Aviation and Aerospace Science (AAS) Major, B.S.

If you’re infatuated with everything aviation and aerospace, Colorado and MSU Denver are a great choice to make your dream a reality.  

Colorado is a national hub for growth and innovation in the industry: major U.S. aerospace companies have their headquarters along the Front Range; three airports are within 30 minutes of downtown Denver; and Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs have booming aviation-related business districts. 

Over the last 40 years, MSU Denver’s Aviation and Aerospace Science degree program has evolved into one of the best, most advanced undergraduate aviation education programs in the country yet remains one of the most affordable. We are truly student-centered with a razor-like focus on your education and the development of your professional career. 

MSU Denver’s Aviation and Aerospace Science degree program offers you three concentrations to fit your goals including the Operations Concentration, the Professional Flight Officer Concentration and the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Concentration in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration. 

You will learn from professors who boast successful careers in Aviation and Aerospace Science, and with our state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll have unparalleled opportunities for applying aviation and aerospace science theories and practices in a safe environment.  

Plus MSU Denver’s direct industry connections are priceless in offering you internships at commercial aviation vendors, airport authorities, government agencies and commercial space entities. As an Aviation and Aerospace Science major, you’ll also have the opportunity for applied research around airspace simulation programs, space commerce evaluations and human-factors/usability studies. Plus later in 2017, you will have access to MSU Denver’s groundbreaking Aerospace and Engineering Sciences Building.

Included in our $40 million flight and space-related training systems is the Robert J. Mock World Indoor Airport (WIA). The WIA and labs support all aspects of the department’s technology programs and houses :

• Individual training and simulation laboratories containing state-of-the-art technologies.
• 10 single-engine, five light twin-engine, two turbo-prop and four Cessna 172XP G1000 simulation systems. 
• Cessna Mustang business jet FTD. 
• Advanced weather planning and forecasting technologies. 
• Canadair Regional Jet training software and flight planning resources. 
• Flight-planning area with charts, maps, approach plates, and other materials for preparing and filing flight plans. 
• Advanced Aviation and Aerospace Flight Training (AAAFT) laboratory with Advanced Navigation and Space Commercialization simulation technology that is an official training center for AGI Corp. Systems Toolkit (STK). 
• 18 controller position Air Traffic Control (ATC) system, proving simulation of an operational air traffic control radar facility. 
• Technology for building and flying balloon satellites applied to field-data collections.

As an Aviation and Aerospace Science student, you’ll have ample opportunities to participate in student organizations, including the MSU Denver Precision Flight Team, the Aerobatic and Glider Club and the MSU Denver Student Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. 

Colorado’s aviation and aerospace industry continues to thrive – especially in the profession of aviation and airline operations. MSU Denver Aviation and Aerospace Science graduates are working in all areas of aviation as professional aviators, aviation managers, airport planners, air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers and much more.  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook lists the following median salaries and growth rates for 2015 as: 

• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians $66,180 (4 percent) 
• Airline and Commercial Pilots ? $102,520 (5 percent) 
• Air Traffic Controller ? $122,950 (4 percent) 

Kevin Kuhlmann

Professor Kevin Kuhlmann is a former Air Force F-111 instructor pilot. His expertise is in safety and human factors, flight training, Technologically Advanced Aircraft systems and airline and military aircraft operations. He manages the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative.

Tanya Gatlin

Associate Professor Tanya Gatlin is an airline pilot – first officer and former deputy commander in the Civil Air Patrol in Parker, Colo. Her areas of specialization include human factors, crew resource management, aerospace communications and systems, flight training and ground school instruction.

Jeffrey Price

Professor Jeffrey C. Price is a nationally recognized expert in aviation security and safety. His specialties include airport planning and security management, career planning and the AAAE Certified Member program. 

MSU Denver Aviation and Aerospace Alumni have been hired by the following:

• Airlines and charter services around the world: small commuter to nationals to flagship international carriers 
• Airport authorities throughout the U.S. 
• Aviation management consulting services companies throughout the world 
• Many high technology avionics and aircraft supply manufacturers 
• Government agencies, including the FAA and NTSB 
• Aerospace commercial services such as SNC, Lockheed and small aerospace engineering tech firms