Founded in 1926, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the largest and most respected aviation and aerospace university in the world. The university offers a broad range of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs that blend classroom learning with hands-on training in advanced labs, aircraft, and simulation centers.
Quick Facts
- Length: 6 Months to 48 Months
- Cost: $10,000 to $70,000
- Location: FL: Daytona Beach; AZ: Prescott
- Website: https://erau.edu/degrees/bachelor/aviation-maintenance-science
Associate Degree Programs
Aviation Maintenance AS (Online)
This 60-credit hour program combines general education with aviation maintenance core courses and can be completed in approximately 20 months of full-time study. The estimated total cost is $34,750 for civilian students and $18,430 for military students.
Curriculum
The curriculum covers general aeronautics, aircraft electrical systems, airframe structures, and both reciprocating and turbine engine theory.
Core classes include:
- MNT 240 General Aeronautics and Applications
This course introduces the principles of general aeronautics, covering physical mathematics, weight and balance, and relevant government regulations. It also includes topics on aircraft maintenance tools, fluid lines, hardware, servicing, and related documentation. - AMNT 260 Aircraft Electrical Systems Theory
Students learn the basics of aircraft electrical systems, including DC and AC theory, magnetism, and components such as batteries, generators, and motors. The course also covers voltage regulators, circuit protection, and electrical component installation. - AMNT 270 Airframe Structures and Applications
This course covers airframe structures and their applications, including aircraft wood, dope, fabric, sheet metal, and welding methods. Students gain an understanding of proper applications and basic repair techniques. - AMNT 271 Airframe Systems and Applications
Students explore airframe systems such as electrical, fuel, cabin atmosphere control, instrument, communication and navigation, ice and rain control, fire protection, and aircraft inspection. The course emphasizes system applications and functions. - AMNT 280 Reciprocating Engine Theory and Applications
This course covers reciprocating engine characteristics, construction, and theory of operation. Topics include propeller systems, fuel metering, lubrication, exhaust, engine installation, overhaul, and maintenance procedures. - AMNT 281 Turbine Engine Theory and Applications
Students study aircraft jet propulsion systems, focusing on the theory, operation, and controls of turbine engines and propellers. The course covers engine applications and related systems. - ASCI 202 Introduction to Aeronautical Science
This introductory course in aeronautical sciences provides an overview of aviation topics. Students learn about the aviation profession, flight science, safety, human factors, aviation resources, the aviation environment, and meteorology. - STAT 211 Statistics with Aviation Applications
This course teaches basic descriptive and inferential statistics in aviation contexts. Topics include data types, sampling, measures of central tendency and dispersion, elementary probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, and linear regression analysis.
Transfer Credits
Students with existing FAA Airframe & Powerplant certificates may receive up to 18 credit hours toward the degree.
Aviation Maintenance Science AS (Daytona Beach Campus)
This hands-on 66-credit program is designed to prepare students for FAA A&P certification exams and takes approximately 22 months to complete. The program prepares graduates for roles as A&P mechanics, avionics technicians, and quality assurance specialists, with alumni averaging $63,400 annually.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes 48 hours of airframe and powerplant technical courses plus 18 hours of general education. Students gain practical experience with aircraft metallic and composite structures, powerplant systems, and transport category aircraft.
Course include:
- AMS 115 Aviation Mathematics and Physics
This course introduces fundamental mathematics and physics concepts for aviation maintenance technicians. Topics include fractions, decimals, ratios, geometry, and the use of formulas and proportions. Physics sections cover atmospheric properties, thermodynamics, fluid power, heat, power, work, basic machines, and sound. - AMS 116 Fundamentals of Electricity
Students learn about direct and alternating current electricity, electrical circuits, measuring devices, transformers, and logic devices. Key concepts include voltage, current, resistance, and impedance relationships. Laboratory projects reinforce classroom theory to ensure hands-on understanding. - AMS 117 Tools, Materials and Processes
This course explores common and precision measurement tools, aviation hardware, and materials used in aircraft manufacturing and repair. It also covers corrosion control, aircraft blueprints, and various nondestructive testing methods. Students gain practical experience by applying these concepts in lab settings. - AMS 118 Aircraft Familiarization and Regulations
AMS 118 covers terminology, basic aerodynamics, and human factors related to aviation maintenance. It includes a detailed look at Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), maintenance documents, and safety standards for aircraft ground operations. Students also learn aircraft weight and balance concepts. - AMS 261 Aircraft Metallic Structures
This course studies aircraft structural features with a focus on aluminum sheet metal. Topics include metalworking processes, approved repair methods, and aircraft welding practices. Students develop skills in manufacturing and repairing aircraft metallic structures. - AMS 262 Aircraft Composite Structures
Students examine composite, plastic, wood, and fabric materials used in aircraft. The course covers fabrication, repairs, finishing, and safe practices. Additional areas include adhesive use, composite machining, and vacuum bagging. - AMS 263 General Aviation Aircraft Systems
This course covers basic operating principles and troubleshooting techniques for general aviation aircraft systems. Topics include hydraulic, air conditioning, heating, oxygen, landing gear, braking, ice/rain protection, fire detection, fuel, and flight control systems. - AMS 264 General Aviation Aircraft Electrical and Instrument Systems
AMS 264 teaches aircraft wiring, basic troubleshooting, DC alternator systems, and avionics. Students engage in lab projects to apply these principles and strengthen their technical skills. - AMS 271 Aircraft Reciprocating Powerplant and Systems
This course focuses on reciprocating engine operation, disassembly, inspection, and reassembly. It also includes powerplant fuel metering, supercharger systems, and induction, cooling, and exhaust systems maintenance. - AMS 272 Powerplant Electrical and Instrument Systems
Students study electrical and instrument systems that support aircraft powerplants. The course covers overhaul and testing of components for both reciprocating and turbine engines, including auxiliary power units. - AMS 273 Propeller Systems
AMS 273 teaches maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of propeller systems for reciprocating and turboprop aircraft engines. It includes in-depth study of propeller components and system performance. - AMS 274 Aircraft Turbines Powerplants and Systems
This course focuses on modern gas turbine engine construction and design. Topics include lubrication, fuel scheduling, starting, ignition, and maintenance practices. Emphasis is placed on inspection and troubleshooting techniques. - AMS 365 Transport Category Aircraft Systems
Students learn about the systems found in transport category aircraft, including hydraulic, pneumatic, environmental, oxygen, landing gear, braking, ice/rain protection, fire detection, fuel, and flight controls. The course incorporates labs to reinforce learning. - AMS 366 Transport Category Aircraft Electrical and Instrument Systems
This course covers AC and DC power systems in large, multiengine aircraft, focusing on troubleshooting electrical systems and understanding avionics and instrument systems. - AMS 375 Repair Station Operations
AMS 375 provides a detailed study of reciprocating engine overhaul in a certified repair station environment. It emphasizes disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and advanced nondestructive testing techniques. - AMS 376 Powerplant Line Maintenance
Students learn proper installation, inspection, and operational checks of reciprocating and turbine engines. The course also covers troubleshooting of fuel, oil, electrical, and propeller systems on working aircraft engines.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Aviation Maintenance BS (Online)
This comprehensive 120-credit program offers three specialization tracks: Engineering, Management, and Safety, and typically takes 48 months to complete.
The Management specialization focuses on logistics, procurement, and project management, while the Safety specialization emphasizes human factors and system safety practices.
Curriculum
- AMNT 240 General Aeronautics and Applications
This course introduces general aeronautics, covering aircraft maintenance basics such as weight and balance, tools, hardware, fluid lines, and documentation, along with relevant government regulations. - AMNT 260 Aircraft Electrical Systems Theory
Students learn the principles of DC and AC electrical theory, magnetism, batteries, generators, motors, and component installations in aircraft electrical systems. - AMNT 270 Airframe Structures and Applications
This course focuses on airframe structures, including aircraft wood, dope, fabric, sheet metal, welding theory, and fabrication methods for repairs and applications. - AMNT 271 Airframe Systems and Applications
Students explore airframe systems such as electrical, fuel, cabin atmosphere control, instrument, communication, navigation, ice and rain control, fire protection, and aircraft inspections. - AMNT 280 Reciprocating Engine Theory and Applications
Students study the characteristics, operation, construction, and maintenance of reciprocating engines, including propeller systems, fuel metering, lubrication, and overhaul procedures. - AMNT 281 Turbine Engine Theory and Applications
This course examines aircraft jet propulsion systems, emphasizing turbine engine theory, operations, controls, and related applications. - AMNT 265 Aeronautical Electronics for Aviation Maintenance Technicians
Students study radio communication, radar systems, electronic principles, troubleshooting procedures, and signal propagation in aviation electronics. - ASCI 404 Applications in Aviation & Aerospace Law
This course covers aviation and aerospace law, regulations, legal aspects of uncrewed systems, and international agreements, focusing on pilots, maintenance, and airport/aircraft operators. - AMNT 416 Aviation Maintenance Management: A Global Perspective
Students explore aviation maintenance management policies and practices, including planning, cost control, reliability, safety, and flight scheduling in global maintenance programs. - AMNT 429 Advanced Technologies in Design and Production of Aircraft Structures and Systems
This course covers advanced materials, composites, alloys, and automated systems in aircraft design and production, including national and international certification standards. - AMNT 424 Maintenance Repair and Overhaul in Aviation
Students learn about MRO organization operations, maintenance engineering, regulatory requirements, logistics, supply chain support, and industry oversight. - AMNT 290 Introduction to Aerospace Composites
Students explore composite materials in aerospace, learning about properties, manufacturing, repair techniques, safety concerns, and current technologies. - AMNT 272 Fundamentals of Aircraft Avionics
This course introduces aircraft avionics systems, including solid-state devices, gyros, compass systems, navigation, autopilot, weather radar, and communications systems. - AMNT 491 Operational Applications in Aviation Maintenance
A culminating course examining maintenance policies, reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance in aviation maintenance operations, integrating multiple aviation disciplines. - ASCI 202 Introduction to Aeronautical Science
This introductory course covers aviation topics such as the profession, flight science, safety, security, human factors, aviation resources, and meteorology. - MGMT 201 Principles of Management
Students study management theories, philosophies, and functions, including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling within organizations. - STAT 211 Statistics with Aviation Applications
This course teaches descriptive and inferential statistics for aviation applications, covering data types, sampling, probability, hypothesis tests, confidence intervals, and linear regression.
Cost
The estimated total cost is $69,350 for civilian students and $36,710 for military students. Graduates achieve a 92% placement rate and earn an average of $100,200 annually.
Aviation Maintenance Science BS (Daytona Beach Campus)
This 121-127 credit program combines A&P certification preparation with advanced studies and requires 48-51 months to complete.
Students must select from four concentration areas:
- Flight
- Maintenance Management
- Safety Science
- Avionics Cybertechnology and Security
The program includes specialized minors such as Avionics Line Maintenance, Aviation Safety, Business Administration, or Cybersecurity Application and Management. Graduates earn an average of $66,200 annually with a 92.9% placement rate.
Graduate Program
Master of Aviation Maintenance (Online)
This 30-credit graduate program focuses on leadership and management in global aviation maintenance operations and can be completed in approximately 12 months.
The curriculum covers sustainable aviation techniques, strategic MRO operations, and integrated logistics management. Graduates achieve 100% placement rates and earn an average of $99,700 annually in roles such as Directors of Maintenance and MRO Managers.
The estimated total cost is $27,855 for civilian students and $23,625 for military students.
Certificate Program
Certificate in Aviation Maintenance Technology Part 65 (Online)
This 18-credit certificate program supports students pursuing FAA A&P certification requirements and takes approximately 6 months to complete. The curriculum covers general aeronautics, airframe and powerplant systems, and electrical theory.
The estimated total cost is $10,440 for civilian students and $5,544 for military students.
School Accreditation
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and holds specialized accreditation from the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).
Special Features
The university’s Worldwide Campus offers flexible online learning options with EagleVision Virtual Classroom technology, allowing students to structure their education around their lifestyles.
As a recognized leader in aviation and aerospace education, Embry-Riddle maintains strong industry partnerships with major employers including Boeing, NASA, Southwest Airlines, and Lockheed Martin, contributing to exceptional graduate placement rates across all programs.