The word aviation originates from the Latin word for bird, “avis,” and is used to refer to the different activities involved in flight and aircraft within the Earth’s atmosphere. A massive and complex industry, aviation is crucial to the global economy in today’s interconnected world. Studying aviation provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s technical, operational, and managerial aspects, preparing them for rewarding careers as pilots, aviation engineers, air traffic controllers, and aviation managers.
The United States is home to some of the world’s top aviation institutions and one of the largest and most developed aviation industries. Studying aviation in the USA offers students exposure to a thriving aviation ecosystem and cutting-edge technology. Students studying aviation in the country learn and adhere to well-established regulatory standards, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers focused on safety, security, and compliance.
This article will explore the top five aviation schools in the USA for international students.
Top Flight Schools in the USA
1. Purdue University
Purdue University is a prestigious public university established in 1869 in West Lafayette, Indiana, and has one of the top aviation schools in the USA. It is a central research institute with 39,000 enrolled students from about 130 countries. Purdue offers many excellent programs across multiple disciplines, including aviation. The university’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology, a part of Purdue Polytechnic Institute, is renowned for its aviation education.
The school offers undergraduate programs in seven distinct majors. Those interested in a career as a pilot can opt for Professional Flight, where students can earn private and commercial pilot certificates. For those interested in management, there are majors like Airline Management and Operations, Aviation Management, and others, which will provide the knowledge and skills to join the complex aviation industry. The school also offers a graduate program (M.S. in Aviation and Aerospace Management) to advance skills, as well as a doctoral program in Aviation Technology and Management.
Purdue has impressive facilities, including the Aviation Electronics Lab, Aviation Materials Lab, Operations Control Center, Holleman-Niswonger Simulator Center, and a fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft.
2. Auburn University
Auburn University was established in 1859 in Alabama. One of the largest universities in the South, it is recognized for its aviation programs, with one of the longest uninterrupted flight programs in the country. Auburn has state-of-the-art facilities, including Auburn University Regional Airport, spread over 420 acres, with two asphalt runways, large classrooms, flight simulators, and debriefing rooms.
The university offers two undergraduate degree options: the aviation management degree, which trains students in the business and operation aspects of the airline and aviation industries, and the professional flight degree, which trains students in aeronautical knowledge and piloting skills required by professional aviation organizations. These are some of the top aviation programs available to international students in the USA.
3. Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University (WMU) is a public research university in Kalamazoo that was established in 1903 to train teachers. WMU’s College of Aviation, which aims to train leaders in the aerospace industry and develop meaningful research, has highly regarded and competitive aviation programs. The college is located at the Battle Creek Executive Airport, which has three runways and an air traffic control tower. WMU’s recently renovated Aviation Education Center has 11 classrooms, a flight simulator, and debriefing rooms.
The university offers three-degree programs in aviation. The Aviation Flight Science program aims to train pilots, the Aviation Technical Operations program trains students to become maintenance technicians and industry leaders, and the Aviation Management and Operations program trains students in the management of the sector, preparing them to become future aviation business leaders.
4. University of North Dakota
Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota has a sprawling 521-acre campus, the largest in the state. It is a leading American university, particularly in the fields of engineering, medicine, aerospace, and aeronautics. Its aviation department is part of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences and offers programs that combine a liberal arts core curriculum with aviation education. UND has state-of-the-art facilities, with large classrooms, simulators, and the country’s largest training fleet of aircraft in college education.
The department’s undergraduate programs offer diverse specializations, including commercial aviation, aviation management, air traffic management, aviation safety and operations, and unmanned aircraft systems operations. At the graduate level, the university offers an M.S. in Aviation, a comprehensive program where students advance their skills, enhance their knowledge and ensure career progression. It is undoubtedly an excellent institution for pursuing aviation in the USA.
5. University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a major public research institute established in 1890 and located on three campuses in the state. The university is committed to excellence in teaching and research across a range of disciplines. Through its School of Aviation, OU has been offering aviation programs since 1947. The school has state-of-the-art facilities, including a fleet of training aircraft and a newly renovated simulation center, a large facility spanning 5,000 square feet. The center houses classrooms, flight simulators, air traffic control simulators, and tower control.
At the undergraduate level, OU Aviation offers degree programs in Aviation with four concentrations. Those interested in receiving flying credentials can apply for the Professional Pilot program or the Aviation Management (Flying Concentration). Those interested in management and operations can apply to air traffic management and non-flying concentration in aviation management programs.
FAQs: Aviation Studies in the USA
Can International Students Enroll in an Aviation Program in the USA?
Yes, international students can enroll in aviation programs in the USA. In addition to the regular requirements for international students, such as the offer of admission, student visa, and proof of English language proficiency, aviation programs also generally require a medical certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, a student pilot certification, and approval from the Transportation Security Administration. Specific requirements may vary among institutions, but universities will guide international students through the processes to obtain the necessary certifications to undergo flight training.
The United States is home to several aviation schools offering excellent training opportunities for aspiring aviation professionals. Whether one’s ambition is to become a pilot, aviation engineer, air traffic controller, or aviation manager, these top American degree programs in aviation can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career in the aviation industry.
We hope that this article will help you narrow down your choices for pursuing an aviation degree in the USA. Feel free to visit our Guide to Studying in the USA and Available Programs in the USA sections for more information about the different open courses and scholarship opportunities in the country!
