You may choose from five concentrations within the aerospace major according to the aspect of aviation you wish to pursue.

Aerospace Administration

The Administration concentration offers instruction designed for students who are interested in careers in the various aspects of aerospace administration and management. Selected general studies and minor courses are interwoven with aerospace courses to provide students with a foundation for such careers.

Aerospace Technology

The Technology concentration is designed for students interested in technical careers in aerospace and as preparation for those who seek more advanced study at the graduate level. Students in this concentration receive a strong background in mathematics, the sciences, engineering technology, and the more technical courses in aerospace. This concentration requires the completion of 31 semester hours of aerospace courses to include aerodynamics and aircraft performance; minors in Mathematics and Engineering Technology; two semesters of computer programming and two semesters of calculus-based physics. Aerospace Technology students have the opportunity to conduct research with a faculty mentor. Research projects range from aircraft conceptual design to CFD simulations to wind or water tunnel tests. 

Aerospace Technology students are encouraged to consider a double major in either physics or mathematics.

Flight Dispatch

This concentration is designed to meet industry demands for both FAR Part 121 and 135 dispatchers and schedulers. Integral to this emphasis is a thorough knowledge of weather and weather products, weight and balance, instrument flight rules with regard to weather minimums, specific aircraft alternate minimums and minimum equipment lists, as well as human factors and crew resource management. The ability to identify potential in-flight hazards and effective communication of those hazards to a pilot in flight is a cornerstone of this course. Completion of this degree program results in FAA certification as an aircraft dispatcher. In addition to courses in basic weather and navigation this emphasis includes courses in communications, psychology, and geography.

Maintenance Management

This concentration prepares students to enter the aircraft maintenance field as practicing airframe and powerplant maintenance technicians or entry level managers at aircraft repair stations or other types of operations involving aircraft maintenance or modification. Emphasis is placed on materials, including modern composites, and the proper repair and inspection of those materials. Special inspection and maintenance requirements based on operational environments are examined. Airframes, powerplants and systems are covered in detail as part of this concentration. Completion of this curriculum leads to FAA certification as an airframe and powerplant maintenance technician. This curriculum is approved under FAR part 147. This emphasis requires an extensive amount of equipment and resources, as well as specially trained and experienced faculty members that are devoted to maintaining the excellence of this program. 

Professional Pilot

This concentration addresses the area of flight operations and leads to pilot certification up to and including the Commercial, Multi-engine Instrument certificate. Students in this program receive extensive experience in flight operations in all aspects of the flight environment. Graduates must demonstrate proficiency in aircraft systems operation, determination of aircraft performance parameters, cross country navigation, communication with air traffic control, and airport operations. A program utilizing glass cockpits has been introduced, and an innovative FAA/Industry Training Standards (FITS) curriculum has been developed in cooperation with the FAA. This curriculum is scenario-based and allows students to be trained to proficiency instead of a minimum flight time . The same equipment used in student pilot training is also utilized to train FAA inspectors in glass cockpit operations. Extensive use of flight training devices is incorporated into this curriculum.

UAS Operations (**Available 2015 Fall**)

The UAS Operations concentration is designed for students who have an interest in unmanned aviation - whether that is flying the UAS, providing support services (consulting, data analysis, UAS construction/modification/repair, etc.), or in managerial roles at a company operating UAS. Students will take traditional aerospace courses to build a strong foundation a professional aviators. In addition, five specific unmanned aircraft courses are required, ranging from a basic introduction to UAS, through an in-depth study of UAS systems, and ultimately achieve proficiency in operating a UAS and creating a solid business plan. The concentration includes manned flight training ( to the Private Pilot certificate level) and preparation for the FAA UAS knowledge test to earn a UAS Operations certificate. Interdisciplinary courses are also included in electricity, electronics, microprocessors, computer science, management, geographic information systems, and others.

Masters Degree

For more information on our Masters Degree program, click the graduate program link to the left.