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Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Science Management, Professional Pilot Concentration

The Aviation Science Management Degree with Professional Pilot Concentration leads to accomplishment of an academic degree and a professional pilot license, providing opportunities for employment in the aviation industry for graduates. The Professional Pilot Concentration is designed to prepare students for several career options that include general aviation pilots, certified flight instructors, corporate pilots, and airline pilots. After successful completion of Commercial Pilot License, then the students will have options for two tracks:

  • Certified Flight Instructor
  • Multi-Engine 

Aviation industry is currently in need of aviation professionals more than ever from management to pilots. There is a need for 60,000 airline pilots by the year 2035.

The TSU Aviation program partners with entities including the Houston Airport System, United States Coast Guard, United States Air Force, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Republic Airways, and PSA who all support TSU Aviation students with jobs and/or scholarship money. TSU owns and operates six aircraft, including a twin-engine located at Ellington Airport along with two full motion flight simulators. In addition, TSU has a newly created virtual airport laboratory which allows training of Air Traffic Controllers, pilots, and airport officers. Finally, TSU owns a private aviation library located in the school’s technology building.

TSU Aviation Fleet – Spring 2024

Flight Fees:

Flight fees are $165.00/hr plus a $33.20 Fuel Surcharge. Multi-Engine flight fees are $200.00/hr plus a $33.20 Fuel Surcharge.

Application Process:

To apply to Texas Southern University (TSU) as a first-year applicant, you should currently be in your senior year of high school, have earned a GED or equivalent or have earned a high school diploma but have never been admitted and enrolled at a prior college or university. Once admissions application has been received, you will be notified of your status. Contact the Aviation program for guidance on meeting with your advisor for degree planning and selection of courses. 

Screening Process:

  1. Submission of a 2-Page essay on why you strive to become a Professional Pilot.
    • APA Format with appropriately 1,000 words.
    • Submitted to TSU Aviation prior to interview with Chief Pilot
  2. Interview with and approval of the Chief Pilot prior to registration of Aviation Classes.
    • Has to be scheduled for either in-person or virtual.
    • Please note that not all applicants will be admitted to the Professional Pilot Concentration.

Other Requirements:

  1. Reliable Transportation to TSU Flight Office at Ellington Airport.
    • TSU cannot provide transportation.
  2. A $5,000 balance in your Aviation account prior to 2nd Friday of each semester.
    • Any leftover funds are refunded at the end of each semester.
    • The student will be responsible for maintaining their balance.
  3. A First-Class Medical Certification submitted to TSU Aviation.
  4. For Non United States Citizens; TSA Approval for Flight Instruction.

A transfer student is someone who was enrolled at another college, university, technical or proprietary school after high school and is now applying to TSU. Transfer students must submit transcripts from each institution attended to the admissions office where you are applying whether you have earned credits, or the school is regionally accredited. Applicants with fewer than 12 semester credit hours should also submit an official high school transcript including ACT or SAT scores. See TSU Website admissions tab for further instructions. Contact the Aviation program for guidance on meeting with your advisor for degree planning and selection of courses. 

Degree Requirements:

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Aviation Science Management is earned by the successful completion of a 120 credit hours (minimum) including 42 hours of general education core courses and other courses as established by Texas Southern University and approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 78 hours of courses as defined by the Department of Aviation Science and Management.

All coursework representing the 78 hours of courses as defined by the Department of Aviation Science and Technology leading to the B.S. Degree in Aviation Science Management must be earned with a Grade of “C” or better, where grades of “C-“ or below are unacceptable.

For detailed information, please click the link: Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Science Management, Professional Pilot Concentration Degree Plan

Mission:

To graduate qualified aviation professionals dedicated to serving the aviation industry.

Vision:

Texas Southern University to be recognized by its peers and industry as a premier destination for excellence in aviation education and training.

Program Educational Goals:

  1. Produce graduates with the appropriate mastery level of knowledge, technique, skills, and modern tools utilized in the Aviation Industry and their application. 
  2. Prepare students to work effectively in teams and equip them with good communication skills to present ideas and theories consistently. 
  3. Produce graduates able to understand the evolving role of aviation and its regulations as well as the importance of safety. 
  4. Ensure graduates complete with either a CFI rating or Commercial Multi-Engine rating. 

Texas Southern University’s program goals are assessed and evaluated annually through a collaborative effort by faculty, staff, and the aviation advisory board. Collectively, they evaluate industry and student’s needs to construct goals that will allow them to be successful in such a dynamic industry.

Air Force JROTC Summer Flight Academy 2023:

AVSM Professional Pilot Handbook – Click to Download

Contact information:

Director of Aviation
Aviation Science and Technology
TECH 328F | (713) 313.1867
terence.fontaine@tsu.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Office Administrator, Flight Operations
Aviation Science and Technology
TECH 328 | (713) 313.6837
cynthia.wilburn@tsu.edu