Western Michigan University Aviation Maintenance Program

Program Overview

This program fits students who want a bachelor's degree pairing FAA airframe and powerplant coursework with broader aviation technical operations training at a university campus in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Western Michigan University's College of Aviation offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technical Operations with an Aviation Maintenance Technology concentration, based at W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek. Coursework includes non-destructive test, composite construction and repair, and avionics, alongside internship opportunities with local aircraft repair organizations and corporate flight operations. Both airframe and powerplant ratings fall within the concentration.

This is a bachelor's degree program rather than a shorter certificate or associate credential, a distinction worth weighing against your timeline and cost tolerance. Grand Rapids-area aircraft mechanics report a median wage of $75,550 a year, compared with the $79,870 national median for the occupation, one pair of figures to weigh alongside the degree path.

• Program based at WMU's College of Aviation campus at W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, MI
• Coursework includes non-destructive test, composite construction and repair, and avionics
• Internship opportunities with local aircraft repair organizations and corporate flight operations
• Described by the college as its flagship maintenance program with strong industry hiring demand

As stated on wmich.edu

Western Michigan University is at 237 North Helmer Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037. Compare it with every aviation maintenance school in Michigan. For schools within commuting distance, see aviation maintenance schools near Grand Rapids.

Annual median wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians (SOC 49-3011), BLS OEWS May 2025. See the Michigan aircraft mechanic salary data.

The closest FAA-approved schools to Western Michigan University, by straight-line distance.