Airframe Manufacturing Technology | Bachelor’s Degree Program

Program Description

AVC's Airframe Manufacturing Technology Program (AFMT) is a one-of-a-kind program specifically designed to meet the need in the aerospace industry for multi-skilled individuals who understand, perform, and serve as first-line leads in the major processes of manufacturing the structural components of an aircraft for civilian and military specifications. The program's curriculum addresses airframe manufacturing, aircraft fabrication (structures and composites), and electronics.

The AFMT bachelor program is geared toward students who have completed or are in progress of completing a two-year program in Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly, and who are interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree in Aircraft Manufacturing Technology. Students will enter directly as juniors (3rd-year track students). AVC is very interested in Veterans and people working at locations such as Edwards Air Force Base.

AFMT Program Educational Objectives:

• Professional Competence and Leadership: Graduates will demonstrate technical proficiency and leadership skills in aerospace manufacturing, successfully leading small production teams in roles such as production leads, manufacturing engineers, and quality assurance supervisors. 
• Application of Lean Management and Quality Assurance Principles: Graduates will effectively apply lean management principles, including Six Sigma and 5S methodologies, and maintain rigorous quality assurance standards to optimize manufacturing processes and enhance production efficiency in aerospace environments. 
• Advanced Technical Skills and Continuous Learning: Graduates will possess a strong foundation in airframe manufacturing technologies, including composite manufacturing and testing, and will engage in continuous learning to stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry advancements, ensuring their competitiveness in the field. 
• Ethical and Effective Decision-Making: Graduates will exhibit ethical decision-making and responsible professional practices, particularly in the areas of safety, quality control, and compliance with civilian and military specifications, contributing to the overall success and integrity of aerospace manufacturing operations.
• Effective Communication and Collaboration: Graduates will communicate effectively and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, contributing to the successful completion of complex aerospace projects and fostering a productive environment that supports innovation and continuous improvement.

ABET - Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission Student Outcomes Requirements and AVC Student Learning Outcomes

ABET Student Outcomes 

Program Cost 

Complete this degree for $11,000 or less! Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students admitted to the AFMT Baccalaureate Degree program. For more information, please click here for a link to the financial aid department. 

Tuition fees per Education Code, Sections 76300 and 78042, are $46 per unit, plus $84 per unit for upper-division coursework. You may click on each of the section's codes for additional information. 

For more information regarding CCPG or FAFSA please visit this link: https://www.avc.edu/financial-aid-scholarships/california-college-promise-grant.

Current Eligibility for the AFMT Program:

• Completion of the Aircraft Fabrication & Assembly Technician (AFAB) or Aeronautical and Aviation Technology (AERO) associate degree course sequence.
• Completion of the general education/lower-division prerequisites listed in the table below.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 in all AFAB/AERO courses and 3.0 in all college courses taken for credit (overall GPA). 

General Education/Lower-Division Prerequisites for admission to the AFMT program: 

General education and lower-division elective credit will only be accepted from regionally accredited colleges or universities.

Antelope Valley College (AVC) accepts a limited number of transfer credits from other institutions, subject to formal articulation agreements for specific approval by the academic department. Transferability is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, ensuring alignment with our curriculum and academic standards. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with the program-designated advisors for details on existing agreements and the transfer process.

For a full list of courses, visit the AFMT catalog pages, under recommended pathway, first through fourth semesters. 

Note: The aerospace industries generally require employment applicants to pass a background check and drug screening. Employment is often subject to the applicant's ability to receive a security clearance from the Department of Defense (DoD).

Eligibility for Declaring or Changing to AFMT Major 

Students are not eligible to change their major to AFMT without first being formally admitted to the program. The application process and selection procedure are listed in the next section. 

Any requests to declare or change a major to AFMT prior to program admission will not be granted. Once admitted, the division office will collect the required form from the student and submit it for processing. 

Application Dates for Fall 2026 Admission:

• The application period for fall 2026 has closed.

Application Process: 

Applicants seeking admission to the Airframe Manufacturing Technology Bachelor’s Degree (AFMT) program must follow the instructions outlined below:

1. Complete the Application for Enrollment form.

The application link is available only during the application cycle. 

2. Upload required supporting documents.

As part of the application, students must upload a current Education Plan completed by an AVC Counselor or Advisor assigned to the AFMT program. Education Plans must be from the spring term of the year the student is applying.

• Scheduling: Appointments must be scheduled with AFMT counseling personnel only. Students should schedule early, as appointments fill quickly. Appointments may be made by calling (661) 722-6300 ext. 6338.
• Approved Personnel: 
  • Monica Carreon 
  • Rod Schilling (approved to evaluate transcripts from other colleges and universities)

3. Submit Official Transcripts.

Order official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions, including Antelope Valley College, and have them sent electronically to bachelors@avc.edu (Attention: Rocio Heasley).

• Advanced Placement (AP): If students have AP credits, an official AP Score Report must be sent directly from the College Board to Antelope Valley College.
• External Records: One set of official transcripts from all institutions outside of Antelope Valley College must also be on file with AVC.

4. Submit your application.

The online application and all required document uploads must be completed at the time of submission. Students should ensure all official transcripts have been ordered prior to submitting the application. Mailed paper application packets and in-person submissions are no longer accepted. Applicants must submit only one application per cycle; submitting multiple applications will not improve the likelihood of admission.

The program does not maintain a waiting list, and applicants who are not admitted must reapply during a future application cycle.

Selection Procedure 

Student eligibility for admission to the program is determined through a multi-criteria screening process. Applications are ranked based on the total points earned through scholastic eligibility, as outlined in the Application Rubric available under the section Program Forms and Documents. In the event of a tie in total points, rankings will be determined by the highest overall GPA. Meeting minimum requirements and submission of an application do not guarantee admission to the program. Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 18 students per year. Students are notified of their admission status via their AVC student email. The program does not maintain a waiting list, and applicants who are not admitted must reapply during a future application cycle.

Note: Incomplete packets will not be considered. 

Program Additional Notes

• Submission of an Application for Enrollment form does not guarantee a student's admission to the program. 
• Applications are accepted once a year during the designated application period only.
• Cohorts are admitted annually in the fall semester.
• The program is limited to 18 students per year. 
• There is currently one track available - Junior Track (3rd & 4th Year - 2 years).
• Classes are offered in the evenings, during the fall, spring, and summer terms. 
• Part-time students are required to meet with the Program Lead Faculty and program counseling personnel to discuss academic progression and completion timelines.

Location, Day, and Times for Class Offerings

The majority of classes will be held at the main AVC campus in Lancaster, with a few classes located at our Fox Field location. Classes are scheduled Monday through Saturday evenings and are subject to change. Please check the AVC Class Schedule for the upcoming dates, times, and locations of our next available classes.

Career Opportunities with an AFMT Degree

The types of jobs students will be able to obtain upon graduation are:

Aircraft Assembler, Airframe/Systems Technician, Composite Fabricator, General Mechanic, Industrial Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, and Multi-skilled Composite Low Observable Technician.  

Time to Degree:

The program is designed as a seamless 2+2 pathway, allowing students to complete their Bachelor’s degree in two years of full-time study following an associate degree. Part-time enrollment will require additional time for program completion.