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The BBA in Aviation Management at the University of North Dakota is a four-year, on-campus program that combines a robust business education with specialized aviation coursework. This program is perfect for students who want to become future leaders in the aviation industry—whether your goal is to manage airports, airlines, or aviation-related businesses.
Curriculum structure
Year 1: You’ll start by building a solid foundation in both aviation and business fundamentals. You’ll take AVIT 100 – Aviation Orientation and AVIT 102 – Introduction to Aviation to get acquainted with the industry, along with ENGL 110 – College Composition I, MATH 103 – College Algebra, and ATSC 110/110L – Meteorology I and Lab to develop your analytical and scientific skills. You’ll also complete AVIT 103 – Introduction to Air Traffic Management and COMM 110 – Fundamentals of Public Speaking to round out your first-year experience.
Year 2: You’ll dive into business core courses and deepen your aviation knowledge. Required modules include ACCT 200 – Elements of Accounting I, ECON 201 – Principles of Microeconomics, ISBA 217 – Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems, and ECON 210 – Introduction to Business and Economic Statistics. You’ll also continue with aviation-focused courses such as AVIT 208 – Aviation Safety, AVIT 221 – Basic Attitude Instrument Flying, and AVIT 250 – Human Factors.
Year 3: You’ll focus on management, operations, and advanced aviation systems. Courses include MGMT 300 – Principles of Management, FIN 310 – Principles of Financial Management, MRKT 305 – Marketing Foundations, and ACCT 315 – Business Law I. Aviation modules such as AVIT 222 – IFR Regulations and Procedures and AVIT 323 – Aerodynamics – Airplanes further develop your technical and regulatory expertise.
Year 4: Your final year emphasizes strategic leadership and industry readiness. You’ll complete AVIT 402 – Airport Planning and Administration, AVIT 403 – Aerospace Law, MGMT 475 – Strategic Management, and AVIT 485 – Aviation Senior Capstone. Electives and advanced business modules like MGMT 310 – Organizational Behavior and MGMT 302 – Human Resource Management help prepare you for professional roles in aviation management.
Focus areas: Aviation operations, airline and airport management, aviation safety, business law, financial management, human resources, and strategic leadership.
Learning outcomes: Graduates develop strong business and leadership skills, gain expertise in aviation systems and safety, and are prepared for management roles in airlines, airports, and aviation organizations.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and delivered by UND’s globally recognized Aviation Department, ensuring industry relevance and professional standards.
Reputation (employability rankings): UND is ranked among the top aviation universities in the U.S., and its graduates are highly sought after for leadership positions in the aviation industry.
If you want to combine a passion for aviation with business leadership, the University of North Dakota’s BBA in Aviation Management is one of the most respected programs in the field. This four-year, on-campus degree prepares you to manage airlines, airports, and aviation service organisations, blending technical aviation knowledge with essential business skills.
Here’s how UND brings experiential learning to life:
Access to the World’s Largest Collegiate Training Fleet: UND operates 120 aircraft, giving you firsthand exposure to aviation operations and flight environments.
Student Organisations: Join aviation and business student-led organisations, participate in annual conferences, and travel to major destinations, building leadership and networking skills.
Internship Opportunities: Pursue internships with airlines, fixed base operators (FBOs), aviation insurance companies, and aircraft manufacturers, gaining industry experience before graduation.
Career Pathways: UND’s partnerships with airlines and aviation employers provide conditional job offers or interviews for graduates, with some programs guaranteeing interviews at major carriers.
Airport Management Track Certification: Students in the Airport Management track qualify for industry certification from the American Association of Airport Executives.
Modern Classrooms and Labs: Advanced learning environments designed for both aviation and business coursework.
State-of-the-Art Aviation Infrastructure: Access to the largest collegiate aircraft fleet and simulation equipment, supporting hands-on learning in real aviation settings.
On-Campus Airfield: Proximity to Grand Forks International Airport allows direct engagement with airport operations and management practices.
Comprehensive Support Services: Dedicated advising, career placement, and a robust aviation network ensure you’re supported throughout your studies and job search.
Graduates of the University of North Dakota’s BBA in Aviation Management are prepared to take on leadership roles in the fast-paced world of aviation, including positions like airline manager, airport operations supervisor, aviation business analyst, and FBO (Fixed Base Operator) manager. UND alumni work for major airlines, airports, aviation service organisations, and manufacturers, with many moving quickly into management and executive positions.
Here’s how UND puts your career on the runway:
Personalised Career Support: UND’s Career Paths program connects you with internships and industry partners, often leading to conditional job offers or guaranteed interviews with regional and major airlines. You’ll also benefit from business and aviation student organisations that travel to annual conferences and major destinations.
Strong Employment Outcomes: UND is a recognised leader in aviation management, and its graduates are known for their technical and managerial skills. The program’s blend of business and aviation coursework—taught at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences and the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration—gives you a competitive edge in the job market.
Industry & Research Partnerships: You’ll have access to the world’s largest collegiate training fleet (120 aircraft), and opportunities for internships with airlines, FBOs, aviation insurance companies, and aircraft manufacturers. Students in the Airport Management track qualify for industry certification from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).
Accreditation & Lasting Value: The BBA in Aviation Management is fully accredited and recognized in the US and internationally, ensuring your degree is respected by employers everywhere.
Graduate Outcomes: You’ll develop expertise in aviation operations, safety, business strategy, and leadership skills that open doors in every corner of the aviation industry.
Further Academic Progression: After earning your BBA in Aviation Management at UND, you’ll be ready to pursue a master’s degree in aviation management, business administration (MBA), or related fields. UND’s strong industry reputation and alumni network will support your continued growth, whether you choose advanced study or specialised professional certifications.
Official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 11th. For 12th Grade your school counselor should send the predictedOptional Common App personal essay (up to 650 words)Letters of recommendation are optionalIt's recommended that you have a cumulative GPA 3.25 or higher when applyingIf you've taken the ACT/SAT, you're encouraged to submit your test scores to best determine scholarships and placement in English and math coursesHighlight your extracurriculars, leadership, or research experiencePortfolio, project links, or YouTube channel to enhance your application (optional)Apply via the CommonApp or the UND Application PortalAirport Operations ManagerAirline Operations ManagerAviation Business AnalystAviation Safety ManagerAirport PlannerAviation Marketing ManagerAviation Logistics CoordinatorAviation Finance ManagerAviation Human Resources ManagerAviation Regulatory Compliance Officer
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University of North Dakota
