Welcome
California Aeronautical University (CAU) prepares students for exciting careers in aviation. Serving students from all over the country, the university offers professional pilot degree programs and other aviation-related programs from its unparalleled purpose-built flight training facility at Bakersfield International Airport in Southern California.
Aviation-Related Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics
- Associate of Science in Aviation Studies
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Master of Aviation Science
- Master of Business Administration
Now enrolling!
Request InfoWhy Choose CAU
Why choose CAU?
When choosing a college and deciding where to start your aviation education, it is important to find the right school for you. What sets California Aeronautical University apart from other schools?
Fast-Track and Year-Round Courses
With year-round courses, students can graduate with a bachelor’s degree in approximately three years. For graduate studies, students can earn a master’s degree in approximately 1.5 years.
Flexible Schedules: Flight Centers and Distance Education
To better serve students, CAU launched Flight Centers in Ventura (KOXR) and San Diego (KMYF) Counties, and a new campus in the greater Phoenix area in Arizona (KFFZ).
For those students who need more flexibility, the University offers its aviation business administration, MBA and Master of Aviation Science degrees in convenient 100% online courses.
Certificates and Ratings
Students in the professional pilot degree programs gain enough ground and flight instruction to earn up to six different aviation certificates and ratings upon graduation, including private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot (single and multi-engine), certified flight instructor and certified flight instructor instrument.
Financial Assistance
California Aeronautical University offers financial aid to those who qualify, including grants, loans, and scholarships. The university also accepts veteran education benefits, including the GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon.
Airline Partners
Airline and Aviation Partners / All California Aeronautical University students are eligible for graduate services and can benefit from the University’s strong industry partnerships, including regional airlines and industry organizations.
The CAU Campus – Live, Eat, Breathe Aviation
Situated directly on an international airport, CAU students are immersed in the aviation life from the moment they move into the 168-room student housing. Amid the constant hum and visual spectacle of aircraft coming and going, students have the opportunity to attend classes, dine at the University’s own Skyway Café, and meet airline recruiters and airport executives – all within the CAU campus.
Take the virtual tour of the CAU campus.
What's new
What's new?
California Aeronautical University strives to promote aviation awareness to build the next generation of professional aviators. You can find the University out in the community at local high schools, attending air shows, offering scholarships to help make an aviation education more affordable, and much more.
- Keep on Top of CAU Happenings
- CAU to Award 100 $10,000 Scholarships
- CAU Expands to Arizona
- Sydney Kibuuka Is Not Your Average Professional Pilot Student
- AOPA President Addresses CAU Graduates
- Colleges Collaborate on Return to Flight Training
- CAU Offers Aircraft Maintenance Technology Program
- CAU Launches Flight Centers in Ventura and San Diego Counties
- CAU Named Top Hawk University
- CAU and Aerobatic Pilot Vicky Benzing Team Up
- AOPA and CAU Renew Partnership
Why an aviation career?
Why an aviation career?
If you’ve ever had the dream of being an aviation professional, now is the time to get started.
Due to many factors, including the looming retirement of a generation of pilots in the U.S., and the growth of air travel markets around the world, there is a projected shortage and growing need for professional pilots over the next twenty years.
According to Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook report, the worldwide demand for professional pilots will reach approximately 800,000 from 2019-2038.*
Aside from pilots, the aviation industry also needs properly trained aviation professionals to manage airports, airlines, fixed-base operators, flight schools, and aircraft manufacturing facilities.
Besides the job outlook, careers in the aviation industry can be especially appealing for their flexibility, and the opportunity to travel the world. Many regional airlines have also been including sign-on bonuses and additional employee benefits to attract pilots to their companies.