Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight

Description and Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight provides a broad perspective of the aviation industry, from making decisions in the airline industry to understanding your aircraft. This program is for students who already have a private pilot certificate, a commercial pilot certificate, a flight instructor certificate, airplane multiengine land rating, and instrument rating, or who will earn them prior to graduation through concurrent enrollment at a Purdue Global-approved flight school partner.  

Graduate Program Pathways

If you are interested in earning both a bachelor's and master's degree, consider a graduate program pathway.

Program Length

The Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight program consists of a minimum of 180 quarter credit hours, including the requisite flight training and certifications. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a bachelor of science degree.

Program Outcomes

Discipline-Specific Outcomes

  1. Disciplinary Knowledge and Skills: Discuss the major areas of professional flight including, but not limited to, the evolution of aircraft, commercial air transportation, airspace management, and regulatory oversight bodies.
  2. Publication and Analysis: Synthesize current publications in aviation operations including, but not limited to, finance decisions, aircraft maintenance, and meteorology.
  3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Analyze principles, concepts, safety, and/or issues in aviation to work effectively in the field.
  4. Leadership and Teamwork: Apply leadership and teamwork practices as they relate to the aviation industry nationally as well as internationally.
  5. Professionalism and Ethics: Examine aviation as a profession including careers, certifications, professional ethical behavior, and communication.

General Education Literacies and Professional Competencies

In addition to the discipline-specific outcomes, general education literacies and professional competencies are integrated throughout your academic program. You can review the general education literacies and professional competencies associated with your academic program in the General Education and Professional Competency Requirements section of this Catalog.

Program Availability

For program availability, please refer to the U.S. State and Other Approvals section and Program Availability Information.

Policies

Please refer to school-specific policies and the Policy Information section for general Purdue Global policies.

Admissions Requirements

You must meet the below admissions requirements in addition to Purdue Global's general requirements.

The Dean of the School of Aviation or a designee will determine if you may enroll. To apply, you must:

  1. Provide proof for evaluation and approval by the Dean or designee of either:
    1. Acceptance and simultaneous enrollment at a Purdue Global-approved flight school partner, or
    2. All of the following: ​
      1. Certifications: A private pilot certificate, a commercial pilot certificate, and a flight instructor certificate
      2. Ratings: Airplane multiengine land rating and instrument rating
  2. Meet all Federal Transportation Security Administration and FAA requirements for flight training and provide evidence of such to the Dean or designee.
  3. Secure a first-class medical certificate and provide evidence of such to the Dean or designee. Medical certificates may be obtained from an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner (AME). A list of AMEs can be found on the FAA website.

Progression Requirements

You must meet the following progression requirement in addition to Purdue Global's general requirements.

If you do not possess all certifications and ratings required for admission, you must complete all flight training requirements at a Purdue Global-approved flight school partner.

  1. You are expected to perform in an ethical, safe, and professional manner and to assist in all matters appropriate to the scope of practice. Failure to do so may result in course failure and dismissal from the program. 
  2. You are responsible for paying for your own transportation, housing, and availability to attend the Purdue Global-approved flight school partner program.

Graduation Requirements

In addition to Purdue Global's general graduation requirements, you must provide evidence of the following prior to completion of the program:

  • Certifications: A private pilot certificate, a commercial pilot certificate, and a flight instructor certificate
  • Ratings: Airplane multiengine land rating and instrument rating

If you reach the end of the required coursework for the program and have not provided this evidence, you will be withdrawn from the program and will not graduate.

Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams 

Certification and licensure boards have state-specific educational requirements for programs that lead to a license or certification that is a precondition for employment. Prospective and current students must review Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications site to view program and state-specific licensure information.

Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states; please see Purdue Global’s Program Availability Information to determine enrollment eligibility.

You are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. Such requirements may change during the course of your program. You are not automatically certified in any way upon program completion. Although certain programs are designed to prepare you to take various optional certification exams, Purdue Global cannot guarantee you will be eligible to take these exams or become certified. Your eligibility may depend on your work experience, completion of education and/or degree requirements, not having a criminal record, and meeting other certification requirements.