Best institutions to study Air and Space Operations Technology
A program that focuses on the principles, technology and maintenance of systems and equipment used in aerospace operations.
4 U.S. institutions graduated 116 Air and Space Operations Technology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 29.0402, a specialization of Military Systems and Maintenance Technology (CIP 29.04), and leads most directly to the Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 17-3021).
About Air and Space Operations Technology programs
A program that focuses on the principles, technology and maintenance of systems and equipment used in aerospace operations. Includes instruction in astronomy and astronautics, solid state theory, air and space operations, electronics, computer science, aviation and space flight safety, life support systems, flight operations management systems, programming, propulsion systems, weaponry, maintenance management and applications to specific systems and operations.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Air and Space Operations Technology program, part of the Military Systems and Maintenance Technology field, focuses on the principles and maintenance of aerospace systems and equipment. This program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing careers in military and aerospace operations, providing essential knowledge and skills for the industry.
Students will gain expertise in areas such as air and space operations, electronics, programming, and maintenance management. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, science, and engineering principles, equipping graduates with the skills necessary for successful careers in aerospace technology.
Credentials awarded
What Air and Space Operations Technology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree84 graduates / yr · 2 institutions72%
- Bachelor's degree27 graduates / yr · 1 institution23%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year4 graduates / yr · 1 institution3.4%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.9%
Graduates over time
Air and Space Operations Technology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 52 |
| 2013 | 67 |
| 2014 | 46 |
| 2015 | 51 |
| 2016 | 77 |
| 2017 | 102 |
| 2018 | 126 |
| 2019 | 125 |
| 2020 | 104 |
| 2021 | 145 |
| 2022 | 128 |
| 2023 | 115 |
| 2024 | 114 |
| 2025 | 116 |
Top 4 institutions for Air and Space Operations Technology, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cochise County Community College District Sierra Vista, AZPublicAssociate's | 83 | 30% | — | $39,428 |
| 2 | Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 27 | 67% | $38,899 | $52,897 |
| 3 | College of Western Idaho Nampa, IDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 5 | 31% | — | — |
| 4 | University of Dayton Dayton, OHPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 1 | 80% | $28,560 | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Military Systems and Maintenance Technology field (CIP 29.04) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 4 states
Where Air and Space Operations Technology graduates come from. Each state links to all Military Systems and Maintenance Technology programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 1 | 83 | Cochise County Community College District83 / yr |
| Florida | 1 | 27 | Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach27 / yr |
| Idaho | 1 | 5 | College of Western Idaho5 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 1 | University of Dayton1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-3021, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Air and Space Operations Technology program can pursue careers as Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 8.1% and approximately 900 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $79,830, typically requiring an associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 29.0402
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Techniciansprimary SOC 17-3021 | $82,890 | +8.1% Much faster than average | ~900 | Associate's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Air and Space Operations Technology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
- Identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
- Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
- Confer with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results.
- Operate and calibrate computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements and to perform data acquisition and analysis.
- Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.
Tools and technology used
Other Military Systems and Maintenance Technology specializations
The 9 other 6-digit CIP codes under Military Systems and Maintenance Technology (CIP 29.04).
- Aerospace Ground Equipment TechnologyCIP 29.0401limited data80 graduates / yr2 institutions
- Military Information Systems TechnologyCIP 29.0406limited data15 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Explosive Ordinance/CIP 29.0404
Bomb Disposal limited data14 graduates / yr1 institutions - Radar Communications and Systems TechnologyCIP 29.0409limited data1 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 5 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Aircraft Armament Systems Technology29.0403
- Joint Command/
Task Force (C329.0405 - Missile and Space Systems Technology29.0407
- Munitions Systems/
Ordinance Technology29.0408 - Military Systems and Maintenance Technology29.0499
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Military Systems and Maintenance Technology programs →
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn an Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, or a postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, science, and writing.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as an Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist or Technician.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with 8.1% growth and 900 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Air and Space Operations Technology?+
Air and Space Operations Technology is CIP 29.0402 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Military Systems and Maintenance Technology (CIP 29.04). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the principles, technology and maintenance of systems and equipment used in aerospace operations. Includes instruction in astronomy and astronautics, solid state theory, air and space operations, electronics, computer science, aviation and space flight safety, life support systems, flight operations management systems, programming, propulsion systems, weaponry, maintenance management and applications to specific systems and operations.
How many institutions offer Air and Space Operations Technology programs?+
4 U.S. institutions reported Air and Space Operations Technology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 4 states, awarding 116 credentials in the year. That is 51.3% of all Military Systems and Maintenance Technology graduates.
How much do Air and Space Operations Technology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians occupation, which Air and Space Operations Technology most directly leads to, pays a median of $82,890 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Military Systems and Maintenance Technology field report median earnings of $52,897 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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