The term aviation encompasses the industries and activities surrounding mechanical air transportation, including aircraft design, development, production, operation, and maintenance. In simpler terms, aviation includes flying aircraft and related activities such as air traffic control.
In this article, we discuss a selection of aviation and aerospace schools around the world. Let’s take a look at the best aviation schools in the world.
Top Aviation Schools in the World
1. Purdue University
Purdue University is based in West Lafayette, Indiana. Its School of Aviation and Transportation Technology offers undergraduate and graduate programs in aviation-related fields.
Undergraduate majors include Aeronautical Engineering Technology, Aviation Management, Professional Flight, and Unmanned Aerial Systems. Graduate options include an MS in Aviation and Aerospace Management, a Ph.D. in Aviation Technology and Management, and aviation-related graduate certificates. Purdue also lists online graduate options, including an online MS and online certificates.
2. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is based in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Its John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences includes the Department of Aviation, which offers undergraduate and graduate aviation programs.
Undergraduate options include Air Traffic Management, Aviation Management, Aviation Safety & Operations, Aviation Studies, Commercial Aviation, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations. UND also offers an online MS in Aviation with specializations in safety, unmanned aircraft systems, management, and human factors. The university additionally offers a Ph.D. in Aerospace Sciences.
3. Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is based in Columbus, Ohio. Its Center for Aviation Studies offers undergraduate aviation programs in cooperation with multiple colleges within the university.
Students can choose from three main degree paths: a Bachelor of Science in Aviation through the College of Engineering, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences with a focus on Air Transportation through the College of Arts and Sciences, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Aviation Management through the Fisher College of Business. Flight education and the professional pilot specialization are available as optional components of the aviation or air transportation majors.
4. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers aviation and aerospace programs through its residential campuses and additional worldwide and online options. Its current degree directory includes undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs.
Examples include the BS in Aeronautical Science, BS in Aeronautics, BS in Aerospace Physiology, MS in Aeronautics, MS in Aviation, Ph.D. in Aviation, and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering. Embry-Riddle states that its BS in Aerospace Physiology is the only undergraduate degree in the United States that combines aerospace and life science. Program availability varies by campus and format, so prospective students should check the current degree directory before applying.
5. Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Its College of Aviation offers undergraduate aviation programs that cover flight, management, and technical operations.
The college offers three BS majors: Aviation Flight Science, Aviation Technical Operations, and Aviation Management and Operations. It also lists three minors: Aviation Science, Military Leadership and Aviation Studies, and Professional Aviation Preparation. Certificate options include Aviation Administration, Aircraft Dispatch and Scheduling, and Unmanned Aerial Systems Operations. Western Michigan University also provides an Air Force ROTC pathway for students interested in becoming Air Force or Space Force officers while earning a degree.
6. San José State University
San José State University is a public university in San Jose, California. It is the oldest public university in the western United States and the founding campus of the California State University system. Its Department of Aviation and Technology is located within the College of Engineering.
The BS in Aviation currently offers four specializations: Aviation Management, Flight Operations, Professional Flight, and Maintenance Management. Aviation Management is designed for students interested in airport or general aviation company roles. Professional Flight is intended for students pursuing commercial-pilot careers, while Maintenance Management is structured as a 2+2 pathway for eligible community-college transfer students.
7. University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is based in Sydney, Australia. Its School of Aviation has more than 25 years of industry collaboration and offers programs for students interested in flying, aviation management, and remotely piloted aircraft systems.
Current undergraduate options include the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying), Bachelor of Aviation (Management), Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems), and Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Aviation Management. The school also offers an honors pathway.
Postgraduate coursework options include the Graduate Diploma in Flying, Graduate Diploma in Aviation Management, and Master of Aviation Management. UNSW also lists postgraduate research pathways, including the Master of Philosophy, Masters by Research, and Doctor of Philosophy.
FAQS About Studying Aviation
What are the Best Countries to Study Aviation?
The best country for studying aviation depends on your goals, budget, licensing pathway, language preferences, and preferred type of program. A student seeking professional flight training may have different priorities from a student interested in aviation management, aircraft maintenance, or aerospace engineering. Most schools are located in United States.
Before applying, compare each school’s approvals, total training costs, program format, visa requirements, and licensing pathway. Prospective pilots should also check whether a qualification or license can be recognized or converted in the country where they plan to work.
To explore additional options, check out our article on the best countries to study aviation, which discusses destinations for aviation students around the world.
Attending an aviation or aerospace school can help students prepare for careers in the aviation industry. With many programs available, students can compare schools based on their interests, career goals, and preferred learning format.
We hope this article on the best aviation schools in the world was helpful. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students and learn more about studying abroad.
