Aviation-Based Course Credits

Aviation courses may be taken to meet graduation requirements through the following pathways if the courses meet the following requirements:

• Aviation Technology (3580) can meet graduation requirements for Computer Technology if the course provides instruction in flying or operating aircraft, activities related to mechanical flight and the aircraft industry, and practical applications of technology and engineering design processes to evaluate solutions to real-world problems.
• Aeronautics (5010) may meet graduation requirements for a laboratory science if the course is taught by a science certified teacher, and provides instruction in the science, design, and manufacturing of flying vehicles, both within and out of the Earth’s atmosphere, applications of physical sciences and Earth and space science, and includes laboratory or investigative experiences that utilize science and engineering practices to solve real world problems.
• Aviation-based courses taught at CareerTech or by a CareerTech teacher must use the 8000 codes (e.g., 8875 Aviation II, 8876 Aviation III, 8886 Applied Sciences in Aircraft Maintenance, 8887 Basic Electricity) and meet the graduation requirements for Computer Technology.
• Aviation Technology (3580) and Aeronautics (5010) course codes may also count toward elective credit.

Please review the Curriculum Checklists for specific graduation requirements for both the College Preparatory/Work Ready and CORE Curriculum pathways. The Oklahoma Science Graduation Requirements FAQ may also address questions about which courses count as laboratory science credit for high school graduation.

While aviation and aeronautics both study aircraft, they differ in focus. Aviation Technology encompasses flying or operating aircraft; the activities involved in mechanical flight (e.g., control systems); the aircraft industry (e.g., airlines, airports, and aircraft manufacturers); and the practical applications of technology and engineering design processes to evaluate solutions to real-world problems.

Aeronautics involves the study of the science, design, and manufacturing of flying vehicles, both within and out of the earth’s atmosphere, applications of the physical science, and Earth and space sciences. It uses science and engineering practices to design solutions for real-world problems.

Aviation-based CareerTech courses are taught at a Career Technology Center and/or by Career Technology certified educators following program guidelines as outlined by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

No, students are not required to take an aviation-based course to graduate.

Aviation-based courses earning computer technology credit can be taught with any teaching certificate. Educators teaching aeronautics courses that earn laboratory science credit must hold teaching certifications in 6013 Physical Science or 6015 Physics.

No, although it is highly recommended that teachers providing instruction in Aviation participate in professional learning to strengthen their content knowledge and pedagogical practices related to computer technology and engineering instruction.

Currently, no aviation-based instructional materials have been reviewed and/or approved by the Oklahoma State Textbook Committee, so there is no list available on the OSDE High Quality Instructional Materials website. High-quality, free, and open educational resources may be used.

Aviation-based CareerTech courses use the course materials as identified by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

Yes. School districts can utilize the Aviation Technology (3580) course code when reporting the courses to the OSDE and transcript the courses at the local level as Aviation Technology I and Aviation Technology II. Two Aviation Technology (3580) courses fulfill the required two units of world/non-English language or computer technology for graduation until 2030.

The STEM Endorsement prepares students for careers in numerous fields that relate to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To earn a STEM Endorsement, students must complete 10 points from across the domains of engagement, as outlined in the STEM Endorsement guide.

• Aeronautics (5010) does count toward the “Additional Science Course”
• Aviation Technology (3580) does count toward the “Industry Arts Course”
• Aviation-based CareerTech courses do count toward the “Career Technology Course” and/or “Career Technology Academy Programs”