While aeronautics has long been a fixture at , with the advent of a new career field called “Advanced Air Mobility,” the university is in a unique position to help support growth of cutting-edge technologies – and job opportunities – in this space today.
As a result of continuing interest in aeronautics, this past March, ’s Board of Trustees approved five new majors in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering. Pending state and Higher Learning Commission approvals, as of this fall, students will be able to choose from distinct bachelor of science degree programs in aeronautical studies; air traffic and airspace management; aviation management; professional pilot; and unmanned aircraft systems flight operations. These new degree programs were previously concentrations under the aeronautics major.
With its own airport and the largest university-run fleet in the state, the college has experienced significant expansion in recent years. recently reported that incoming full-time freshman classes for the College of Aeronautics and Engineering have expanded 74% in the past five years. More than 1,110 students enrolled in the college in the fall of 2022, giving the College of Aeronautics and Engineering the largest year-over-year increase in enrollment of any of ’s colleges.
In the Crain’s article, Maureen McFarland, associate dean of academic affairs for the college, said breaking the concentrations into their own majors “elevates the status and the searchability” of the programs as the college continues to evolve with the industry.
The fast-paced changes in aeronautics today necessitated the creation of the new Center for Advanced Air Mobility, as well as a building expansion for the college. The new center is expected to launch in July and the new building is expected to be complete by the fall.
According to Marla Pérez-Davis, who will soon become director of ’s new Center for Advanced Air Mobility, the new center and new degree options will give students the broad background necessary for employment in this rapidly evolving field.
"It's not just about the drones," Pérez-Davis told Crain’s. "It's not just about the planes or the infrastructure. It's more than that. It's about [how] all the systems are going to coexist in a safe, secure and sustainable way. That is what we're trying to address at this point in time."
Learn more about the new College of Aeronautics and Engineering degree programs.