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) in each of the five areas of concentration.

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 from an accredited university.

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 have the opportunity to earn a minor in Management from the College of Business Administration.

Students have an opportunity to apply and obtain established internships with 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. 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 Aeronautical Systems Engineering Technology 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 as flight instructors in various capacities. Graduates have also become pilots in the military.

Students majoring in Aviation Management find entry level positions at airports such as Pittsburgh International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, 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: Admission Requirements at the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy at the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends.

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. For more information on admissions, visit the Admissions website for new freshmen.

Students may choose their respective area of concentration at the time of application. Students who do not choose a particular area of concentration will be automatically placed into the Aeronautical Studies area of concentration in Aeronautics.

Students must complete one semester with a 2.50 cumulative GPA prior to commencing flight training courses. Students admitted to the Aeronautics Program with PSEO credits, or transfer students, may be admitted to flight training courses with special permission from the Academic Program Director.

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

All concentrations: Minimum 120 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 flight 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.

Air Traffic Control: in addition to the above graduation requirements, final recommendation to the FAA for employment requires at least a "B" in AERN 45300 and an endorsement from the Academic Program Director. Flight Technology: in addition to above graduation requirements, students must pass all required flight training and associated flight theory courses with a grade of 70 or better. Failure to complete all requirements may result in the student being transferred to the aeronautical studies area of concentration with the Flight Technology minor.

1. Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge of math to aviation-related disciplines.
2. Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge of science to aviation-related disciplines.
3. Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge of applied sciences to aviation-related disciplines.
4. Demonstrate an ability to analyze and interpret data.
5. To understand and master the fundamental concepts and skills of airplane flight.
6. Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively, including written and oral communication skills.
7. To recognize the need for, and develop the cognitive abilities to engage in life-long learning by successfully contending with changing technologies, regulatory policies and procedures, market forces, and the highly dynamic operational environment of commercial flight and professional aviation.
8. To develop an understanding of contemporary issues that affect aviation.
9. To demonstrate an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern technology necessary for professional practice.
10. Understand the national and international aviation environment.
11. To develop the ability to apply pertinent knowledge in identifying and solving problems.
12. To develop and display knowledge and understanding of the technical details involved in the effective management of employees and operational systems in professional aviation.

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 Global Education.

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; Student Air Traffic Control Association

Technology (M.T.E.C.); Combined B.S. in Aeronautics and M.TEC. program is available.