B.S Aviation Management

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Ohio State University Columbus

Program Overview

The BS in Aviation Management at Ohio State University, Columbus, is your pathway to a leadership career in the aviation industry, blending business fundamentals with specialised aviation coursework. This program is perfect for students who want to manage airports, airlines, or aviation organisations, offering direct admission to the Fisher College of Business and strong industry connections.

Curriculum structure:

  • Year 1: Lay the groundwork with foundational business courses such as Accounting Principles, Economics Principles, and Statistics. Begin your aviation journey with AVIATION 2000: Introduction to Aviation Industry and AVIATION 2100: Private Pilot Fundamentals, providing a broad overview of the industry and essential flight knowledge.

  • Year 2: Expand your communication and analytical skills with AVIATION 2200: Aviation Communications and business core modules like Business Law and Finance. You’ll also study International Business and Logistics, gaining insight into the global and operational aspects of aviation management.

  • Year 3: Deepen your expertise with AVIATION 3000: Aviation Management & Marketing, where you’ll analyse management and marketing strategies in the aviation sector. Continue with AVIATION 3200: Aviation Regulations to understand the legal and regulatory environment, and take core business modules including Management Sciences, Management and Human Resources, and Marketing.

  • Year 4: Cap off your studies with advanced analysis in AVIATION 4000: Air Transportation Analysis I and AVIATION 5000: Air Transportation Analysis II, where you’ll evaluate airline and airport operations in depth. Complete your degree with AVIATION 4500: Aviation Capstone Course, integrating your aviation and business knowledge through real-world projects. Finish your business core with Strategic Management, preparing you for professional roles or graduate study.

Focus areas: Aviation industry, business administration, airline and airport operations, aviation law and regulations, management, marketing, and strategic planning.

Learning outcomes: Develop technical and managerial skills for aviation; analyse and interpret aviation data; communicate effectively; understand aviation law, marketing, and operations; apply business principles to aviation management.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Delivered through the Fisher College of Business, the program aligns with industry and business education standards, preparing students for professional roles in aviation management.

Reputation (employability rankings): Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business is nationally recognised, and the Aviation Management program offers strong industry partnerships and excellent career outcomes, with graduates working at leading aviation companies and organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Ohio State University, Columbus, the BS in Aviation Management is all about turning your passion for aviation into real-world expertise. You’ll develop practical management and leadership skills by working with the same tools and resources used by industry professionals—right on campus and through industry partnerships. From your first semester, you’ll dive into hands-on coursework, group projects, and internships that prepare you to lead in airport, airline, and aviation operations.

 Here’s how you’ll build your experience and stand out in the aviation field:

  • Aviation Core Courses in a Business Setting: Study in the Fisher College of Business, where you’ll take aviation-focused courses like Aviation Management & Marketing, Aviation Regulations, Air Transportation Analysis, and a capstone project, all designed to mirror real industry challenges and solutions.

  • Dedicated Aviation Facilities: Access the resources of the Centre for Aviation Studies, including simulation labs, collaborative classrooms, and digital tools for transportation analysis and operations management.

  • Industry-Connected Internships: Benefit from OSU’s partnerships with top aviation employers such as NetJets, UPS, FedEx, Republic Airline, L-Brands, and Nationwide Flight Department. Most students complete at least one internship, often leading to job offers before graduation.

  • Business School Career Resources: Tap into the Fisher College of Business’s Office of Career Management, which provides specialised support for aviation management students, including resume workshops, networking events, and interview preparation.

  • Global Learning Opportunities: Participate in study abroad programs through Fisher’s Office of Global Business, where you can experience the aviation industry in an international context and build a global professional network.

  • Student Organisations and Leadership: Join aviation-focused student groups and business clubs to develop your leadership skills, collaborate on projects, and connect with peers who share your passion.

  • Aviation Capstone Course: Tackle a culminating group project that brings together your business and aviation knowledge to solve real-world industry problems.

  • Modern Digital Tools: Use the same software and data analysis tools as industry professionals for logistics, operations research, and strategic planning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of The Ohio State University’s B.S. in Aviation Management (Fisher College of Business, Columbus campus) are prepared for careers as airport managers, airline operations managers, aviation consultants, and logistics specialists.

Here’s how Ohio State supports your career ambitions:

  • Career Services and Support: The Fisher College of Business provides direct admission to the aviation management specialisation and connects students with the Office of Career Management, which offers personalised career advising, resume workshops, and on-campus job fairs. The Centre for Aviation Studies partners with industry leaders for internships and networking, and Fisher’s Office of Global Business facilitates study abroad and international business experiences.

  • Employment Stats and Salary Figures: While specific salary figures for aviation management are not published, 95% of Fisher College business students who register with the Office of Career Management complete at least one internship, and many receive full-time job offers from their internship employers. Nationally, aviation management graduates often start in the $55,000–$65,000 range.

  • University–Industry Partnerships: The Centre for Aviation Studies partners with major industry players such as NetJets, UPS, FedEx, Republic Airline, L-Brands, and Nationwide Flight Department, giving students access to internships and real-world experience.

  • Long-term Accreditation Value: Ohio State is a top-ranked, fully accredited public research university. The Fisher College of Business and its aviation management program are nationally recognised, ensuring your degree is respected by employers and graduate schools.

  • Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in airports, airlines, logistics, and aviation consulting. Many move quickly into management or specialist positions, and some pursue advanced degrees in aviation or business.

Further Academic Progression: After earning your B.S. in Aviation Management at Ohio State, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a master’s degree in aviation management, business administration, or related fields, opening doors to advanced leadership or consulting roles in the aviation industry.

Program Key Stats

$42,950
$ 70

Jan Intake : 1st OctAug Intake : 15th Jan (RD) , 1st Nov (EA / ED)


54 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

AAA - ABB
3.5 - 4.0
34 - 38
85 - 90

1330 - 1480
29 - 32
6.5
79

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Airport Manager
  • Airline Operations Manager
  • Aviation Safety Manager
  • Aviation Business Analyst
  • Airport Operations Supervisor
  • Aviation Consultant
  • Air Transportation Analyst
  • Aviation Compliance Officer
  • Aviation Marketing Manager
  • Aviation Project Manager

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