Program Overview

Introduction to the Aviation Program

The Aviation Program at South Dakota State University is a four-year program that prepares students for careers in the aviation industry. Students receive high-quality aviation training at competitive rates and graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree. The program offers two specializations, allowing students to further hone their educational experience.

Program Specializations

• Aviation Education Specialization: Designed for students who wish to become certified flight instructors and later professional pilots in the industry. Many graduates are employed in the airlines, military, government, and corporate workplaces.
• Aviation Minor: Offers students across campus a unique opportunity for exposure to the aviation field through completion of a minor. Students earn their Federal Aviation Administration private pilot license with instrument rating, preparing them for roles such as schedulers, dispatchers, operations managers, or airport planners.

Program Details

Aviation Program at a Glance

• Full- and part-time flight instructors: 29 certified flight instructors
• Aircraft fleet: 15 Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft, three Piper Seminole aircraft, and one American Champion Citabria
• Advanced Aviation Training Devices: Three Frasca RTD devices
• Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certified
• Seven FAA certificates earned

Job Opportunities

• Internships through Handshake/Job Portal and Republic Airways
• Pilot jobs through JSFirm Jobs Board

Program Outcomes

The aviation education program is committed to preparing safe, innovative, professional aviation educators who enhance human potential through transdisciplinary, learner-centered education. Graduates are expected to:

• Apply the general education experience to the aviation profession
• Demonstrate instructional knowledge in single- and multiengine aircraft to the Federal Aviation Administration commercial pilot standard
• Demonstrate instructional knowledge by creating and teaching relevant aviation topics to colleagues
• Apply mathematics, science, and applied sciences to aviation-related disciplines
• Analyze and interpret data
• Work effectively on multidisciplinary teams
• Make professional and ethical decisions
• Communicate effectively using written and oral communication skills
• Engage in and recognize the need for lifelong learning
• Assess contemporary issues
• Use the techniques, skills, and modern technology necessary for professional practice
• Assess the national and international aviation environment
• Apply pertinent knowledge in identifying and solving problems
• Apply knowledge of business sustainability to aviation issues
• Describe the professional attributes, requirements, or certifications, and planning applicable to aviation careers
• Describe the principles of aircraft design, performance, and operating characteristics, and the regulations related to the maintenance of aircraft and associated systems
• Evaluate aviation safety and the impact of human factors on safety
• Discuss the impact of international aviation law, including applicable International Civil Aviation Organization or other international standards and practices, and applicable national aviation law, regulations, and labor issues on aviation operations
• Explain the integration of airports, airspace, and air traffic control in managing the National Airspace System
• Discuss the impact of meteorology and environmental issues on aviation operations

Assessment Measures

The program uses various techniques to gather direct and indirect feedback on student learning, including:

• Individual and group projects
• Presentations
• Scholarly papers
• Examinations
• Flight evaluations
• Surveys
• Senior seminar assignments requiring cumulative knowledge and skills acquired throughout the educational experience

Enrollment and Graduation Rates

• Fall cohort retention rates for the aviation education program
• Six-year graduation rates for first-time, full-time bachelor's degree-seeking students in the aviation education program
• Full-time students enrolled in aviation education by semester
• Graduation data, including the number of B.S. in aviation-aviation education degrees awarded by semester

Employment of Graduates

• Rates and types of employment of graduates, with 90% of graduates from a recent cohort employed in aviation positions, primarily as flight instructors
• Employers include SkyWest, Republic Airways, U.S. Aviation, and SDSU certificated flight instructors