Aviation Management & Flight Operations - Business Administration

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

Coe’s aviation management and 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. 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 19 nonstop destinations. Couple that with expertise in the classroom and an aviation network cultivated by the #8 career services in the country and your preparation for your aviation career will go above established standards.

• 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 aviators in the United States is estimated to be 17,000, a gap that will expand due to the age of most commercial pilots. (More than 50% are currently above the age of 50 and facing mandatory retirement at 65.)
• Career flexibility. An education in aviation management and flight operations leads to options beyond piloting aircraft — airports, airlines, air-traffic control and fix-based operations all need experienced and motivated employees, management and leadership across the skillset spectrum.
• 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.
• CID. Coe’s aviation program is integrated into CID, with a busy daily schedule of flights across major commercial, freight and private carriers. In 2024, the airport is on pace to exceed 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 is 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 7 years according to The Princeton Review. With local aviation needs and a regional airport 15 minutes from campus, 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 degree in addition to your pilot's license.
• Earn while you learn. After earning your license, you could potentially be employed to serve as a flight instructor, gaining both a paycheck and knocking out qualifying hours without cost.
• Flight school. Coe has engaged with Revv Aviation to run the flight school. Revv Aviation has many years of experience as a flight training partner, producing over 3,000 flight school graduates and access to 50+ planes. Through this partnership, Coe will pursue Part 141 certification with the FAA, which is a more structured and rigorous training program designed for professional pilots. Once certified, most students will earn their certification more quickly under Part 141, potentially a significant cost savings.