The program’s curriculum includes foundational and advanced coursework in airline administration, airport operations, aviation law, meteorology, and supply chain management, providing a comprehensive education recognised by employers.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates enter diverse roles in airline management, airport operations, aviation safety, and regulatory compliance, benefiting from a curriculum that integrates business principles with aviation-specific knowledge.
Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Aviation Administration, students can pursue graduate degrees such as a Master’s in Aviation Management, Business Administration, or Public Administration to enhance leadership skills and specialize in areas like aviation policy, safety management, or airport planning, opening doors to executive roles within the aviation industry.
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