Commercial Aviation
UofM TigersTaking Flight!
Technical Rigor and Practical Education for the Workforce-Ready Professional.
The aviation industry is an exacting, high-technology enterprise governed by prescriptive federal safety and operational standards. Housed in ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½â€”the premier aerotropolis and cargo hub of North America—the Polytechnic provides two focused degree pathways designed to meet the soaring demand for professional flight crews and technical aviation leaders.
Why Aviation at UofM?
First Fly
Incoming freshmen with an FAA Private Pilot Certificate may start instrument ground and flight training in their very first semester if they choose. Flight slots are scheduled by the student directly with our flight training vendor—not by arbitrary rationing, GPA or class rank—keeping you on track for timely certificate completion and graduation.
ROTC Ready
Providing ROTC cadets a valuable head start toward military aviation careers by building flight experience, technical knowledge, and confidence before commissioning.
Regulatory and Industry Alignment
Located in the global logistics aerotropolis, our programs teach beyond generic business concepts. Students master FAA-mandated Safety Management Systems (SMS), 14 CFR regulations, and air carrier operational control—the exact competencies required by airlines, Part 145 MROs, and aviation infrastructure operators.
Studies in Aviation Industry
Commercial Aviation
Prepares students for professional flight careers across major and regional airlines, corporate flight departments, cargo operations, and military aviation. Delivered under FAA Part 141, the curriculum combines flight certification through Commercial Airplane Multi-Engine Instrument, with optional Flight Instructor and Instrument Instructor ratings. Students study aircraft systems, aviation weather, navigation, safety, law and regulations, human factors, and flight operations to acquire the technical and operational expertise needed to excel.
Aviation Management
The concentration in Aviation Management prepares students for high-consequence leadership roles across the commercial air transportation network without requiring costly flight training fees. Anchored in prescriptive federal oversight, students gain deep technical expertise in air carrier network operations, safety auditing, and regulatory compliance. Students will gain an understanding of the nature of organizations and the fundamentals of administrative leadership as well as promote skills in formal and interpersonal communication, effective resolution process and operations management. The aviation management program encompasses studies in aviation, management, information systems, supply chain, communications, business operations, analytics, organizational leadership and more.
Polytechnic News and Events
Polytechnic@UofM approved for Applied AI concentration in Bachelor of Applied Science Program
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission approved the University of ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½' request to offer a concentration in Applied Artificial Intelligence through the Polytechnic@UofM's Bachelor of Applied Science Programs.
University of ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ Launches New Bachelor of Applied Science Program to Meet Workforce Demand
The BAS degree program provides opportunities for students in applied technology programs to transfer their credits and continue their education with enhanced pathways for TCATs, Community Colleges and returning learners.
Polytechnic@UofM professors earn Applied Gen AI for Higher Ed Professionals certificates
Groups of professors at the University of ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ earned certificates in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for higher education professionals, demonstrating different ways AI can be used to improve the University of ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ and enhance education.