Student Achievement Data - Flight Operations
Bachelor of Science, Flight Operations (Professional Aeronautics)
Student Achievement Data
University of Dubuque | Aviation — Oct 5, 2026
Aviation Department Mission and Educational Goals
Mission
The mission of the Aviation Department is to provide students with academic and professional skills that allow for success in all segments of the Aviation Industry while enhancing their critical thinking and decision-making skills. The Aviation Department supports the University of Dubuque mission by:
- Establishing excellence in professional preparation
- Fostering a zeal for lifelong learning
- Focusing on the development of professional skills enhanced by technology
- Integrated with safety practices
- Characterized by fiscal prudence with quality equipment and facilities.
Flight Operation Program Mission and Learning Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Flight Operations is centered on a Pilot Training School certificate under 14 CFR 141 and prepares students for FAA certification (licensing) and ratings. The flight training program is available to majors and non-majors. The Flight Operations program includes courses ranging from private pilot through commercial pilot with instrument and multi-engine ratings for the airplane track. The helicopter track includes courses ranging from private pilot through commercial with instrument rating. Both tracks are supported by an appropriate ground school. Instructor certificates and ratings are available as electives for the airplane track and are highly recommended. Instructor certificates are required for the helicopter track.
Program Mission
The mission of the program is to equip students with the professional skills necessary for success in key segments of the aviation industry as professional pilots while enhancing their critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Program Educational Goals (PEGs)
- Students will acquire the knowledge, skills, and certifications necessary for immediate entry into the aviation industry, preparing them for Commercial Pilot certification with Instrument and Multi-Engine Land Ratings or Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification for fixed-wing aircraft, and Commercial Pilot certification with Instrument Rating for rotorcraft/helicopters.
- Cultivate a passion for lifelong learning in students, encouraging them to continually update their knowledge and skills in the ever-evolving field of flight operations.
- Foster professionalism and integrity in students, nurturing their ethical comprehension and personal character, and enabling them to incorporate advanced technology and safety practices into their aviation roles.
Program-specific student learning outcomes
- Demonstrate industry knowledge including operational characteristics, human factors, safety, regulatory requirements, and environmental sustainability.
- Utilize mathematics, aviation technology, scientific knowledge, and data interpretation to enhance operational safety and efficiency.
- Communicate clearly and professionally in both written and oral forms across aviation contexts.
- Create and maintain a personal framework for professional and ethical decision making, strong character, and lifelong learning in aviation and career preparation.
- Collaborate effectively within teams to solve technical and managerial challenges.
Assessment Measures Employed
Program Educational Goal Assessment
The review process for the Program Educational Goals in the Flight Operations (FLI) Program is straightforward and collaborative. The goals are set with input from faculty, industry professionals, and alumni to ensure they meet current industry standards.
These goals are reviewed at least every five years, aligning with the accreditation cycle. During the review, data is collected from student transcripts, alumni surveys, and final papers from the Senior Seminar class (AVI 495). This data helps assess how well the program is meeting its goals.
The Head of Academics and the Assessment Manager compile and present this data to the Aviation Department. Together, they analyze the information to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Based on this analysis, they develop strategies to enhance the program.
Outcome Assessment
The Aviation Department uses an annual (Academic Year) process to look formally at an outcome or set of outcomes. Plans are developed in August, lead faculty for each outcome are assigned, interim reviews are conducted in January, draft reports are due in June, and final reports are due no later than October. The review is undertaken by one aviation faculty member who reviews the syllabi and the assignments that have been chosen to measure this outcome, once the initial review has been completed, the faculty member presents the findings to the entire aviation faculty for review, then the Aviation Department uses external and internal assessments to identify areas of weakness and where possible areas of interest. When shortcomings are determined, plans are developed, and resources are gathered to address these issues.
Furthermore, the department conducts assessments of both general and core outcomes on a triennial basis to ensure alignment with educational standards and continuous improvement. All collected data are systematically organized within "Watermark," an integrated digital solution that facilitates comprehensive assessment management.
Program Improvement Strategies
The following University of Dubuque departments and committees participate in the assessment of outcomes, identified program recommendations are followed up with syllabus changes, course flow adjustments, quality, and program development to address shortcomings.
- The Curriculum Committee and Core Committee
- Assessment Committee
The program uses the following techniques to gather both direct and indirect feedback on student learning:
- Individual and group assignments
- Exam scores
- Presentations
- Student and faculty evaluation
- Graduate survey
- Senior seminar
- Internal reports covering enrollment
Enrollment / Graduation Rates
The table below shows the two, four-, and 6, 7 & 8 years graduation rate of a cohort of students from 2011 till 2025:
| Year | New Student Enrollment | Completed within 2 Years | Completed within 4 Years | Completed within 6 Years | Completed within 8 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 76 | 12% | 51% | N/A | N/A |
| 2022 | 87 | 17% | 37% | N/A | N/A |
| 2023 | 97 | 21% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2024 | 119 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2025 | 135 |
Retention Rates
| Year | New Student Enrollment | Continued to 2nd Year | Continued to 3rd Year | Continued to 4th Year | Continued to 5th Year | Continued to 6th Year | Continued to 7th Year | Continued to 8th Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 76 | 92% | 80% | 62% | 36% | 17% | N/A | N/A |
| 2022 | 87 | 93% | 86% | 62% | 38% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2023 | 97 | 87% | 79% | 53% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2024 | 119 | 87% | 72% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2025 | 135 | 81% |
Degrees Granted by Program
| Academic Year | Flight Operations | Aviation Management | Applied Aviation Technology | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-12 | 23 | 17 | - | 40 |
| 2012-13 | 16 | 11 | 27 | |
| 2013-14 | 20 | 13 | 33 | |
| 2014-15 | 26 | 19 | 45 | |
| 2015-16 | 12 | 6 | 18 | |
| 2016-17 | 36 | 21 | 57 | |
| 2017-18 | 22 | 27 | 49 | |
| 2018-19 | 18 | 23 | 1 | 42 |
| 2019-20 | 22 | 12 | 34 | |
| 2020-21 | 47 | 14 | 61 | |
| 2021-22 | 39 | 12 | 1 | 52 |
| 2022-23 | 56 | 17 | 73 | |
| 2023-24 | 48 | 11 | 1 | 60 |
| 2024-25 | 51 | 8 | 59 | |
| 2025-26 | 61 | 17 | 78 |
Graduate Placement Data
The table below provides insights into the career paths that graduates in UD Aviation programs pursue within one year of completing their education:
| Calendar Year | Aviation | Aviation Related | Other | Unknown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 57% | 17% | 5% | 21% |
| 2024 | 73% | 7% | 2% | 17% |
| 2025 | 41% | 29% | 18% | 12% |
Responses from the Alumni Survey1
| Title | 2021 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot | 37% | 38% |
| Corporate Pilot | 13% | 11% |
| Professional Pilot/CFI | 14% | 14% |
| Higher Education/Faculty | 3% | 1% |
| Airline Operation or Management/Leadership | 6% | 5% |
| Airport/FBO operations or Management/Leadership | 5% | 4% |
| Aviation Operations or Customer Service Management/Leadership | 3% | 2% |
| Military or Law Enforcement | 11% | 9% |
| Retired | 5% | 9% |
| Other | 15% | 18% |
1 Survey is launched each 2-3 years, also some Alumni might be in more than one position, and the survey presents 101 in 2021, and 117 in 2024 responses.