Aviation Management & Flight Operations - Business Administration

Why earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an aviation management & flight operations concentration at Coe College?

Coe’s aviation management & flight operations concentration is designed to maximize your exposure to the ins and outs of the aviation industry and help you gain experience in your desired career path before graduation. During your first term, you’ll take to the skies, building flight hours right away as you work toward your pilot certificates and ratings.

With the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) as a partner, you’ll have access to a major regional airport with five airlines that provide service to 17 nonstop destinations. Couple that with expertise in the classroom and an aviation network cultivated by the #11 career services in the country and your preparation for your aviation career will go above established standards.

If your goal is to work in the aviation industry but not pursue pilot certifications and ratings, you may complete an aviation management concentration without the flight operations courses. The aviation management concentration can be earned by completing a business major along with aviation management coursework. 

The benefits of an aviation career

• Career prospects. Careers in the aviation industry for pilots are growing by 4%, with pilot demand at an all time high. The current shortage for pilots in the United States is estimated to be 17,000. This gap that will expand because of the age of most commercial pilots. (More than 50% are currently above the age of 50 and face mandatory retirement at 65.)
• Career flexibility. An education in aviation management & flight operations leads to options beyond becoming a pilot. Airports, airlines, air-traffic control and fixed-based operations all need experienced and motivated employees.
• Potential earnings. The starting salary for most commercial pilots is near $90,000 or more. Seasoned pilots with major airlines earn $400,000 or more operating large passenger jets.

The advantages of studying aviation management and flight operations at Coe College.

• CID. Coe’s aviation program is integrated into CID. The airport has a busy daily schedule of flights across major commercial, freight and private carriers. In 2024, the airport exceeded 1.5 million passengers. The operations of the airport is the perfect backdrop and proving ground for your aviation education.
• A local network of experienced aviators. Cedar Rapids has a rich aviation history — the Wright Brothers lived in town during their childhood! More importantly for you, the abundance of business and industry in Iowa’s second-largest city requires the services of many flights and pilots. There's an active pilot network in the area that can be a resource for you and serve as expert instructors.
• Internships will be readily available. Coe has been a Top 25 Best Private Schools for Internships for 6 of the last 8 years according to The Princeton Review. With local aviation needs, you’ll be able to pick your opportunities to gain experience.
• Get your degree in business administration. Most commercial airlines require or strongly prefer a college degree. The career earnings wage premium for pilots with a four-year degree is significant. The Coe program ensures you’ll also leave with a business degree focused on aviation management in addition to your pilot's certificates and ratings.