Taking the College Track to the Cockpit Continued from page 39 Capstone programs—semester-long courses, in which students tackle a challenge and develop solutions. Often, industry participates by providing the challenge and frequently assists by being actively involved.” https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/schools/ aviation-and-transportation-technology CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY-LOS ANGELES Not all aviation degree cur- riculums incorporate flight training. At California State University-Los Angeles (CalState-LA), the school’s College of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Administration. It is not structured to teach future professional pilots to fly. “Basically, the Aviation Administration major is ori- ented to the business—rather than the technical side—of airport, airline and general aviation operations,” said Dr. Keith Mew, Chair of the college’s Department of Technology. “Many of the students who work toward this degree will also select a business management minor.” The program, established in 1980, includes classes in airport administration such as planning, fund- ing and management, FBO management, and market- ing. Courses are also available in airline administration, covering regulations, airline management and orga- nization, and air carrier groups. Additionally, there is an introductory air traffic management class. Mew reported that Aviation Administration students are encouraged to pursue internship opportunities; ap- proved internships earn one course credit for every 10 hours of work per week. “We make a very concerted ef- fort to make students aware of internships, through email alerts,” he noted, adding that internships and entry-level positions are often available to them at Los Angeles area airports. “The university has close relationships with the Long Beach, Burbank, Ontario and Orange County airports, as well as Los Angeles World Airports, which runs Los Angeles International and Van Nuys Airports,” he said. On average, about 50 students graduate yearly with the Aviation Administration degree; about 100 students are enrolled in the program at any given time; and two-thirds of those students have transferred from area community colleges, the major sources of Cal State-LA’s students. Aviation Business Journal | 3rd Quarter 2016 “Enrollment has grown significantly, particularly within the past 10 years,” Mew said. “When I came here in 1997, barely 10 students were taking the Aviation Administration major. We have been able to get the mes- sage out that Aviation Administration is a great career with many opportunities to grow and advance. Based on email I am getting from people we know, I’m see- ing more job opportunities than I saw in the past.” The program’s growing popularity can be attributed to the school’s aggressive outreach efforts. For example, Mew makes five to six presentations per year, mainly at Los Angeles area community colleges. In April, NATA Board Member Curt Castagna of Aerolease/Aeroplex Group worked with Mew to form the first NATA College Chapter—providing students access to resources, in- dustry experts and networking opportunities. From a philosophical standpoint, Mew explained, the university not only prepares students for a career in aviation administration, but also functions as an on- going career placement and mentoring service. “We do not consider ourselves finished when we award a degree,” he remarked. “We are always available to help our students become successful throughout their careers.” http://www.calstatela.edu/ecst/tech/bs-aviation-adminis- tration; Dr. Keith Mew at [email protected] UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA The University of North Dakota’s (UND) John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences in Grand Forks has offered a broad spec- trum of undergraduate through Ph.D. programs in aerospace since 1968 through its five Departments of Aviation, Computer Science, Atmospheric Sciences, Space Studies, Earth System Science and Policy. Ken Polovitz, the Odegard School’s Dean of Student Services, explained that seven undergraduate ma- jors are available through the Aviation Department, and all have a flight training component. The seven majors include Aviation Management and Airport Management, for which a Bachelor of Business Administration degree is awarded by the university’s College of Business and Public Administration. Continued on page 43 41
