COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Professional Aviation
Beginning in 1967, Louisiana Tech University’s Department of Professional Aviation has established itself as a high-quality degree program with a national reputation for outstanding graduates. The Department is a member of the University Aviation Association and is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).
In 2017, the Department of Professional Aviation integrated a new fleet of 12 Cessna Skyhawk and Piper Arrow aircraft. The Department conducts both ground, simulator, and flight training year-round. Flight operations are headquartered at the Ruston Regional Airport in the Louisiana Tech Flight Operations building. We have aviation management cooperative agreements with the Louisiana Airport Managers Association and many Fixed-Based Operators in the region. Our links with industry are accomplished by internship programs with numerous major air carriers, regional airlines, corporate aviation, and government organizations as well as maintaining close contacts with our graduates.
Mission Statement
As a selective-admissions, collegiate aviation program, the Department of Professional Aviation is committed to providing two AABI-accredited baccalaureate degrees in Professional Aviation and Aviation Management. Both academic programs focus on setting a standard of excellence and providing graduates with the knowledge, skills, experience, and attitudes necessary to shape and lead the aviation industry in the 21st century. Louisiana Tech University and the Department of Professional Aviation maintain as their highest priority the education and development of their students in a challenging, yet safe and supportive, diverse community of learners.
Degrees Offered
Professional Aviation
A major in Professional Aviation consists of 54 semester hours of aviation-specific coursework. Students complete requirements for the Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, and Flight Instructor Certificate with a minimum of 120 semester hours. The Professional Aviation curriculum requires a minor in Aviation Management.
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Student Achievement Data – Professional Aviation
Aviation Management
A major in Aviation Management consists of 46 semester hours of aviation-specific coursework. The program concentrates on business practices that prepare students for management positions throughout the aviation industry. The Aviation Management curriculum requires a minor in Business Administration.
Job Opportunities
Aircraft cargo handling supervisor
Airport planning
Airport operations officer
Commercial pilot
Fixed Base operations manager
Flight school instructor
Private pilot
Transportation and development specialist
Transportation manager
Important Links
AirNav
Aviation Weather Center
Talon ETA
AABI Accreditation
Accreditation through the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) is very important to our faculty, students, and alumni. It means we have met a defined set of standards that not all collegiate aviation programs can meet. The parents of our students and potential students, along with our students and potential students should be proud to know that Louisiana Tech University’s Department of Professional Aviation has been accredited since 1993 and was the fifth institution to become accredited through the only collegiate aviation accrediting body in the world (AABI).
For more information about AABI, please visit their website here.
Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Aviation Management
By combining a comprehensive understanding of business principles with concentrated coursework in aviation, our 36-hour graduate degree explores the intersection of business and flight. The interdisciplinary nature of the MBA prepares innovative and ethical leaders for success in today’s rapidly changing business environment, while coursework in aviation management exposes students to the real-world opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
Ideal for the working professional, the program’s online format makes learning flexible and convenient while allowing students to collaborate and connect with faculty and each other.
Program Educational Goals
The program educational goals of the Department of Professional Aviation’s academic programs are to produce graduates with several defining abilities:
Professional Aviation
PRAV 01 Ability to pursue pilot careers beginning with entry-level aviator positions in industry or government.
PRAV 02 Ability to solve complex and/or technical problems using mathematics, science, critical thinking, and emerging technologies related to aviation.
PRAV 03 Ability to function effectively and ethically individually and in team situations.
PRAV 04 Ability to pursue continuing education/life-long learning through graduate studies and/or advanced aviation certificates, ratings, or training in related aviation fields.
PRAV 05 Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form.
Aviation Management
AVMG 01 Ability to pursue business/aviation management careers in industry or government.
AVMG 02 Ability to solve complex and/or technical business and aviation management problems using mathematics, science, critical thinking, and emerging technologies.
AVMG 03 Ability to function effectively and ethically individually and in team situations.
AVMG 04 Ability to pursue continuing education/life-long learning through graduate studies or continuation training in related aviation management and business fields.
AVMG 05 Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form.
Course Rotation (revised January 2024)
| Courses | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
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| 200 | |
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*Summer Quarter schedule subject to change.
*500-level courses start in Fall 2024.
Requirements for Admission
Applicants to the Department of Professional Aviation must meet all University admission requirements. University admission does not guarantee placement within Professional Aviation or Aviation Management. Due to the unique nature of both degree programs, selection as a student within the Department of Professional Aviation is competitive. All applicants will be evaluated based on initial application date, cumulative GPA, and standardized test scores. A submitted University application declaring Professional Aviation or Aviation Management will automatically place the applicant in candidate status with the Department of Professional Aviation. The application deadline is January 15 of the year prior to intended entry. Students will be notified of their selection status no later than February of their intended year of entry.
All students must complete a campus visit to qualify for admission. The Department of Professional Aviation recommends University application at least one academic year prior to intended entry. Applicants are encouraged to confirm acceptance into the program before making a commitment to attend. Graduating high school seniors and transfer students are required to have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 23 ACT composite score or 1130 SAT score. Higher scores are more competitive.
A campus visit can be scheduled through Louisiana Tech Admissions at 318.257.3036. Physical visits to the Department of Professional Aviation located in Davison Hall may also be scheduled through Louisiana Tech Admissions. Physical visits to Louisiana Tech Flight Operations are not possible until further notice, in order to minimize disruption of flight operations.
All students not initially selected for Professional Aviation or Aviation Management are encouraged to attend Louisiana Tech in another degree program and compete for an academic major change, if desired. As a current Louisiana Tech student, enrollment as an aviation major is evaluated each academic quarter and based on cumulative GPA and our available flight training resources. A major change request can be made in our main office located in Davison Hall 320.
For more information, please visit our university catalog page.