The Social Sciences Air Transportation major gives you a broad understanding of how social forces influence aviation, and how aviation influences our society: from economics, international relations, government policy, and sustainable development.
Student Profiles
If you are interested in the Social Sciences Air Transportation major, you'll start out as a Pre-Major in the Department of Geography. In this first year, you'll complete critical introductory coursework within the major as well as general education courses.
There are four pre-major courses you need to complete with a grade of C- or better for you to be eligible for the major:
- AVIATN 2000 - Intro to the Aviation Industry
- AVIATN 2100 - Private Pilot Fundamentals (to be eligible for the Professional Pilot Specialization described below, you'll need a B- or better in this course)
- GEOG 2400 - Social & Economic Geography
- GEOG 3300 - Transportation Security
Once you've successfully completed these core courses (typically after the first year), you will be moved into the major under one of the following two options:
Social Sciences Air Transportation with Professional Pilot Specialization
While not required to complete the major, eligible students have the opportunity to earn flight ratings toward the Center for Aviation Studies Professional Pilot Specialization through the center's FAR Part 141 certified professional flight education curriculum. We encourage you to check out The Ohio State University Airport, Don Scott Field, one of the nation's premier university owned and operated airports. Don Scott is where students learn to fly using a fleet of aircraft and simulators, including the Cessna 152, Cessna 172, Cessna 310, Piper PA-28 Arrow, and Cirrus SR20 as well as Frasca and Redbird Certified Flight Training Devices.
You must complete AVIATN 2100 - Private Pilot Fundamentals with at least a B- to be eligible for this specialization. If you do not receive a B- or above, you may retake the course and re-apply.
If you successfully complete all Pre-Major requirements and confirm your interest in Flight Education by completing the Flight Education Interest Survey, you will be assigned a spot on the wait list for flight labs based on the following rubric (recalculated each semester):
- Cumulative Ohio State GPA
- Aviation Courses GPA
- Glass rank (determined by earned hours)
- Grade in AVIATN 2100
The Center for Aviation Studies is experiencing an unprecedented demand for flight laboratory courses relative to the supply currently available. They're continuing to work to increase their capacity, through acquisition of aircraft and flight simulators, hiring additional flight instructors, and improving maintenance and scheduling operations.
Please note that adding the Professional Pilot Specialization to your major may increase the number of semesters needed to complete all major and general education requirements.
Social Sciences Air Transportation without Professional Pilot Specialization
You can also complete the major without the Professional Pilot Specialization. You will focus on aviation courses ranging from the fundamentals of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (such as drones), accident investigation, labor relations, and aviation business management.
The Social Sciences Air Transportation degree requires a minimum of 121 credit hours to graduate.
Below is a list of some of the issues and topics you'll study:
Flight Program
- Flight fundamentals
- Navigation
- Cross-country flight plans
- Commercial flight
- Flight instruction
Airport Safety & Security
- Aviation regulations
- International aviation
- Aircraft performance
- Accident investigation
Geographic Perspectives
- Transportation security
- Sustainable transportation
- Social and behavioral sciences
- Human geography
Weather Data
- Weather theory
- Weather patterns
- Aerodynamics
- Flight performance
Business of Aviation
- Business models
- Aviation management
- Marketing strategies
- Communication
Non-Flight Certifications
- Flight dispatch
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median pay for pilots is $149,000 per year while employment is growing at a rate of 4% over the next decade. Aircraft mechanics and technicians make on average $71,000 per year while employment is also growing at a rate of 4% over the next decade.
This degree offers those interested in aviation a wide range of possible ways to use the unique confluence of their interests and abilities gained during their education.
Possible career opportunities include:
- Pilot (charter, cargo, airline, corporate, or medical)
- Flight Instructor
- Flight Dispatcher
- Flight Attendant
- Airport Operations Planner
- Air Traffic Control
- Safety Inspector
- Airline Scheduler
- National Transportation Safety Board Accident Investigator
- Airport Director
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Airline and Commercial Pilots,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm
Curriculum for Social Science Air Transportation (BA)
If you are a student considering the Social Science Air Transportation degree, the downloadable file below will provide further information on the courses required.
Advising Sheet
Major curriculum information for students enrolling at OSU and declaring a Social Science Air Transportation major during Spring 2023 or beyond, use this document.
General Education Requirements
Every student at Ohio State completes courses in General Education (GE). Although these GE courses are meant to provide a broad baseline of learning, often the courses supplement the student’s major or program. The requirements vary depending on whether you are pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Science degree. If you are not sure which curriculum you are following, ask your advisor. The College of Arts and Sciences has all the information you need to keep track of your General Education requirements.
Curriculum for Social Science Air Transportation (BA)
If you are a student enrolled in the department during the Autumn of 2022, please use the following advising sheet:
Advising Sheet
General Education Requirements
Every student at Ohio State completes courses in General Education (GE). Although these GE courses are meant to provide a broad baseline of learning, often the courses supplement the student’s major or program. The requirements vary depending on whether you are pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Science degree. If you are not sure which curriculum you are following, ask your advisor. The College of Arts and Sciences has all the information you need to keep track of your General Education requirements.
Curriculum for Social Science Air Transportation (BA)
If you are a student enrolled in the department during the Summer of 2022 or before, please use the following advising sheet:
Advising Sheet
General Education Requirements
Every student at Ohio State completes courses in General Education (GE). Although these GE courses are meant to provide a broad baseline of learning, often the courses supplement the student’s major or program. The requirements vary depending on whether you are pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Science degree. If you are not sure which curriculum you are following, ask your advisor. The College of Arts and Sciences has all the information you need to keep track of your General Education requirements.
