Academic Catalogs

Aviation Science, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_AVSC

Control Number: 03978

Financial Aid Eligible


This program of study academically prepares men and women of all ages for entry into the world of commercial aviation. In addition to airline flying many positions are available worldwide for trained commercial pilots. Businesses large and small hire corporate pilots for executive transport. Government agencies, both federal and state, hire commercial pilots for law enforcement, land management, wildlife management and staff logistics. Pilots are also in demand for fire suppression, emergency medical transportation and charter.

The curriculum is designed for students with no flying experience. Courses will systematically prepare individuals academically for the certificates and ratings required to operate aircraft as a commercial pilot. In addition, flight lab courses are offered as suggested electives enabling the student to complete all aspects of their training under the auspices of the college and to accrue the flight hours necessary for licensing as a commercial pilot.

The course of study can be tailored to individual requirements. The small business owner who only needs to use an aircraft for personal transportation can end their training with the 2 and preparation for the Instrument rating. A student seeking a career as a professional pilot would progress through the curriculum to earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate of Specialization along with a Turbine Transition Skill Certificate. All training is conducted in accordance labs are conducted in accordance with an approved FAR Part 141 syllabus.

Program Outcomes

  1. Students will develop the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for completion of aviation flight training and successful completion of federally administered knowledge and practical tests.
  2. Students will develop a baseline understanding of industry terminology along with the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to enter the air transportation industry as professionals in non-flying capacities such as: ground operations, customer services, gate attendants, aviation sales, flight crew attendants, and charter flight coordinators.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements

  1. UNIT REQUIREMENT60 UNITS, with at least a 2.0 grade point average. At least 12 of the units must be earned at OCC, with a minimum of one course taken for a letter grade. At least 3 units in an advanced course from the program must be completed at OCC. A student must be enrolled at the time of application for graduation. Units earned at an accredited college or university on a credit/no credit basis will be counted toward the degree requirements of the college, to a maximum of 15 units.
  2. MAJOR REQUIREMENT - Complete the AS major requirements.
  3. MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT - Demonstrate competence in mathematics by either obtaining a satisfactory grade (grade of “C” or better or“pass”) in a mathematics course at or above the level of Intermediate Algebra as demonstrated by prior coursework, or by demonstrating competency that is comparable through the completion of a college-level math course that has Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite: Psychology A160 or Math A100 or higher, with the exception of Math A220.
  4. GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT - Students may choose to complete Option 1 (OCC AS GE), Option 2 (CSU GE), or Option 3 (IGETC) to satisfy the general education requirement. See the General Education Patterns section of this catalog for more information.
Course Title Units
Required Courses
APT A130Private Pilot Aviation Ground School5
APT A132Aviation Navigation3
APT A133Aviation-Meteorology3
APT A146Advanced Aircraft & Engines3
APT A180Basic Air Transportation3
Select a Track:9
Track 1:
Instrument Pilot Aviation Ground School
Aerodynamics
Commercial Pilot Aviation Ground School
Track 2:
Introduction to Airport Operations
Introduction to Flight Operations
Airline Transport Pilot Ground
Restricted Electives6
Select 6 units (courses used above may not fulfill elective units):
Introduction to Airport Operations
Introduction to Flight Operations
Private Pilot Flight Lab
Instrument Pilot Flight Lab
Commercial Pilot Flight Lab
Private Pilot Advanced Flight Lab
Advanced Commercial Pilot Flight Lab
Multi-Engine Aircraft Operations Lab
Flight Instructor Ground School
Airline Transport Pilot Ground
Advanced Aircraft & Engines
Human Factors and Crew Resource Management
Financial Accounting
Managerial Accounting
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Total Units32
Requirement Units
Program Major Units 32
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 Varies
Transferable electives to satisfy unit requirement Varies
Total Degree Units 60

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Select one of the following tracks:

Track 1

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
APT A130 Private Pilot Aviation Ground School 5
APT A133 Aviation-Meteorology 3
OCC AS GE AREA A1- CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3
 Units14
Semester 2
APT A134 Instrument Pilot Aviation Ground School 3
APT A180 Basic Air Transportation 3
OCC AS GE AREA A2- CHOOSE ONE 1 3-4
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 2 3-4
Intermediate Algebra
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
 
OCC AS GE AREA C2- CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units15-17
Year 2
Semester 1
APT A139 Commercial Pilot Aviation Ground School 3
APT A146 Advanced Aircraft & Engines 3
AS MAJOR ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 3
OCC AS GE AREA C1- CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA B- CHOOSE ONE 3-4
 Units15-16
Semester 2
APT A132 Aviation Navigation 3
APT A138 Aerodynamics 3
AS MAJOR ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 3
OCC AS GE AREA D- CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 4
 Units16
 Total Units60-63

Track 2

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
APT A130 Private Pilot Aviation Ground School 5
APT A133 Aviation-Meteorology 3
OCC AS GE AREA C1- CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA A1- CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units14
Semester 2
APT A180 Basic Air Transportation 3
AS MAJOR ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 3
OCC AS GE AREA A2- CHOOSE ONE 1 3-4
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 2 3-4
Intermediate Algebra
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
 
AS MAJOR ELECTIVES (see list below) 3
 Units15-17
Year 2
Semester 1
APT A110 Introduction to Airport Operations 3
APT A115 Introduction to Flight Operations 3
APT A146 Advanced Aircraft & Engines 3
OCC AS GE AREA B- CHOOSE ONE 3-4
AS MAJOR ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 3
 Units15-16
Semester 2
APT A132 Aviation Navigation 3
APT A145 Airline Transport Pilot Ground 3
OCC AS GE AREA C2- CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA D- CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 4
 Units16
 Total Units60-63