Bachelor of Science, Business and Professional Leadership: Professional Pilot (Four-Year Plan)
The Bachelor of Science in Business and Professional leadership with the Professional Pilot track prepares graduates to enter the aviation workforce as aviators and entry-level managerial or administrative roles. Graduates will earn the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Certificate, with Single and Multi-Engine Land class ratings with an Instrument Rating, Certified Flight Instructor Certificate and either a Regional Airline Transition course or a Practicum to build flight hours and other employable skills for the aviation industry.
The BS BPL degree with the Professional Pilot requires 120 credit hours, of which 64 are earned toward the major, including 27 credit hours earned for ground and flight training. The remaining 56 hours include general education. All non-flight courses are offered in an online or blended delivery format.
This program is designed for students who desire to become a professional pilot and complete a business-related bachelor’s degree. This option is ideal for transfer students, or students who are already flying professionally and need the flexibility of online courses to complete their degree. Credit can be awarded for students entering with prior FAA Pilot Certificates or Knowledge Exams per policy.*
Once students complete their Certified Flight Instructor Certificates, they have the opportunity to interview for employment as a flight instructor and work while they finish their degree through online courses.
Admissions Criteria:
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High School Diploma
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Enrollment Application
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Character Reference
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Ability to read, write, and understand English to take the Private Pilot Practical Exam
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17 years of age to take the Private Pilot Practical Exam; 18 years of age to take the Commercial Pilot Practical Exam.
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Ability to obtain a FAA Class 2 Medical Certificate (to operate with the privileges of a Commercial Pilot Certificate)
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Ability to obtain a FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate (to operate with the privileges of an Airline Transport Certificate).
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International/non-citizens must complete additional requirements including an appropriate VISA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approval through the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP).
*The first 9 credit hours are free, then $200 per course thereafter. If a student presents official transcripts from an accredited institution of higher education with equivalent courses, all those credits transfer at no cost. A faculty member or certified flight instructor appointed by the university may verify currency of the credit through review of logbook entries, oral examination, and/or flight/simulator evaluation.
Please see the Aviation promotional page for information on additional fees associated with this program.