Aeronautics - B.S. Download to print

The programs offered under the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics consist of five separate areas of concentration: aeronautical studies, aeronautical systems engineering technology, air traffic control, aviation management and flight technology. All five programs lead to a Bachelor of Science with a major in Aeronautics. The Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

Aeronautical Systems Engineering Technology prepares students to enter the field of aeronautical engineering as technologists with educational experience in the practical application of theoretical principles. This concentration stresses subjects associated with propulsion, materials, structure and aircraft design. Students entering this program should have an extensive background in high school mathematics and science.

Aeronautical Studies prepares students for entry-level technological positions in aviation and related areas. Although focused on a broad foundation of aeronautically related subjects, the program also provides a significant number of electives that allow students to explore other areas of interest or earn a minor in a particular area of study. It is well suited for those entering the program with previous flight experience or transfer credits.

Air Traffic Control is structured to prepare students for professional work in air traffic control and management. As part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic–Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI), the concentration provides practical simulation-based training in air traffic control that enables the CTI graduates to work as air traffic controllers and managers in the National Airspace System.

Flight Technology is designed for students who aspire to become professional pilots. This concentration stresses subjects associated with flight systems, propulsion, structures and electronics. Students entering this program should have a strong desire for excellence in aviation as well as the flying skills required of a professional pilot.

Aviation Management prepares students for entry-level management and administrative positions in aviation and other aviation-related professional fields. This course of study combines technical and aeronautical courses with courses in management and information systems. Students entering this program should have a technical interest, mathematical proficiency and an ability to develop analytical and communicative capabilities. Students also earn a minor in Management from the College of Business Administration.

Students have an opportunity to apply and obtain established internships with all airlines and airports that pertains to their major. Kent State University is the only university to have a bridge program with Express Jet d.b.a. and Continental Express and one of three universities to have a Delta preferred internship partnership. These internships often lead to full time careers upon graduation.

Students in the Aeronautical Systems Engineering Technology program may enter professional employment in engineering and engineering-related positions with companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin and NASA.

The Flight Technology students, who are trained to be professional pilots, can seek employment with major airlines, regional air carriers, FBO’s, and flight instructors in various capacities. We also have graduates that become pilots in the military.

Students majoring in Aviation Management find entry level positions at airports such as Pittsburgh International, Houston George Bush, Philadelphia International Airport and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Air traffic controllers held about 26,200 jobs in 2008. The vast majority were employed by the FAA, while a small number of civilian controllers also work for the U.S. Department of Defense. In addition to controllers employed by the Federal Government, some work for private air traffic control companies providing service to non-FAA towers and contract flight service stations. There is a high demand for students to be trained as air traffic controllers. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

General Admission for Freshman Students: Students most likely to be admitted and succeed at the Kent Campus are those who have graduated with at least 16 units of the recommended college preparatory curriculum in high school, who have achieved a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), and whose composite ACT score is 21 or better (980 combined critical reading and math SAT score). For more information on admissions, visit the Admissions website for new freshmen.

New students applying to the B.S. in aeronautics program who have not yet completed one semester with a 2.50 cumulative GPA are admitted directly into the aeronautical studies concentration

Students must complete one semester with a 2.50 cumulative GPA prior to admission into the aeronautical systems engineering technology, air traffic control, aviation management of flight technology concentrations and prior to commencing flight training courses.

Transfer Student: Entry into the aeronautics program requires at least a 2.25 GPA in all college coursework.

Aeronautical Systems Engineering Technology: Minimum 129 total credit hours, 39 upper-division hours for graduation. Minimum 2.000 GPA overall and 2.250 GPA in major required for graduation. Air Traffic Control: Minimum 125 total credit hours, 39 upper-division hours for graduation. Minimum 2.000 GPA overall and 2.250 GPA in major required for graduation. All Other Concentration: Minimum 124 total credit hours, 39 upper-division hours for graduation. Minimum 2.000 GPA overall and 2.250 GPA in major required for graduation. Flight Course Completion: Students must complete all flight courses by the end of the semester following that in which they enrolled. In other words, if a student enrolls in a course in the fall, they must complete the course no later than the end of the following spring semester. This requirement is subject to waiver by the director of aeronautics. In the absence of an authorized waiver, students who fail to complete any flight course by the end of the subsequent semester after course enrollment will receive a failing grade (F) and a complete forfeiture of the balance of the flight fees. Students who wish a refund of flight fees are required to withdraw from their flight course by the withdrawal deadlines established by the Office of the University Registrar. Flight fees will be refunded in accordance with the University policy regarding student fee refunds, policy number 3342-7-06. Comprehensive Exit Exam: All students must successfully complete the comprehensive exit exam requirement prior to graduation with the B.S. in Aeronautics. Exit exam requirements are to be satisfied by all graduation candidates no later than the eighth week of the semester of intended graduation. The exit exams shall be offered during the fourth and eighth weeks of the fall and spring semesters. Students who fail will be allowed to retake the exit exams. An overall passing grade of 70 is required. Students who transfer into the aeronautics program and receive academic credit for core areas are still responsible for taking the exam in its entirety.

Students may participate in the Aviation Management Exchange Program with the European Business School in Germany. In addition, there are many study abroad/away opportunities, for more information contact the Office of International Affairs.

Council on Aviation Accreditation Incorporated, Aviation Accreditation Board International, Federal Aviation Administration

American Association of Airport Executives; Alpha Eta Rho; American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Kent State Precision Flight Team; Women in Aviation International Flying Black Squirrels

Technology (M.T.E.C.)