BS Aviation: Air Transport Administration

The BS in Aviation: Air Transport Administration at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) offers a comprehensive, FAA-approved curriculum designed to prepare you for leadership roles in airline operations, airport management, aviation consulting, and government aviation sectors. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical, real-world experiences supported by strong industry partnerships and specialised facilities.

UNO’s Aviation Institute provides extensive experiential learning opportunities that bridge classroom knowledge with workplace skills:

• Aviation Institute Internship Program (AIIP): This structured internship program connects you with public and private sector employers in aviation, such as the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, the Transportation Security Administration, and local aviation organisations. Internships typically require a minimum commitment of 8 hours per week for 16 weeks, offering 3 credit hours and sometimes up to 6 credit hours toward your degree. These internships provide hands-on experience, reinforcing classroom concepts and expanding your professional network.

• Local Industry Partnerships: UNO collaborates with Omaha-area businesses, including Jet Linx Aviation and the Omaha Airport Authority, to offer internships and practical work experiences. These partnerships also extend to airlines such as Southwest Airlines, Endeavour Air, and Envoy Air, providing career pathways and networking opportunities.

• FAA-Approved Flight Training Options: While the Air Transport Administration concentration focuses on management, students have access to FAA Part 141 flight training through partner flight schools—Advanced Air at Council Bluffs Airport and Oracle Aviation at Millard Airport—both located within 30 minutes of campus. These facilities offer a fleet of aircraft, including Cessna 150s, 172s, Piper PA28s, and Beechcraft models, supporting practical familiarity with flight operations.

• Applied Coursework and Capstone Projects: Courses such as Airport Administration and Planning, Airline Operations, Aviation Safety, and Air Transportation culminate in a senior capstone course that challenges you to analyse and solve real-world aviation management problems, enhancing critical thinking and leadership skills.

• Specialised Facilities and Resources: Access to the Aviation Institute’s classrooms, labs, and simulation technology supports your learning in airline operations, airport administration, aviation law, and safety.

• Data and Transportation Analysis: Courses like Transportation Analysis and Applied Statistics equip you with quantitative skills to optimise aviation operations.

• Diversity and Global Aviation Perspectives: Coursework includes Diversity in Aviation and International Aviation, preparing you for a globalised industry.

• Dedicated Academic Advising: UNO provides personalised advising to help tailor your course sequence and career planning.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Aviation: Air Transport Administration at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) are prepared to excel in diverse leadership roles within the aviation industry, including airport operations manager, air traffic control candidate, corporate aviation manager, and aviation marketing and sales professional. The program blends aviation knowledge with business and leadership skills, equipping students to manage complex air transport systems and thrive in a global industry.

Here’s how UNO supports your career and academic success:

• University Services: UNO offers a supportive, industry-connected learning environment with access to internships, networking events, and guest speakers from airlines, airports, and aviation organisations. Students can complete flight training through partner schools—Advanced Air at Council Bluffs Airport or Oracle Aviation at Millard Airport—both near campus, with access to modern fleets including Cessna 172s, Piper Arrows, and Beechcraft models.

• Employment Stats and Salary: The U.S. air transportation industry employs over 1 million workers with an annual mean wage of approximately $92,940. The air transport sector supported about 86.5 million jobs worldwide in 2023. UNO graduates benefit from these robust industry dynamics, with an estimated 22,000 job openings for air traffic controllers alone projected between 2023 and 2033.

• University–Industry Partnerships: UNO maintains partnerships with major airlines such as Southwest Airlines, Endeavour Air, and Envoy Air, as well as local aviation businesses like Jet Linx Aviation and the Omaha Airport Authority, facilitating internships and career pathways. The program’s FAA Part 141 approval allows graduates to qualify for the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate at 1,000 flight hours, accelerating entry into airline careers.

• Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and FAA-approved, covering comprehensive coursework in air transportation economics, airport planning, airline management, aviation law, and organisational leadership, ensuring graduates hold credentials respected nationwide.

• Graduation Outcomes: Graduates typically pursue careers as airport operations managers overseeing day-to-day airport functions, air traffic controllers ensuring safe aircraft navigation, corporate aviation managers handling private flight operations, and aviation marketing professionals promoting airline and airport services.

Further Academic Progression: After earning the BS in Air Transport Administration at UNO, students can advance their studies with graduate degrees in Aviation Management, Business Administration, or Public Policy. These programs deepen expertise in aviation strategy, regulatory affairs, and leadership, opening doors to executive roles in airlines, airports, government agencies, and consulting firms.