BS Aviation and Business Management

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Gannon University

Program Overview

Gannon University’s BS in Aviation and Business Management is a four-year, on-campus program that combines FAA-certified pilot training with a robust business education. You’ll graduate ready for a career as a commercial pilot, airport manager, or aviation executive—equipped with both flight credentials and the business expertise the aviation industry demands.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1: You’ll start with AVIA 110 Commercial Pilot Ground School, where you learn the fundamentals of flight, navigation, and FAA regulations, and AVIA 111 Commercial Pilot Flight Lab I, which gets you in the cockpit for hands-on training from your first semester. Core business foundations are built with BUSN 101 Introduction to Business, ENGL 101 Composition I, and MATH 101 College Algebra.
Year 2: Your training advances with AVIA 112 Commercial Pilot Flight Lab II, focusing on complex manoeuvres and speciality landings. You’ll also take BUSN 210 Industrial Safety to understand workplace and aviation safety, ACCT 201 Principles of Accounting I for financial literacy, ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics, and COMM 201 Business Communication to strengthen your professional communication skills.
Year 3: This year, you’ll deepen your aviation and management expertise with AVIA 220 Aviation Law and AVIA 230 Aviation Safety Management, exploring the legal and safety frameworks of the industry. Business leadership is the focus in MGMT 301 Principles of Management, MGMT 310 Leadership and Organizational Behavior, and FIN 301 Business Finance.
Year 4: You’ll round out your education with an experiential AVIA 400 Aviation Internship or AVIA 410 Capstone Project, applying your skills in a real-world setting. Advanced management modules include MGMT 420 Airline and Airport Management, MKTG 301 Marketing Principles, MGMT 430 Strategic Management, and FIN 410 Financial Management, preparing you for leadership and decision-making roles in aviation.

Focus areas: commercial pilot training, aviation management, aviation safety, airline and airport operations, business leadership, aviation law and regulations

Learning outcomes: FAA Private, Instrument, and Commercial Pilot Certificates; business management and leadership skills; readiness for operational and managerial roles in aviation organisations

Professional alignment (accreditation): FAA-certified flight training program; aligned with Federal Aviation Regulations Part 141 and Part 61

Reputation (employability rankings): Gannon University’s integrated aviation and business curriculum is recognised for producing graduates who are highly employable in the aviation industry, supported by strong industry partnerships and hands-on training from the first semester.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re passionate about flying and want a business edge in the aviation industry, Gannon University’s BS in Aviation and Business Management is designed just for you. This program is a unique partnership between Gannon and Fundamentals Flight Training at Erie International Airport, giving you the chance to build real pilot skills while mastering the essentials of business management. You’ll start flying in your very first semester and have access to the same facilities and technologies used by today’s aviation professionals.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience and practical skills in this program:

Flight Training at Erie International Airport: All ground and flight training takes place at Fundamentals Flight Training, just minutes from campus, using a fleet of seven training aircraft—including the region’s only multi-engine trainer.
FAA-Approved Curriculum: Complete FAA Part 141 and Part 61 training, earning your Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot certificates, with the option to become a Certified Flight Instructor while still in the program.
Flight Simulators: Train with state-of-the-art simulation technology, allowing you to practice complex flight scenarios and diverse weather conditions before taking to the skies.
Business Management Instruction: Take courses at Gannon’s Dahlkemper School of Business, where you’ll learn from experienced faculty and apply essential business theories and modern digital tools.
Co-op and Work Experience: Replace selected course credits with a co-op placement at Fundamentals Flight Training, gaining valuable on-the-job experience within the aviation industry.
Early and Ongoing Flight Experience: Begin flying in your first semester and continue building flight hours and expertise throughout the program.
Group Projects and Real-World Scenarios: Collaborate with peers on business and aviation projects, preparing you for teamwork in professional aviation settings.
Industry Networking: Connect with aviation professionals and potential employers through Gannon’s partnerships and program events.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aviation and Business Management at Gannon University opens the door to a wealth of career opportunities in a dynamic and growing field. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as Aviation Manager, Business Analyst, and Operations Coordinator, among others. With a strong foundation in both aviation and business principles, you’ll be equipped to thrive in various sectors of the industry.

Here’s how Gannon University supports your journey toward a successful career:

- Career Services: Gannon offers dedicated career counseling, resume workshops, and interview preparation to help you stand out in the job market.
- Employment Statistics: The program boasts an impressive employment rate, with over 90% of graduates securing jobs within six months of graduation, often with starting salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Gannon has established partnerships with leading aviation companies and organizations, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world experience that enhances employability.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), ensuring that your degree holds long-term value and is recognized by employers in the industry.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to work for major airlines, airport authorities, and corporate aviation departments, showcasing the diverse paths available to you.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your BS in Aviation and Business Management, you can choose to further your education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration (MBA), or even specialized certifications in aviation safety or operations. This additional education can enhance your expertise and open even more doors in your career.