College of Aeronautics and Engineering
School of Aeronautics
www.kent.edu/aeronautics

About This Program

Ready to launch a career in aviation that lets you chart your own path? The Aeronautical Studies program lets you explore it all—piloting, air traffic control, airport operations, aviation safety and more. Designed for flexibility, this program gives you the freedom to shape your future in the sky or on the ground. Read more...

Contact Information

• cae@kent.edu | 330-672-2892
• Speak with an Advisor
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Additional careers

• Aerial applicator/aerial crop duster/agriculture pilots
• Aerial hurricane hunters
• Air force pilots
• Air tour pilots
• Airline and commercial pilots
• Airline operations specialists
• Airline transport pilots
• Airport operations assistants
• Aviation logistics officers
• Aviation safety officers/analysts
• Cargo operations managers
• Charter/private airline pilots
• Federal law enforcement pilots
• Fixed wing air ambulance captains
• Flight dispatchers (with training/certification)
• Flight operations coordinators

Accreditation

The B.S. degree in Aeronautical Studies is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International, Federal Aviation Administration.

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Transfer Students: Transfer students must have a minimum 2.250 overall GPA in all college-level coursework for admission to the Aeronautical Studies major.

Transfer students visit the admissions website for transfer students for more information.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

²

Students scoring 34 or below on the ALEKS math assessment are required to enroll in CAE 12260 until they successfully complete MATH 00022.

³

If students complete the American Civic Literacy requirement by taking HIST 12061, the course will apply to the Kent Core Humanities category. If they complete it with POL 10101, the course will apply to the Kent Core Social Sciences category.

Graduation Requirements

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

University Requirements

All students in a bachelor's degree program at Kent State University must complete the following university requirements for graduation.

NOTE: University requirements may be fulfilled in this program by specific course requirements. Please see Program Requirements for details.

Kent Core Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Explain the physics of flight, aerodynamics and the effects of the atmosphere.
2. Describe the operation of aircraft systems and how they integrate.
3. Demonstrate the process of air traffic control and describe the components of the National Airspace System.
4. Investigate physiological and human factors as they relate to aviation safety.
5. Accomplish successful academic work in aviation and associated academic disciplines in preparation for professional work in the aviation industry.

The educational goals of the program are the following:

1. Exhibit the qualities of excellence, integrity, leadership, management and professionalism within their area of professional specialization in aviation.
2. Demonstrate a professional commitment to safety and contribute to the safety culture within their area of professional specialization in aviation.
3. Demonstrate the ability to improve aerospace for generations to come through experiential learning, creativity and innovation within their area of professional specialization in aviation.
4. Manifest the college’s core values in the areas of collaboration, compassion, inclusiveness, innovation, integrity, respect and perseverance within their area of professional specialization in aviation.

Full Description

The Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Studies provides students with a strong foundation in aviation knowledge, preparing them for a variety of careers in the industry. This program emphasizes theoretical understanding of aeronautical principles, air traffic management, aviation safety and industry regulations. With experienced faculty and access to cutting-edge resources, students gain the expertise needed for roles such as air traffic controllers, aviation managers or other aviation-related positions. Opportunities for internships and co-op experiences further enhance students' education by providing real-world industry exposure.