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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
South Dakota State UniversityThe BS in Aviation with Aviation Education Specialisation at South Dakota State University is a four-year, on-campus program designed for students aspiring to become Certified Flight Instructors and professional pilots. The curriculum integrates classroom instruction, laboratory work, and extensive hands-on flight training at Brookings Regional Airport. The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and qualifies graduates for the FAA restricted ATP (R-ATP) with reduced flight hour minimums. Top-performing students often serve as flight instructors in the SDSU program during their junior and senior years.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: AVIA 101 Introduction to Aviation, AVIA 150/150L Introduction to Aviation Meteorology and Lab, AVIA 170 Fundamentals of Flight Theory, AVIA 171 Introductory Flight I, and general education requirements.
Year 2: AVIA 180 Attitude Instrument Theory, AVIA 181 Introductory Flight II, AVIA 200 Aviation Safety, AVIA 201 Aviation Weather, AVIA 300 Human Factors in Aviation, ACCT 210 Principles of Accounting I, and LEAD 210 Foundations of Leadership.
Year 3: AVIA 302 Aviation Law, AVIA 305 Introduction to Aviation Administration, AVIA 340 Advanced Flight Principles, AVIA 370 Professional Pilot Theory I, AVIA 372 Professional Flight I, AVIA 375 Professional Pilot Theory II, AVIA 377 Professional Flight II, LEAD 435 Organizational Leadership and Team Development, and CS 377 Professional Documents.
Year 4: AVIA 400 Air Transportation System, AVIA 440 Curriculum Design in Aviation, AVIA 450 Methods of Teaching in Aviation, AVIA 470 Professional Flight Instructor Theory I, AVIA 471 Professional Flight Instructor Theory II, AVIA 474 Certified Flight Instructor I, AVIA 475 Certified Flight Instructor II, AVIA 489 Aviation Senior Seminar, and AVIA 494 Internship.
Focus areas: flight instruction, aviation safety, instrument flight theory, aviation law, meteorology, professional pilot training.
Learning outcomes: graduates are prepared to serve as Certified Flight Instructors and pursue professional pilot careers in airlines, corporate aviation, military, and government. The program builds strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and meets FAA requirements for flight training.
Reputation (employability rankings): SDSU Aviation Education graduates are employed in airlines, the military, the government, and corporate aviation. The program is recognized for producing skilled flight instructors and professional pilots, with many alumni advancing to flight instruction roles within the university.
At South Dakota State University, the BS in Aviation with an Aviation Education Specialisation gives you direct, hands-on experience designed for future Certified Flight Instructors and professional pilots. All flight training is conducted at Brookings Regional Airport using SDSU’s dedicated fleet and facilities, and the program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).
Facilities & Experiential Learning:
Flight Training at Brookings Regional Airport: All practical flight instruction is based at the university’s facilities at Brookings Regional Airport, using SDSU’s own aircraft and simulators for both primary and advanced training.
Student-Led Flight Instruction: Top-performing juniors and seniors are often selected to become flight instructors within the SDSU program, providing valuable teaching and leadership experience before graduation.
Laboratory and Classroom Integration: The curriculum includes laboratory-based courses in aviation meteorology, flight theory, attitude instrument theory, aviation safety, and aviation law, ensuring you master both technical and regulatory knowledge.
Capstone Course: Every student completes a senior capstone course designed to bridge academic learning with professional aviation practice, using direct and indirect assessment to ensure you meet industry competency standards.
FAA Medical Certification Requirement: Students must obtain a 1st or 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate before enrolling in their first flight course (AVIA 171).
Flight Course Enrollment Caps: To maintain safety and educational quality, flight courses have specific enrollment limits and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible students.
AABI Accreditation & R-ATP Eligibility: The program’s AABI accreditation allows graduates to apply for the FAA restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate with reduced flight hour requirements.
Graduates of South Dakota State University’s BS in Aviation with an Education Specialisation are ready for exciting careers as certified flight instructors, airline pilots, airport managers, and aviation educators. Many SDSU graduates find positions in the airlines, military, government, and corporate aviation sectors, and top-performing students are often selected to become flight instructors in the university’s own program during their junior and senior years, giving them a head start in their professional journey.
Here’s how SDSU supports your future:
University Services for Career Success: You’ll receive personalised academic advising, hands-on flight training based at Brookings Regional Airport, and opportunities for student-led instruction. Top students can gain real teaching experience as SDSU flight instructors before graduation.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Many graduates secure positions as pilots, flight instructors, airline captains, and airport managers in airlines, the military, government, and corporate workplaces in companies such as Sun Country Airlines, Sanford AirMed, SkyWest Airlines, Endeavour Airlines and South Dakota Air National Guard. This specialisation also qualifies you for the FAA Reduced hour ATP minimum of 1,000 hours, accelerating your path to major airline careers.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program’s close relationship with Brookings Regional Airport and regional aviation employers provides you with real-world training, networking, and internship opportunities for job placement.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Aviation Education Specialisation is fully accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), ensuring your degree is respected and recognised across the aviation industry.
Graduation Outcomes: You’ll graduate with a solid foundation in aviation meteorology, flight theory, aviation safety, aviation law, and advanced flight training. All students must earn a grade of C or better in AVIA courses, and you must hold an FAA Medical Certificate before beginning flight training.
Further Academic Progression: After earning your BS in Aviation with an Education Specialisation at SDSU, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue advanced flight certifications, a master’s degree in aviation management or education, or move into leadership and training roles within airlines, airports, and aviation education programs.
Official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 11th. For 12th Grade your school counselor should send the predictedLetters of Recommendation are optionalNew undergraduate students should have the equivalent of a 2.6 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the USHighlight research experience, science competitions, or unique extracurriculars in your applicationApply via the SD State Applicant PortalStudents are eligible to complete Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Geographic Information Sciences Certificate Students can participate in student clubs such as Flying Jacks and Women in AviationPilotCertified Flight InstructorAirline CaptainAirport ManagerAir Traffic ControllerAviation Safety InspectorAviation ManagerFlight Operations CoordinatorMilitary PilotCorporate Pilot
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