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The Bachelor of Science in Aviation at Minnesota State University, Mankato offers a comprehensive education combining flight training, aviation management, and technology, designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in the aviation industry. The program suits students aiming to become professional pilots, aviation managers, or unmanned aircraft systems specialists, supported by experienced faculty and state-of-the-art simulation facilities.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: Students begin with foundational courses such as AVIA 101 – Introduction to Aviation, which covers the basics of the aviation industry, and AVIA 110 – Aviation Safety, introducing essential safety principles. General education courses in communication, math, and science complement the aviation core, building a strong academic foundation.
Year 2: The second year focuses on flight theory and operational knowledge with courses like AVIA 210 – Flight Theory I and AVIA 220 – Aviation Weather, essential for understanding flight operations and meteorological impacts. Students also study AVIA 230 – Aviation Law and Regulations, which covers FAA rules and legal frameworks governing aviation.
Year 3: Students advance to more specialised topics such as AVIA 310 – Flight Theory II and AVIA 320 – Aviation Management, where leadership and operational management skills are developed. Flight training intensifies with simulator sessions and practical flight hours, preparing students for commercial pilot certifications.
Year 4: The final year integrates advanced flight training and management with courses like AVIA 410 – Advanced Flight Operations and AVIA 420 – Aviation Safety Management. Capstone projects and internship opportunities enable students to apply their knowledge in real-world aviation settings, enhancing readiness for professional careers.
Focus areas: Professional flight operations, aviation safety, aviation management, unmanned aircraft systems, aviation law.
Learning outcomes: Graduates will be equipped to obtain FAA certifications, manage aviation operations safely and effectively, and lead in various aviation industry sectors.
Professional alignment (Accreditation): The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and FAA-certified to allow graduates to qualify for the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate at 1,000 flight hours.
Reputation (Employability rankings): Minnesota State Mankato’s Aviation program is well-regarded for its rigorous FAA Part 141 training syllabus, strong industry partnerships with airlines such as Delta and Sun Country, and high graduate employment rates in commercial aviation.
Minnesota State University, Mankato’s BS in Aviation program offers a comprehensive, hands-on education designed to prepare you for a wide range of aviation careers, whether in professional flight operations or aviation management. The program is fully accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and features FAA certification that allows graduates in the Professional Flight emphasis to qualify for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate at just 1,000 flight hours, significantly accelerating your path to becoming a commercial airline pilot.
You will benefit from a blend of rigorous academic coursework and practical training supported by state-of-the-art simulation technology and strong industry partnerships:
FAA Part 141 certified flight training: The program uses a proprietary syllabus emphasising automation, multi-engine training, and real-world operations. You will log an average of 20 hours in FAA-certified simulators, practising normal and emergency flight conditions.
Highly credentialed faculty: Experienced instructors guide you through flight training and aviation management, ensuring you receive quality mentorship.
Professional Flight and Aviation Management tracks: Tailor your studies to either pilot career preparation or management roles in the aerospace industry.
Industry partnerships: Collaborations with airlines such as Delta, Endeavour Air, Republic Airline, SkyWest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and North Star Aviation provide internship and employment opportunities.
Aviation Learning Community: A first-year cohort program that groups aviation students together to foster peer support and engagement.
Advising and support: A dedicated professional advisor helps you navigate course selection, resources, and departmental requirements.
Articulation agreement with Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC): Enables seamless transfer from RCTC’s associate degree programs into Minnesota State Mankato’s bachelor’s degree, facilitating a smooth educational pathway.
Access to simulation labs and flight training facilities: You will train at well-equipped facilities that simulate real cockpit environments to build your piloting skills safely.
Comprehensive curriculum: Combines aviation sciences, flight operations, and management courses to prepare you for diverse roles in the aviation sector.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Aviation at Minnesota State University, Mankato are highly sought after for careers as airline pilots, aviation managers, flight instructors, and unmanned aircraft systems specialists. The program’s FAA Part 141 certification and AABI accreditation ensure graduates are well-prepared for the aviation industry's technical and managerial demands:
University services: Minnesota State Mankato provides professional academic advising to help students navigate course selections and connect with resources. The program features state-of-the-art flight simulators and training aircraft, plus an Aviation Learning Community to support peer collaboration and early engagement.
Employment stats and salary: The program boasts strong industry connections with airlines such as Delta, Endeavor Air, Republic Airline, SkyWest, and Sun Country Airlines, leading to frequent employment offers. Graduates are eligible for the Restricted ATP certificate at 1,000 flight hours, accelerating their path to airline pilot careers with competitive salaries.
University–industry partnerships: The university partners with major airlines and local aviation companies, offering students internship and job placement opportunities. Additionally, Minnesota State Mankato has an articulation agreement with Rochester Community and Technical College, facilitating a seamless transfer from associate to bachelor’s degree.
Long-term accreditation value: The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and FAA-certified, meeting rigorous industry standards and providing credentials respected nationwide.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates enter diverse roles, including commercial pilots, aviation managers, flight instructors, and UAS professionals, equipped with comprehensive training in flight operations, management, and aviation safety.
Further Academic Progression: After earning the BS in Aviation, students can pursue graduate degrees such as a Master of Science in Aviation Safety or Aviation Management, offered online by Minnesota State Mankato, to advance into leadership, safety oversight, or specialized aviation fields. This progression enhances career prospects in both commercial and regulatory aviation sectors.
Official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 11th. For 12th Grade your school counselor should send the predictedYou will be automatically admitted with any one of the following: A cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher / A rank in the top 50% of your high school class / An ACT composite score of 21 or higher and a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.7 (see test-optional information below)Minnesota State Mankato is test-optional for admissions. Admissions will make decisions based on high school transcripts and GPA for students who do not provide ACT or SAT scores. Students who apply will not be required to submit ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admission, and missing test scores will not be required prior to attending. If students submit test scores, they will be used in the admission processIf you do not meet the above admission requirements, you can submit additional information for us to consider when reviewing your application (Personal Statement, Letter of Recommendation from a teacher in a core curriculum class, Senior Year Grades) Apply via the MNSU Applicant PortalAirport ManagerAirline PilotAir Traffic ControllerAviation Safety InspectorFlight InstructorAviation Operations ManagerAircraft DispatcherAviation Maintenance ManagerUnmanned Aircraft Systems OperatorAviation Consultant
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Minnesota State University Mankato
