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The Bachelor of Science in Aviation with a concentration in Professional Pilot at Delaware State University is an FAA Part 141-approved program designed to prepare students for careers as professional pilots through comprehensive flight training and academic coursework. This program is ideal for students committed to earning multiple FAA certifications while completing a bachelor’s degree, offering access to a dedicated fleet of aircraft and experienced instructors on the East Coast.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: Students begin with foundational courses such as AVIA 102 – Private Pilot Certification and AVIA 102L – Private Pilot Lab, where they learn basic flight operations and safety. Complementary courses like MIS 105 – Microcomputer Applications build essential technical skills, while general education courses develop communication and critical thinking.
Year 2: Flight training intensifies with courses like AVIA 103L – Instrument Rating Lab and AVIA 352 – Commercial Pilot Ground, advancing students’ flying skills under instrument flight rules. Ground courses such as AVIA 315 – Aviation Safety Programs and AVIA 256 – Applied Meteorology deepen understanding of aviation safety and weather impacts.
Year 3: Students focus on advanced flight instruction including AVIA 360 – Flight Instructor Ground and Flight and AVIA 362 – Multi-Engine Ground and Flight, preparing them for Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and multi-engine ratings. Courses like AVIA 371 – Aviation Law and Regulations and AVIA 372 – Aviation Safety enhance regulatory knowledge and safety management.
Year 4: The final year integrates advanced topics such as AVIA 387 – Advanced Aircraft Systems and AVIA 390 – Instrument Flight Instructor Ground and Flight, culminating in professional readiness. Students also engage in AVIA 420 – Air Carrier Equipment Operation to understand airline operations and equipment management.
Focus areas: Professional pilot training, flight instruction, instrument and multi-engine ratings, aviation safety, and aviation law.
Learning outcomes: Graduates will earn FAA certifications, including Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Certified Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII), equipped to pursue careers in commercial and military aviation.
Professional alignment (Accreditation): The program is FAA Part 141 approved and recognised by the State of Delaware Education Department and the Veterans’ Administration for veterans’ flight training. It also participates in the Alaska Airlines True North Pilot Development Program, enhancing career opportunities.
Reputation (Employability rankings): Delaware State University’s Aviation Program is known for its low flight lab fees, dedicated fleet of 26 aircraft, and a 100% job placement rate for aviation graduates over the past 20 years, making it one of the best flight education opportunities on the East Coast.
Delaware State University’s BS in Aviation – Professional Pilot program offers a comprehensive, FAA-approved Part 141 flight training combined with a strong academic curriculum designed to prepare you for a career as a professional pilot. You will complete all essential FAA certifications, including Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Certified Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII) ratings while earning your bachelor’s degree.
Your hands-on training will be supported by DSU’s own fleet of approximately 26 Piper aircraft and a nearly new hangar facility, providing a professional environment for flight operations and instruction. The program emphasises safety, professionalism, and unity, with experienced instructors dedicated to your success:
FAA Part 141 certified flight training: Structured flight labs and ground schools covering Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, and Instructor certifications, including courses like AVIA 102 (Private Pilot Certification), AVIA 103L (Instrument Rating Lab), and CAV 361 (Certified Flight Instructor Flying).
Flight lab fees: Competitive and transparent flight lab fees cover aircraft use and instruction; note these fees are separate from tuition and not covered by most scholarships.
True North Pilot Development Program: Partnership with Alaska Airlines offering career development and pathways into commercial aviation.
Veterans flight training approval: The program is approved by the State of Delaware Education Department and Veterans Administration, supporting military-affiliated students.
Comprehensive curriculum: Ground courses include Aviation Law & Regulations, Aerodynamics, Aircraft Engine Operation, Advanced Aircraft Systems, Flight Instructor Ground and Flight, and Air Carrier Equipment Operation, ensuring well-rounded pilot training.
Dedicated faculty and support: Experienced instructors with commercial and military backgrounds provide personalized training and mentoring.
Graduates of the BS in Aviation – Professional Pilot at Delaware State University (DSU) are fully equipped to launch careers as commercial pilots, flight instructors, airline pilots, and corporate aviators. DSU’s FAA Part 141-approved program offers comprehensive flight training combined with a bachelor’s degree, ensuring graduates meet industry standards and are job-ready upon completion.
University services: DSU provides a dedicated fleet of 26 aircraft, experienced flight instructors, and state-of-the-art facilities at Delaware Airpark. Students receive personalised academic advising and career support, including access to the Alaska Airlines True North Pilot Development Program, which offers mentorship and direct hiring pathways.
Employment stats and salary: DSU boasts a 100% industry placement rate for Aviation Professional Pilot graduates. The program prepares students to earn six FAA certifications, including Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, Flight Instructor, Instrument Instructor, and Multi-Engine ratings, which are highly valued by employers. Commercial pilots typically earn median salaries above $170,000 nationally.
University–industry partnerships: DSU partners with Alaska Airlines, Atlas Air, Piedmont Airlines, and other major carriers, providing students with internship opportunities, preferential interviews, and career pipelines. The program is also approved by the State of Delaware Education Department and the Veterans Administration.
Long-term accreditation value: The program’s FAA Part 141 certification and rigorous curriculum ensure graduates hold credentials recognized nationwide, enhancing long-term career mobility and advancement.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates secure positions as commercial pilots, flight instructors, and airline professionals, benefiting from a curriculum that balances flight training, aviation law, safety, and operational management.
Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Aviation – Professional Pilot, students can pursue graduate studies in Aviation Management, Aeronautics, or related fields to advance into leadership, safety oversight, or specialised aviation roles. Additional certifications and accumulated flight hours can lead to senior airline pilot positions or opportunities in military aviation.
Official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 11th. For 12th Grade your school counselor should send the predictedOptional Common App personal essay (up to 650 words)You are required to answer 1 College Question (250 words of fewer)Applicants may be considered for admission with: Certificate or diploma from an accredited four-year school or senior high school / Grade point average (GPA) of 2.0+ with a “C” or better in required 19 course units / SAT scores of 800+ or ACT score of 17+Submit final official transcript by July 1 Apply via the CommonApp or the DSU Applicant PortalCommercial Airline PilotRegional Airline PilotCorporate PilotCharter PilotFlight InstructorFlight Operations ManagerFlight DispatcherAviation Safety OfficerMilitary PilotHelicopter Pilot
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Delaware State University
