BS Professional Pilot

At Southeast Missouri State University, the BS in Professional Pilot program is designed for students who want direct, hands-on experience with real aircraft and industry-standard training at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. You’ll work side-by-side with experienced faculty and gain the practical skills needed for FAA certifications, preparing you for a career as a commercial pilot or flight instructor.

Here’s how SEMO prepares you through experiential learning:

• Cape Girardeau Regional Airport Flight Training: All flight lab courses are conducted at the airport, where you’ll work with aircraft both on the ground and in the air, logging required flight hours under the supervision of certified instructors.

• FAA Certification Preparation: The curriculum is built around earning your Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Flight Instructor certifications, with academic courses paired directly with flight labs for each level.

• Specialised Aviation Courses & Labs: Courses include AV110 Private Pilots, AV210 Aviation Instrumentation, AV310 Commercial Pilot, AV390 Aircraft Design & Performance, AV395 Advanced Avionics Theory & Operation, AV410 Flight Instructor, AV420 Jet Flight Management, and AV430 Crew Resource Management, each with corresponding lab components for hands-on learning.

• Advanced Avionics and Jet Management: You’ll train with advanced avionics systems and complete coursework in jet flight management and crew resource management, using up-to-date digital tools and simulation.

• Aviation Capstone: In your final year, you’ll complete a capstone course that integrates all your flight, safety, and management training in a real-world aviation context.

• Faculty Mentorship: Faculty with extensive aviation experience provide close mentorship and practical guidance throughout your training.

• Career Services Support: The university’s Office of Career Services offers resume critiques, interview practice, and networking events tailored to aviation careers.

Graduates of Southeast Missouri State University’s BS in Professional Pilot program are ready for rewarding careers as commercial pilots, flight instructors, freight airline pilots, and regional airline pilots. You’ll earn the FAA certifications and hands-on flight experience needed to launch your career in commercial aviation:

Here’s how SEMO supports your future:

• University Services for Career Success: You’ll receive personalised academic advising and practical instruction from experienced faculty. All students complete lab courses at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, gaining real-world experience both on the ground and in the air. SEMO’s Office of Career Services offers career counselling, resume critiques, practice interviews, job search strategies, and aviation networking events to help you connect with employers and industry professionals.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics reports 142,600 airline and commercial pilot positions in 2022, with strong demand for new pilots. Graduates are qualified for roles such as commercial pilot, flight instructor, freight airline pilot, military pilot, regional airline pilot, and corporate or charter operations pilot. Nationally, commercial pilots earn a median salary of around $130,000.

• University–Industry Partnerships: The program partners with the US Aviation Academy for flight training at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport and maintains connections with regional and national airlines, providing students with opportunities for internships, networking, and career placement.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Professional Pilot program is designed to meet FAA certification standards. You’ll earn your Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Flight Instructor certifications, ensuring your credentials are recognised throughout the aviation industry.

• Graduation Outcomes: You’ll complete at least 120 credit hours, including core aviation courses such as Aviation Instrumentation, Commercial Pilot, Aviation Safety, Jet Flight Management, Crew Resource Management, and a senior Aviation Capstone. You’ll graduate ready to become an FAA-certified flight instructor and commercial pilot, with extensive flight hours and practical training at a top Missouri flight school.

Further Academic Progression: After earning your BS in Professional Pilot at SEMO, you’ll be prepared to pursue advanced flight certifications, a master’s degree in aviation management or related fields, or move into leadership and training roles with airlines, flight schools, or aviation organisations.