At Daytona Beach College of Aviation, we don’t just prepare students for careers — we help launch futures.
Whether you're drawn to the skies, have a fascination with flight or a drive to improve aviation safety, our programs offer comprehensive academic paths in aviation and aerospace.
Here, you’ll study alongside peers from around the globe and learn from faculty with real-world experience and expertise in their fields. Our curricula is built to meet and exceed industry standards, giving you the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in every phase of your career.
From piloting commercial aircraft to investigating the science of storms, Embry-Riddle equips you to lead and innovate in one of the world’s most vital and exciting industries.
Institutional Research, 2023-24 Cohort
Innovative Degree Programs
Explore the science and practice of piloting through hands-on flight and simulation. Focus on navigation, weather and safety to build the technical skills and professional judgment needed to operate aircraft and contribute to aviation mission success.
Examine the aviation industry through operations, safety, maintenance and air transportation systems. Develop technical understanding and applied problem solving that supports advancement across airports, flight organizations and aerospace networks.
Explore airspace coordination through navigation, communication and radar technologies. Focus on maintaining safety and efficiency while developing the decision-making skills needed to guide aircraft in complex environments.
Coordinate flight operations through weather analysis, routing and regulatory knowledge. Support flight crews by evaluating conditions and making informed go or no-go recommendations that promote safety and schedule stability.
Note: This program is offered alongside the pursuit of a degree and not as separate training.
Study the principles that connect flight operations, safety, management and technology across the aviation industry. You’ll analyze systems and strategies that shape air transport and prepare to lead advancements in an evolving global aerospace environment.
Focus on preventing accidents and improving operational safety across flight and space environments. Study human factors, risk management, investigation techniques and safety program design to support organizations working to maintain safe and reliable operations.
Explore aircraft inspection, repair and troubleshooting through hands-on technical training. Prepare for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification while gaining experience in avionics, safety and operational support across various aviation settings.
Where weather science meets human impact. Study atmospheric behavior, forecasting and climate systems to understand how weather influences decision making worldwide.
Explore how organizations build safer workplaces. You’ll study hazard recognition, compliance and leadership while learning how to create safety programs that reduce risk and strengthen organizational performance.
Where flight meets the frontier. Study orbital mechanics, mission design and space systems management. You’ll learn how spacecraft are planned, launched and supported and how operations teams coordinate payloads, communications and safety for government, commercial and research missions.
Where flight meets innovation. Study design, operation and safety of uncrewed aircraft while exploring regulatory and ethical considerations. You’ll learn how autonomous systems support applications in mapping, surveillance and logistics.
Study the systems and software that guide uncrewed operations. You’ll explore autonomy, human-machine teaming and system design to prepare for work in aviation, defense and research environments.
Our labs and facilities offer dynamic, hands-on environments where students practice real-world skills in cyber intelligence, computer science and security operations.
At the College of Aviation, students thrive in a dynamic research environment, mentored by faculty who actively publish, secure grants and drive innovation.
Faculty at the College of Aviation also stand apart due to their diverse backgrounds and commitment to a comprehensive and global perspective on education, and all of them are adept at specialized learning concepts in our wide range of degree programs.
The Advanced Flight Simulation Center (AFSC) contains the simulators and flight training devices (FTDs) needed to support the Flight Training Department.
Aviation Maintenance Science Hangar (AMS Hangar)
The AMS Hangar is used to support the Aviation Maintenance Science degree programs. Students will work on aircraft and trainers en route to working toward their FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate.
Emil Buehler Aviation Maintenance Science Building (AMS)
The Emil Buehler Aviation Maintenance and Sciences building contains classrooms and laboratories that support the Aviation Maintenance Science degree programs and an outside observation deck that enjoys a panoramic view of the flight line and the Daytona Beach International Airport.
Fleet Maintenance Hangar (Hangar)
The Fleet Maintenance Hangar is where the university’s private fleet of aircraft are maintained.
Flight Operations Center (Flight Center)
The Flight Operations Center building is a two-story building housing all flight operations, including offices, dispatch, debriefing, classrooms and other spaces. In addition, it includes a control tower and observation lounge.
Our goal in the College of Aviation (COA) is to support and empower each of our students, fostering an environment where every individual can thrive. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to ensuring that all students feel valued and are provided with the resources and guidance necessary for success in their academic endeavors.
Our aim is to cultivate not only skilled aviation professionals but also well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute to and excel in their chosen fields. By promoting personal growth, collaboration and excellence, the College of Aviation creates a vibrant learning environment where every student can achieve their full potential.
Student Organizations Advancing Professionals in Aviation
At Embry‑Riddle’s College of Aviation, our student chapters are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive community. These organizations provide valuable opportunities for mentorship, networking, professional development and scholarships, empowering students from all backgrounds to thrive in the aviation industry.
College life can be stressful, and the College of Aviation is committed to supporting student well-being. We strive to offer relevant mental health tools and resources.
Well Beyond is an initiative designed to help aviation students navigate mental health challenges and break down common misconceptions. Our Mental Health Committee, made up of students, faculty and staff, develops evidence-based recommendations to support our community.
Explore this page for resources, myth-busting facts, and ways to find support.
Resources
TELUS Health: A free app called can help students address day-to-day challenges. The app provides 24/7 confidential mental health and well-being support via Student Support Advisors who understand the challenges that students face. Download Telus Health in the or .
Anytime: Call 386-226-7233 (SAFE) or walk to Campus Safety.
The mission and purpose of the College of Aviation is to prepare graduates who will assume leadership roles in the global aviation industry and related fields through academic degrees and other educational programs from professional certifications through to Ph.D.
Embry-Riddle was the perfect fit because it allowed me to combine my love for flying with my passion for athletics. It’s a university built around excellence, and I knew I’d be surrounded by people who push themselves to be their best as a student, person and player. Not to mention, living 10 minutes from the beach in Florida was definitely a draw.”
