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Utah Valley University’s BS in Professional Pilot is a four-year, fully online bachelor’s program designed for aspiring airline, corporate, and commercial pilots. The program combines flexible online coursework with FAA-approved in-person flight training at any flight school nationwide. Students can earn credit toward their degree for previously obtained FAA pilot certificates and ratings, accelerating their path to graduation. This degree prepares graduates for employment with U.S. and international airlines, cargo carriers, and corporate flight departments, and is ideal for students who want to work while completing their studies or who need geographic flexibility.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Begin with foundational courses such as AVSC 1010 Survey of Aviation Science, ENGL 2100 Technical Communication, and MATH 1050 College Algebra, while starting your Private Pilot flight training through AVSC 1100 Ground I – Private and AVSC 1110 Private Pilot Flight Lab at a local FAA-approved flight school.
Year 2: Advance to AVSC 2100 Instrument Ground School and AVSC 2110 Instrument Flight Lab, alongside AVSC 2115 Aviation Weather and AVSC 2130 Aviation Safety. Continue general education requirements and build flight experience.
Year 3: Complete AVSC 3100 Commercial Ground School and AVSC 3110 Commercial Flight Lab, with supporting courses such as AVSC 3120 Crew Resource Management and AVSC 3130 Aviation Law. Electives may include AVSC 3200 Multi-Engine Ground School and AVSC 3210 Multi-Engine Flight Lab.
Year 4: Focus on professional development with AVSC 4100 Airline Operations, AVSC 4110 Aviation Management, and AVSC 4120 Human Factors in Aviation. Finish degree requirements with the AVSC 4900 Aviation Capstone and complete any remaining advanced flight training, such as AVSC 4300 Certified Flight Instructor Ground School and AVSC 4310 Certified Flight Instructor Flight Lab.
Focus areas: Private, instrument, and commercial flight training; aviation weather and safety; crew resource management; aviation law; airline operations and management; human factors; flight instruction.
Learning outcomes: Graduates will be prepared for FAA Commercial Pilot certification and, with electives, can earn additional credentials such as Multi-Engine and Certified Flight Instructor ratings. They will have the knowledge and flight experience required for entry-level pilot positions with airlines, cargo operators, and corporate flight departments, and will be ready for further advancement in the aviation industry.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Flight training is FAA-approved and may be completed at any FAA-certified flight school. Up to 30 credits may be awarded for prior FAA certificates and ratings.
Reputation: UVU is recognised for its flexible, affordable, and accredited online aviation programs, serving thousands of students nationwide and offering strong support for working professionals and career changers.
Utah Valley University’s BS in Professional Pilot online program is designed for aspiring pilots who want a flexible, accredited pathway to a flying career while studying from anywhere. You’ll complete your academic coursework online and your FAA flight training at any FAA-approved flight school near you, making it easy to balance your studies with work or other commitments. The program is structured to ensure you gain both the technical skills and professional credentials needed for employment with airlines, cargo carriers, and corporate flight departments:
Credit for Prior FAA Certificates: Earn academic credit for previously completed FAA pilot certificates and ratings, accelerating your degree and recognising your hands-on flight experience.
Flexible Flight Training: Complete all required flight training (Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, CFI, etc.) at any FAA-approved flight school in your area, allowing you to choose a location and schedule that fits your needs.
Online Aviation Coursework: Access all academic courses through UVU’s robust online platform, featuring interactive content, discussion boards, and digital tools tailored to aviation education.
Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Courses are designed with direct input from aviation professionals and cover aerodynamics, flight operations, safety, weather, regulations, and crew resource management.
Capstone and Applied Projects: Participate in scenario-based learning and capstone projects that simulate real-world decision-making and operational challenges for professional pilots.
Academic and Career Support: Receive guidance from faculty with professional pilot experience and access online advising, career services, and networking opportunities through UVU’s Aviation Sciences Department.
Optional On-Campus Resources: If you visit UVU’s Provo Airport facilities, you can access classrooms, briefing rooms, and networking events with industry partners, though all flight training for online students is completed locally.
Graduates of Utah Valley University’s online BS in Professional Pilot program are prepared for exciting careers as airline pilots, corporate pilots, flight instructors, and charter pilots. This flexible, fully online degree allows you to earn your FAA pilot certificates while studying at your own pace, so you can launch your aviation career wherever you live.
Here’s how Utah Valley University supports your future:
Credit for FAA certifications: UVU offers credit for previously earned FAA pilot certificates and ratings, helping you accelerate your degree progress.
Advising and faculty access: You’ll have personalised academic advising, transfer credit evaluation, and access to faculty with real-world aviation experience.
Flexible flight training: The online format allows you to complete flight training at any FAA-approved flight school near you, making it possible to work or train locally while earning your degree.
Pilot shortage advantage: The aviation industry is experiencing a significant pilot shortage, with starting salaries for regional airline pilots now averaging $50,000 and experienced captains earning well over $130,000.
Salary progression: Most graduates begin as flight instructors ($20–$30/hour), then advance to regional airlines and, eventually, major carriers where salaries can top $200,000.
Aviation network: UVU maintains strong relationships with U.S. and international airlines, cargo carriers, and corporate flight departments, providing graduates with valuable networking and job placement opportunities.
FAA R-ATP approval: The program is FAA R-ATP approved, meaning graduates are eligible for the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate at 1,000 hours, accelerating your path to the airlines.
Recognised standards: Utah Valley University is regionally accredited, and its aviation programs meet FAA standards, ensuring your degree is respected by employers worldwide.
Pilot certification: You’ll complete at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate, with the option to earn additional ratings (such as Certified Flight Instructor and Multi-Engine Instructor) through elective courses.
Industry readiness: The curriculum prepares you for employment with airlines, cargo carriers, and corporate operators, and you’ll graduate with the credentials and experience needed to thrive in the aviation industry.
Further Academic Progression: After earning your BS in Professional Pilot at UVU, you can pursue a master’s degree in aviation management, business administration, or a related field to further enhance your qualifications for senior roles in flight operations, training management, or airline leadership.
Official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 11th. For 12th Grade your school counselor should send the predictedUVU is test-optional, which means you do not need an ACT or SAT score to be admitted. However, one of these test scores is required for merit-based scholarshipsThe Affidavit of Support form is to be completed by the person who will be providing money for tuition, fees and living expenses, with an original bank statement or tax return attachedThere are 3 listed academic scholarships, the International Student Council Scholarship, and the International Employment Program.Apply via the UVU Applicant PortalCommercial PilotAirline PilotCorporate PilotCargo PilotFlight InstructorCharter PilotAgricultural PilotAir Ambulance PilotAerial Survey PilotBanner Tow Pilot
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Utah Valley University
