BS Aviation - Aerospace Technology

Eastern Kentucky University’s BS Aviation – Aerospace Technology program is specially designed for students who have completed an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate through a two-year associate degree program. This concentration allows you to build on your technical foundation and complete your bachelor’s degree with upper-division coursework tailored to aerospace technology.

In terms of experiential learning, EKU provides a range of specialised facilities and resources that will directly support your studies and career preparation:

• Central Kentucky Regional Airport: The base for EKU’s flight training and aerospace operations, featuring a 5,000-foot runway, lighting systems, fuel services, ample parking, and onsite aircraft maintenance.

• Robust fleet of training aircraft: Including 27 Cessna single-engine and 3 Piper Seminole multi-engine planes, supporting hands-on learning and practical application of aerospace technology principles.

• Advanced flight simulators and VR labs: EKU offers 12 advanced simulators equipped with flight controls, ultra-high-definition displays, and VR headsets, including Garmin GPS simulators that replicate the avionics systems used in EKU aircraft. This immersive technology enhances your understanding of aircraft systems and maintenance.

• FAA-approved 1,000-hour power degree: EKU’s Aerospace Technology degree is FAA-approved for the 1,000-hour restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate, providing a significant advantage for career advancement.

• 2+2 degree completion pathway: Partnering with Kentucky community colleges, EKU allows students to complete their associate degree and FAA certificates locally before transferring to EKU for upper-division coursework, making the path to a bachelor’s degree more accessible and affordable.

• Experienced faculty and industry connections: Faculty with deep expertise in aerospace technology guide you through coursework that integrates mathematics, physics, business management, and aviation core subjects, preparing you for diverse roles in aerospace maintenance, inspection, and management.

• Access to research and technical resources: EKU supports your learning with library resources, labs, and technical tools relevant to aerospace technology and aviation systems.

Uniquely positioned for technical and management roles in the aerospace industry, including aircraft maintenance supervisors, aerospace technicians, aviation safety specialists, and operations managers. This degree completion program is designed for students who have completed a two-year technical aviation degree, such as Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, and want to advance their careers with a bachelor’s degree.

Key progression and future opportunities include:

• University services: EKU offers specialised academic advising and career support tailored to aviation students, plus access to a robust fleet of training aircraft and advanced flight simulators at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport. The program’s 2+2 partnership with Kentucky community colleges allows seamless transfer and degree completion with strong industry ties.

• Employment stats and salary figures: EKU’s aviation graduates enjoy a 100% job placement rate. Aerospace technicians and maintenance supervisors typically earn competitive salaries, often ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 annually, with advancement potential in aviation operations and management.

• University–industry partnerships: EKU is Kentucky’s only FAA-approved university flight program and was among the first to offer the FAA’s 1,000-hour Restricted ATP certificate. The Aerospace Technology concentration is FAA-approved as a “1,000-hour power” degree, enhancing graduates’ credentials and employability. EKU also partners with local airports and technical colleges to provide practical training and job pipelines.

• Long-term accreditation value: The program is accredited and recognised by the FAA and the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), ensuring that the degree meets rigorous industry standards and is valued by employers nationwide.

• Graduation outcomes: Graduates typically move into aerospace technical roles, including aircraft maintenance management, aviation safety, and operations, with a strong foundation in both technical skills and aviation management principles.

Further Academic Progression: After completing a BS in Aerospace Technology, students can pursue graduate degrees, such as a Master’s in Aviation Management or Aerospace Engineering, to deepen their technical expertise or advance into higher-level leadership roles within the aerospace industry. The degree also prepares students for FAA certifications and advanced technical training to further enhance their career trajectory.